Wgn - Steve Dale's Pet World

Dr. Susan Little, Professor Parasitology Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, might scare you with news she has regarding ticks – how numerous they are – and tick disease. She also talks about fleas, and why those buggers are more than merely gross.  Kara Burns, licensed veterinary technician, reveals a new way your veterinarian […]

How smart are dogs, really? Could we do much more to tap into their potential? Pilley Bianchi, who knows a little something about smart dogs (her dad John Pilley Jr. trained Chaser, the world’s smartest dog) has authored For the Love of DOG: The Ultimate Relationship Guide. It’s a fascinating discussion about who dogs really are. […]

Dr. Liz Brown and David Frei discuss the Great American Cat Show and the Great American Dog Show. What can people expect if you’ve never been to a cat show? What cats show judges look for? What are some activities that happen at the cat show beyond the beauty contest part of the program? At […]

Vicki Santo discusses the Ron and Vicki Santo Diabetic Alert Dog Foundation, which was a dream of Ron’s. In some cases, the trained dogs have actually saved lives. Vicki explains how the dogs are trained, and how Steve Dale even had something to do with Ron and Vicki understanding how dogs are connected and can alert […]

A very special conversation with Dr. Kate Meurs, Dean of Medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about heart disease in cats, which may be the most common cause of death among cats who are about 2 to 8 years old. Steve discusses a fund he created to support investigators like […]

Dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant Peggy Moran goes into philosophical depth regarding positive reinforcement dog training. She knows, as she has lived through the evolution of dog training and she has evolved herself. Look for what you want and know how to reinforcement and be less concerned about punishing for what you don’t want. She […]

Renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta co-authored the most recent edition of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (with Dr. Gary Landsberg and Dr. Lowell Ackerman). Anxiety or panic (such as in separation anxiety) does cause a physiological change in the body, which Dr. Radosta explains. She also talks about how important it is to be […]

Holly Agra of the Mercury Skyline Cruiseline talks about the Canine Cruise, which began as a result of a conversation 15 years ago with Steve on WGN Radio. It’s a novel dog-friendly cruise, kind of an architecture cruise for dogs, showing off the parks with the most squirrels and oldest fire hydrant. Also discussed is Architecture Cruise, […]

Veterinary behaviorist Katherine (Kat) Pankratz explains what enrichment is and why for dogs and cats it’s so important for their well-being. Physical exercise is certainly a good idea, but on walks, she says let dogs smell the world.  Enrichment my vary depending on the breed. And there’s a better way to feed dogs and cats, and she explains […]

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Debbie Horwitz, a contributing editor of Decoding Your Dog (with Steve Dale and Dr. John Ciribassi) on what you can do now about pets fearful – sometimes downright panicked – about fireworks.  Sometimes pets can deal with it on their own, and others do require help. Also discussed is traveling by car with pets, […]

Dr. Nikko Grossapoulos, professional services veterinarian at Zoetis on fleas, ticks and mosquitoes and how prevention of diseases spread by the buggers is a FAR better strategy than treating the diseases they cause. If you have a pet fearful of fireworks, now is the time to begin to get ahead of the problem. A fascinating discussion […]

A detailed discussion with the President/Founder Association for Pet Obesity Prevention Dr. Ernie Ward. He offers an update on the latest data from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. Just as in human health, obesity is a disease regarding pets, and medical risks are significant and among pets. There’s a psychological impact as well. However, the […]

Mark Cushing, president of the Animal Policy Group, discusses the hot topic of the shortage of veterinary professionals and why there is a shortage in first place, and how virtual care can make a huge difference for pets and pet parents. We also discuss the notion of a mid-level professional, like a physician’s assistant in veterinary medicine: […]

Lead sales enthusiast at Canopy Chicago Sarah Becker talks about how this dog friendly property, 226 W. Jackson Blvd. Wayne Read, CEO/President Forged & Formed, Inc. explains unique jewelry artisan keepsakes and customizable pet pieces which are available to honor or to celebrate your current four-legged family or dogs and cats who were once in your life, and […]

Celebrating Memorial Day week with Chris Willingham, president of U.S. War Dogs Association. This amazing non-profit sends care packages to currently working military dogs (MWD) but there’s a special focus on retired MWD, who ultimately do require veterinary care which they support. Also discussed is a history of MWD, and what the canine soldiers do, and […]

Michael Puck, founder K9 Photo and Global Art Dog Gallery explains that we know dogs are healthful. For example, in hospital, patients do better when dog therapy appears. However, that’s not always possible so the next best thing is dog art, even in an office setting to alleviate stress at work.  President Animal Wellness Action and Center for Humane Economy Wayne Pacelle […]

There’s nothing Dr. Natalie Marks would rather talk about – it’s leptospirosis. And why Chicago, named ‘the rattiest city,’ is so prevalent with this disease. Lepto can make dogs very ill or even be fatal, and potentially be spread to people – yet it’s also preventable. Registered veterinary technician specialist in behavior is Tabitha Kucera offers […]

The 29th Annual Bark in the Park is around the corner benefiting Chicago’s oldest animal shelter. A discussion with Tracy Elliott, president of the Anti Cruelty Society of Chicago Bark in the Park is Saturday, May 20 at Soldier Field at The Stadium Green (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). One option is a 2-mile walk along the Lakefront, or […]

Dr. Kelly St. Denis is a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. We discuss why declaw has negative consequence in nearly all cats, instead living with clawed cats is the way to go. And Dr. St. Denis explains how to encourage cats to scratch in all the right places. And she explains what Cat […]

A special celebration of therapy dogs and the human animal bond kicking it off with Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (6th district) proclaims April 30 Pet Partners National Therapy Animal Day in Cook County. Annie Peters, president/CEO of Pet Partners discusses National Therapy Animal Day and who what Pet Partners does changes and even saves lives. Steve Dale’s Pet World honored to make […]