Vet Candy – Veterinary Lifestyle, News & Learning

Think you know cats? Like really know cats? Then it’s time to put those whisker facts to the test. In the newest episode of Cat Daddy on Pet Candy Radio, our favorite feline fanatic, Keleigh Schettler, joins the show for an all-out cat trivia showdown.

Host, Caitlin Palmer, dives in with Keleigh to tackle the big questions—like why cats knock everything off the counter, if they actually love us, and who decided that purring is a normal sound to make when you’re happy andstressed.

Spoiler: things get competitive, someone confuses a Maine Coon wi...

Nobody warned you about this part of veterinary medicine.

In this episode of Let's Be Honest, twin veterinarians Dr. Audrey and Dr. Alison Shen get real about the stuff vet school never prepares you for — burnout, imposter syndrome, toxic workplace cultures, and the crushing self-doubt that follows you home after a long shift. They've lived it, navigated it, and came out the other side with hard-won perspective they're ready to share.

If you've ever questioned whether you belong in this profession, this episode is for you.

This episode is brought to you by 21Sc...

Season one of Brainsmarts goes out with a bang — and a little bit of chaos — LIVE from the floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino during Western Veterinary Conference.

Hosts Caitlin Palmar and Clay Palmar literally run into Caitlin’s former (and current) employer, Dr. Dean, on the way to Las Vegas and decide the only logical next step is to put him on the mic.

The season finale is part reunion, part career reflection, and part “how did this even happen?” — plus a look back at the most unforgettable moments from season one. F...

Brain Smarts by Vet Candy is back with another fast-paced, laugh-out-loud challenge quiz show where veterinary news meets comedian chaos. Hosted by the hilarious duo Clay and Caitlin Palmer, this week’s episode features a true powerhouse in emergency and critical care: Dr. Jamie Burkitt, DVM, DACVECC.

Dr. Burkitt is a WVC headliner, Professor of Clinical Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at UC Davis, and a key leader in the field as Co-Chair of Guidelines Development and Executive Committee member of the RECOVER Initiative. Translation: if anyone knows their stuff under pressure, it’s her.

In...

Warning: Listening to Vet Candy’s Brain Smarts may result in spontaneous laughter, improved trivia skills, and a slight crush on hosts Clay and Caitlin Palmer.
It’s like a news show... if the news show had a sense of humor and a caffeine problem.

This week's guest is Aaryn DuBose. 

Meet Aaryn DuBose, a beacon of inspiration and aspiration, whose journey through the corridors of veterinary medicine is not just about healing animals but also about breaking barriers and lighting the way for others to follow.

Currentl...

Need a break from real life?
Tune in to Vet Candy’s Brain Smarts, where Clay and Caitlin Palmer teach you real science between ridiculous jokes and questionable impersonations.
You’ll laugh. You’ll learn. You’ll wonder how this show got approved.

Tonight’s guest is the definition of doing the most—in the best way possible.

Dasia Harris is a second-year veterinary student at NC State, a military reservist, an exotic animal enthusiast, and somehow also a full-time motivator on Instagram and TikTok. She’s breaking barriers, busting myths, and proving that there’s no...

Tired of dry science talk? So were we.
That’s why Vet Candy’s Brain Smarts brings you hilarious hosts Clay and Caitlin Palmer—two vet pros who somehow make brain cells giggle. Your neurons will thank you. Or at least stop judging you.

Today’s guest is Deacon Lajala, a Hawaiian native who crossed oceans to take on veterinary school at the Royal Veterinary College.  Can he beat the challenge and win Brain Smarts? Tune in to hear!

💉 Brought to you by Zoetis, maker of Solensia.
🔗 SolensiaVetTeam.com

#veterinarymed...

This week on Vet Candy’s Brain Smarts with Clay and Caitlin Palmer:
We explore the strange, the scientific, and the “wait, did Emily Chung really just say that?”
Spoiler: Yes. Yes, she did.

Meet our guest, Midwest University class of 2028, Emily Chung!

💉 Brought to you by Zoetis, maker of Solensia.
🔗 SolensiaVetTeam.com

Get ready, veterinary fans! Brain Smarts by Vet Candy is back with another episode packed with chaotic trivia, off-the-wall challenges, and laughs that might just make you spill your coffee. And this week? We’ve got a true veterinary superstar in the hot seat:

Kenichiro Yagi — Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist, Master’s Degree Holder… and Headliner at WVC Vegas! ⭐️

Yes, you read that right. Kenichiro isn’t just a Registered Veterinary Technician or a specialist in both Emergency & Critical Care and Small Animal Internal Medicine. This February, he’ll be taking the national stage at WVC Veg...

🎧 New episode of Vet Candy’s Brain Smarts just dropped!

Hosted by veterinary comedian Clay Palmer and the only person who can keep him in check—Caitlin Palmer.It’s facts, laughs, and probably one accidental insult. You’re welcome.

💉 Brought to you by Zoetis, maker of Solensia.🔗 SolensiaVetTeam.com

Think of Vet Candy’s Brain Smarts as your brain’s cheat day—except instead of donuts, you get trivia, science, and the wild comedy duo, Caitlin and Clay Palmer. Learning has never been this ridiculous.

Special guest, Shannon Gervais!  

💉 Brought to you by Zoetis, maker of Solensia.
🔗 SolensiaVetTeam.com

Get ready for a Brainsmarts challenge like no other! Join Dr. Christina Gentry, DVM, DACVD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Texas A&M and headliner at WVC Vegas, as she dives into the world of veterinary dermatology. From allergic skin disease to tricky ear infections, Dr. Gentry puts her knowledge to the test in a fast-paced, FOMO-filled showdown.

Will she win the Brainsmarts challenge? Don’t miss the insights, laughs, and behind-the-scenes dermatology secrets—and find out what she's planning to do after her WVC Vegas lecture this February!

Brought to you by WV...

📚 Cat Daddy Episode 3: Who’s Got the Cat Smarts? 😸

Clay & Caitlin Palmer are at it again in Cat Daddy, bringing you another hilarious trivia showdown. This time, the stakes are higher and the cat knowledge is deeper! Our guest is stepping up to the plate, but will they win the ultimate cat trivia battle? Or will they get tangled in the yarn of defeat? Tune in to find out! 🐾. This week's guest is Keleigh Schettler!!  Cat lover and inventory queen!

💉 Brought to you by Zoetis, maker of Solensia.
🔗 SolensiaVetTeam.com

#CatDaddyPodcast #TriviaFun #PetCandy #

Bloodsucking legends and laughs collide! Caitlin and Clay Palmer dive into the mystery of the Chupacabra, mixing spooky lore with their signature veterinary-world humor. From rural sightings to creepy pet parallels, this episode is equal parts chilling and hilarious. Tune in if you dare… the Chupacabra might be closer than you think! Part of Vet Candy's 2025 Halloween Obsessed Marathon. 

Fangs out, laughs in! Caitlin and Clay Palmer sink their teeth into vampire legends in this hilariously spooky episode. From ancient myths to modern-day twists (and maybe a few pet-related surprises), this vet-world-savvy duo serves up scares, laughs, and just enough bite to keep you hooked. Tune in… before the sun comes up.  Part of Vet Candy's 2025 Halloween Marathon!

Moonlight, mystery, and mayhem! In this fang-tastic episode, the Palmers explore the legend of the Wolfman with their signature humor and veterinary-world twist. From wild transformations to unexpected pet parallels, Caitlin and Clay pack laughs, lore, and a little bite into every story. Tune in for a howling good time—you might even check your own backyard twice tonight!  Part of Vet Candy's 2025 Halloween Marathon!

Brains… and bark? In this hilarious and slightly horrifying episode, the Palmers dive into everything zombies. Our hosts, who live and breathe the vet world, explore zombie lore, share survival tips (for pets and humans), and deliver laughs that are to die for. Perfect for horror fans, vet enthusiasts, and anyone who secretly hopes they’d survive a zombie outbreak. Don’t miss this undead chaos!

Get ready to dive into one of our all-time favorite episodes! In this Halloween marathon special, we explore the chilling legend of Baba Yaga, uncover spooky family secrets, and share laughs that only the Palmers can deliver. Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just love a good story, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat… and maybe leave you double-checking your closet at night. Tune in if you dare! Spooky level 10!

Ever wondered what happens when two comedians with a sharp sense of humor dive into the world of witches? Caitlin and Clay Palmer, your favorite comedian duo, mix laughs, lore, and a little bit of mischief in this spellbinding episode. From ancient curses to modern witchy surprises, this episode is guaranteed to enchant, entertain, and maybe even hex your funny bone. Tune in—you won’t want to miss this magical chaos!  Part of Vet Candy's Halloween Marathon, 24 scary podcasts in 24 hours in Halloween 2025!

It’s another episode of Pet Candy's Cat Daddy, where the competition is as fierce as a cat protecting its favorite toy! Caitlin Palmer, is back, hosting a hilarious episode with a guest who is ready to prove they know everything about feline facts. This week our guest is Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine vet student and mom of 8 cats, "Millie" Mildred Mullings, aka The Diva Vet!

Who will take the cat trivia crown?

Don’t miss this purrfectly hilarious showdown!
💉 Brought to you by Zoetis, maker of Solensia.
🔗 SolensiaVetTeam.com


Lis...

In this episode of Cat Daddy, comedian cat lovers Clay & Caitlin Palmer are joined by a VERY special guest, former vet tech, and current vet student and mom of three, Micala Henson, who thinks she know everything about cats. Spoiler: She might have underestimated the fun... 😏

Get ready for some serious cat trivia laughs and maybe a few shocking revelations. Can Micala Henson outsmart the hosts? Tune in to find out!

The Pet Health Challenges Study, conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Chewy Health, surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. dog and cat owners in February 2025. The results show that 97% consider their pet a family member, and 90% say their pets have improved their mental or physical health.

However, caring for pets isn’t always easy—74% of owners reported at least one major challenge. The biggest struggles included leaving pets alone, affording veterinary care, and managing behavior or health issues.

Pet owners with stronger human-animal bonds were also more likely to embrace technology. Those in t...

Meet Jeremiah Pouncy, the Cornell vet student who makes the rest of us look like underachievers. He checks lion blood pressures, delivers clean water to communities, and somehow still has time to survive exams without spontaneously combusting. 🦁 

Brain Smart's Caitlin & Clay Palmer keep up the chaos with ridiculous trivia, snarky commentary, and general chaos you didn’t know you needed in your life. Expect laughs, jaw drops, and maybe a tiny existential crisis about your own productivity.

Brought to you by PRN Pharmacal, makers of Felicyn-CA1 for cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—because even super-vets need some hea...

She’s opened a brewery. She’s worked in HR. She co-founded CodaPet, helping families with compassionate in-home euthanasia. But can Dr. Bethany Hsia survive the ultimate challenge—trivia questions about turkey sneezes, cancer-fighting cats, and flu-proof seals?

In this month’s episode of Brain Smarts with Vet Candy, hosts Caitlin and Clay Palmer put Dr. Hsia to the test in the only veterinary podcast where the science is real, the answers are ridiculous, and the scorekeeping is questionable at best.

From dramatic boy cats with weak hearts to a lightning round written entirely in limerick...

On Vet Candy News, a groundbreaking new study has revealed the extent of animal use in veterinary education across the U.S. and Canada. Researchers reviewed 120 animal use protocols from 26 public vet schools and found widespread reliance on cadavers and terminal teaching exercises—despite ethical guidelines urging alternatives.

Key findings: nearly all schools used horses, cows, or small ruminants; poultry were used in the highest numbers, mainly for euthanasia training; and dogs, cats, and rodents were also included. While donation programs supply many cadavers, sourcing remains inconsistent and sometimes vague.

Most protocols admitted alternatives exist bu...

In March 2025, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) quietly rolled back a major accreditation requirement: veterinary schools are no longer required to report on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

In a letter sent to veterinary school deans, the COE said it will “not require programs to report on, or comply with, current aspects of the Standards of Accreditation that relate to DEI…in a manner that conflicts with applicable law or other institutional directives.” In effect, what was once mandatory is now optional.

The council emphasized that schools may still pursue and share DEI in...

On today's Vet Candy News under 5, we hear updates on H5N1.

The detection of H5N1 in a Texas dairy herd and the unresolved source of the California child’s infection highlight the evolving challenges posed by avian influenza. Collaboration between animal and human health sectors—guided by a One Health framework—is essential to mitigate risks. Vigilance, biosecurity, and continued research are key to safeguarding both animal and human health.

#veterinarymedicine #vetmed #veterinarynew

  Listen to Vet Candy News to keep up with the latest vet med trends and research.    

A new study from the University of Nottingham shows that in the U.K., no commercially available dog foods—plant-based, meat-based, or veterinary—fully meet all adult dog nutritional guidelines. Published in PLOS One on September 3, 2025, researchers analyzed 31 dry dog foods labeled “complete,” including 19 meat-based, 6 plant-based, and 6 veterinary diets designed for dogs with kidney concerns.

While dogs are omnivores capable of thriving on a variety of diets, the study revealed gaps across all types of dog foods. All products met vitamin D requireme...

Summer just got a whole lot hotter—because the latest issue of Vet Candy Magazine is officially live! Brought to you by PRN Pharmacal, this month’s edition is bursting with energy, real talk, and the kind of inspiration that makes you want to high-five the nearest vet mom you know.

Gracing our cover is none other than Dr. Elān Armstrong, the unstoppable Connecticut veterinarian who juggles a thriving career, co-hosts our brand-new talk show Pop with Dr. Shannon Gregoire, and somehow still finds time to raise four (yes, four!) amazing kids. She's smart, she's fierce, and s...

Brought to you by PRN Pharmacal, maker of Reconcile for separation anxiety in dogs.  Check out reconcile.com for more!

In this wildly entertaining episode of All Creatures, fictional Connecticut veterinarians Dr. Greathouse (Caitlin Palmer) and Dr. Smalls (Clay Palmer) trade clinic life for the rodeo scene at the Goshen Stampede Fair—only to find themselves wrapped in a cryptid mystery that’s more science than superstition.

What starts as a fun weekend filled with bull riding and deep-fried Oreos quickly turns into a veterinary whodunit when prize cattle are found dead—bloodless, woundles...

Ready to get your brain buzzing and your sides hurting? On the newest episode of Vet Candy’s hit game show, Brain Smarts, your favorite vet pro comedians Clay and Caitlin Palmer, are joined by none other than Ashli Selke — the unstoppable force shaking up veterinary medicine.

She’s not just a veterinary technician powerhouse. Ashli is a legal strategist rewriting the rules, a former NAVTA President, a board member, and the ultimate champion for rising leaders.

She’s not just breaking glass ceilings — she’s tearing down the whole roof so the right people can rise. Ex...

This week on Vet Candy's Brain Smarts,  Clay and Caitlin Palmer welcome a vet who’s got the medical chops and the hot glue gun to prove it—Dr. Hannah Jordan! She treats exotic animals by day, crafts earrings by night, and channels her inner Steve Irwin 24/7.

Join us as we dive into vet med trivia that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and question everything you know about parrots with potty mouths. Dr. Jordan shares how she balances saving lives with sparkle, why empathy is her superpower, and what happens when a hedgehog needs therapy.

It’s br...

Dr. Smalls & Dr. Greathouse (played by hilarious comedians Caitlin & Clay Palmer) are back—and this time, they're diving headfirst into a small-town nightmare where deadly avian flu meets small-town legend!

📍 Point Pleasant, West Virginia is under siege—not just by a highly contagious bird virus, but by whispers of the winged, red-eyed terror himself… MOTHMAN! 🦇👀

As the vets race to contain the outbreak, they’ll have to:
✔️ Battle a fast-spreading flu (worse than clinic gossip!)
✔️ Decode eerie town myths (is Mothman patient zero?!)
✔️ Outwit panicked locals (and maybe a cryptid or two…)

Suspense, science, and s...

Brought to you by PRN Pharmacal, makers of KBroVet CA-1.  Learn more at Kbrovet.com

🎉 Get Ready for Another Wild Round of Brain Smarts! 🎉

Welcome to Brain Smarts by Vet Candy – the veterinary game show where knowledge collides with comedy, and the competition is fiercer than a cat at the vet! 🐱💡 Hosted by the hilarious Clay & Caitlin Palmer, this fast-paced showdown puts veterinary pros to the ultimate test with brain-busting trivia, current events, and unexpected twists.

This episode features the incredible Dr. Christina Kaye, a feline-loving, adventure-seeking veterinarian who’s as passionate about o...

Think neurology is intimidating? Think again! This isn’t your average textbook—it’s a vibrant, high-yield crash course designed by top veterinary neurologists (including the brilliant Dr. Gaemia Tracy!) to make neuro clear, engaging, and even fun!

✅ Demystifies complex neuro concepts—no jargon, just straightforward, digestible knowledge
✅ Packed with clinical pearls from leading experts—learn how the pros diagnose & treat
✅ Real-world case examples—because nothing beats seeing neuro in action
✅ Quick-reference charts & diagrams—perfect for fast review before exams or tough cases
✅ Survival tips for neuro emergencies—because seizures don’t wait...

Picture this: Two vets—Dr. Greathouse and Dr. Smalls—are just trying to save fluffy pets one minute… and fighting off a horde of ravenous zombies the next!

When a terrifying outbreak turns their town into a buffet for the undead, these unlikely heroes must trade stethoscopes for survival tactics as society collapses around them. With medical skills, quick thinking, and sheer grit, they’ll battle through the carnage, protect survivors, and race against time to uncover the source of the apocalypse.

Will they find a cure? Can they outsmart the zombies? Or will they become t...

In this must-listen episode of Vet Candy, Dr. Abi Maynard, Dr. Dazjah Samuels, and Dr. Shannon Gregoire reveal the 5 biggest mistakes new veterinary school grads make and how to steer clear of them. Whether you’re just graduating or a seasoned vet looking to avoid common pitfalls, this episode is packed with expert advice on managing burnout, dealing with imposter syndrome, handling client expectations, and much more. Tune in to learn how to thrive in your first years post-grad and set yourself up for success in the competitive world of veterinary medicine. Don’t miss the tips that will chan...

In this episode of 21 Questions with Vet Candy, we get up close and personal with Dr. Julia Miller, a Kentucky-based veterinary dermatologist who’s making waves in the world of animal skin care. From managing itchy pets to her favorite bluegrass pastime, Dr. Miller shares her journey into veterinary dermatology, her top tips for pet owners, and what it's really like treating skin, ears, and allergies all day. Tune in for expert insights, fun stories, and rapid-fire questions that reveal the dermatologist behind the dermatoscope. Whether you're a vet med student, practicing pro, or just obsessed with healthy pets, th...

In this episode of The Cat Daddy Show, we’re diving into the April 2025 issue of Vet Candy Magazine with special guest Shannon Gervase, a Canadian veterinary business expert and future clinic owner. Shannon joins us to unpack the top stories in veterinary medicine, pet care, and practice management from this month’s magazine.

From cutting-edge research on canine epilepsy and machine learning tools to leadership tips for veterinary professionals, budget-friendly clinic upgrades, and real talk on veterinary burnout, this episode is packed with value for vets, vet techs, students, and pet lovers.

🎧 You’ll learn abo...

Brought to you by PRN Pharmacal, makers of KBroVet CA-1. Learn more at Kbrovet.com.

This episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the one and only Dr. Thomas Vega – aka The Fashion Vet – a trailblazer in veterinary medicine with a flair for style and a passion for innovation! 💼🐾 From cutting-edge care to trendsetting threads, Dr. Vega brings his A-game to everything he does.

Join your hilarious hosts, Clay & Caitlin Palmer, as they put Dr. Vega to the test in a high-energy battle of wits, trivia, and maybe even a surprise challenge or two! Will The Fashion Vet...