PetAbility Podcast Podcast Por PetAbility arte de portada

PetAbility Podcast

PetAbility Podcast

De: PetAbility
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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!

© 2026 PetAbility Podcast Ciencia
Episodios
  • Choosing a Doggie Daycare: What Every Owner Needs to Know with Kim Karolides

    Choosing a Doggie Daycare: What Every Owner Needs to Know with Kim Karolides
    Mar 31 2026

    Finding the right doggie daycare or boarding facility can make a tremendous difference in your dog’s safety, health, and behavior. PetAbility Podcast sits down with the owner of Butter’s House to uncover what sets high-quality, professional facilities apart. From preventing injuries/illness to supporting positive behavior and enrichment, this conversation is packed with practical guidance to help pet owners make informed, confident decisions.

    🐾 Safety, Supervision, & Health

    • How playgroups should be structured for safety and compatibility
    • What appropriate staff-to-dog ratios and supervision really look like
    • How reputable facilities work to prevent illness & injury

    🐾 Behavior & Enrichment

    • The importance of structured enrichment vs. unregulated free play and how downtime prevents overstimulation
    • When daycare can actually improve behavior vs. dogs coming home stressed or behaviorally worse
    • Who daycare may not be the right fit for

    🐾 Staff & Facility Standards

    • The difference between dog lovers and trained professionals
    • Why understanding canine body language is critical
    • Facility design features that impact safety, stress, and cleanliness

    🐾 Trust & Transparency

    • Key questions every owner should ask before choosing a facility
    • The role of communication, transparency, and accountability
    • What it means when a facility limits access or avoids questions

    Key Takeaways: Not all dog daycares are created equal—structure, supervision, and training matter. Safety includes health protocols and stress management, not just preventing fights. The right environment can support positive behavior. Asking the right questions can help you confidently choose a safe, enriching space for your dog.

    Click here more information about Butter's House in Milford, MA.

    The Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It.

    Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts

    Disclaimer

    VitalVet.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!
    Jope - science-backed supplements
    Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
    Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework
    Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
    Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
    HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...
    Más Menos
    52 m
  • Joint Health Reimagined with Jope cofounder, Dr. Christine

    Joint Health Reimagined with Jope cofounder, Dr. Christine
    Mar 3 2026

    Joint issues affect pets of all ages—not just seniors—and today’s conversation with Jope cofounder, Dr. Christine, dives into what makes their Hip & Joint Dog Chews with undenatured type II collagen (UC-ll) different from traditional joint supplements.

    Speaking both as a veterinarian and a pet parent, Dr. Christine, discusses the science of how UC-II works with the immune system, how it supports mobility and comfort as with her own dog, Pepsi, and where it fits within a multimodal joint care plan.

    If you’re a pet parent looking for proactive support—or a veterinary professional exploring new tools for mobility management—this episode delivers practical insight backed by science.

    🦴 In This Episode, We Discuss:

    • What makes UC-II collagen unique compared to NSAIDs or glucosamine and chondroitin
    • The science behind how Jope’s Hip & Joint Health formula works in the body to support mobility; Peyer's patches anyone?
    • Which pets and conditions may benefit most from early joint support
    • How this product complements weight management, rehab, and other therapies for multi-modal management of arthritis
    • Safety considerations and what pet parents should know

    💡 Key Takeaway

    Joint care is evolving. With immune-modulating ingredients like UC-II collagen, we may be entering a new era of proactive mobility support—helping pets stay active, comfortable, and thriving longer.

    📌 Connect & Learn More

    To learn more about Jope and their approach to canine joint health, visit their website, petjope.com, and speak with your veterinarian about whether advanced joint support strategies are appropriate for your dog.

    By using this customized link below, you will receive $10 off your order!
    Shop now at https://petjope.com/petability

    The Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It.

    Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts

    Disclaimer

    VitalVet.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!
    Jope - science-backed supplements
    Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
    Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework
    Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
    Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
    HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning...
    Más Menos
    58 m
  • Feeding Smarter — Calories Made Simple!

    Feeding Smarter — Calories Made Simple!
    Feb 10 2026

    🎙️Is your pet getting too much food… or not enough? In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, we break down pet calories in a clear, practical way to help pet parents confidently fuel their dogs and cats — without the guesswork, for a healthier, happier life.

    Feeding your pet shouldn’t feel confusing or guilt-ridden. By learning how to calculate your pet's calories, you can turn numbers into real portions, and avoid common feeding mistakes. We explore why calorie needs are about more than what’s printed on the bag and how small daily extras can quietly add up to big health issues over time.

    🐾 In This Episode, We Cover:

    • Why calories matter for joint health, mobility, and longevity
    • What a calorie actually means for pets (and why pets aren’t small humans)
    • Key factors that affect calorie needs, including age, activity level, and health status
    • How to calculate daily calorie needs using RER and life-stage multipliers - there's a formula for that!
    • Where to find calorie information on pet food labels
    • How to turn calorie numbers into realistic meal portions
    • Why treats count — and how to follow the 10% rule
    • Common feeding mistakes pet parents make
    • When it’s time to partner with your veterinarian

    Whether your pet needs to lose weight, maintain a healthy body condition, or support mobility and overall wellness, this episode gives you tools you can start using today.

    🎧 Listen now and learn how to feed smarter — one calorie at a time.

    Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula is 70×(BW in kg)^0.75.
    For pets weighing between 2kg and 45kg, a simpler formula is 30×(BW in kg)+70.
    Find all formulas online.

    Helpful Links:
    Cat Body Condition System
    Dog Body Condition System
    Purina In

    The Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It.

    Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts

    Disclaimer

    VitalVet.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!
    Jope - science-backed supplements
    Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
    Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework
    Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
    Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
    HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning...
    Más Menos
    46 m
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