110. Pet Tech, Snake Safety & Cutting Through Veterinary Misinformation

In this insightful and entertaining episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore emerging pet health technology, unusual animal behaviors, and the growing need for trustworthy veterinary information. From body composition innovation and snake safety to expert advice on fear-free care and online pet myths, this episode delivers both practical guidance and eye-opening insights for modern pet parents.

Story Time features: Kristen shares a fascinating look at Dexa scanning technology and how it could revolutionize how veterinarians measure pet body composition — offering a more accurate alternative to traditional weight and visual assessments as pet obesity continues to rise.

Chris highlights a bizarre but real pet care issue: snakes eating their own tails, explaining why it happens and sharing a simple (but surprising) vet-approved method to safely interrupt the behavior.

Special Guests: Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond, Veterinarian & “The Honest Vet”

Dr. Andy Roark, Veterinarian, Educator & Host of The Cone of Shame Podcast

Pet Product Recommendations: Non-stop Dogwear Fjord Raincoat 2.0 – https://www.nonstopdogwear.com

Tick Mitt Tick Sidekick Removal Tool – https://www.tickmitt.com

Q&A Topics: My senior dog is slowing down and sleeping more — how do I know if this is normal aging or a sign of a medical issue? (Submitted by Karen from Denver, CO)

My cat has bad breath but seems otherwise healthy — how serious is dental disease and when should I intervene? (Submitted by Olivia from Minneapolis, MN)

Related Links: The Honest Vet (Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond): https://www.instagram.com/thehonestvet

The Cone of Shame Podcast (Dr. Andy Roark): https://drandyroark.com

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

DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed

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