The Pet Connection

Big Blend Radio Network

From Rescue Stories to Pet Care and Behavior, the Big Blend Radio ”Pet Connection” Podcast Celebrates our Furry, Feathery, and Scaly Friends! New Episodes Featuring Expert Interviews and Conversations Air Every 3rd Wednesday.

  1. Oct 22

    Dr. Gary Richter: Halloween & Holiday Pet Safety Tips

    Halloween is a blast for us, but it can be a scary, and sometimes dangerous, night for the pets in our house. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Podcast, co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters and Lisa D. Smith sit down with veterinarian and best-selling author Dr. Gary Richter, known as America’s Favorite Veterinarian, to talk about keeping pets safe, calm and out of the candy stash. Dr. Richter explains why chocolate, xylitol and even peanut butter can be a problem. He also covers the tinsel, ribbon and string that look harmless but can cause trouble when a pet swallows them. We talk about skeleton décor and crafting projects, and about costumes and masks, including when the better choice is no costume at all. Then we get to the doorbell, the open door and the fight-or-flight moments that send pets running, and why microchips matter. We also cover why cats are safest indoors, what to do about fireworks and thunder shirts, and how to walk your dog past a yard full of decorations. Before we get to Halloween, Dr. Richter shares valuable insights about pet nutrition including allergies, overweight pets, dental health and what to look for on an ingredient label. He also tells us how to read your pet’s behavior and know when it’s time to call the vet. Whether you’re handing out candy, hosting a party or just trying to get through trick-or-treat hour with a nervous dog, this one is for you. 🔗 LINKS - Ultimate Pet Nutrition: https://ultimatepetnutrition.com/  - Dr. Gary Richter on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petvetexpert/  - Dr. Gary Richter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petvetexpert/?hl=en  - TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  - Pet Connection Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/pet-connection

  2. Oct 10

    Budget: The Real Cost of Buying and Owning a Horse

    B is for Budget! In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC’s of Horses" Podcast, world champion horse trainer Christy Wood gives an honest look at what it really costs to own a horse, and why planning ahead keeps a dream from turning into overwhelm. Christy starts with the horse itself and why the price depends on what you plan to do with it, then moves on to where your horse will live: zoning and subdivision rules, boarding stables, box stalls and turnout time, and why you should find out how a horse has been living before you bring it home. She also shares tips for shopping smart for tack, including trying used saddles on your own horse and checking used bridles for dry, cracked leather. From there, Christy digs into the ongoing expenses: blankets and shelter for winter, hay prices and buying once a year to lock in quality, switching feed gradually to protect a delicate digestive system, supplements, yearly vet checks, worming, teeth floating, farrier visits every six to seven weeks, and why a trailer is a security blanket in an emergency. Christy offers ballpark examples, but her advice is to research your own area and your own riding goals. Whether you’re dreaming of your first horse or already caring for one, this episode will help you plan ahead and avoid being caught off guard. Next month, Christy and Lisa turn to holiday shopping with a giving heart for horse lovers. 🔗 EXPLORE MORE 📚 Connect with Christy: https://wdnhorse.com/  🎧 ABC’s of Horses Podcast (the full A to Z): https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/abcs-of-horses-podcast  📖 ABC’s of Horses Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/abcs-of-horses-magazine  ❓ Ask Christy a question: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/contact-us

  3. Jun 13

    Understanding Horse Zoomies with Christy Wood

    It's a big milestone on this share episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABCs of Horses" Podcast, where producer Lisa D. Smith and world champion horse trainer Christy Wood made it all the way to Z! And Z is for Zoomies, that joyful, full-speed burst of energy every horse owner loves to watch. Christy breaks down what zoomies really mean, how to tell the difference between a happy horse blowing off steam and a stressed or fearful one, and why your horse needs plenty of safe space to really run, stop, and roll.  She also covers the role of diet and exercise in managing your horse's energy, how to read body language (especially that tail!), and why you should never try to ride out a bucking or rearing horse — let them get it out of their system first. Plus, toys and enrichment: does your horse want a ball to play with?  This wraps up over two years of the "ABCs of Horses" — but don't worry, Lisa and Christy aren't done! Next month, they kick off round two with a special "Get to Know Christy" episode that reflects over all the equestrian lessons learned in the series. Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more: https://wdnhorse.com/  🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com  📖 Check out the NEW ABC'S of Horses Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/

About

From Rescue Stories to Pet Care and Behavior, the Big Blend Radio ”Pet Connection” Podcast Celebrates our Furry, Feathery, and Scaly Friends! New Episodes Featuring Expert Interviews and Conversations Air Every 3rd Wednesday.