Life with Pets

For many of us, we try to make choices with the environment in mind. We often ask ourselves how we can be more sustainable with our food, our clothes, and our energy. But what about with our pets? Are there ways that we as Pet Parents can think about sustainability and help the environment in a positive way? On this episode, Rachel Fall, Capabilities & Sustainability Brand Manager at Blue Buffalo Co, Nicole Kandoth, Pet Packaging Lead, Blue Buffalo, and Patrick Keenan, R&D Principal Engineer, Blue Buffalo, help us understand how the pet industry is thinking about this and provide tips on the ways Pet Parents can act and think more sustainably.

There is an undeniable bond that humans have with their pets, and the benefits of that relationship are numerous. But what is actually going on between humans and animals? How are these bonds forming and what are the positives and negatives that they yield? Dr. Kerri Rodriguez, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine where she directs the Human Animal Bond Lab, researches this very subject, and she explains these powerful bonds on this episode.

There is often confusion about the differences between positive and negative reinforcement training, and the efficacy of each. Eric Wiese, a certified trainer and the host of Lucky Dog on CBS, joins us to clear up some of the misconceptions and help Pet Parents get on the best track with their training.

There are people and pets who are less fortunate than others. Dr. Kwane Stewart wants to help them. On this episode, Dr. Kwane discusses why he started Project Street Vet and how he is helping pets and people who experience homelessness.

Pet insurance is not a new industry, but Christie Horvath is trying to give it new life with her company, Wagmo. On this episode, she dispels some of the myths we’ve all heard about pet insurance and pet wellness and gives some important information on how pet parents can save money and give their pets the best care possible.

The Half Husky Bros have hundreds of thousands of followers across various social media platforms. But behind those accounts is a real Pet Parent who has been through a lot with her dogs Champ and Tyson. Devoted dog mom Kelly McBride joins us to talk about the journey she went on to discover and treat Champ’s food and environmental sensitivities, and she gives some meaningful advice to other Pet Parents about making a long-term commitment to giving your pets the best lives possible.

When life gets hard, we look for support and comfort wherever we can. For little Anna, a battle with cancer revealed a new community of friends and partners, including Make-A-Wish and Blue Buffalo, who worked endlessly to make her wish for a puppy come true.

You often hear about medical mysteries in the human world, and the various ways human healthcare is evolving. But what about our pets? Who is making sure that we are constantly learning about and improving how we treat our pets? The answer is Morris Animal Foundation, which has funded breakthrough research that you and your pets benefit from every day. Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Director of Science and Communications at Morris Animal Foundation, describes some of the most exciting research projects the organization has going now, and gives some must-hear advice on what and how pet partners should be tracking to ensure their pets stay happy and healthy.

Donna Lochmann is a rescuer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, and every single day, she helps save animals from all kinds of situations. But she doesn’t just bring these animals to a safe place, she gets to see the magic of how they evolve from strays into beloved members of families. She explains how rescued animals can become wonderful pets, and what pet parents who adopt a rescue pet can do to bond with their new family member and help them assimilate to their new life.

You probably know Angela Kinsey from her role as Angela Martin on the award-winning sitcom, The Office. In the show, Angela is a proud cat lady and, as it turns out, that’s true for the real-life Angela as well! On this episode, Angela discusses life with her two cats, and all the mischief they get up to with the other human and canine members of the family.

If you’re a Pet Parent, we don’t need to spend any time convincing you that your pet positively affects your emotions. But that’s not just your opinion. Research on the topic has shown that pets can help us achieve better long-term physical and mental health. To help us understand why, we invited ABC News contributor, Dr. Darien Sutton, to talk about his own experiences as well as the studies on ways that pets affect the emotional well-being of their parents.

Training is a critical aspect of being a pet parent. And, if done correctly, treat training can be used in many ways — from helping your dog be less fearful at the vet, to teaching your cat commands. On this episode, Dr. Vickie Carmella, who leads the Veterinary Scientific Affairs team at Blue Buffalo Pet Food, and Dr. Bretaigne Jones, a Professional Services Veterinarian for Blue Buffalo, discuss how pet parents can work with their furry family members using treats to help make their daily lives more enriching.

Introducing Life With Pets. Real pet stories. Authentic advice from pet professionals. Every two weeks, host Hilary Giorgi welcomes guests to discuss the pivotal moments of the parent-pet relationship. From inspiring stories to actionable wellness tips, you’ll enjoy honest, expert-driven discussions about the subjects that affect all Pet Parents. Brought to you by Buddies by Blue Buffalo.