Are You a Responsible Pet Owner?

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly brings in her friend Ben for a very honest conversation about something every dog owner can relate to: are we actually doing everything we should be doing for our pets? What starts with questions about fatty tumors and supplements quickly turns into a crash course on responsible dog ownership. Dr. Pete explains why lumps and bumps should be checked rather than assumed to be harmless, whether supplements like turkey tail mushrooms really have evidence behind them, and how to tell if your dog is eating the right amount of food. They also talk about dogs that inhale their meals, slow feeders, exercise, seasonal calorie needs, and why simply being able to feel your dog’s ribs can tell you a lot about body condition. The conversation gets especially practical when Ben admits his dogs don’t get regular veterinary checkups. Dr. Pete breaks down why preventive care matters, including vaccines, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, Lyme disease testing, and catching problems before your dog ever appears sick. They also get into table scraps, food allergies, raw fish and venison, water intake, diabetes, and why annual veterinary visits become even more important as dogs age. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or you’ve had dogs your whole life, this episode is a funny and useful reminder that good pet care isn’t just about reacting when something goes wrong, it’s about preventing problems before they start. Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe and review!