PetAbility  Podcast
PetAbility Podcast
PetAbility
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This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community.  Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chris Cranston MPT, CCRP, offer relevant information and provocative interviews on their podcast, PetAbility. With an emphasis on mobility and independence, their show is about improving function, restoring confidence, alleviating fear, providing mental stimulation, and easing pain to help your pets live their best lives. Read on for more information about Cathy and Chris…Cathy Symons is the author of Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs. She was inspired to write this book after her first pug, Booda, lost his sight at the age of seven. Several years later, Cathy adopted a blind pug named Digger and wrote a children’s book, Watching Out for Digger, which she uses as a teaching tool for young children to learn about living with a disabled dog.After fifteen years of practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy went on to study canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Cathy was one of the first thirty-six people in the world to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Shortly thereafter, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States, the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England. She continues to follow the latest options in pet rehabilitation, including digital thermal imaging and laser therapy, and is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence.Cathy resides in the New England area with her husband and their pug, Mac. Mac is a very confident little nugget who enjoys doing nose work with his mom.Chris Cranston has 20 years of experience in pet rehabilitation. She is excited to share her knowledge and reach a wide pet-loving audience through the PetAbility podcast. Chris loves seeing that light bulb go off when educating pet owners, so a podcast seemed like a natural fit. Chris started her career as a physical therapist (PT) – with people. When she moved to the Boston area in 2002, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different, so she combined her existing PT skills with her passion for animals. Chris became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2004, one of the first 100 persons in the world to receive this certification. In addition to her CCRP designation, she has a Masters of Physical Therapy (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1987) from the University of Iowa. Chris had a successful mobile practice, consulted with a myriad of general practices and specialty clinics, and started the physical rehabilitation service for a large multi-specialty and emergency organization in the Greater Boston region. All this was before founding FlowDog, a stand-alone, full-service small animal physical rehabilitation facility in Waltham, MA. In 2017, Chris sold her business to the esteemed Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston, and is now podcasting, consulting for a tech company in the veterinary space, providing concierge mobile pet rehab, and working getting a product to market that will help our pets. Of course, Chris prioritizes enriching the lives of her twin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julep & Baxter, while indulging in all the snuggles they are willing to share with her!
Rehab Rewind!!  Ramps vs. Stairs - Which is Right for your Pet?
Join us as we rewind to one of our most popular shows.  Should my pet get a ramp or steps to help him onto the bed? This a question that Cathy and Chris get asked all the time. Listen as they debate the pros and cons of each option to help you determine what is best for your pet. They cover what specifications to look for and offer some suggestions for making your own. In the end, they agreed that what is ideal for one pet or situation may not be for another. Listen to Chris and Cathy hash out the factors that every pet owner should consider when faced with this decision.Support the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Apr 2
36 min
Pet Hospice & Palliative Care - A Rehabber's Perspective with Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP
Our pet's are living longer, surviving illnesses and traumas that were unthinkable in the past. Couple this with our ever-growing attitudes that pets are full-fledged members of our families, then the fields of palliative care and pet hospice become vital. Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP, deftly explains the integral role that physical rehabilitation plays to 1) alleviate symptoms and stress from medical conditions (palliative care) and 2) compassionately support owners and their pets, physically and emotionally, during their end-of-life journey, while preparing pet parents to let go of their loved one with dignity and grace when the time comes (hospice). For more information, please click on the following links: International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative CareLap of Love: Veterinary Hospice & In-home Euthanasia Pet Loss Support Hotline and other resourcesOther related PetAbility Podcast episodes include:Pets Are Family - an Impactful Approach to Pet Loss with Erika Sinner, Dog Mom, Author, & CEOPet Hospice with Dr. Becky SchoenbergBelieving in Grieving with Laurie Levine, LMHCEnd-of-life Pet Photography I The Tilly Project with Lauren KennedySupport the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Mar 19
50 min
Feed is NOT Food with Dr. Judy Morgan
A healthy pet starts with healthy nutrition, naturally! After all, “you are what you eat." That same adage applies to both us and our pets. Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT emphasizes that food is food - there should be no need to qualify what we eat as "people food,” nor what we feed our dogs and cats as “pet food.” Many commercial dog and cat foods contain the bare minimum to qualify as "complete and balanced" - a true misnomer. Further, food choices can impact chronic illnesses such as hearth disease and cancer. In addition to medcial issues, proper diet can influence behavior, resulting in less anxiety and more contentment. The bottom line is food, not feed, will help your pet thrive. Listen as Dr. Judy Morgan of Naturally Healthy Pets dispels many myths and helps us better advocate for our dogs and cats by feeding them a proper diet. Find vast information about food and other holistic topics at Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets.Support the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Mar 5
56 min
Pets Are Family - an Impactful Approach to Pet Loss with Erika Sinner, Dog Mom, Author, & CEO
Losing a pet is hard. In fact, for Erika Sinner, it is the hardest thing she has ever experienced. Erika feels her shar-peis are family - her kids -  and should be treated as such even after death. What does this mean and what did Erika do about it? Struggling to deal with her own pain and finding little out there to aid her in coping and healing, Erika wrote a book called Pets Are Family: It's as Simple As That. A self-professed person of action, Erika wants to share her story to help others going through similar grief. Additionally, she provides tips, guides, and resources for family, friends, co-workers, and professionals that are in that grieving person’s life. As she strives to help others understand the unique and deep relationship we have with our pets, Erika has set forth on a journey to support and guide others. Further, as a CEO of her own company, Erika is a champion for pet bereavement in all places of work as one small, but meaningful, step that can help others cope with the profound loss of their pet. Google to find Erika Sinner's book: Pets are Family: It's as simple as that. Explore Erika's Website at PetsAreFamily.infoFollow Erika and her kids on Instagram @Erika_Sinner and @Crazy4PeiSupport the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Feb 20
57 min
Management of Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injuries with Dr. Christin Finn
Located in the knee, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Yet there is little consistency or agreement about how to manage this condition. It goes well beyond surgery vs. no surgery.  Pet parents angst about what to do to help there dog's knee pain and function, then often second guess themselves once they decide. Rest assured that there is a multitude of options to choose from and there is no one right - or wrong - answer.  Along with describing the CCL's function and mechanism of injury, Christin Finn DVM, CVA, CVSMT, CCRT, discusses that treatment is often multifaceted and a CCL injury is not an emergency. So, the good news is that you've got time to explore viable alternatives that are right for YOU and YOUR PET.  For more information about cruciate ligaments and other topics, go to finndvm.com.You may contact Dr. Finn directly at office@finndvm.com.Support the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Feb 6
1 hr 2 min
Understanding the Iliopsoas Muscle in Dogs with Laurie Edge-Hughes
The ilio-so-what??? It may be hard to pronounce and even harder to spell, but every dog owner should know about this very important hip muscle. If you have a working or sporting dog, I bet you are very aware of how common and problematic it is to strain the iliopsoas muscle. Listen to Laurie Edge-Hughes, BScPT, MAnimSt, CAFCI, CCRT, tell us the iliopsoas's multiple functions, how it becomes injured (all it may take is a slip), how to differentially diagnose an iliopsoas problem, treatment options, and most importantly, prevention of injury. So if your dog is lame in the hind end, the iliopsoas could be to blame.  Whether you have an athlete or a couch potato, knowing about this vital muscle is critical to addressing the problem quickly, effectively, and forever. Your dog will surely thank you for it!If you are a dog owner looking for more information or services, you can find Laurie at The Canine Fitness Center Ltd.If you are a canine rehabilitation practitioner, you may find Laurie and her plethora of educational resources at Four Leg Rehab Inc.Support the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Jan 23
1 hr 4 min
Military Dogs: When Vets Become Pets with Bob Bryant, Mission K9 Rescue
Have you ever thought about what happens to military or contract working dogs when they "retire" from active duty? Having served our country their entire lives, historically, these heroes have been abandoned or euthanized. Founded in 2013, Mission K9 Rescue, a non-profit welfare group, is working hard to change that. Listen to Bob Bryant, cofounder and CTO, explain their mission to rescue, reunite, rehome, rehabilitate,  and repair these working dogs. Many come home with both physical and emotional traumas that need addressed and Mission K9 Rescue does just that. Learn about these courageous, loyal, loving dogs and the tireless work this dedicated organization does to give them the retirement they deserve. For more information or to donate, go to MissionK9Rescue.org.Follow them on Facebook @ Mission K9 Rescue.Click link to find the book Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca on AmazonSupport the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Jan 9
49 min
Pausing for Paws!
Feet of all creatures are amazing structures that serve multiple purposes. This episode focuses on canine feet: their intricate anatomy, things to watch for, the importance of proper care, including nail trims, and the foot's role in overall health and well-being. These extraordinary assets not only allow for locomotion, traction, and protection, but are so sensitive that they give our dogs remarkable insights about their surroundings that enhances balance, agility, and function. Paying close attention to our dogs paws is important for pain-free and efficient navigation of their world. Whether it's a foot, paw, or claw, they  really are quite a feat!!What the following YouTube videos for more information!Anatomy and Palpation of the Dog Paw.Toe Stretching!You may reach Cathy and Chris by messaging them on Instagram or Facebook.Support the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Dec 26, 2023
53 min
DogLeggs Shoulder Stabilization System with Ben Blecha, MPO, CPO
This is a game changer! DogLeggs is a company that has provided innovative, quality products since the formal inception of small animal physical rehabilitation. One of Cathy and Chris's favorites is their Shoulder Stabilization System which offers a way to protect a healing shoulder joint to allow for safe rehabilitation and activity at home while mitigating reinjury. All of their 21 products are made in the U.S. with the vet community,  pet, and owner in mind. They are easy to put on and take off, durable, breathable, and so much more. The entire suite of products is designed to allow for healing through support and coverage (an alternative to the "cone of shame" or Elizabethan collar.) Listen to Ben Blecha, MPO, CPO, as he describes the plethora of applications for DogLeggs with a focus on their front limb offerings, specifically the Shoulder Stabilization System. We hope you will never need it, but if you do, you will be armed with information to potentially help your pup heal.To find more information about Ben Blecha's entire line of products, go to the following links:DogLeggsMediVetProductsGoHeroGoWiggleLessMediPawSupport the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Dec 12, 2023
54 min
Exploring the World of Animal Communication with Danielle MacKinnon
Have you ever wondered what your pet would say if they could actually talk? Listen to Danielle MacKinnon, a luminary in the realm of animal communication. With a rare and innate gift, she bridges the gap between humans and the animal kingdom, and has dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of interspecies communication. Her deep connection with animals transcends the ordinary, allowing her to tap into the rich tapestry of their thoughts, emotions, and desires. As a trailblazer, Danielle has not only demonstrated the power of animal communication but has also become a sought-after teacher, speaker, and author. For more info about Danielle, her work, and resources for you, go to DanielleMacKinnon.com/PetAbility.Support the showDisclaimerFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.MedcoVet (show sponsor) - the next generation in laser therapy by putting healing in the hands of the pet owner! By using the Promo Code PETPOD22, when placing your first order with any of our affiliate partners, you will receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% . Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips – dog nail grips to keep your dog from slipping! Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning with this unique lightweight collar when around any body of water!Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order....
Nov 28, 2023
56 min
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