Pet Peeves - hot-button pet issues that make owners growl, wag and purr, or bare their teeth - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.com) artwork

Pet Peeves - hot-button pet issues that make owners growl, wag and purr, or bare their teeth - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.com)

83 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 12 years ago - ★★★★ - 6 ratings

What Makes You Howl? What Hisses You Off?

These pet podcasts on Pet Life Radio shine a light on hot-button pet issues that make owners growl, wag and purr, or bare their teeth. Host Amy Shojai brings together an array of top animal experts to discuss, explain--and sometimes argue about--common and not-so-common pet peeves.

Do you have an opinion about breed bans? What about declawing cats, or keeping “exotic” pets? Has your city limited the number of critters you can keep? Opened a dog park? Closed the shelter? Maybe pet food choices raise your hackles, your nasty next-door-neighbor critters potty in your roses, or Mom treats her Chihuahua better than you. Do “whispering” dog trainers make you shout with joy--or scream with frustration? When does veterinary costs become too rich for your (pure)blood?

People love pets with a passion, but not all passionate pet lovers agree. PET PEEVES showcases pro and con opinions about deadly-serious to seriously-funny issues that irk pet-aholics of every purr-suasion.

Dare to join host Amy Shojai each week for lively discussions that (gasp!) may even change your mind. Prepare to be challenged, entertained, and potentially PEEVED... but never, ever bored... on Pet Life Radio.

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Episodes

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 32 Dancing With Dogs: The World Canine Freestyle Organization

December 10, 2008 23:36 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MB

Has the economy curbed your spending? Are you looking for cheap thrills? Is your dog the "star" of your household? Have we got the show for you! Enjoy your own "Dancing with the Stars" success with Canine Freestyle...dancing with your dog! Patie Ventre, the founder of the World Canine Freestyle Organization, explains all the fancy footwork involved in creating this innovative dog sport--and how to get your dogs involved. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Dancing With Dogs: The Wo...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 31 A Foundation Of Love -- Morris Animal Foundation

November 24, 2008 21:56 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MB

If you share your life with a cat, dog, horse, or love the idea of keeping wildlife healthy--you have the Morris Animal Foundation to thank. Founded in 1948, the Foundation has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research benefiting animals all over the world. Yet there are some illnesses and concerns that have dogged our pets--and especially our cats--for years. Dr. Patricia Olson, the President and CEO (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) describes some of the special initiative...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 30 Acting Up: The American Humane Keeping Animal Actors Safe

November 13, 2008 16:21 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MB

An earlier program offered some history and insight into how animals have been treated in movies and TV. This show brings you up to date with the current state of animal actors, and how The American Humane Association leads the charge for humane care. Karen Rosa has worked behind-the-scenes for more than 18 years, keeping critters safe while the cameras are rolling, and when they stop. Hear about what happened on the set of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Greatest American Dog, and other shows. Lear...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 29 Acting Up: Animal In Media--The Real Story

October 30, 2008 17:04 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MB

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! plus dogs, cats, birds, wolves, spiders and more. Do animals in movies make you smile? Critters on camera certainly sell products, and can be big business for the entertainment industry. But there's a sordid history of abuse used to get those "exciting/enthralling" shots. And even today, with American Humane Association leading the charge for humane care, some studios know how to get around the anti-cruelty laws. For instance, they'll film "ify" footage in M...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 28 Feral Friends: TNR for "Community Cats"

October 16, 2008 20:06 - 39 minutes - 18 MB

The un-owned cats of America caterwaul from alleyways, give birth in woodpiles, and slink beneath dumpsters eking out a meager existence on the scraps of civilization. Nobody knows how many live homeless and unloved, but wherever cats gather, controversy soon follows. Many "solutions" have been tried, and opinions abound regarding the best way to deal with un-owned and feral felines. In the last decade, a small army of dedicated and caring cat advocates has come to believe that TNR is a viabl...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 27 Canine Houligans: Teaching Polite Behavior

October 08, 2008 17:05 - 38 minutes - 17.4 MB

Does the vet cringe when your dog appears? Are relatives and neighbors dodging your visits? We love our dogs, and expect everyone else to appreciate them, too. But dogs aren't born with human social skills and need help learning the ropes. Even dogs who SIT-STAY-COME in your own back yard become doggy delinquents when out on the town. Join dog trainer and book author Lorie Long to learn how you can have A DOG WHO'S ALWAYS WELCOME (her new book). More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Ca...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 26 Deadly Beauty? Breeding for Looks

September 16, 2008 20:53 - 45 minutes - 20.9 MB

With more than 400 recognized dog breeds around the world, there's a smorgasbord of choices for the picky pet lover. But should looks rule our hearts? Can breeding for specific traits cause quirky canine consequences? Experts say pedigree dogs are plagued by more than 500 genetic disorders, from back problems and birthing difficulties to blindness and seizures. What in dog's name are breeders thinking! Are they blinded by shiny cups and satin ribbons? Listen as pet health journalist Christi...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 25 Pet Psychics: Real Deal or Charlatans?

September 05, 2008 12:28 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MB

Wouldn't you love to know what Zipper and Honcho think? Can a pet psychic explain why the cat stopped using the litter box, or the reason your dog hates Aunt Gretchen, simply by looking at a picture? There are hundreds of thousands of "Animal Communicators" ready and willing to do just that--for a nominal fee, of course! Do you get what you pay for? Are pet psychics legit or do they prey on gullible pet lovers? Have YOU ever "heard" your pet's thoughts? Hear what Beth Adelman, a pet expert an...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 24 Mandating Responsibility: Spay-Neuter Laws

September 02, 2008 17:16 - 39 minutes - 17.9 MB

Many cities across the country want to force you to fix your cats and dogs. They say making it a law will cut pet overpopulation and save money we now unwanted animals.But these laws actually cost MORE, and can work against successful programs like TNR (trap-neuter-return for feral cats). Can you legislate responsibility? Who will bear the cost? Will new laws work when old ones haven't been enforced? Steve Dale, a pet expert and media personality in Chicago, weighs in. . More details on ...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 23 Pawsitive Parenting: Raising Kids with Pets

August 18, 2008 21:44 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MB

Modern childhood, filled with video games, text messages, and MTV, seems far removed from the farm and field encounters of yore. Does it make a differences? Let me know your thoughts at www.shojai.com. Should the "Green Revolution" include back-to-nature encouters with companion animals and wildlife? Are children suffering from a disconnect with the natural world around them? Listen as co-authors Christine Hamer, MS, CCBC and Margaret Hevel, RN, BSN, PHN discuss their book, "Parenting w...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 22 Nip-Tuck: Cropping & Docking

July 21, 2008 17:56 - 37 minutes - 17 MB

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and have been bred for centuries to have a certain "look." But we don't stop there. Many newborn pups get their tails docked--without pain medicine or anesthesia!--and/or ears cropped by twelve weeks of age, simply to satisfy our taste for a given style. But do these surgeries offer any benefit to the dog? What about negative consequences? Some countries deem it unethical or even illegal to crop or dock ears or tails. Dr. Lore I. Haug, a veterinary behav...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 21 Cloning Around--Best Friends Again?

July 10, 2008 15:44 - 38 minutes - 17.8 MB

We've all mourned the passing of a special pet friend. If you could, would you bring Sparky back? No longer science fiction, Dolly the Sheep made cloning a reality and today if you have the bucks, it's possible! But is it ethical? Will cloning take away from shelter adoptions? Is the $100,000+ price tag worth the service? Should your funds instead be aimed at more "worthy" goals? Will duplicating that one-in-a-million Sparky devalue the pet experience? Listen as CEO Lou Hawthorne of Bio...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 20 Cat-astrophe! Adopt-A-Cat Month

July 02, 2008 17:25 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MB

It's a national tragedy that a special month promoting cat adoptions is necessary. But the ugly truth is, there are many more cats and kittens than available homes. When the spring and summer romances results in a bumper crop of kittens, shelters need all the help they can get finding forever homes for needy felines. Dena Fitzgerald of the American Humane Association describes the adoption initiative, resources made available to shelters, and what sorts of furry love YOU get out of the deal! ...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 19 Oh, Baby! Cats & Infants

June 26, 2008 14:12 - 29 minutes - 13.5 MB

Having a baby should be a happy time. But what about the cat? Will she get her tail in a twist over the interloper? When in-laws cast dire predictions about kitty attacks, unsanitary conditions, and pending allergies should you give up Tabby? HECK no! Listen as we de-bunk myths about toxoplasmosis, suffocation dangers, and other fanciful fabrications. Get the facts and tools to prepare your cat for the new "human-kitten" in the family, and teach toddlers proper kitty respect. In Part 2 of our...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 18 Doggone Safe --Teach Your Children Well!

June 20, 2008 17:59 - 30 minutes - 14 MB

Half of all kids age twelve have been bitten by a dog. The reason? Owners, parents, and children are clueless about canine language. Many fail to respect Fido's feelings. We even trust strangers to know if their dog is "friendly to kids" when in truth--they're often mistaken! Jennifer Shryock, the US Coordinator for Doggone Safe, describes how the program teaches children to become "doggie detectives," recognize canine language, and make safe choices around all dogs. More details on this e...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 17 Oh Baby! Dogs And Infants

June 11, 2008 19:26 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MB

Today, many of us look on our dogs as part of the family. People choose to have kids later in life, and dogs often are their first “baby.” But what happens when a human infant enters the picture? Some new parents play it safe and simply get rid of the dog. Yikes! Others who adore Fluffy couldn't think of getting rid of their beloved pet--and instead put themselves and the dog through hell putting up with all kinds of problems and potential injury. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Join Jennifer Shyro...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 16 School For Fish: Thinking Outside the Tank

June 04, 2008 17:03 - 33 minutes - 15.4 MB

We've all seen the trained dolphins and zoo animals, heard about the lab mice that push levers and run mazes, and most of our cats and dogs will perform--at least, for a really special treat. But who ever thought you could train a goldfish to play basketball? Dr. Dean Pomerleau and his son Kyle not only dreamed it, they turned Fish School into a business that's swimming upstream against common pet purr-ceptions. Dive into this special show with an open mind, and before you come up for air, Dr...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 15 Pampering Pets: Can you go too far?

May 30, 2008 01:59 - 38 minutes - 17.5 MB

Having a pet offers humans an excuse to act goofy with them, love them (and be loved back) and indulge ourselves--and them--with a little innocent spoiling. Nobody could argue with lavishing extra attention on Spiffy, or dressing up the shivering Chihuahua with a warm snuggly sweater. But can pampering go too far? Over-doing in the treat department certainly leads to pudgy pooches and cause health problems. But are there hidden dangers to spoiling? Behavior expert Darlene Arden, author of "Ro...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 14 Dog Bites and Breed Bans

May 21, 2008 18:16 - 46 minutes - 21.5 MB

You love your dog, and he loves you--but what does he think of the postman? Maybe you, a neighbor, or your child have been on the receiving end of Fido's fangs. The third week of May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and we're talking with pet expert and media pet guru Steve Dale about ways to protect ourselves and our pets from bites. We'll even gnaw on the pros and cons of breed-specific bans--do they work, what dogs are "dangerous" and how to deal with this volatile issue that ma...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 13 Love ‘Em, Don’t Leave ‘Em: The Economic Pet-Astrophe

May 14, 2008 02:55 - 26 minutes - 12.4 MB

When people are out of work, or struggling to make ends meet, they often downsize to more economical housing, or lose their homes to foreclosure. And dogs and cats suffer. Many are relinquished to shelters, left behind in yards, or abandoned inside house where they can starve before being discovered. Dr. Lauren Brickman, a spokesperson for the popular Petside.com website, joins Pet Peeves. We talk about the economic crises, ways it affects pets, and how to save money and keep your pets despit...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 12 Sex Sex Sex And The Single Pet! - Part 2

April 28, 2008 23:56 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MB

Part 2 of this show offered some great information about sterilization--and as great a tool it may be, our experts from the ASPCA, AKC and CFA come down soundly on the side against Mandatory Spay-Neuter ordinances. Join the continuation of our discussion into this volatile issue. We're joined by Lisa Peterson of the American Kennel Club, and Joan MIller of the Cat Fanciers Association. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Sex Sex Sex And The Single Pet! - Part 2 with Amy Shojai on Pet ...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 11 Furry Infatuation: Why We Love Pets

April 23, 2008 21:00 - 35 minutes - 16.1 MB

Hey, I know we're preaching to the choir here at Pet Peeves--listeners love pets of every purr-suasion, from dogs and cats, to birds, fish, horses, and even scaly critters and gerbils that go BUMP in the night. But why do you and I adore pets while others don't? Psychologist Dr. Aubrey Fine joins us to discuss this question, explain how people benefit from this pet relationship, and share stories from his new book "Afternoons with Puppy." More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Furry Inf...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 10 Sex Sex Sex And The Single Pet! - Part 1

April 15, 2008 22:29 - 34 minutes - 1.57 MB

Springtime brings out the romance in our dogs and cats. And if owners aren't careful, your precious FiFi will shake her furry tail at the Romeo down the street, and present you with a boatload of babies. It's time to nip such romantical notions in the bud, and a great time to learn about the benefits of spay/neuter--including pediatric procedures done as early as 6 weeks on the youngsters. Join Dr. Lila Miller of the ASPCA for a discussion of the pros and cons of PET-SEX, and how to rel...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 9 Out Darn Spot! Dealing with Tough Potty Stains

April 08, 2008 15:12 - 34 minutes - 16 MB

Young pets, ill pets, and upset pets can result in hit-or-miss potty protocol. A single accident can lead to multiple offenses if the "dirty deed" hasn't been properly cleaned. Cats and dogs can detect minute chemical scents humans can't fathom. Simply mopping up the mess may satisfy your nose, but the smell lures pets back to the scene of the crime to repeat the dirty deed, time after time. So we're talking with Dusty Rainbolt, a pet product reviewer for Catnip magazine and author of the new...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 8 Angel Animals: Do Pets Go to Heaven?

April 01, 2008 16:39 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MB

Millions of people around the world have a special relationship with animals. We love them, joyfully share our lives with them, and deeply mourn when they die. Pet lovers comfort themselves with tales of "Rainbow Bridge" where we are someday reunited with these beloved companions. Yet is there any religious teaching anywhere in the world to support the notion of an afterlife for pets? Do animals have souls? And if they don't, would you consider the place "paradise" if Spratz and Fuzzbucket we...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 7 Claws and Effect: Cat Claws, Declaws, and Banning Laws

March 25, 2008 16:02 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MB

Declawing has become an all too common convenience option in this country despite that it has absolutely no health benefits for cats. Detractors argue that declawed cats suffer long-lasting emotional and physical trauma as a result, yet veterinarians continue performing the surgeries. If you’re HISSED OFF about declaw-bashing, or purrplexed why it’s done at all, join cat experts Dr. Susan Little (president of the Winn Feline Foundation), and Dr. Karen Thomas (a Burmese breeder) for thei...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 6 Deadly Temptations: Treats, Toxins & Toys

March 16, 2008 20:12 - 38 minutes - 17.7 MB

March 21-27 is National Poison Prevention Week, and our dogs (and less often our cats) are all-too-common victims. Join Dr. Steven Hansen, manager of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org) for a lively and enlightening discussion that describes common pet poisons, what to do if the worst happens, dispels some myths, and explains how to protect pets from being their own worst enemies. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Deadly Temptations: Treats, Toxins & Toys wit...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 5 A Win-Winn Situation --Winn Feline Foundation

March 09, 2008 01:47 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MB

If you share your life with a cat and have ever provided any sort of medical care--you have the Winn Feline Foundation to thank. Founded by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1968, the Foundation has funded over $3 million in health research for cats. Yet there are some cat-specific illnesses and concerns that have been clawing at our felines for years and the funds to find a treatment, a prevention, even a cure, are taking nine lives to collect. Dr. Susan Little, the president of Winn Feline...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 4 Cost of Love Part II: Veterinary Sticker-Shock

February 28, 2008 00:01 - 39 minutes - 18.3 MB

Nobody complains when state-of-the-art medical treatment saves a pets life. But people can’t afford their own health insurance, let alone routine pet care. Pet lovers face hard financial choices these days. Has keeping dogs and cats become a luxury for the wealthy? Jim Flanigan, the Director of Marketing for the American Veterinary Medical Association, answers hard questions about the cost of veterinary care, and what the AVMA and veterinarians are doing about it. More details on this ...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 3 Cost of Love Part I: Valentines, Vet Care & Visa-Shock

February 21, 2008 16:29 - 38 minutes - 17.7 MB

We live in an age when keeping cats and dogs healthy and happy has never been easier--or more expensive! And according to the AVMA, cats are getting the short end of the furry stick when it comes to seeing the veterinarian. Has veterinary care become too rich for your wallet? Why do cats see the veterinarian less frequently than dogs--surely dog owners don’t love their pets more than cat owners? Dr. Jane Brunt, a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and chair of ...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 2 Clearing The Air: Pungent Pet Breath

February 11, 2008 19:08 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MB

Does King's pooch-smooch curl your toes? Maybe Fluffy's tuna-breath rivals rotten eggs? Bad breath makes us keep pets at arms' length, and when the stink-meter goes up, it's more than a social faux paws. Join Pet Peeves to learn the hidden dangers of dental problems, some shocking statistics about YOUR pets, and dog-gone amazing medical treatments. February is National pet Dental Health Care Month, and Dr. Brett Beckman, the president of the American Veterinary Dental Society, helps us learn ...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 1 Only A Pretty Face? An Inside Look at Show Dogs

February 02, 2008 15:20 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MB

Is it only a beauty pageant? Do those gorgeous coifed, clipped, buffed and puffed pooches have any brains under the frou-frou? Did you ever wonder if they act like real dogs? Join Pet Peeves to hear the truth about show dogs from a real insider, David Frei, the longtime co-host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. He’ll also tell us about Angel On A Leash, a charitable therapy dog program. My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-1ee38f8cd217d02b1904fc886061f600} My Odeo Channel (...

PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 0 Introduction - Welcome to Pet Peeves on Pet Life Radio.

February 02, 2008 14:55 - 6 minutes - 3.06 MB

Amy Shojai welcomes everyone to her new show, Pet Peeves, and gives an overview of what to expect on future episodes. Tune in!! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Welcome to Pet Peeves with Amy Shojai on Pet Life Radio