Your Vet Wants You to Know

Latest Episodes:

One Health Heroes, Dec 15, 2025: Pet Vaccine Hesitancy, Rabies in an Organ Donor, H5N1 and Elephant Seals Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians, discusses:

Avian influenza is now widespread across the U.S., affecting wild birds, backyard flocks, commercial poultry, and even dairy herds, underscoring the need for continued surveillance and reporting.
Wildlife impacts are profound, with avian influenza linked to catastrophic population losses in Southern elephant seals, highlighting the broader biodiversity consequences of emerging diseases.
Vaccine hesitancy is increasing among pet owners, with studies estimating hesitancy in ~21% of dog owners and ~25% of cat owners, mirroring trends seen in human medicine.
Rabies remains a fatal but preventable disease, with recent cases illustrating how small wildlife exposures (including bats and skunks) can lead to tragic outcomes in both animals and humans.
Canine parvovirus is resurging in some areas, causing severe, often fatal disease in unvaccinated puppies—reinforcing the importance of routine vaccination and herd protection.

Pet owners and veterinary professionals, sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/newsletter

Veterinarians are invited to join the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.

By doing so, we strive for: 1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners, 2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team, 3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and 4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.

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Mission RENAL 2: Testing and Staging Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, Dr. JD Foster, small animal internal medicine and nephrology expert joins to explain how veterinarians interpret blood and urine tests to diagnose kidney disease, what IRIS staging means, and the importance of individualized treatment plans. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease.

Key Takeaways:

Blood and urine tests together give the most accurate picture of kidney health.
IRIS staging helps veterinarians guide treatment but doesn't define your pet's prognosis.
Rechecks every 3–4 months (or more often if unstable) help maintain your pet's quality of life.
Discuss lab results with your veterinarian—context matters more than red numbers.
Each pet's journey is unique; don't rely on internet timelines or myths.
Early detection saves lives. Routine screening can catch CKD before symptoms appear.

Resources & Links:

Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 2: Tests and Staging Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Find a veterinary internal medicine specialist near you: Specialist Search Here

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Mission RENAL is sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco™ makers of VarenzinTM-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension).

Varenzin-CA1 is indicated for the control of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.

Important Safety Information

Varenzin-CA1 is for oral use in cats only and prescribed only by licensed veterinarians. Keep this drug and used syringes out of reach of children. Wash hands immediately after use. In case of accidentally swallowing, call a doctor immediately. Women who are or may become pregnant should use the product with caution. Do not give to pregnant, nursing or breeding cats. Before using Varenzin-CA1, talk to your veterinarian if your cat is allergic to molidustat, has a history of seizures or thromboembolic disease predisposition. Use with caution in cats younger than 1 year of age. Common side effects include vomiting and high blood pressure. Red blood cell proportion should be monitored. Click here for complete safety information.

One Health Heroes, December 1, 2025: Holiday Food and Safety Tips, H5N5 Human Case, New World Screwworm Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians, discusses:

The first reported human fatality from H5N5 avian influenza in Washington State, how this strain differs from the widely circulating H5N1 affecting poultry, wild birds, and cattle, and why mutations remain a growing public health concern.
An update on New World Screwworm, including the launch of the new federal website and ongoing federal surveillance efforts near the southern U.S. border.
Holiday food safety and pet safety tips, focusing on preventing food-borne illness, safe meat preparation, household hazards, and reducing holiday stress for pets.

Pet owners and veterinary professionals, sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/newsletter

Veterinarians are invited to join the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Mission RENAL 1: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In Part 1 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, Dr. JD Foster, small animal internal medicine and nephrology expert joins to explain the difference between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and CKD, why many CKD cases have no single cause, the early warning signs and why these signs happen, the power of early screening to slow progression, and how staging CKD guides individualized care.

CKD is irreversible but manageable—early detection matters.
PU/PD (peeing/drinking more) is often the first clue; appetite changes are common.
Pets can act normal with substantial kidney function loss—don't wait on labs.
Wellness bloodwork + urinalysis help slow the disease early.
Staging organizes care so your pet gets the right support at the right time.

Resources & Links:

Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 1: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Find a veterinary internal medicine specialist near you: Specialist Search Here

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Mission RENAL is sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco™ makers of VarenzinTM-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension).

Varenzin-CA1 is indicated for the control of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.

Important Safety Information

HEAR Now: FAQs about Ear Infections in Dogs - Part 2 Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Dog ear infections are frustrating, smelly, and painful—and often keep coming back. This episode is part of the HEAR NOW series (Help, Educate, Assess, Regulate), created in partnership with Merck Animal Health. In this two-part series, expert guest Dr. Christine McKinney, Merck Animal Health Small Animal Dermatology Specialist, joins to answer the most frequently asked questions about dog ear infections to give pet owners the clear, evidence-based information they need.

In Part 2 of our HEAR NOW series, we explain what brown discharge really means, why infections may not go away, the risks of untreated infections, and why home remedies can do more harm than good. Learn safe, effective treatments to help your pet.

Brown discharge can be normal wax, yeast, or bacteria—cytology is the only way to know.
Infections that don't clear may need longer treatment, stronger antiinflammatory medications, or better control of the primary disease like allergies.
Inflammation drives infection—managing allergies reduces recurrence.
Untreated infections can spread to the middle or inner ear, causing permanent damage.
Home remedies like vinegar may burn inflamed ears and risk hearing loss.

Resources & Links:

Episode page with pictures and video: HEAR Now: FAQs about Ear Infections in Dogs Part 2
Find a veterinary dermatologist near you: Specialist Search Here
Veterinary Skin and Ear (Los Angeles): Schedule Your Consult

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Mometamax Single™ (gentamicin, posaconazole, and mometasone furoate otic suspension) - IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Mometamax SingleTM is for otic use in dogs only. Do not use in cats. Mometamax Single should be administered by veterinary personnel. Do not use in dogs with known tympanic membrane perforation. The integrity of the tympanic membrane should be confirmed before administering the product. Reevaluate the dog if hearing loss or signs of vestibular dysfunction are observed during treatment. Do not use in dogs with known or suspected hypersensitivity to gentamicin, posaconazole, or mometasone furoate. Avoid contact with eyes. For complete instructions and safety information, refer to the product label.

Always talk with your veterinarian about whether this option is right for your pet.

One Health Heroes, October 15, 2025: Avian Influenza Surges, Screwworm Nears the Border, and New Vaccine Policy Concerns Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

In this critical update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) discuss three rapidly evolving One Health concerns:

A massive surge of H5N1 avian influenza, now affecting more than 6 million birds in the past month, with potential impacts on food security, wildlife biodiversity, and companion animals.
The continued northward movement of New World Screwworm, now just 70 miles from the U.S. border — with both livestock and human cases reported in Mexico. New treatments and prevention may be available and farmers should talk with their veterinarians.
The new CDC "shared decision-making" vaccine policy, which could unintentionally limit access to COVID and other immunizations.

The episode also highlights new findings on H5N1 survival in raw milk cheese, recent feline cases linked to raw pet food, and innovative One Health approaches to rescue rehabilitation, including the touching "Paws for Life" prison dog training program.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

HEAR Now: FAQs about Ear Infections in Dogs - Part 1 Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Ear infections are one of the most common and frustrating reasons pet owners bring their dogs to the veterinarian. They're painful, smelly, and confusing. When the ear infection keeps coming back, it can feel like you'll never get ahead of them.

This episode is part of the HEAR NOW series (Help, Educate, Assess, Regulate), created in partnership with Merck Animal Health. In this two-part series, expert guest Dr. Christine McKinney, Merck Animal Health Small Animal Dermatology Specialist, joins to answer the most frequently asked questions about dog ear infections to give pet owners the clear, evidence-based information they need.

Ear infections are almost always secondary to primary disease, most often allergies.
Floppy ears and swimming don't cause infections alone, but they can make them worse.
Food allergies are less common than many people think, but worth investigating properly.
Cleaning helps, but it's not enough on its own—over-cleaning can even harm.
Partnership with your vet is the most important tool in breaking the cycle.

Resources & Links:

Episode page with pictures and video: HEAR Now: FAQs about Ear Infections in Dogs Part 1
Find a veterinary dermatologist near you: Specialist Search Here
Veterinary Skin and Ear (Los Angeles): Schedule Your Consult

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Always talk with your veterinarian about whether this option is right for your pet.

One Health Heroes, October 1, 2025: Pet food, Pandemics, and Parasites Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know: One Health Heroes, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti welcomes back Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) to discuss urgent updates on screwworm, the ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks, food safety risks with raw pet diets, and recent vaccine policy changes at the federal level.

This conversation highlights why veterinarians, healthcare providers, and pet owners must stay vigilant and informed as these One Health challenges evolve.

Key Takeaways

Screwworm approaching the U.S. border: Detected just 70 miles south of the U.S.–Mexico border, raising concerns for livestock, wildlife, and even companion animals.
Avian influenza cases rising: Nearly 600,000 birds affected in the last 30 days, with confirmed infections in poultry and dairy cattle. Heightened vigilance is essential for both producers and pet owners.
Mutations & reassortment risks: Every new infection is another chance for the virus to mutate. Seasonal flu vaccination in people can reduce the risk of co-infections that fuel reassortment.
Raw food diets pose real risks: A new peer-reviewed study published in Communications Biology confirms that harmful, and often drug-resistant, bacteria were cultured only from raw diets—not from kibble. Freeze-dried products may also be raw, even if not labeled.
Policy and vaccine updates: New members appointed to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), raising concerns about future recommendations. Families are urged to consult trusted pediatricians and physicians directly.
Scratching the Itch: The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has released new One Health Guidelines to help veterinary teams apply cross-disciplinary principles in practice.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

082 Top Mistakes Pet Owners Make with Food Allergies Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Are you struggling to figure out what's causing your dog's itchy skin, upset stomach, or constant scratching? In this episode, we cover the 3 most common mistakes pet owners make when trying to find dog food allergies — and what you should do instead. From grain-free diets to cutting chicken from your dog's meals, and even relying too heavily on blood tests, we'll break down the pros, cons, and real veterinary advice so you can finally get answers for your pup.

Resources & Links:

Episode page with video: Top Mistakes with Food Allergies in Pets
Find a veterinary dermatologist near you: Specialist Search Here
Veterinary Skin and Ear (Los Angeles): Schedule Your Consult

One Health Heroes, Sept 15, 2025: CDC Shakeups, Avian Influenza, and Raw Food Risks Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist for the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians joins to discuss the latest updates on avian influenza, raw food recalls, public health challenges, and the shifting landscape at the CDC.

Key Takeaways