PetAbility Podcast
137 episodes Last Updated: May 27, 25
This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community. Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chris Cranston MPT, CCRP, offer relevant information and provocative interviews on their podcast, PetAbility. With an emphasis on mobility and independence, their show is about improving function, restoring confidence, alleviating fear, providing mental stimulation, and easing pain to help your pets live their best lives. Read on for more information about Cathy and Chris…
Cathy Symons is the author of Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs. She was inspired to write this book after her first pug, Booda, lost his sight at the age of seven. Several years later, Cathy adopted a blind pug named Digger and wrote a children’s book, Watching Out for Digger, which she uses as a teaching tool for young children to learn about living with a disabled dog.
After fifteen years of practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy went on to study canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Cathy was one of the first thirty-six people in the world to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Shortly thereafter, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States, the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England. She continues to follow the latest options in pet rehabilitation, including digital thermal imaging and laser therapy, and is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence.
Cathy resides in the New England area with her husband and their pug, Mac. Mac is a very confident little nugget who enjoys doing nose work with his mom.
Chris Cranston has 20 years of experience in pet rehabilitation. She is excited to share her knowledge and reach a wide pet-loving audience through the PetAbility podcast. Chris loves seeing that light bulb go off when educating pet owners, so a podcast seemed like a natural fit.
Chris started her career as a physical therapist (PT) – with people. When she moved to the Boston area in 2002, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different, so she combined her existing PT skills with her passion for animals. Chris became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2004, one of the first 100 persons in the world to receive this certification. In addition to her CCRP designation, she has a Masters of Physical Therapy (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1987) from the University of Iowa.
Chris had a successful mobile practice, consulted with a myriad of general practices and specialty clinics, and started the physical rehabilitation service for a large multi-specialty and emergency organization in the Greater Boston region. All this was before founding FlowDog, a stand-alone, full-service small animal physical rehabilitation facility in Waltham, MA. In 2017, Chris sold her business to the esteemed Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston, and is now podcasting, consulting for a tech company in the veterinary space, providing concierge mobile pet rehab, and working getting a product to market that will help our pets. Of course, Chris prioritizes enriching the lives of her twin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julep & Baxter, while indulging in all the snuggles they are willing to share with her!
Episodes
In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome Jerri Miller—a longtime friend of Chris's who is a physical therapist, certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and equine therapeutic massage therapist—who shares her transformative journey as a volunteer at Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) since 2018. Jerri offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for equines in need and how volunteers truly make a difference.🐴 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:Why Jerri first stepped into the world of horse rescueThe emotional and physical rehab process for neglected or abandoned horsesA powerful story about Micah, Jerri’s “heart horse,” and their special bondWhat the duties of volunteering entailMisconceptions about horse ownership—and what every prospective adopter should knowHow you can support horse rescue, even if you’ve never saddled up💡 Key Takeaways:The vital role of volunteers in equine rehabilitationHow prey instincts shape therapeutic approaches with horsesThe deep emotional rewards of giving animals a second chance📢 Resources & Links:🐎 Learn more about Colorado Horse Rescue: chr.org🐴 Read Jerri’s blog: Micah’s Journey: From Feral to Friend💕 Want to help? Volunteer, donate, foster, or sponsor a horse. 📲 Spread the Love: If this episode inspired you, share it with fellow animal lovers! Every download helps raise awareness about equine rescue and the incredible work being done behind barn doors. DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
Meet Toby, now officially retired from a lifetime as a therapy dog at 13 years young, he leaves a legacy of healing and connection in his wake through the lives he's touched. In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome guest Diane Murano to tell the incredible story of her dog, Toby—an inspiring therapy dog with over 1,000 visits to his name. Learn how therapy dogs differ from service and emotional support animals, what it takes to get certified, and why temperament matters more than breed. Diane recounts moving moments from visits to nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and veterans' facilities, while also discussing the profound impact these dogs have on human health and well-being. Discover how you can get involved in this rewarding volunteer work.For more information about therapy dogs and the certification process go to:Alliance for Therapy Dogs - https://www.therapydogs.com/Therapy Dogs International - https://www.tdi-dog.org/ DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
Apr 29, 2025
Empowering Senior Dogs with Dr. Julie Buzby
In this heartwarming and informative episode, Chris and Cathy sit down once again with integrative veterinarian and entrepreneur Dr. Julie Buzby. Known for her lifelong dedication to helping senior dogs thrive, Dr. Buzby shares the journey behind founding Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company, her groundbreaking products that support aging pets, and how education empowers pet parents to confidently care for their senior dogs.🐾 In This Episode:The Origin Story: How Dr. Buzby’s experience in integrative and rehab medicine inspired the creation of ToeGrips® and a full line of senior dog products.ToeGrips®: A simple, powerful mobility aid for senior dogs — how they work, who they help most, and troubleshooting common questions from pet parents.Brain Boost: Dr. Buzby’s latest innovation to promote cognitive health and combat canine cognitive dysfunction (link).Encore Mobility™: A unique joint supplement formulated to support aging dogs from the inside out with key natural ingredients.Empowering Pet Owners: Free resources, educational blogs, and courses designed to help pet parents navigate their dog’s golden years with confidence and compassion.Behind the Scenes: How customer feedback and real-world veterinary experience shape new product development.🔗 Resources & Links:Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company WebsiteToeGrips® | Encore Mobility™ | Brain Boost Product PagesBlog & Educational ResourcesFollow Dr. Buzby on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest🐶 Final Thought: Perhaps the way we treat our senior pets can help inspire a broader shift toward honoring and supporting our elders — with compassion, dignity, and love. DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
🐾 If you ever notice your dog’s tail hanging limp like it just gave up wagging, you might be dealing with a case of Swimmer’s Tail! Also known as limber tail, cold tail, broken wag, or flaccid tail syndrome, this condition sounds dramatic—but the good news is, it’s usually not serious. However, it is painful for your pooch!In this episode, we dive into what Swimmer’s Tail actually is—a temporary and painful muscle strain that makes your pup’s tail go limp. We’ll break down:🐕 The breeds most often affected (hello, Labradors and hunting dogs!)❄️ Surprising triggers like cold water, crate rest, and even too much wagging!🩺 How to spot the signs and what your vet will look for.💊 Easy treatments that’ll have that tail wagging again in no time.💡 Prevention tips to keep your pup’s tail healthy, happy, and wagging strong.📦 Quick Takeaway? Swimmer’s Tail may look scary, but with a little rest and TLC, most dogs bounce back fast. When in doubt, your vet is your best friend! DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
Apr 01, 2025
Understanding Synovetin OA: A Breakthrough in Canine Osteoarthritis Treatment with Dr. Matthew Brunke
This episode explores Synovetin OA, a novel, long-lasting treatment for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). If you’ve ever experienced stiff, achy joints, you can relate to what dogs with OA go through. This chronic, progressive disease affects 80% of dogs by age 8 and even impacts younger dogs with joint abnormalities, like elbow dysplasia. Our expert guest, Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, CCAT, a seasoned veterinarian specializing in sports medicine, pain management, and rehabilitation, breaks down how this targeted therapy offers long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility without the daily hassle of medications.Key Topics Covered:✅ How Synovetin OA Works – A groundbreaking option for moderate to severe OA that reduces inflammation at the source with a single joint injection.✅ Comparison to Traditional Treatments –No daily pills, fewer side effects, and longer-lasting than other therapies.✅ Benefits & Safety – What pet owners can expect in terms of results, safety considerations, and ideal candidates.✅ The Procedure & Aftercare – What to expect before, during, and after treatment.✅ Cost & Accessibility – Where to find it, insurance considerations, and how it compares to other treatment costs.✅ Success Stories – Real-life examples of animals who regained mobility and comfort.With vet medicine evolving, cutting-edge treatments like Synovetin OA are revolutionizing how busy dog owners manage OA in their dogs. Could this be the "game-changer" your pet needs? Visit activedognow.com (pet parents) or synovetin.com (veterinarians).Studied in canine elbows, Synovetin OA is given by authorized veterinarians. Temporary discomfort in treated joints may occur. Talk to a treating veterinarian near you for more information including what to expect following treatment and visit www.activedognow.com.Find Dr. Brunke at VRAVet.com, his blog DrBrunke.Wordpress.com, or working with DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
"You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiomes—how they affect physical and mental well-being, the gut-brain connection, and what pet owners can do to support a thriving biome. Whether you have a dog, cat, horse, or even a reptile, learn the signs of imbalance, the impact of diet and antibiotics, and cutting-edge research shaping the future of pet health. Tune in for expert insights and practical tips to keep your pet happy from the inside out! Find more information at Animal Biome. DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
🐾 Curious about the Assisi LOOP® and tPEMF™ treatment? Let’s break it down with expert guest, Mialisa Gluckert from Zomedica!We’re diving into what the Assisi LOOP® is and how it works, using its unique targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF™) technology, to address inflammation or anything ending in “-itis.” From easing osteoarthritis and chronic pain to helping with post-surgical recovery, we’ll explore the conditions the LOOP treats and how it seamlessly fits into pain management protocols - at home!tPEMF™ works not only on cats and dogs, but other species like birds and reptiles equally well! Our discussion will answer all of your practical questions like how often to use the LOOP, whether you need a prescription, and how to introduce & apply it to your pet. We’ll also tackle some of the science behind tPEMF™ (note: FDA-approved for people!), discuss what veterinarians consider when recommending the LOOP, and what makes the Assisi LOOP® effective. And for those thinking about making a purchase, we’ll address the cost, warranty, and the different models available to suit your pet’s needs.If you’re looking for a gentle, non-invasive, easy-to-administer, drug-free way to support your pet’s health, this deep dive into the Assisi LOOP® is for you! It seems almost too good to be true, but it isn’t - the proof is in seeing your pet return to doing the things it enjoys - and the science! 🐶🐱🐓🦎 For more information, see Assisi's suite of products. DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
Mobility issues are a challenge many pet owners face, and Ruff Ramp offers a life-changing solution. In this episode, we welcome Larry Backes, dog enthusiast and creator of the Ruff Ramp - a thoughtfully designed mobility aid that helps dogs navigate stairs with ease, confidence, and safety. Larry’s journey began with his beloved dog, Montana, whose medical condition inspired him to engineer a robust ramp with a multitude of design features you do not even know your pet needs. We’ll discuss how Ruff Ramp differs from traditional ramps with its gentle slope, cleats, and guardrails to benefit dogs with arthritis, neurological conditions, or injuries. Larry shares customer success stories (watch Zeus now), insights into the testing and materials used, as well as versatile customization options. Tune in to learn how this innovative product for dogs of any size can be a game-changer for your pet’s mobility, comfort, safety, and overall well-being.Find Larry Backes and his Ruff Ramp products at RuffRamp.netGet 10% off by using Promo Code PETPOD22 when you place your order!See 15 y.o. Dachshund, Zeus, conquering ~20 stairs with his Ruff Ramp! DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
Thinking about adding a dog to your family? Bringing a dog into a home with young children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with important considerations. In this episode, we explore how to choose the right breed or temperament, prepare your home and kids for a new pet, and ensure a smooth introduction. Learn how to involve children in training and care, tackle common challenges, and know when to seek professional help. Plus, our expert guest, certified professional dog trainer, Tracey Costa, CPDT-KA, CNWI, NACSW, shares invaluable insights on strengthening the bond between kids and their furry companions, as well as must-know resources for new dog owners. Tune in for practical advice and heartfelt guidance to help your family create a happy, lasting relationship with your new four-legged friend!! Find Tracey Costa at Positive Note Dog Training!Resources:Family Paws: Creating Dog Aware GenerationsDoggone Safe Educational Resources - The Pet Professional Guildi Speak Dog101 Dog Tricks - Kids Edition on AmazonLiving with Kids and Dogs - Colleen Pelar, CDBC, CPDT-KALinks to Dog Training Professionals:Certification Council for Professional Dog TrainersThe Pet Professional GuildThe International Association of Animal Behavior ConsultantsKaren Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
This episode offers a compassionate exploration of how regenerative medicine, particularly biologics, can bring relief to our beloved pets suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). With warmth and expertise, David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, discusses treatment options like platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapy, and joint injectables such as steroids, hyaluronic acid, and synthetics. Each approach is carefully explained, highlighting the factors that guide their use. Partnering with your veterinarian can help you make the best choices for your furry family member’s comfort and well-being. OA can be challenging, but this episode provides hope, guidance, and the tools to ask the right questions to help your pet feel their best.Find Dr. Dycus at his specialty practice, Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics (fusionvetortho.com)Instagram - fusionvetorthoConsulting business - DrDavidDycus.comInstagram - ortho_vet DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...