Life with Pets (Buddies by Blue Buffalo)

What does the best diet look like for your pet? Well, every animal is different, but Dr. Evan Antin, a veterinarian at Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital, has some useful tips for all pet parents looking to keep their pets’ guts happy and healthy.

Tune in to learn:

• Pet parent advice - how to be proactive with weight gain/loss (6:30) 
• What does an ideal diet look like for your pet? (9:00)
• What to avoid feeding your pet (16:00)
• Resources for pet parents (21:00)

Mentions

• Blue Basics
• Blue Buffalo

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.

In Mexico, there are animals who are in desperate need of help and a society in need of more education. The Balam Foundation is working to address both those concerns and it is saving the lives of countless cats along the way. On this episode, Phaedra Barratt, the founder of Balam Foundation, explains how the culture and poverty in Mexico has led to an animal welfare crisis, and what we can all do to help right now.

Tune in to learn:

• What is the Balam Foundation (3:50)
• Understanding the animal crisis in Mexico (6:50)
• The impact of the foundation (11:00)
• How old myths are leading to dire situations for cats (15:00)

Mentions:

• The Balam Foundation https://www.balamfoundation.org/
• Balam Says Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balam_says/?hl=en

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

http://www.mission.org.

If we could bring our pets everywhere with us, we probably would. Luckily, traveling with your pet is becoming more and more feasible. So what do Pet Parents need to know? Bryan Reisberg, the man behind Little Chonk pet carriers, and Dr. Paige Hashimoto, a licensed vet and pet travel expert, share their insights on this episode.

Tune in to learn:

• How bringing your pet on adventures can have an impact (1:00)
• Some basic considerations if you want to travel with your pet (4:20)
• Preparing to fly with your pet (7:35)
• Tips and resources for flying internationally (11:30)
• Must-haves when traveling with your pet (14:30)

Mentions:

• Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Pets and children give parents incredible amounts of fulfillment. But what’s even better is when our pets and our children share a bond that brings joy to each of them. In this episode, Rashi Wiese, a former social worker and current co-host of Lucky Dog on CBS, explains the benefits of bringing pets and children together, sharing advice on how to ease each side into the relationship from the beginning.

Tune in to learn:

• The benefits of having both dogs and children (4:30)
• How pets and children can form bonds (8:30)
• Preparing to bring a baby into a home with pets (11:00)
• Letting children and pets come together safely (23:00)
• Helping family members understand and grieve the end of a pet’s life (26:30)
• Bringing a new pet home and helping children understand the new responsibilities of a pet (31:00)

Mentions:

• Lucky Dog
• Happy Puppy LA
• How to Cope With The Loss of a Pet

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Oftentimes, when a veteran returns to civilian life, it’s a difficult transition. But dogs can help ease them through those rocky stretches. BJ Ganem knows this first hand, and as the founder and CEO of Sierra Delta, he’s bringing more awareness and assistance to the veteran community thanks to the power of dogs. 

Tune in to learn:

• What is Sierra Delta? (6:00)
• The goals veterans have for their dogs (11:50)
• What kind of investment is needed to train a dog in a way that works for you? (13:00)
• The two-way relationship between dogs and humans (17:30)
• How to get involved with Sierra Delta (23:10)

Mentions:

• Billy Dawson
• Walmart + Sierra Delta

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

http://www.mission.org.

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. 

Tune in to learn:

• How does having a pet affect a person’s brain? (4:20)
• The roles that animals play in people’s medical journeys (7:35)
• Is there a future where medical professionals can play a more active role in pairing humans with pets who can help them? (9:15)
• How can humans better take care of themselves so they can be the best Pet Parents? (14:25)
• How pets can help children learn valuable life lessons (25:00)

Mentions:

• Life’s Essential Eight https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001078
• The Power of Pets: Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

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.    

Tune in to learn:

• Life’s toughest curveball (0:30)
• Wishing for a puppy (2:00)
• Finding the perfect fit (3:55)
• Making a wish come true (5:40)
• The light in the darkness (11:50)

Mentions:

• Make-A-Wish

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

http://www.mission.org.

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.

Download the Buddies app now by visiting LifewithPetsPodcast.com.

As humans, we know why it’s important to take care of our teeth and we take steps to keep them healthy. But oftentimes we don’t do the same for our pets. On this episode, we’ll hear from Jae and Adrienne, AKA the Two Crazy Cat Ladies, about the lessons they learned the hard way about their pets’ dental health. And then Dr. Todd McCoy, a board certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon, explains everything we need to know about what’s going on in our pets’ mouths and what we can do to keep them healthy.

Tune in to learn:

• The story of the Two Crazy Cat Ladies (0:05)
• The basics about pet oral health (3:30)
• How often should you be brushing your pets’ teeth? (5:45)
• Why does your pet need to go under anesthesia? (8:20)
• Common symptoms and signs to look out for (14:18)
• The timeline of teething (15:45)
• Ways to keep your pet’s mouth healthy (19:55)
• What’s preventable when it comes to dental health problems? (24:45)
• The full picture of pet oral health (30:30)
   

Mentions:

• Lone Star Animal Dentist
• Texas Veterinary Dental Center
• AVMA
• Veterinary Oral Health Council
• Two Crazy Cat Ladies

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Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

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. 

Tune in to learn:

• Understanding the basics of pet food packaging (3:00)
• Breaking down the language of sustainability (10:15)
• Behind the scenes of designing innovative packaging (22:15)
• Where can Pet Parents find reusable options? (23:47)
• Thinking beyond sustainability (32:45)

Mentions:

• Pet Sustainability Coalition
• Walmart Loop Packaging
• Bag and Film Recycling

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

http://www.mission.org.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest parts of being a Pet Parent. Lap of Love tries to make the process as easy and beautiful as possible. On this episode, Dr. Dani McVety, the founder and CEO of Lap of Loves, guides us through the tough questions that surround the end of life for our pets, and how we can give them the most compassionate send-off possible. 

Tune in to learn:

• The powerful work of Lap of Love (5:00)
• Dr. McVety’s personal journey (7:45)
• How to know when it’s time (14:05)
• Dealing with feelings of guilt (23:15)
• Going through the grieving process (26:00)
• Finding the joy in your pet’s life (31:00)
• The four budgets to consider when thinking about the end (35:40)

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at 

https://bluebuffalo.com/buddies/?utm_referrer=lifewithpetspodcast.com

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.  

Tune in to learn:

• How Kerri began her research about human-animal bonds (3:45)
• What happens in the human-animal connection (8:30)
• The difference between human friendships and your relationship with animals (10:30)
• The benefits of being a Pet Parent (15:00)
• How human-animal relationships extend into other parts of life (21 :00)
• Understanding the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs (23:10)
• Why it’s important to continue researching these bonds (30:10)

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

http://www.mission.org

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. 

Tune in to learn:

• Champ’s story with sensitivities(0:00)
• Bringing home a new addition (6:00)
• How to stay in tune with your pet (10:00)
• Finding a community of other Pet Parents (15:00)
• How Kelly got started on social media (17:00)
• The ways our pets can still surprise us (24:00)

Mentions:

• Blue Buffalo Prescription Diet

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

You often hear about medical mysteries in the human world, and the various ways human healthcare is evolving. But what about for 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 benefitfrom 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.

Tune in to learn:

• How the Morris Animal Foundation works to fund research (7:00)
• Major success stories that Morris Animal Foundation has helped fund and how it impacts pet parents (13:00)
• Some baseline things pet parents should be tracking to understand their pet’s health (20:00)
• More information about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (27:00)
• Helpful tips for all Pet Parents (31:00)
• How to get involved with Morris Animal Foundation (39:00)

Mentions:

• Morris Animal Foundation
• Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

There is often confusion about the difference 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.

Tune in to learn:

• What could be causing increased nipping? (3:00)
• What are the differences between positive and negative reinforcement? (7:30)
• The science of dog training (9:35)
• Clearing up misconceptions about what negative conditioning is (17:22)
• Is there a right and wrong way to train? (26:40)
• When to call in a professional (32:08)

Mentions:

• IAABC.org
• Lucky Dog

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

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. Victoria 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.  

Tune in to learn:

• How common is it for pets to be nervous at the vet? (6:15)
• The different ways to train your pet to reduce fear (9:15)
• Can you be giving your pet too many treats during training? (16:05)
• Can you train your cat? (25:30)

Mentions:

• https://fearfreepets.com/

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Many of us have busy lives that take us here, there, and everywhere. We want to be with our pets 24/7, but for most people, it’s simply not feasible. This is especially true for NFL player Marquan McCall, who has three dogs and a packed schedule. On this episode, we hear about Marquan’s challenges for the first few minutes, followed by expert advice from Eric Wiese, certified trainer and host of Lucky Dog on CBS. Eric offers lots of helpful tips to busy pet parents who want to make sure their dogs and cats are cared for in the best possible ways.

Tune in to learn:

• What to consider if you have a busy lifestyle and want a pet (3:30)
• How to pick the right breed for your lifestyle (4:40)
• Helping your pet adjust to a lifestyle change (8:25)
• Dealing with guilt as a Pet Parent (10:20)
• How to find a good caretaker for your pet when you’re away (16:30)
• Training tips for nervous Pet Parents (20:50)
• Ensuring your pet can travel well, in flight or on road trips (29:15)

Mentions:

• Certified Professional Dog Walker https://www.ccpdt.org/
• Happy Puppy LA https://www.happypuppyla.com/

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

What do you get when you let an animal into your life? The answer is different for everyone, but for most, life is forever changed. This is especially true for Mike Arms, President of the world-renowned Helen Woodward Animal Center. On one fateful day, an animal saved his life, and he has spent every day since repaying the favor. In this episode, hear how he’s helped thousands of worthy shelters and millions of animals. And learn how you can bring home your own pet companion through these worldwide programs.

Tune in to learn:

• Mike’s lifetime of service to animals (5:18)
• About Helen Woodward and its “facility of the future” (9:16)
• How Helen Woodward facilitates worldwide adoptions (19:00)

Mentions:

• Kathy Rice
• Katherine Heigl

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

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.

Tune in to learn:

• The comedy cats bring to our lives (5:45)
• Keeping cats busy during the day (9:45)
• Bringing new pets together (12:35)
• How to make life as a Pet Parent easier (18:15)
• Can you train your cat? (21:15)
• What it’s like working with animals on set (27:10)
• How Sprinkles the cat was born (33:25)

Mentions:

• The Office 
• The Office Ladies

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

http://www.mission.org.

Veterans, by definition, are selfless in their service to their country. When a veteran has a service or emotional support animal, they receive the same level of selfless support. On this episode, Stefanie Marvin-Miller, the Human Resources and Veteran Manager for Sierra Delta, discusses the impact service animals make in the veteran community, and how you can get involved to help, as well.

Tune in to learn:

• How one dog turned a life around (0:10)
• Understanding what service animals do (4:15)
• Bringing dogs and veterans together (5:30)
• The bond between a human and their dog (10:10)
• Bringing the veteran community together (12:00)
• The ripple effects of a dog (18:55)
• How to help those who are struggling (22:40)
• How to get involved with Sierra Delta (32:00)

Mentions:

• Sierra Delta
• BJ Ganem’s episode of Life with Pets

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

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.

Tune in to learn:

• Christie’s personal pet story (0:15)
• What is pet insurance (4:15)
• Is pet insurance really worth the money? (7:20)
• Breaking down the barriers to entry that hold pet parents back (11:45)
• Understanding all the costs associated with your pet (19:00)
• Taking the first step to getting pet insurance (25:20)

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

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 loved 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.

Tune in to learn:

• How Donna and Stray Rescue steps in to save animals (6:00)
• Some of the biggest misconceptions about rescue pets (10:00)
• The adoption process and being paired with the right pet (13:00)
• Rehabbing a rescue dog (16:00)
• The partnership with Kenny Chesney (19:00)
• Mental strategies that keep Donna going when dealing with tough situations (21:00)
• What to do if you come across an animal in need (23:00)

Mentions:

• Kenny Chesney Partnership

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

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.

Tune in to learn:

• The early days of Dr. Kwane’s work on the streets (3:30)
• The kitten who inspired Dr. Kwane to revamp his shelter (7:00)
• Why you shouldn’t judge individuals who experience homelessness who have pets (8:45)
• Common issues Dr. Kwane sees in the animals he treats (14:05)
• Building trust with people and pets (21:14)
• How you can get involved (24:45)

Mentions:

• Project Street Vet

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues Pet Parents experience with their furry family members. It’s a difficult challenge, but not one without a solution! Eric Wiese, a certified trainer and the host of Lucky Dog on CBS, joins us on Life with Pets to help Pet Parents understand what causes separation anxiety in dogs, and what we can do to help.  

Tune in to learn:

• How common is separation anxiety in pets? (4:00)
• Signs to look for if you think your dog might have separation anxiety (7:45)
• Understanding the severity of the issue (10:00)
• How to treat separation anxiety (12:50)
• Forming the appropriate bonds with your pets (15:45)
• Being proactive to avoid issues (28:40)

Mentions:

• IAABC.org
• The Humane Society
• Lucky Dog

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

We all love a redemption story. We want to see an underdog rise to the top. Eric and Rashi Wiese, the co-hosts of Lucky Dog, work with literal underdogs – animals who have endured a wide range of circumstances, and who deserve a second chance. Eric and Rashi explain the key pillars of successful training, and share tips Pet Parents can use to not just train, but understand their own pets better every day. 

Tune in to learn:

• One dog’s incredible rehabilitation story (0:30)
• What is positive reinforcement training? (4:00)
• When and how to implement training (6:00)
• How to put yourself into the mind of your pet (15:00)
• Can your dog smell fear? (22:00)
• Is there such a thing as an “unadoptable dog?” (30:00)
• Looking for signs of distress in your dog (35:00)

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.