Ask the Vet

Guide dogs offer independence, confidence, and unwavering companionship, helping people navigate the world with greater freedom. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Rebekah Cross, Vice President of Philanthropy at Guiding Eyes for the Blind and a member of a guide dog team herself. Rebekah shares her personal experience with guide dogs and discusses the important work of Guiding Eyes, as well as the time, training, and dedication that go into creating successful guide dog teams.

Topics include:

How guide dogs support independence and help their people navigate daily life
The skills guide dogs are trained to perform and how they work with their partners as a team
What you should know when you encounter a guide dog
How dogs are raised and trained before being matched with their future partners
What’s involved in becoming a volunteer puppy raiser
How Guiding Eyes matches dogs with the right people
What happens when a dog doesn’t complete the guide dog program
Ways to get involved with or support Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Also on this month's show:

Trending animal story: the first sighting of a North American river otter in the Bronx River in about 100 years
Animal news, including new research on how dogs respond to human facial expressions; how cats use scent to identify one another; and how “HeroRATs” are helping combat the illegal wildlife trade
Pet Health Listener Q&A: whether a fatty lump on a dog should be tested; what to do when a cat with suspected IBD refuses therapeutic diets; and when a persistent cough in a dog may require veterinary attention
Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Exotic pets can be wonderful companions, but caring for them comes with a unique set of considerations and challenges. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. John Sykes, AMC’s new Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine.
Drawing on his background in zoo medicine, Dr. Sykes shares what inspired him to make the move to AMC and what pet owners should know about choosing, caring for, and keeping exotic pets healthy.
Topics include:
Why Dr. Sykes made the move from zoo medicine to his new role at AMC
What is considered an exotic pet
How to choose the exotic pet species that best matches your lifestyle
Where to acquire an exotic pet
How caring for an exotic pet can sometimes be similar to caring for a zoo animal
Recognizing signs of illness and when to visit a veterinarian
What preventative care looks like for an exotic pet
 Also on this month's show:
Trending animal story about Jimothy, a young raccoon who has been captivating audiences worldwide with his cryptid-like appearance
Animal news, including how a new study suggests that changes in the way senior dogs walk are associated with cognitive decline, much as they are in people
Pet Health Listener Q&A: How to protect indoor pets from poor air quality and wildfire smoke; how to protect dogs from getting sunburned; and how to feed multiple cats different diets
Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Caring for a pet at the end of their life is one of the hardest parts of loving a them. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Wendy McCulloch, veterinarian and founder of Pet Requiem, to discuss quality of life, difficult decisions, and how to find compassionate support.

Topics include:
What seeing a pet in their home environment may reveal in contrast to seeing them in a traditional clinic setting
What Pet Requiem does and how the practice came to be
What palliative care for pets looks like and how it can help pets and their families make the most of their time together
Tips to assess a pet’s quality of life
How to approach and navigate discussions about euthanasia
What a peaceful in-home euthanasia experience looks like and how to prepare for it
Navigating grief and the role of rituals, keepsakes, and memorials in providing comfort
Also on this month's show:
Trending animal story about Romeow, a stray orange tabby cat who made an unexpected appearance during an outdoor performance of “Romeo and Juliet”
Animal news, including the story of how a new study challenges the common assumption that cat ownership automatically worsens asthma in children
Pet Health Listener Q&A: What sudden movements during deep sleep may mean; why cats may drool while kneading surfaces; and what to do if your pet gets sprayed by a skunk
Do you have a pe t health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Summer means more time outdoors, beach trips, barbecues, and adventures with our pets. It can also be one of the busiest times of year in the veterinary emergency room.

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Carly Fox, Senior Veterinarian in AMC's Emergency and Critical Care Service, to discuss the most common summer emergencies and what owners need to know to help protect their pets.

Topics include:
Which pets are most vulnerable to heat-related illness
The warning signs that a pet may be overheating
What to do in a heat emergency — and one common mistake that can make the situation worse
Why a day at the beach can sometimes end in the ER
Summer travel risks many pet owners overlook
Picnic and barbecue hazards that can lead to an emergency vet visit
What ER veterinarians wish every pet owner knew
Also on this month's show:
Trending animal story about a Great Horned Owl rescued after becoming trapped inside a concrete mixer
Animal news, including new research suggesting beluga whales may recognize themselves in mirrors, a study exploring how zebra finches learn complex skills, and fascinating findings about what pet hair may reveal about the indoor environments pets and people share
Pet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing breathing concerns in a Yorkie with pancreatitis; whether Golden Retrievers should be shaved during the summer; and ongoing diarrhea and excessive thirst in a cat being treated for thyroid disease
Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet!

Pet owners shouldn’t have to face hardship alone. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to discuss the resources available for pet owners facing difficult circumstances.
Topics include:
What RedRover is and how the nonprofit works to strengthen the human-animal bond
Resources available through RedRover, including disaster relief, financial assistance, and education
How RedRover supports pet owners who are survivors of domestic violence
An overview of the Purple Leash Project, including its impact and future
Guidance for pet owners who may be facing hardship
Also on this month's show:
Trending animal story about Dippy, the first axolotl ever found in the wild in the UK
Animal news, including the story of Molly, a beloved dog who was successfully rescued and reunited with her owner after a life-threatening accident in New Zealand
Pet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing inappropriate urination in a rescued Pomeranian; when to schedule an appointment with a dental specialist; and what limping after a nap may mean for dogs
Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org or click the button below to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.