Off Leash with Dr. Pete

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete use Labor Day as an excuse to talk about a different kind of labor: what actually goes into breeding a dog, preparing for birth, and caring for a new litter of puppies.

Dr. Pete starts with what should happen long before puppies arrive—making sure both parents are healthy and avoiding breeding dogs with hereditary problems that could be passed on. They also discuss pregnancy nutrition, why adding too much calcium too early can cause problems, and when it may make sense to transition a...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly is joined by Josh, an antivenom expert who works closely with veterinarians and the National Snakebite Support Group, to talk about what pet owners should know if their dog is ever bitten by a venomous snake. From rattlesnakes and copperheads to cottonmouths and coral snakes, Josh breaks down where bites happen most often and why fast veterinary care matters.

Josh explains what actually happens after a snake bite, why antivenom is such an important part of treatment, and why it needs to be administered by a veterinarian...

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...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly brings another round of listener questions to Dr. Pete, covering everything from dog treats and vaccines to skin problems, digestive issues, liver enzymes, and senior dog health. It’s a wide-ranging Q&A filled with practical advice for pet owners dealing with some of the most common and confusing health concerns.

Dr. Pete starts by discussing treats for dogs with copper storage disease, including why owners need to look closely at ingredient labels and how even treats can contribute additional copper. He also answers a question about ol...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete take a closer look at a new concern surrounding raw pet food: avian influenza, or H5N1. As bird flu continues to affect poultry, dairy cattle, cats, and other mammals, they discuss why uncooked animal ingredients are getting more attention from veterinarians, pet food companies, and the FDA.

Dr. Pete explains why cats appear to be more vulnerable to bird flu than dogs, how exposure can happen around farms and infected animals, and why cooking or pasteurization dramatically changes the risk. They also discuss...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete talk about something many pet owners don’t think about until moving day: how changing homes can affect your dog or cat. A new house means unfamiliar smells, a different yard, new neighbors, and an entirely new environment for your pet to figure out.

Dr. Pete explains why pets that were perfectly house-trained in one home may suddenly have accidents in another, especially if previous animals left behind scents in carpeting or flooring. They also discuss checking fences, electrical cords, unfamiliar hazards, and why li...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete dive into a growing concern in veterinary medicine: drug-resistant hookworms. Hookworms themselves aren't new, but some strains are becoming harder to treat with the dewormers veterinarians have relied on for decades. Dr. Pete explains where this resistance is showing up, why certain dogs may be more at risk, and what veterinarians are doing when the usual treatments stop working.

From there, the conversation turns into a crash course on the different parasites dogs can pick up. Dr. Pete breaks down hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly puts another round of listener questions in front of Dr. Pete, covering everything from copper storage disease and puppy nutrition to grass eating, fish oil supplements, flea prevention, and common misconceptions about pet health.

Dr. Pete begins by answering several questions about copper accumulation in dogs, including whether a low-copper diet can help reduce copper stored in the liver, which treats to avoid, and why regular monitoring of liver enzymes is so important.

The conversation then shifts to everyday questions many pet owners have, including...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete tackle one of the most debated topics in veterinary medicine: Are we overvaccinating our dogs? With so much conflicting information online, it can be difficult for pet owners to know which vaccines are essential, which are based on lifestyle, and how often their pets really need them. Dr. Pete breaks down the science behind modern vaccination protocols and explains why there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

The conversation explores the difference between core vaccines, like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, and non-core vaccines that depend...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly brings your questions straight to Dr. Pete for another listener Q&A covering everything from puppy nutrition and food allergies to probiotics, pork-based diets, and some of the biggest myths circulating on social media. If you've ever wondered how to sort good pet advice from misinformation, this episode is for you.

The conversation begins with choosing the right food for large breed puppies and why slower, steady growth is often healthier than trying to grow puppies as quickly as possible. Dr. Pete also answers questions a...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete tackle a question many dog owners eventually ask themselves: Should you breed your dog? While the idea of raising a litter of puppies can sound exciting, responsible breeding involves far more than pairing two dogs together. From health testing and genetics to temperament and the financial realities of raising puppies, they explain why ethical breeding starts long before the first puppy is born.

Along the way, Molly and Dr. Pete talk about the hidden costs of breeding, from emergency C-sections and veterinary care to...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete share the story of Ellie, a Labrador whose persistent diarrhea and weight loss left multiple veterinarians searching for answers. Dr. Pete explains why chronic diarrhea isn't always caused by parasites or a simple stomach upset. He walks through the importance of bloodwork, what low albumin levels can reveal, and why distinguishing between conditions like Addison's disease and intestinal lymphangiectasia can make all the difference.

Along the way, Molly and Dr. Pete discuss the challenges of managing complex medical cases from a distance, how veterinary...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete tackle one of the biggest myths in the dog world: how much does breed actually determine a dog's personality? From Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas to Dobermans, Pit Bulls, and Border Collies, they discuss which stereotypes have some truth behind them-and which ones deserve to be left behind.

Dr. Pete explains why genetics can influence certain behaviors, but don't determine whether a dog will be friendly, aggressive, or well-mannered. The conversation covers the importance of early socialization, proper training, matching a dog's energy level to...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete dive into one of the biggest challenges facing owners of tiny breed puppies: hypoglycemia. Using a real-life case involving a young Yorkie, Dr. Pete explains why very small puppies can suddenly become weak, lethargic, or unresponsive, what causes dangerous drops in blood sugar, and the simple steps that can help stabilize them before they receive veterinary care.


The conversation also covers the unique needs of toy breed dogs. Dr. Pete shares practical advice for new dog owners and explains why understanding normal pup...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete take on one of the most controversial topics in pet nutrition: raw diets versus kibble. After Molly returns from Global Pet Expo, where raw and fresh pet foods dominated the conversation, she and Dr. Pete break down the claims behind these diets and discuss what every dog owner should know before making the switch.


Dr. Pete explains why a dog that suddenly stops eating may have an underlying medical problem rather than simply becoming "picky," and why changing foods can sometimes delay an...

Fireworks, thunderstorms, road trips, and summer celebrations can be exciting for us—but for many dogs, they can be some of the most stressful days of the year.

In this episode of Off Leash, Dr. Pete and Molly discuss why so many dogs struggle with noise anxiety and travel stress, and what pet owners can do before the panic starts. They break down the importance of planning ahead, how the "Chill Protocol" works, when medications like gabapentin and trazodone may be appropriate, and why waiting until your dog is already terrified is often too late.

In this heartfelt episode of Off Leash, Molly sits down with service dog trainer, advocate, and disability educator Jaime Simpson to share a story of resilience, purpose, and the life-changing bond between humans and dogs.

Jaime opens up about living with epilepsy, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, vision challenges, and other complex medical conditions—and how her service dogs have become essential partners in helping her navigate daily life. From seizure alerts and medication retrieval to mobility support and emotional healing, Jaime's dogs do far more than provide assistance—they've helped save her life.

The conversation explo...

At the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Molly sits down with Samantha from Pure and Natural Pet, a woman-founded company that's raising the bar for transparency in the pet wellness industry.

From USDA-certified organic grooming products to innovative dental care solutions, Samantha shares how Pure and Natural Pet was built on a mission to create safer, cleaner, and more trustworthy products for pets. The conversation dives into the challenges of regulation in the pet industry, the importance of ingredient transparency, and why pet parents should pay closer attention to what they're putting on—and in—their...

Before the exam, before the blood draw, and before your dog heads "to the back"—what really happens at the veterinary clinic?

In this episode of Off-Leash, Dr. Pete and Molly pull back the curtain on one of the biggest mysteries in veterinary medicine: what happens when your pet disappears behind the treatment room doors. From anxious dogs and nervous owners to blood draws, nail trims, sedation protocols, and the surprisingly common reasons pets behave better away from their humans, this candid conversation explains the why behind veterinary procedures.

Dr. Pete shar...

In this episode of Off Leash, we sit down with Pam O’hara, a disabled service dog handler, advocate, and dog sport enthusiast who is redefining what accessibility looks like in the canine world. Recorded live at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, this heartfelt and inspiring conversation dives into Pam’s journey navigating colon cancer, epilepsy, vision loss, and life alongside her incredible Belgian Malinois service dog, Mazikeen.

Pam shares how her rescue dog—once slated for euthanasia—became her teammate, confidence builder, and partner in advocacy. Together, they’ve entered the world of protection...

Fresh from Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Molly sits down with David Teaster of Satellai to talk about the future of pet safety, GPS technology, and AI-powered pet care. From virtual fencing and real-time GPS tracking to activity monitoring and health insights, David breaks down how Satellai’s smart collars are changing the game for pet owners, hunters, hikers, and adventurers alike.

The conversation dives into everything from waterproof tracking collars and two-way audio features to AI behavior analysis that can help spot potential health concerns before they become serious. Molly also shares her own exp...

In this episode of Off Leash, recorded live from Orlando, the host sits down with renowned dog enrichment designer Nina Ottosson of Outward Hound to talk about the growing world of dog puzzle games and interactive feeders. Nina shares how her puzzle products help dogs stay mentally stimulated, reduce boredom, and improve overall behavior through problem-solving and enrichment activities. She explains the science behind dog puzzles, slow feeders, and interactive feeding systems, while discussing how different breeds respond to mental challenges and why “all dogs need a job.”

The conversation also explores the evolution of the p...

This week on Off Leash with Dr. Pete, we’re diving into your questions—from dental health and puppy diets to treats, chews, and controversial topics like grain-free food and overprocessed kibble.

We talk about what dogs actually need, what’s often misunderstood, and how small choices—like treat size or ingredient quality—can make a big difference. Along the way, we unpack the hidden impact of dental disease, surprising truths about the pet food industry, and some of the biggest nutrition myths dog owners face today.

A great listen for any dog owne...

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete talk about why microchipping could be the difference between losing and finding your pet.

What would you do if your dog or cat went missing? In this episode, we dive into one of the simplest — yet most important — tools pet owners have to protect their animals: microchipping.

Using real-world stories, personal experiences, and eye-opening stats, we break down why microchipping matters more than most people realize. From natural disasters to everyday accidents, we explore how quickly pets can go mis...

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest decisions any owner will ever face—and in this deeply honest episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, the conversation tackles that reality head-on.

Dr. Pete opens up about the emotional weight of euthanasia, sharing thoughtful insights from years of experience along with compassionate, real-life stories (while respecting client privacy) that many listeners will find painfully relatable. The discussion explores common but difficult questions—like what it means when a pet seems to be having a “good day” right before a scheduled goodbye—and why the tim...

In this episode of Off-Leash with Dr. Pete, we dive into the intense and fascinating world of canine search and rescue with special guest Beth, an experienced handler working on the front lines.

From tracking lost hikers to locating critical evidence, these highly trained dogs are doing work most people never see—and the stories behind it are as gripping as they are eye-opening. We explore how search and rescue dogs are trained, the different types of tracking they perform, and the unique signals they give when they make a find.

This...

In this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, we flip the script on how dog owners think about disease risk.

For years, the conversation has been dominated by Parvo, Lyme disease, and heartworm—and for good reason. They’re serious, they’re scary, and they’ve been drilled into every dog owner’s mind. But what if those aren’t the biggest threats anymore?

Dr. Pete breaks down the real numbers, putting these well-known diseases into perspective. When you zoom out, the data tells a surprising story: while roughly 1% of dogs are affec...

In this episode, we kick things off with some lighthearted banter before diving into a series of real-life stories from Dr. Pete’s years in veterinary medicine. From a childhood memory involving a broken finger to a recent unusual case with a cat’s jaw, the conversation flows naturally into some of the more interesting and unexpected moments you only get from life in the exam room.

We also touch on a case involving whipworms in dogs and explore some of the questions pet owners might not always think to ask. This episode leans into a mor...

This week on Off Leash with Dr. Pete, we embark on a deep-dive Q&A featuring Dr. Pete—covering some of the most important questions in canine nutrition and health.

We kick things off with a discussion on taurine and its link to heart disease, including a shocking statistic about Dobermans and what owners should be paying attention to. Then, we break down hydrolyzed diets, what they actually mean, and how they’re used—along with a few truths about what dogs are really eating (even when owners say otherwise).

Later, we dive...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laurie McCauley to explore the world of canine rehabilitation, mobility, and overall wellness. From underwater treadmills to chiropractic care, Dr. McCauley shares her experience working with dogs across a wide range of conditions and lifestyles.

We dive into the differences between rehab techniques like swimming vs. underwater treadmills, and when each approach makes the most sense. The conversation also gets into everyday challenges dog owners face - like nail trimming and helping anxious dogs relax — with practical insights you can actually use at home.

A...

We are so happy to have Andrea Libretti back on with us to talk about the exciting things that MYOS is working on including a new way to give your dog a better life and longevity. Humans and animals alike struggle as they age in part due to muscle loss and MYOS has been hard at work to help give options to pet owners and humans alike with a revolutionary new supplement. Listen in to learn more about the future for our pets and ourselves! Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

This week on Off Leash, Molly is joined by Josh Lambo who was a professional soccer player, the 9th most accurate NFL kicker of all time, and now animal performance enthusiast. Josh is doing some exciting work with his time, working on performance supplements for dogs and working on another venture involving horses. We talk with Josh about his crazy journey in professional sports and how it led him to his newfound passion in animal performance. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

This week, Molly sits down with Dr. Pete to look back on what had changed and what has stayed constant during Dr. Pete’s career which spans 50 years of veterinary work! Would you believe the prices of work back then? Or even how things were done and what advancements have been made in the veterinary field. This is a fun look back on all Dr. Pete’s work and how far animal care has come. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

This week Dr. Pete is with Molly at VMX in Orlando answering some more of the questions we received from our podcast listeners. These questions pertain to lots of dog owners who may be asking themselves the same questions or in the very least as useful knowledge for dog care going forward. We discuss overweight dogs and how to help your dog find a healthier version of themselves, as well as probiotics and their benefits as well as what your dog actually needs. Then, has your lab had a lipoma? Does your dog have loose stool? We talk about...

This week we’re sitting down with Dr. Pete to talk about something that affects almost every dog owner: Ticks and Heartworm. This may not become a large part of your dogs life if you follow your veterinarian’s advice about treating for these two things. If you don’t, your dog could be at risk of some major issues should they run into developments from these two things. Do you know how ticks become carriers of Lyme? Have you considered your dog’s risk of heartworm? WE talk about it all on this podcast and some of it may surp...

This week we sit down at the VMX in Orlando with Dr. Pete to answer some listener questions that you guys have emailed us! We go through a bunch of different topics including diet, paw licking and yeasty paws, as well as some complex situations involving some of our listeners dogs and how Dr. Pete would best take care of them going forward. If you have a question for us you can email it to us through our website and we will do our best to get to it! Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe...

This week Molly is joined by Lindsey Berg of Loc Dogs Training to go through some of the challenges our dogs face that we don’t normally consider: stresses of the modern world. We don’t really take the time to see how it can be difficult for our dogs to adapt to the modern lifestyle that we’re used to now. If you think back to what dog ownership looked like even 50 or 60 years ago, dogs spent a lot more time outside or in environments where they likely had more space than many dogs have now. Not to mentio...

Been doing any late night scrolling on the internet? We have! And we’ve come across countless videos of people giving advice about what is or isn’t going on with your dogs. Everything from food toppers to holistic herbal teas. So we decided it would be good to save a few of these and get Dr. Pete to sit down and listen in to debunk the fakes and provide support for the folks out there giving real solid advice. Please listen along to learn what you should actually be watching while you scroll through your favorite dog videos and...

We are back this week with incredible news about a groundbreaking study that we’ve been grateful to be a part of working on for a few years. We’ve been working alongside some incredible people to help shape the future for dogs and dog owners when it comes to the food we give our best friends. A peer reviewed study has been published in the AVMA concerning copper storage in dogs. This was a project headed by Sharon Center and our own Pete Vanvranken along with collaboration and assistance from many other people. Our goal from day one has...

Happy Holidays to all of our listeners! This week we wanted to discuss a topic that impacts almost every pet and pet owner and that is pain that your animals may be dealing with at some point in their lives. If you’ve had a pet go through difficult struggles with pain it can be terrible to watch them struggle. In this times we wanted to give them something to make it feel better and often times people think they can simply give human drugs to their pets. It is important that you don’t! We talk about the diff...