In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore responsible pet ownership, the special role animals can play in helping children learn, and one of the most overlooked areas of pet wellness: dental health. From a bilingual children’s book series inspired by a rescue dog to practical advice for keeping dogs’ and cats’ teeth healthy, this episode celebrates the many ways caring for animals can teach us about responsibility, kindness and connection.
Story Time features:
Kristen highlights the American Kennel Club’s Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise, which encourages dog owners to make a lifelong commitment to responsible care, including proper nutrition, veterinary care, exercise, training, identification and consideration for their communities.
Chris remembers Dolly Parton and highlights a lesser-known part of her extraordinary philanthropic legacy: her support for animals and wildlife conservation, including her longstanding relationship with the American Eagle Foundation and its work protecting bald eagles.
Special Guests:
Susan Rose, Tony Award-Winning Broadway Producer & Co-Author of the José and El Perro Series
Silvia López, Children’s Book Author, Former Librarian & Co-Author of the José and El Perro Series
Susan Rose and Silvia López introduce listeners to José and El Perro, their bilingual early-reader series about José and his adopted shelter dog, Feliz. They discuss how the books naturally introduce Spanish vocabulary to English-speaking children while exploring themes of pet adoption, friendship, family and kindness. They also share the inspiration behind their newest book, Happy Birthday, José and Feliz, and explain how storytelling can help children discover another language and culture without making learning feel like a lesson.
Dr. Ruth MacPete, Veterinarian, Author & Pet Health Expert
Dr. Ruth “The Pet Vet” MacPete joins the show to explain why dental health is an essential part of a pet’s overall wellness. She discusses warning signs such as bad breath, how to introduce tooth brushing, alternatives for pets that won’t tolerate a toothbrush, the role of dental chews and appropriate chewing, and why regular veterinary examinations remain an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth.
Pet Product Recommendations:
Nylabone Natural Alternatives Dog Chew Toys – https://www.nylabone.com/products/product-type/chew-toys/power-chew/antler-alternative-power-chew-dog-toy
Frisco Lightweight Rainy Days Dog Raincoat – https://www.chewy.com/frisco-lightweight-rainy-days-dog/dp/146398
Q&A Topics:
My neighbor’s dog barks constantly whenever he’s outside, sometimes for hours. Besides being frustrating for us, I’m starting to wonder if the dog is stressed or unhappy. What can nonstop barking tell us about a dog, and is there anything a neighbor can realistically do to help? (Submitted by Jason from Denver, CO)
I hear so much about brushing dogs’ teeth but almost nothing about cats. My cat has never had her teeth brushed, and honestly, I can’t imagine her letting me do it. How important is dental care for cats, and what can I realistically do at home to keep her teeth and gums healthy? (Submitted by Rachel from San Francisco, CA)
Related Links:
AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise – https://www.akc.org/press-releases/put-your-paw-print-on-the-akc-responsible-dog-owner-pet-promise/
Susan Rose – https://www.susanroseauthor.com
José and El Perro Series – https://www.susanroseauthor.com/books
Happy Birthday, José and Feliz – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777745/happy-birthday-jose-and-feliz-by-susan-rose-and-silvia-lopez-illustrated-by-gloria-felix/
Dr. Ruth MacPete – https://www.drruthpetvet.com
Nylabone – https://www.nylabone.com
Nutri Dent Dental Chews – https://www.nylabone.com/products/brand/nutri-dent
Veterinary Oral Health Council – https://vohc.org
American Eagle Foundation – https://www.eagles.org
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – https://imaginationlibrary.com
American Pet Products Association (APPA) – https://www.americanpetproducts.org
DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com
Pets Add Life – https://www.petsaddlife.org
Social Channels:
Dr. Ruth MacPete (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/drruthmacpete
Dr. Ruth MacPete (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/DrRuthMacPete
DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv
Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife
Subscribe & Listen:
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!
Submit a question to the podcast:
https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
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