In this episode of Chats with the Chatfields, Dr. Jen the Vet welcomes Dr. Janice O’Brien, a veterinary expert with a public health background, to dive deep into some fascinating findings of the Dog Aging Project. The conversation focuses on the latest data about dog owners and their nutritional decisions for their pets.

The Dog Aging Project is a large-scale, long-term research initiative aimed at understanding the biological and environmental factors that influence aging in dogs. Tune in to hear about surprising trends in pet nutrition and how you can enroll your dog in the project.

The Dog Aging Project: https://dogagingproject.org/

More on Dr. O'Brien: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/08/vetmed-research-obrien.html

The "other" episode where we talk about the Dog Aging Project: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1651318/episodes/11732945

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In this episode of Chats with the Chatfields, Dr. Jen the Vet sits down with board-certified veterinary internist Dr. Dawn Martin to explore effective ways to protect your cat from feline leukemia virus (FeLV). This virus, often misunderstood yet preventable, poses a serious health risk to cats worldwide. Dr. Martin shares her expertise on FeLV, focusing on the critical steps every cat owner can take to minimize risk and keep their feline friends safe.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding FeLV and How It Spreads:
  • Dr. Martin explains how FeLV is transmitted between cats, emphasizing the importance of recognizing risk factors. Learn why indoor-outdoor cats and multi-cat households need extra precautions and how to assess your own cat’s exposure risks.
• Vaccination as a First Line of Defense:
  • Discover how FeLV vaccination works, who should get it, and how it can help prevent infection. Dr. Martin breaks down why the vaccination schedule is especially important for young and high-risk cats, even those that primarily stay indoors.
• The Power of Indoor Living:
  • Indoor cats have a significantly lower risk of FeLV exposure.
• Screening New Cats for FeLV:
  • If you’re bringing a new cat into the household, it’s critical to test for FeLV before introductions. Dr. Martin shares guidance on how to screen new feline additions and why proper quarantine and testing protocols can prevent FeLV transmission to your current pets.
• Building a FeLV-Free Multi-Cat Household:
  • For families with multiple cats, Dr. Jen and Dr. Martin discuss best practices for managing FeLV risks, including effective separation strategies, vaccination considerations, and the importance of regular veterinary check-ups for all cats.
• Preventing Exposure in Outdoor Cats:
  • For owners who allow their cats outside, Dr. Martin outlines strategies to minimize exposure, such as FeLV vaccination, and keeping cats away from known feral cat colonies where FeLV rates can be higher.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to prevent FeLV and ensure their cats live long, healthy lives. With expert advice from Dr. Martin, Dr. Jen delivers actionable tips to help you proactively protect your cat.

Key Takeaways:

• Keeping cats indoors is one of the most effective ways to prevent FeLV.
• Vaccination can greatly reduce the risk of FeLV, especially in multi-cat or high-risk households.
• Testing new cats before introducing them to your home can prevent unintentional transmission.

For more on Dr. Martin: https://vcacanada.com/tveh/team/veterinarians/dawn-martin

Key resource for testing decisions: https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TOOL_FeLV_Feline_leukemia_virus_2020_EN.pdf

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Welcome to another exciting episode of Chats with the Chatfields, where Dr. Jen the Vet dives into the latest in veterinary medicine to help pet owners stay informed and empowered about their pets’ health. In today’s episode, Dr. Jen is joined by Brittany Lancellotti, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and leading expert in the use of JAK inhibitors for managing conditions in pets.

This episode takes an in-depth look at JAK inhibitors—a revolutionary class of medications that’s changing the game for treating chronic skin and allergy issues in pets. Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Lancellotti discuss how these targeted therapies work, why they’re being used more frequently in veterinary medicine, and what pet owners need to know about these innovative treatment options. If your pet struggles with allergies, itching, or inflammatory skin conditions, this episode is for you!

Takeaways for Pet Owners:

• JAK inhibitors offer promising alternatives for pets struggling with chronic skin and allergy problems.
• These medications can provide fast relief with fewer long-term side effects, improving the quality of life for many pets.
• Always consult with a veterinarian to determine if JAK inhibitors are a good option for your pet.

Tune in for this fascinating discussion with Dr. Jen the Vet and Dr. Lancellotti, and learn how JAK inhibitors could make a difference in your pet's life!

For more about Dr. Lancellotti: https://veterinaryskinandear.com/our-team/

Dr. Lancellotti's podcast: Your vet wants you to know! https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/

Find a veterinary dermatologist near you!
https://acvd.org/find-a-veterinary-dermatologist/?ids=16_find_dermatologist

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