120. Pet Anxiety Awareness Month: Understanding Fear, Stress & Anxiety in Pets

In this special live episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine kick off the 10th annual Pet Anxiety Awareness Month. Joined by two leading experts in animal behavior and veterinary medicine, the conversation explores the causes of fear, stress, and anxiety in pets, how these conditions affect physical and emotional well-being, and what pet parents can do to help their dogs and cats live more confident, comfortable lives.

Story Time features: Chris shares the heartwarming story of a woman who adopted a cat to help with her own mental health, only to discover that her new feline companion struggled with anxiety too. Together, they helped each other heal, highlighting the powerful bond between pets and people.

Kristen reflects on the inspiration behind Pet Anxiety Awareness Month, sharing the story of her beloved dog Buck and how his battle with separation anxiety led her to create a nationwide awareness campaign dedicated to helping pet parents recognize and treat anxiety-related conditions.

Special Guests: Debbie Martin, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner & Elite Fear Free Certified® Professional

Dr. Kiona Williams, Veterinarian, Chewy Vet Care & Fear Free Certified Professional

Pet Product Recommendations: Calmer Canine – https://assisi.zomedica.com/products/calmer-canine/

Chuckit! Launchers & Fetch Toys – https://www.chuckit-toys.com

DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com

Reconcile – https://www.reconcile.com

SecureDog & SecureCat Pheromone Products www.securebysigns.com/us/products/securedog

Fresh Patch – https://www.freshpatch.com

Ease Pet Vet – https://easepetvet.com

Atomic Bubbles – https://atomicbubbles.com

Q&A Topics: My dog seems perfectly happy when we're together, but the moment I leave the house he starts barking, whining, and sometimes destroys things. How can I tell if this is true separation anxiety, and what are the best steps to help him feel more comfortable being alone? (Submitted by Jessica from Charlotte, NC)

My cat has been licking himself so much that he's starting to lose hair. We've ruled out skin issues and fleas. Could this be anxiety, and what can I do to help? (Submitted by Lizzy via YouTube Live)

Related Links: Pet Anxiety Awareness Month: https://petanxietyawareness.com

Fear Free Pets: https://fearfreepets.com

Chewy Vet Care: https://www.chewy.com/b/vet-care-17377

DOGTV Understanding Pet Anxiety Special: https://www.dogtv.com

Ease Pet Vet: https://easepetvet.com

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels: Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV