Speaking of Pets

Speaking of Pets is meant to bridge the gap between pet owners and reliable veterinary information. It addresses the concerning fact that pet owners often consult multiple sources or rely on neighbor-recommended treatments before seeking professional veterinary care. The podcast’s goal is to equip pet owners with science-based, evidence-based knowledge to ensure their pets receive safe and effective treatments, avoiding adverse effects caused by unqualified advice. Dr. Alice Jeromin, with her sister Janet, an animal advocate, will host conversations with experts in various veterinary fields. RSSVERIFY

Latest Episodes:

Reuniting Military Dogs with Soldiers | SOP ep. 93 - Bob Bryant - Take 2 Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

This episode is a re-release of a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Bob Bryant, co-founder of Mission K9 Rescue.

This organization is dedicated to saving, reuniting, rehoming, rehabilitating, and repairing military working dogs (MWDs), contract working dogs (CWDs), and police canines who have completed their service.

🎖️ What Happens to Our K9 Veterans?

We delve into the often-unspoken fate of these heroic dogs, who are frequently classified as "excess equipment" and left behind, especially in foreign countries, after giving their all for our safety.

- 1300+ Dogs Saved: Mission K9 Rescue has rescued over 1300 working dogs.

- 682 Reunions: Over 680 of those dogs have been reunited with their former handlers.

- $2 Million+ in Vet Care: The organization has spent millions on repairing the dogs who suffer from injuries and conditions sustained during their service.

Bob shares the incredible, sometimes difficult, journey of his non-profit—from its unexpected founding to the struggles of securing funding to keep their vital mission afloat.

The Logistics of Rescue & Rehabilitation

- The Afghanistan Dogs: Hear the story of the dogs tragically left behind in Kabul and the process of bringing them home, with transport costs reaching up to $6,000 per dog from that region.

- Contract vs. Military Working Dogs (CWDs vs. MWDs): Learn the crucial difference in ownership and the often inferior veterinary care and treatment received by CWDs, who are owned by private companies.

- Health and Retirement: The average working dog retires around nine years old due to loss of work drive or injury. They discuss the prevalence of orthopedic issues, cancers (due to hazardous compound exposure), and PTSD—and how Mission K9 addresses these intense medical and emotional needs.

Finding the Right Home

- Mission K9 is highly selective in its adoption process, matching the unique needs of these highly trained, high-drive dogs (like the Belgian Malinois, described as a "velociraptor from hell") with the right families.

- Criteria for Adopters: The necessary commitment to senior veterinary care, a home environment where the dog can be active and inside with the family, and no use of these dogs as protection animals in retirement.

- Training and Commands: Bob shares that most working dogs are trained using German or other languages.

How You Can Help:

Mission K9 Rescue relies on private donations and foundations to meet its weekly operating costs of approximately $30,000. Please consider supporting their efforts.

Find out more about Mission K9 Rescue and donate at: MissionK9Rescue.org

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Loving Your Pets Through Goodbye | Speaking of Pets episode 92 - Dr. Elizabeth Hugger from Lap of Love | Take 2 Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Speaking of Pets episode 92 - Dr. Elizabeth Hugger from Lap of Love - Take 2!

Welcome to Take Two, our re-release series featuring the conversations you told us matter most—episodes worth hearing again, sharing again, and saving for the moment you (or a friend) might need them.

In this emotional and deeply compassionate episode, hosts Alice and Janet sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Hugger, co-founder of Lap of Love, to talk about what it truly means to support pets and their families through end-of-life care—while honoring the human-animal bond every step of the way.

Dr. Hugger shares the inspiring story behind Lap of Love’s beginnings in the Tampa area and how it has grown into a nationwide service dedicated to comfort, dignity, and peace. We explore how Lap of Love helps families navigate some of the hardest decisions with services including in-home hospice care, tele-hospice consultations, and peaceful in-home euthanasia, designed to reduce stress for both pets and the people who love them.

You’ll also learn what to expect during these tender moments, how veterinarians help create a calm, respectful experience, and why grief support and pet loss resources are an essential part of caring for families—before and after goodbye.

Whether you’re preparing for a pet’s final chapter, supporting a friend through loss, or simply want to understand the compassionate options available, this episode offers practical guidance, comfort, and heartfelt perspective.

Learn more:

https://www.lapoflove.com

https://info.lapoflove.com/dvm

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

How to Afford Pet Care Emergencies | SOP ep. 91 - Jonathan Wainberg Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you rush your pet to the emergency room, the doctor recommends life-saving treatment, and the cost is more than you can handle at the moment? For many families, this is one of the most heartbreaking situations in pet ownership. In this episode of Speaking of Pets, Dr. Alice and Janet sit down with Jonathan Wainberg from CareCredit to talk about practical, real-life financial solutions for unexpected and even chronic veterinary expenses.

Jonathan explains how CareCredit works behind the scenes—from fast approvals and deferred-interest payment plans to why it’s accepted at over 27,000 veterinary practices nationwide. We dive into the kinds of situations CareCredit is used for, including emergency surgeries, chronic conditions like Cushing’s disease and heart disease, dentals, diagnostics such as CT scans and MRIs, medications, and even some boarding and grooming services.

You’ll also meet Jonathan’s 15½-year-old dog, Maddie, whose ongoing health needs highlight why financial flexibility matters for senior pets. Together, we share stories from the exam room, discuss the rising cost of veterinary care, and explore how CareCredit helps pet owners avoid painful decisions like economic euthanasia.

Whether you’re a new pet parent or caring for multiple aging animals, this episode offers invaluable insight into being proactive, prepared, and empowered when it comes to your pet’s health.

https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

They Rescue "Uncatchable" Dogs! | Speaking of Pets episode 90 - Vanessa Petrosky Take 2 Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

We’re back with Vanessa Petrosky, founder of Remy’s Pet Recovery, for a powerful Take 2 of one of our most loved episodes — all about what really happens when a dog goes missing and how one small nonprofit in Northeast Ohio is quietly saving lives.

Vanessa walks us through her current tough case, Cooper the border collie, and explains why well-meaning people chasing, calling, and “trying to help” actually make things worse. She breaks down what to do (and absolutely NOT do) the moment your dog goes missing, why lost dogs go into survival mode, and how she uses traps, cameras, maps, and community cooperation to safely bring terrified dogs home.

We also dig into:

- Why you should never post live sightings with exact locations on social media

- How to use flyers, mapping, and food stations the right way

- Why newly adopted dogs must decompress before walks, stores, and groomers

- Martingale collars, slip leads, microchips, GPS collars & keeping escape artists safe

- Working with (and sometimes around) well-intended police and neighbors

- The emotional story of Mira, a dog-fighting survivor who learned how to be loved

- Vanessa’s biggest pet peeve: “He always comes back… until he doesn’t.”

You’ll also hear how Remy’s is funded, how their annual fundraiser keeps them going, and why Vanessa’s car looks like a cross between a rescue truck and a survival kit.

If you love dogs, foster, adopt, or just want to be the person who actually helps instead of accidentally hurting, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Learn more or donate: Remy’s Pet Recovery (Northeast Ohio)

👉 Pro tip: Save their info before you ever need it.

https://remispetrecovery.org/

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

This Dog is a Search-and-Rescue Master | Speaking of Pets episode 89 - Dr. Kim Stewart Take 2 Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

⚠️ Content note: brief discussion of human remains and a child fatality (marked in the chapter guide).

By listener request, we're re-releasing one of our most talked-about episodes. Veterinarian Dr. Kim Stewart, DVM joins us to share how she and her Labrador Retriever, Seamus, train and deploy as a human remains detection (HRD) K9 team—what it takes to certify, stay safe in the field, and work seamlessly with law enforcement from local sheriffs to the FBI and Texas Rangers.

You’ll hear how Seamus’ fitness plan (pool sprints, core “planks,” balance work, laser therapy) keeps him mission-ready; why chain of command matters in disasters; and how teams are vetted on orienteering, clue awareness, ICS, and the wilderness pack test. Dr. Stewart breaks down screening traits for great SAR dogs (toy drive, hunt drive, nerve strength, neutrality), what goes in a handler’s pack, and why overheating is the #1 risk for working dogs.

Dr. Stewart also recounts a difficult but pivotal case Seamus helped solve, and we discuss the ethics around emotional support animal misuse—not to punish pets, but to protect true service teams and public safety.

What you’ll learn

- How HRD dogs are trained to alert without disturbing crime scenes

- The realities of multi-agency searches, from wilderness to water hazards

- The fitness, recovery, and injury-prevention routines that keep K9s working longer

- Quick tests to spot potential SAR talent in young dogs

- Why documentation (GPS, records) matters—right up to the courtroom

- A vet’s take on ESA vs. service dog rules and real-world impacts

Chapter guide

0:00 Re-release intro & meet Seamus

2:10 Why SAR (vs. agility/dock diving) & joining a team

4:45 Certifications: NASAR, ICS, swift-water awareness

7:00 HRD training: pairing odor → active alert (bark & hold)

9:20 Mentorship, screening dogs, “toy drive” & hunt tests

20:40 Handler pack, K9 first aid, heat risk & water logistics

⚠️ 23:55 Field realities & processing tough scenes

24:58 Case study: Seamus’ courtroom-validated find

27:50 Fitness/fuel: Pro Plan Sport, produce snacks, conditioning

28:55 Pet peeve: ESA misuse & why it harms access for true service teams

31:20 Longevity, retirement, and what’s next for Seamus

Why we’re re-releasing: New listeners keep asking how SAR dogs really work—this conversation remains one of our clearest, most practical deep dives.

Subscribe, rate, and hug your dogs for us. 🐾

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Hidden Pet Poisons You Didn't Know About | SOP Ep. 88 - Dr. Renee Schmid Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Veterinary toxicologist Dr. Renee Schmid returns to co-host with Alice and breaks down the surprising ways everyday supplements, human medications, gummies, and topicals can put pets at risk—especially during the holidays when visitors (and their Ziploc pill bags!) roll in. From multivitamins and “grass saver” methionine to tryptophan chews, alpha-lipoic acid, minoxidil, diclofenac creams, estrogen gels, 5-FU topical creams, tea tree oil, and even chewable Apoquel around cats, Dr. Schmid explains what’s dangerous, why, and what to do before panic takes over. Plus: practical storage hacks, vet-approved brands vs. online counterfeits, and the one line you should say to every house guest.

Dr. Renee Schmid is the Veterinary Medical Director and Senior Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. She and her team field cases across North America and collaborate with human toxicologists and pharmacists to manage emerging exposures and new human drugs affecting pets.

Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7/365 and will be listed in the show notes (add the number to your phone!). They’ll triage, advise if your vet visit is needed, and support your veterinarian from start to finish.

You’ll Learn

Why multivitamins can be risky (vitamin D3, iron) and how gummies can trigger dangerous sodium shifts—even when “actives” aren’t toxic.
The real danger behind methionine “grass saver” products and alpha-lipoic acid (neurologic signs, tremors, seizures).
How tryptophan/5-HTP can flip from “calming” to serotonin-type agitation—and why mixing with Prozac/fluoxetine is not a DIY plan.
High-risk topicals: minoxidil (Rogaine)—especially for cats, diclofenac gels (GI/kidney injury), estrogen transfers, and 5-FU (often fatal to pets).
The holiday shortlist: grapes/raisins, turkey fat/skin (pancreatitis), guests’ loose medications, and dropped pills (remember: “one pill can kill”—e.g., baclofen).
Farm & yard pitfalls: ivermectin misuse (paste/injectable), phosphide rodenticides → phosphine gas, mixing cleaning products, and why manure isn’t a snack.
Smart prevention: guest-med checks, lockboxes, keep meds behind closed doors when dosing, buy vet-recommended brands, and skip sketchy online “deals.”

Resources:

Pet Poison Helpline (24/7) — (855) 764-7661

Pet Poison Helpline website (what to expect, toxin library)

NASC Quality Seal & ConsumerLab.com for product quality checks (ask your veterinarian for trusted brands)

Important: This episode is educational and not medical advice. If you suspect an exposure, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately (see show notes).

Is Ivermectin Safe for Humans to Use? | SOP ep. 87 - Dr. Katrina Mealey Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

What if you could know—before you ever give a pill—whether your dog or cat is likely to have a bad reaction? In this episode, Dr. Alice and Janet sit down with Dr. Katrina Mealey, Associate Dean for Research at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, NIH-funded researcher, and Inventor of the Year for her groundbreaking genetic test that flags pets at risk for serious adverse drug reactions.

Dr. Mealey explains the science in plain English: a natural “gatekeeper” protein called P-glycoprotein (coded by the MDR1 gene) protects the brain and body by pumping out potentially toxic compounds. When a pet carries certain MDR1 mutations, many common medications—prescription and OTC—can reach dangerous levels. We cover how the cheek-swab test works, how to get it for your pet, which breeds are most affected, why dosage matters so much, and how new vet-friendly tools help tailor safer treatments.

In this episode:

- MDR1 101: What P-glycoprotein does and why it’s the body’s drug “gatekeeper.”

- Who’s at risk: Collies (~75%), Australian & English Shepherds (~50%), plus surprises like Boxers, Huskies, and even the occasional Golden—plus the feline version discovered in 2015.

- Real-world reactions: From anti-diarrheals and chemo agents to certain flea preventives—how problems present and what vets should watch for.

- Testing made easy: Simple cheek swab or blood test; results emailed to you and your vet.

- Dosing guidance: Meet MDR1Caddie (dogs) and WhisPurr (cats)—information that suggests dose adjustments based on whether a pet has one or two copies of the mutation.

- Myth-busting ivermectin: Why tiny monthly heartworm doses are different from mange/cancer “DIY” dosing—and why self-medicating is dangerous.

- Take-home for pet parents: Bring MDR1 status up with your vet before surgeries, chemo, dermatology meds, new preventives, or simple OTC medications like Immodium.

About our guest

Dr. Katrina Mealey is a veterinarian, pharmacist, researcher, and author (editor of Pharmacotherapeutics for Veterinary Dispensing). Her lab identified the MDR1 mutation in dogs and later in cats, and continues to map which drugs interact with P-glycoprotein so veterinarians can treat more safely.

https://vetmed.wsu.edu/our-team/wsu-profile/kmealey/

Resources & links

- MDR1 genetic test: Link in show notes to order a cheek-swab kit for dogs or cats.

- Drug interaction updates: Ongoing lists and guidance are available via the testing program (see show notes).

- Dose-adjustment information: MDR1Caddie (dogs) and WhisPurr(cats).

- Talk to your veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Should You Feed Your Pet a Raw Diet? | Speaking of Pets episode 86 - Dr. Susan Wynn Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

What exactly is a “raw diet,” and how do you make it safely? Host Dr. Alice Jeromin welcomes Dr. Susan Wynn, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)—Senior Director of Scientific Affairs at Nature’s Variety/Instinct and former president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association—along with JC Cash, CVT. They break down homemade vs. commercial raw diets, high-pressure pasteurization (HPP), supplier quality, SQF certification, and the research behind minimally processed pet food. We dig into microbiome findings, metabolomics (what it is and why it matters), process-induced toxins (like AGEs), transitioning from kibble, costs, toppers, and the truth about “picky eaters.” We also cover feline feeding quirks, dental health myths, and practical safety tips for pet parents.

In This Episode

- What “raw” really means today—homemade vs. commercial, and why that distinction matters

- How Instinct approaches safety: vetted suppliers, HPP, test-and-hold, and SQF certification

- Science check: microbiome, metabolomics, and why minimally processed can shift health markers

- Process-induced toxins (AGES, acrylamides) and where heat processing fits in

- Balanced diets 101: why “raw liver only” (or chicken-and-pasta!) isn’t complete

- Transitioning safely: step-wise switchovers, probiotics, and topper strategies for big-dog budgets

- Cats! Palate development, why free-choice dry backfires, and hydration from raw/canned

- Dental health: kibble vs. functional dental diets, bones, and risks to avoid

- Picky vs. overweight: how feeding habits (and treats) drive confusion

Key Takeaways

- Commercial raw ≠ homemade raw; safety and balance depend on process and formulation.

- Properly made raw diets can be complete, balanced, and tested—and show promising health signals.

- Even 25% raw as a topper may confer benefits; meet owners where they are.

- Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories; measure meals, don’t free-feed cats.

- Transition slowly (25% steps) and consider probiotics for sensitive pets.

https://instinctpetfood.com/

Dr. Susan Wynn, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) — Senior Director of Scientific Affairs, Nature’s Variety/Instinct; long-time clinician and researcher in integrative nutrition.

JC Cash, CVT — Educator and industry liaison focused on raw diet safety and veterinary outreach.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Busting Pet Food Myths - SOP ep. 85 - Dr. Jennifer Larsen Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jennifer Larsen is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist with a BS/MS in Animal Science, DVM, and PhD in Nutritional Biology from UC Davis. She is a lecturer, researcher, and formulator of specific clinical diets for complex cases.

When pet food aisles feel like a maze of “premium,” “natural,” “human-grade,” and “wolf diet” terms, what actually matters for your dog or cat? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jennifer Larsen—board-certified veterinary nutritionist (U.C. Davis)—to cut through the hype. From kibble vs. fresh and “grain-free” claims to raw and all-meat feeding, Dr. Larsen explains what’s marketing, what’s regulation, and what’s truly nutritional. We also dig into transitioning diets safely, why fiber is a quiet MVP, how to store kibble the right way, and the ethics and realities of pet weight loss. Plus: the “health halo” effect, AAFCO feeding trials (what they are and aren’t), and why respecting animals as dogs and cats—not “fur babies”—actually helps us care for them better.

Veterinary Partner - VIN

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102896&id=8207104

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Could Your Mental Health Issues be Lyme Disease? | SOP ep. 84 - Nicole Bell Take 2 Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

As fall brings leaf piles and hidden tick dangers, Alice revisits this powerful conversation with Nicole Bell of Galaxy Diagnostics to highlight the rising risk of Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses—especially when misdiagnosed as mental health or neurological decline. This updated episode includes new insights on testing, advocacy, and how early awareness can save both human and pet lives.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicole, whose family was forever changed by a hidden battle with tick-borne illness—specifically, Lyme disease, and its devastating neurological effects. What began as subtle mood changes and anxiety in her husband slowly escalated into cognitive decline, misdiagnosis, and a desperate search for answers within a fragmented healthcare system.

Nicole courageously shares how tick-borne pathogens like Lyme and Bartonella can mimic depression, anxiety, dementia—even Alzheimer’s—often leaving patients dismissed, untreated, or misdiagnosed. She exposes the limitations of standard antibody testing, the importance of direct pathogen detection, and the urgent need for patient advocacy in navigating chronic and complex illnesses.

We also explore the overlooked role of pets as potential sentinels for disease, compounded family health risks, and how personal tragedy fueled Nicole’s mission to push for better diagnostics, research funding, and awareness in the Lyme community.

This episode is a call to action—for better testing, deeper listening, and a healthcare system that sees the full picture for both pets and humans.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: The Hidden Epidemic

05:52 – Why Lyme Testing Fails

11:57 – Pets, Ticks & Family Exposure

18:03 – A Family Forever Changed

26:05 – When Symptoms Turn Neurological

34:27 – Pathogens & Mental Health

39:37 – Advocacy in a Broken System

linkedin.com/in/nicoledaniellebell

https://www.galaxydx.com/

https://capcvet.org/