Love the podcast? Help keep Muddy Paws and Hairballs on the air—DONATE NOW!

Pet Safety Episodes

Feb. 27, 2024

Is Your Dog Guarding Food or Toys? Here’s What to Do

Is your dog showing subtle signs of aggression around food, toys, or even people? Many pet parents miss the early red flags of resource guarding—until it escalates. If you’ve ever felt nervous about your dog “snapping,” this episode is your chance to understand what’s really going on and how to sto…

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 30, 2024

Are You Meeting These 2 of 5 Pet Welfare Needs? (Part 2)

Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive? In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two—companionship and the ability to express natural …

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 23, 2024

Are You Meeting These 3 of 5 Pet Welfare Needs? (Part 1)

Are you meeting all 5 of your pet’s welfare needs—or just the basics? In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Amy Castro teams up with renowned UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne to explore the often-overlooked foundations of pet care. In Part 1, they tackle the…

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 16, 2024

10 Pet Parent Resolutions for a Healthier, Happier Year

Want to be a better pet parent this year—but not sure where to start? In this playful and practical kickoff to Season 2, Amy Castro and Bev share 10 powerful resolutions every pet parent should consider. Whether you’ve made your list or need a few fresh ideas, this episode offers simple, meaningful…

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 5, 2023

Can’t Afford the Vet? Why Pet Insurance Could Save Your Pet

Would you be able to cover a $5,000 emergency vet bill today? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Kristin Lynch, Executive Director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), about how pet insurance can help protect both your finances and your pet's life when unexpected med…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 28, 2023

Think Your Pet’s Microchip Is Enough? Think Again

Think your pet’s microchip is keeping them safe? It might not be. In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Matt Goetz, DVM, MBA from Merck Animal Health, the company behind HomeAgain microchips, to reveal what most pet parents don’t realize about microchipping. From missing registrations to false…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 21, 2023

Holiday Hazards That Could Harm Your Pet

Could your holiday celebrations put your pets in danger? In this festive and essential episode, Amy Castro teams up with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to share practical ways to protect your pets during the holidays. From dangerous foods and décor to managing loud guests and fi…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 14, 2023

Leaving Town? Here’s How to Choose the Best Pet Care

Not sure who should care for your pet while you're away? In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with veterinarian Dr. Aresue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo) to explore the pros and cons of hiring a pet sitter versus using a boarding facility. They break down what matters most when deciding—your pet…

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 15, 2023

What Most People Get Wrong About Finding Lost Cats

What would you do if your cat went missing and the advice you found online wasn’t working? Most people panic, print flyers, and shake a treat bag, but today’s guest says that’s exactly what not to do. In this episode, Amy sits down with lost cat expert and pet detective Kim Freeman, who shares what…

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 8, 2023

What to Expect at the Emergency Vet (Before You Go)

Do you know what to do before walking into the emergency vet? Most pet parents don’t think about it until it’s too late. You’re stressed, scared, and possibly facing big decisions without knowing what to expect. In this episode, Amy sits down with emergency vet Dr. Tyler Sugrrman-McGiffin to break …

Listen to the Episode
July 25, 2023

5 Ways to Help Your Pet Live Longer

What if a few simple changes could add years to your pet’s life? If you've ever worried about whether you're doing enough to keep your pet healthy, you're not alone. In this episode, Amy talks with holistic veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, to uncover the everyday ch…

Listen to the Episode
June 6, 2023

Is Your Dog’s Aggression a Warning Sign? What You Must Know

Ever feel like your dog’s aggression comes out of nowhere? You’re not alone—and the truth is, most pet parents miss the early warning signs until it’s too late. In this episode, Amy sits down with dog aggression expert Dr. Jim Crosby to uncover what’s really behind those scary outbursts. From body …

Listen to the Episode
May 23, 2023

How to Stop Dreading the Vet: Calmer Visits for You and Your Pet

Does your pet panic at the vet—or do you? Vet visits can be a major source of anxiety for pets and their people. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend and veterinarian, Dr. Arsue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo), to share practical tips to take the stress out of…

Listen to the Episode
May 16, 2023

Pet-Friendly Road Trip Hacks for a Stress-Free Adventure

Planning a road trip with your pets? Worried about how to make it safe, fun, and enjoyable? In this episode, Amy chats with pet travel expert Amy Burkert, founder of GoPetFriendly.com, to bring you the ultimate guide to hitting the road with your furry co-pilot. Whether you’re traveling cross-count…

Listen to the Episode