Pets Add Life

petsaddlife
Pets Add Life

Pets Add Life is a vibrant and engaging podcast dedicated to pet lovers and enthusiasts everywhere. Hosted by the dynamic duo Kristine Levine and Chris Bonifati, each episode dives into the heartwarming and sometimes hilarious world of pets. From the latest trends in pet care to heart-touching stories of animal companionship, ”Pets Add Life” brings together experts, industry leaders, and passionate pet owners to explore the myriad ways pets enrich our lives. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or considering adding a furry, scaly, or feathered friend to your family, ”Pets Add Life” promises insights, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for the animals that add so much joy to our world. Pets Add Life is brought to you by the APPA and DOGTV

  1. 15H AGO

    56. Live from WVC – Fear-Free Vet Care & the Future of Pet Wellness

    This week on Pets Add Life, we’re coming to you live from the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas! Kristen is joined by special co-host Dr. Jeff Werber, an Emmy Award-winning veterinarian and co-founder of Airvet, to bring you expert insights on modern pet care, stress-free vet visits, and the future of veterinary medicine. First, we sit down with Dr. Marty Becker, known as America’s Veterinarian, and Dr. Jennifer Merlo, VP of Operations at Fear Free. They share how Fear Free practices are revolutionizing vet care by reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets, and why more pet parents are seeking calmer, more compassionate veterinary experiences. Next, we talk with Dr. Audrey Wystrach, CEO & Founder of Petfolk, a rapidly growing veterinary company designed to make vet care easier, more accessible, and modernized for today’s pet parents. Dr. Wystrach discusses integrating telehealth, same-day appointments, and flexible care options to provide a seamless pet healthcare experience. Plus, we highlight two exciting pet products, answer listener questions about pet health and behavior, and share the latest veterinary trends shaping the future of pet wellness. Pet Product Recommendations: Nylabone 70th Anniversary Collection – Celebrating 70 years of chew toys, Nylabone is donating one toy to Best Friends Animal Society for every purchase in 2024.Shop Here: https://www.nylabone.com Airvet – 24/7 Telehealth for Pets – A game-changing veterinary telemedicine platform providing instant access to licensed veterinarians for urgent pet concerns, triage, and advice anytime, anywhere.Learn More: https://www.airvet.com Audience Q&A: Emily from Denver, CO: "My dog has been scratching incessantly lately, but I haven't noticed any fleas. What could be causing this, and how can I help alleviate his discomfort?" Michael from Austin, TX: "My indoor cat has suddenly started urinating outside the litter box. What are some common reasons for this behavior change, and what steps should I take to address it?"   Related Links & Resources: Fear Free – Stress-Free Vet Visits & TrainingLearn More: https://www.fearfreepets.com Petfolk – Modern Veterinary CareFind a Clinic Near You: https://www.petfolk.com Dr. Marty Becker – America’s VeterinarianOfficial Website: https://www.drmartybecker.com Airvet – Veterinary Telemedicine for Pet OwnersSign Up Here: https://www.airvet.com Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests:  Follow Dr. Marty Becker & Fear Free Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmartybecker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmartybecker Website: https://www.fearfreepets.com  Follow Dr. Audrey Wystrach & Petfolk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petfolkvet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petfolkvetWebsite: https://www.petfolk.com  Follow Dr. Jeff Werber & Airvet Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werbs_dvm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJeffWerberWebsite: https://www.airvet.com  Follow Pets Add Life for More Pet ContentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife  Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday! Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

    45 min
  2. MAR 11

    55.Humor, Music & the Heart of the Pet Community

    This week on Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris bring you two incredible guests who are making a huge impact in the pet world—through humor, storytelling, and community events! First, Walter "Skinni Go Live" Brown, a registered veterinary technician, social media influencer, and comedian, joins us to talk about his viral content that blends veterinary education with humor. Walter shares how he’s making vet medicine more accessible, his passion for mentorship, and what life is like with his impressive collection of exotic pets (hint: he has 30 tarantulas). Then, we head to Charleston, SC with Brian Foster, publisher of Lowcountry Dog Magazine and the mastermind behind Woofstock, a dog-friendly music festival bringing together pet lovers, live bands, and adoption events. Brian shares what’s in store for Woofstock 2025, how Charleston became one of the most dog-friendly cities, and the incredible ways his publication supports rescue efforts across the Carolinas. And, as always, we wrap up with two awesome pet products and answer listener questions about agility training, cat scratching, and planning the ultimate dog birthday party! Pet Product Recommendations: Chillin’ Chicken Treats – For Love of Pets – A healthy, calming dog treat marinated in chamomile broth for a natural stress-relief effect.Shop Here: https://forloveofpets.com Super Feedy 4-in-1 Slow Feeder Dog Bowl – A versatile, all-in-one feeding system that includes a slow feeder, storage container, and lick mat to help dogs eat at a healthier pace.Shop Here: https://superfeedy.com Audience Q&A: Jennifer from Boulder, CO: "I've been considering agility training for my Border Collie, but I’m not sure where to start. What are the benefits of agility beyond just exercise? Does it help with behavior or confidence? And how can a beginner get started?" Marco from Seattle, WA: "My cat, Felix, scratches a lot, and my arms are covered in little marks! I know he doesn’t mean to, but is there a way to train him to be gentler? What products or techniques can help prevent painful scratches while letting him express his natural instincts?" Vanessa from Atlanta, GA: "My sweet Poodle, Polly, is turning one soon, and I want to throw her an amazing birthday party! What are some fun ideas for decorations, treats, and activities? And are there any dos and don’ts when inviting other dogs?" Related Links & Resources: Woofstock Charleston – Dog-Friendly Music FestivalGet Tickets Here: https://woofstock.live Lowcountry Dog Magazine – Adoption Events & Pet NewsRead Here: https://www.lowcountrydog.com Follow Walter "Skinni Go Live" Brown for Vet Humor & EducationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinnigoliveFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkinniGoLiveTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skinnigolive Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests: Follow Brian Foster & Lowcountry Dog MagazineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowcountrydogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowcountrydogWebsite: https://www.lowcountrydog.com Follow Pets Add Life for More Pet ContentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday!Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV. v

    48 min
  3. MAR 4

    54. Mastering Dog Training & Unlocking Gut Health for Pets

    This week on Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris welcome two groundbreaking experts in the world of pet care! First up, Dr. Ian Dunbar, the legendary veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer who revolutionized puppy training with his SIRIUS Puppy Training method. A pioneer in reward-based training, Dr. Dunbar has shaped how we understand and train dogs. He’ll share insights on early socialization, positive reinforcement, and why dog training is going backward instead of forward—plus, what we can do to fix it! Then, we dive into the fascinating world of pet microbiomes with Dr. Holly Ganz, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of AnimalBiome. Dr. Ganz will explain why gut health is the key to your pet’s well-being, how microbiome testing can identify digestive issues, and how restoring gut balance can improve digestion, immunity, and even behavior. And as always, we’ll wrap things up with two exciting new pet products and answer listener questions about dog behavior, car anxiety, and even horse ownership! Pet Product Recommendations:  Little Gulp Ultimate Doggy Water Bottle – A filtered, travel-friendly water bottle for dogs, designed to keep water fresh and prevent backwash contamination.Shop Here: https://www.littlechunkpets.com/products/little-gulp-dog-water-bottle Katie’s Bumpers Fireballs – A super durable, floating dog toy made from recycled firehose material, designed for tugging, chewing, and enrichment.Shop Here: https://katiesbumpers.com/collections/firehose-dog-toys/products/fireball Audience Q&A: Lisa from Boulder, CO: "My dog is very friendly but gets overly excited and jumps on guests when they come over. I’ve tried telling him ‘off’ and rewarding him when he sits, but he still gets too excited and forgets his manners. What’s the best way to train him to calmly greet people?" Daniel from Seattle, WA: "My dog gets really anxious in the car—he whines, pants, and sometimes even refuses to get in. I want to take him on more road trips and make the experience enjoyable for him. What are some ways I can help him feel more comfortable and relaxed during car rides?" Related Links & Resources: Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Books & Training ResourcesLearn More: https://www.dunbaracademy.com AnimalBiome – Gut Health Testing for PetsVisit Here: https://www.animalbiome.com SIRIUS Puppy Training – Off-Leash Socialization & TrainingSign Up: https://www.siriuspup.com Dunbar Academy – Dog Training Videos & Online CoursesExplore Here: https://www.dunbaracademy.com Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests: Follow Dr. Ian Dunbar & Dunbar AcademyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunbaracademyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DunbarAcademyWebsite: https://www.dunbaracademy.com Follow Dr. Holly Ganz & AnimalBiomeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbiomeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalBiomeWebsite: https://www.animalbiome.com Follow Pets Add Life for More Pet ContentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday!Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    51 min
  4. FEB 25

    53. Dog Influencers, Social Media Trends & Holistic Cat Care

    In this special birthday episode of Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris celebrate with insightful conversations about dog-friendly social media, canine enrichment, and holistic feline care with two incredible guests. First, we welcome Tori Mistick, the creator of Wear Wag Repeat, an award-winning blog and podcast dedicated to dog lovers and pet business owners. As a certified canine enrichment specialist, Tori shares science-backed activities to help dogs thrive and discusses social media trends shaping the pet industry. Whether you're a pet business owner, an aspiring pet influencer, or just looking for fun activities for your dog, Tori has expert insights to share. Then, we chat with Layla Morgan Wilde, a holistic cat behaviorist, author, and founder of Cat Wisdom 101. Layla has spent decades advocating for feline welfare and educating pet parents on enrichment, holistic pet care, and the deep bond between humans and cats. She also created Black Cat Awareness Month, working to reshape perceptions and increase adoption rates for black cats. In this episode, Layla offers practical advice on feline behavior, enrichment strategies, and how to make life better for your indoor cat. Pet Product Recommendations: Grounds & Hounds Coffee – A mission-driven coffee company that donates 20% of proceeds to animal rescues. Try their popular Snow Day Blend for a warm winter treat.Shop Here: https://groundsandhoundscoffee.com Catit Self-Grooming Wall Brush – A budget-friendly $5 cat grooming tool that attaches to walls, letting cats scratch and groom themselves effortlessly.Shop Here: https://www.catit.com/shop/self-groomer-with-catnip Audience Q&A: Jake from Austin, TX: "My dog, Buddy, is super friendly with humans but shy around other dogs. How can I help him socialize without overwhelming him?" Sarah from Denver, CO: "I keep hearing about canine enrichment. What are some easy, everyday ways I can keep my dog mentally stimulated?" Emily from Portland, OR: "My dog, Charlie, is bored with his usual toys. I’ve tried rotating them, but he’s not interested anymore. Any fun, original games or DIY activities to keep things exciting?" Related Links & Resources: Wear Wag Repeat – Dog Blog & Pet Business ResourcesVisit Here: https://wearwagrepeat.com Wear Wag Repeat Podcast – Interviews for Dog Lovers & Pet EntrepreneursListen Here: https://wearwagrepeat.com/podcast Cat Wisdom 101 – Feline Enrichment & Holistic Behavior TipsVisit Here: https://catwisdom101.com Black Cat Awareness Month – Advocacy & Adoption SupportLearn More: https://catwisdom101.com/black-cat-awareness-month Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests: Follow Tori Mistick & Wear Wag RepeatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearwagrepeatFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearwagrepeatWebsite: https://wearwagrepeat.com Follow Layla Morgan Wilde & Cat Wisdom 101 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catwisdom101Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatWisdom101Website: https://catwisdom101.com Follow Pets Add Life for More Pet ContentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday!Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

    50 min
  5. FEB 19

    52. Westminster Dogs & Vet Expo Insights

    A winter-themed episode featuring playful elephants, top veterinarians at Westminster, and pet behavior tips from Chewy’s expert! Join hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati as they bring you an episode packed with snowy fun, exciting pet industry updates, and invaluable pet wellness tips. This week, we share an adorable story of elephants experiencing snow, discuss the latest in pet supplements, and take you behind the scenes at two major pet industry events: Westminster Dog Show and VMX Veterinary Expo. Stories of the Week: Elephants Play in the Snow! – The Houston Zoo experienced rare snowfall, and the elephants had a blast! (Watch the video here: https://www.nbc.com/houston-elephants-snow) The Rise of Pet Supplements – More pet parents are turning to supplements to prevent costly vet bills. We break down why this trend is booming and how the right supplements can benefit your pet. Exclusive Interviews from Westminster Dog Show Chris Reports from Westminster – Chris visits the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and interviews two top veterinarians: Dr. Jai Diggs, the first-ever resident vet of Westminster Kennel Club Dr. Callie Harris, Senior Vet Communications Manager at Purina Topics Covered: What a Westminster vet does behind the scenes How pet parents can improve their dog’s nutrition for longevity The importance of mentorship in the veterinary field Avian Flu concerns: What pet parents need to know Watch the Westminster segment: https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org Inside VMX: The World’s Largest Vet Expo Kristen at VMX – Kristen attends VMX Veterinary Expo in Florida, where she interviews Dr Tiffany Tupler from Chewy about pet behavior and telehealth. Topics Covered: How Chewy’s Connect with a Vet offers FREE pet health guidance The biggest mistakes pet parents make with anxious pets How to recognize early signs of fear and anxiety in dogs How behavior training can strengthen the human-animal bond Connect with a Vet for FREE on Chewy: https://www.chewy.com/connect-with-a-vet Products of the Week: My Petite Puppy Dog Chair – A luxurious wheeled chair that lets your small dog sit next to you anywhere! Perfect for work-from-home pet parents. $299 at My Petite Puppy: https://www.mypetitepuppy.com WinPet Outdoor Cat Enclosure – A pre-built catio that brings the outdoors in for your cat without DIY hassle! $399 at WinPet: https://www.winpet.com/catio Audience Questions: Megan from Seattle: “What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing your pets have ever done?”Kristen’s Answer: Her tiny dog Tulip once chased a mama bear with cubs—thankfully, everyone was safe!Chris’s Answer: He tried putting his cat Tiger on a leash for an outdoor adventure, but she just turned around and walked back inside. Submit Your Question for Next Week: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Follow Our Guests & Resources: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – https://www.westminsterkennelclub.orgChewy’s Connect with a Vet – https://www.chewy.com/connect-with-a-vetVMX Veterinary Expo – https://navc.com/vmx Follow Pets Add Life & Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife New Episodes Every Tuesday! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

    49 min
  6. FEB 11

    51. Picture-Perfect Pets & Valentine's Day Treats

    A cozy winter episode with expert pet photographer Darlene Woodward and Wufers’ Skylar Crook! As Valentine's Day approaches, we’re bringing love and creativity to the pet world! Join hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati as they dive into the world of winter pet photography and gourmet dog treats in this heartwarming episode. Guests: Darlene Woodward – Capturing Pets in the Magic of Winter Renowned pet photographer and positive dog trainer Darlene Woodward shares her inspiring journey from training her rescued Husky, Kota, to becoming a sought-after pet photographer. Specializing in stunning winter portraits, Darlene offers expert photography tips and advice for making every shot special—even with reactive pets. Topics Covered with Darlene: How her dog Kota inspired her career shift from flight attendant to pet photographer. The beauty of winter photography and how snow creates a magical backdrop. Tips for pet parents who want to take professional-looking pet photos at home. How to photograph reactive or anxious pets without stress. The importance of capturing memories with our pets before it's too late. Follow Darlene’s work at:Pant The Town Photography "pant the town photography Skylar Crook – Gourmet Dog Treats for Special Occasions Skylar Crook, Director of Marketing at Wufers, joins us to discuss the art of dog treats! Wufers specializes in hand-decorated, human-grade treats that make every celebration memorable. From birthdays to Valentine's Day, Skylar shares how these beautiful cookies bring joy to both dogs and their humans. Topics Covered with Skylar: How Wufers started and what makes their treats special. The importance of high-quality, human-grade ingredients in dog treats. How Wufers creates beautiful, bakery-style cookies that are as fun for pet parents as they are for dogs. The rising trend of celebrating special occasions with pets. Wufers' Valentine’s Day treat box—perfect for spoiling your pup this February. Find Wufers treats at:Wufers Official WebsiteWufers on Amazon Products of the Week: Oral Health Test for Dogs Washable Reusable Gel Lint Roller Skylar’s Pick: Wufers Valentine’s Day Dog Cookie BoxTreat your pup to a hand-decorated, gourmet cookie box this Valentine’s Day! Featuring adorable heart-shaped designs and made with locally sourced ingredients, this treat box makes for paw-some Instagram-worthy moments.Get it on Wufers: Wufers Valentine’s Box Audience Questions: From Sarah in Austin, TX:"If there’s an emergency, how do I know whether I should rush my pet to a clinic or if it can wait? I often worry about overreacting or, worse, not acting quickly enough."  From Michael in Portland, OR:"My dog seems to have constant ear trouble—shaking his head and scratching. Could it be an infection? What’s the best way to handle this, and how can I prevent it in the future?" From Lisa in Denver, CO:"Are there any supplements I should be giving my pet, like vitamins or joint support? How do I know which ones are actually beneficial?"   Links & Resources: Dog Adoption Success Program (for new pet parents!):https://www.doglifetraining.com/adoption-success-program 📍 Urban Coyotes & Evolutionary Research:https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/coyote-genes-may-show-urban-evolution-at-work 📍 The Puppy Bowl – Adoption Awareness Event:https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl 📍 Follow Our Guests: Darlene Woodward Photography:https://www.instagram.com/paintthetownphotography/ Wufers Dog Treats (Official Website):https://www.wufers.com/ Wufers Dog Treats (Amazon Store):https://www.amazon.com/Wufers   Follow Us & Stay Connected: Follow Pets Add Life on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife 🎙 Subscribe & Listen:New episodes every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube! Submit Your Questions for the Sho

    44 min
  7. FEB 4

    50. Inside the Westminster Dog Show & Revolutionizing Veterinary Care

    In this episode of the Pets Add Life podcast, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati bring you an in-depth look at two of the most exciting developments in the pet world. First, Dr. Don Sturz, President of the Westminster Kennel Club, joins the show to give an exclusive preview of the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, happening this week. As one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world returns to New York City, Dr. Sturz shares: What makes this year's Westminster Dog Show special and why its return to Madison Square Garden is significant The behind-the-scenes process of running an event of this scale How Westminster champions philanthropy and animal welfare, including their work with the Purple Leash Initiative His personal journey in the dog show world and how his love for dogs has shaped his life Next, Dr. Emily Hubbard, Chief Medical Officer at Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP), discusses her work in transforming veterinary care. VIP is a growing network of nearly 70 veterinarian-owned-and-operated hospitals across 12 states. Dr. Hubbard explains: The biggest challenges facing veterinarians today and how VIP is tackling them Why mental health and work-life balance are crucial for veterinarians and how that benefits pets and their owners VIP’s approach to mentorship, training, and hospital expansion to improve veterinary care How pet owners can support their veterinarians and build better relationships with them This episode is packed with insights for pet owners, dog lovers, and anyone interested in the future of veterinary medicine.   Products of the Week Hertzko Self-Cleaning Pet Brush Ideal for dogs and cats Retractable bristles make cleaning easy Reduces shedding and keeps pet coats healthy TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Gel for Cats Natural formula that fights plaque and tartar buildup Simple gel application for easy use Helps maintain fresh breath and better oral health for cats Listener Questions Jenna from Portland, Oregon"I'm thinking about getting a bunny as a pet for the first time. What are some key things I should know before bringing one home, and how can I create a safe and happy environment for them?" Mark from Austin, Texas"My dog Max is constantly scratching and biting at his skin. It seems like he is super itchy all the time. What could be causing this, and how can I help him feel more comfortable?" Lisa from Denver, Colorado"I have a young, high-energy golden retriever and I want to make sure he is getting enough exercise. How much activity should I aim for each day to keep him healthy and happy?" Follow and Connect Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X & YouTube Follow DOGTV on Instagram, Facebook & X   Related Links and Resources Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: westminsterkennelclub.org Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP): vip-vet.com Purple Leash Initiative – Supporting Domestic Abuse Survivors and Their Pets: Purple Leash Project This episode offers a unique look at one of the biggest events in the dog world, along with an important discussion on the future of veterinary medicine. Subscribe and tune in every Tuesday for more insights and stories from the pet industry.

    47 min
  8. JAN 28

    49. Paws, Hearts, and Breakthroughs – The Science of Connection and Training for a Better Pet Life

    In this engaging and heartfelt episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonafati deliver insights, warmth, and fun as they dive into the science of pet-owner connections and practical training strategies. With two expert guests and exciting product recommendations, this episode is packed with value for every pet lover. Guests Dr. Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SAVeterinary surgeon and media personality Dr. Courtney Campbell discusses the launch of Pet Surgery Week in March and shares insights into advanced veterinary care. From using CT scans to arthroscopy, Dr. Campbell highlights how awareness events empower pet parents to provide optimal care for their pets. Grisha StewartGlobally renowned dog trainer, author, and founder of the Grisha Stewart Academy, Grisha introduces her Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) methodology, which helps reactive dogs build confidence and trust through positive and empathetic techniques. She also shares exciting updates about her online academy and courses for trainers and pet parents. Show Highlights Storytime:Chris dives into a fascinating story about bees and environmental allergy management, while Kristen shares an intriguing study from the University of Helsinki proving that dogs’ heart rates sync with their owners during bonding activities. These tales reveal the extraordinary connection between humans, pets, and nature. Guest Interviews: Dr. Courtney Campbell talks about Pet Surgery Week, making surgery less intimidating, and using cutting-edge technology to elevate pet care. Grisha Stewart shares her journey to creating the BAT methodology, focusing on understanding canine emotions and practical tools for helping reactive dogs. Products of the Week Knead Therapeutic Bed for Cats Designed for senior cats and those with arthritis, this memory foam bed offers nano heating technology for gentle warmth and ergonomic support. Perfect for cold days and cats with joint pain. Website: kneadcats.com Green Juju Just Greens Supplement A simple, nutrient-dense topper made from whole-food ingredients to boost your dog’s health. Great for adding vitamins and minerals to meals. Website: greenjuju.com Audience Questions Taylor from Chicago, IL:“I think my cat Biscuit might have separation anxiety. She seems stressed and destructive when I’m gone. Is this a real thing, and how can I help her?”Kristen and Chris address the reality of feline separation anxiety and share enrichment strategies like interactive toys and maintaining a predictable routine. Marcus from Denver, CO:“My dog Max isn’t a fan of socializing and gets nervous in groups. How can I help him without overwhelming him?”Chris and Kristen discuss gradual exposure, using positive reinforcement, and respecting your dog’s comfort zones. Related Links Dr. Courtney Campbell: Visit Stitches Veterinary Surgery Center and follow him on Instagram: @DrCourtneyDVM. Grisha Stewart Academy: Explore over 160 dog behavior courses: grishastewart.com. Dog Heart Rate Synchronization Study (University of Helsinki): Read more here: www.helsinki.fi/dog-study. Knead Therapeutic Bed: kneadcats.com. Green Juju Just Greens Supplement: greenjuju.com. Social Channels Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X & YouTube Follow DOGTV on Instagram, Facebook & X   This episode celebrates the powerful emotional bonds we share with pets and equips listeners with science-backed training techniques and cutting-edge medical advice. Whether you’re managing your pet’s health, navigating training challenges, or just learning how to love your furry friends better, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in and share the joy of pet parenthood! 🐾

    48 min

    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    3 Ratings

    About

    Pets Add Life is a vibrant and engaging podcast dedicated to pet lovers and enthusiasts everywhere. Hosted by the dynamic duo Kristine Levine and Chris Bonifati, each episode dives into the heartwarming and sometimes hilarious world of pets. From the latest trends in pet care to heart-touching stories of animal companionship, ”Pets Add Life” brings together experts, industry leaders, and passionate pet owners to explore the myriad ways pets enrich our lives. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or considering adding a furry, scaly, or feathered friend to your family, ”Pets Add Life” promises insights, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for the animals that add so much joy to our world. Pets Add Life is brought to you by the APPA and DOGTV

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