104. Small Rescues, Veterinary Behavior & Why Prevention Matters

In this thoughtful and insight-packed episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine dive into rescue advocacy, behavioral medicine, and preventative care. From inspiring nonprofit storytelling to the science behind veterinary behavior support and dental health awareness, this episode highlights the importance of early intervention, education, and compassionate care for pets and their families.

Story Time features: Kristen shares exciting new research mapping the largest catalog of the healthy dog gut microbiome to date, paving the way for more accurate nutrition guidance and microbiome-based health insights tailored specifically to dogs.

Chris highlights conservation success closer to home: Mystic Aquarium welcomed two critically endangered African penguin chicks during a winter storm, a major milestone in global species survival efforts.

Special Guests: Sam Spoto, Founder & Executive Director, Tell Me About Your Dog

Dr. Chris Pachel, Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist & Founder, Animal Behavior Clinic

Pet Product Recommendations: HICC Pet Dental Finger Wipes – https://www.chewy.com/hicc-pet-finger-glove-cat-dog-dental/dp/769934

Catstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Feeder – https://amzn.to/3NGh3ZD

Q&A Topics: My dog’s teeth look fine to me, but my vet keeps recommending dental care. How do I know when dental health is truly a problem? (Submitted by Mark from Scottsdale, AZ)

Should I feed my cat wet food, dry food, or a mix of both to keep her healthy long-term? (Submitted by Olivia from Brooklyn, NY)

Related Links: Tell Me About Your Dog: https://www.tellmeaboutyourdogpodcast.com

Animal Behavior Clinic: https://animalbehaviorclinic.net

Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC): https://vohc.org

Mystic Aquarium: https://www.mysticaquarium.org

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