Explore every episode of the podcast Steve Dale's Pet World

Jon Provost who was Timmy in Lassie sincerely – even all these years later (he’s now 74-years old) – has a love for dogs  as much as he did when he played Timmy. Steve reminisces and Jon tells all sorts of stories. And did he ever really fall into a well? What was the craziest peril […]

A howliday tradition for Steve Dale’s Pet World! Steve speaks to the President elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) about what’s to come in 2025. Dr. Michael Bailey pulls out the AVMA crystal ball to offer his predictions for the New Year.  Also, tips from Dr. Bailey on keeping pets safe over the howliday […]

Raising a puppy can be great fun but to be honest it’s not for everyone says dog trainer Drayton Michaels, author of The Puppy Parents Handbook: Raising A Well Trained Puppy in the 21st Century. Michaels offers a refresher course in housetraining 101. He has also long been involved in fighting breed bans (typically targeted to dogs referred […]

This is the time of year when organizations such the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) receive the most calls. Steve talks with veterinary toxicologist Dr. Renee Scmid, director of veterinary medicine and a senior veterinary toxicologist at PPH. Lilies are fragrant for us but very toxic to cats. And chocolate is never a good idea. She […]

Larry Holm is host a podcast called What About Grief. Steve Dale appeared on a segment called “Our Pets: Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Pet,” and that is the topic of this conversation. Indeed, Holm found that the loss of a pet can be as profound as losing any other family member. Dr. Mark Goldstein has done it […]

Zak George is no doubt the most popular and one of the most outspoken dog trainers in social media, as he tells the truth – based on science – regarding dog training methods. He’s totally no fan of the use of shock collars and takes a deep dive in describing why. Included is how to choose […]

David Frei, renowned broadcaster of dog shows, has now broadcast 50 national dog shows, and 23 years of the National Dog Show presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day on NBC (and now also on Peacock) at noon following Macy’s Parade. Frei discusses the so-called ‘doodle dogs.’ Also, animal-assisted activities, and how therapy dogs go into hospitals, libraries, […]

Dr. Taylor Rezvani, professor Husson University, Bangor ME, board member of the Human Animal Bond Association (HABA) discusses International Human Animal Bond Day and how around the world the bond for companion animals has intensified in recent years. And the bond goes beyond dogs and cats. HABA is seeking images of pet parents with their pets for […]

Human Animal Bond Association’s International Human Animal Bond Day is November 8. Dr. Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society has authored so many important books about dogs. His most recent is Dogs Demystified: An A to Z Guide to […]

What percent of dogs and cats do you think are overweight or obese? The numbers are staggering. Dr. Ernie Ward, a world expert on this topic and Founder/President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention explains that we need to think differently and stop “the blame game” regarding overweight/obese pets. There myths about what causes pets to […]

It’s a new hot topic in veterinary medicine – a sort of physician’s assistance in veterinary medicine, except with this new position will have latitude to do far more but with questionable training. Dr. Gail Golab, Chief Veterinary Officer and Executive Vice President at the American Veterinary Medicine Association, explains that the veterinary professional associate […]

Halloween can be very scary but Dr. Ahna Brutlag, Vice President of veterinary services and senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, is determined to keep your pets safe. She discusses everything from candies sweetened with a dangerous sugar substitute, raisins, Macadamia nuts and chocolates and their potential dangers to pets. Also, she explains how THC […]

10/20 – Victoria Stilwell from It’s Me or the Dog in a wide-ranging conversation regarding common tools that some dog trainers use, and should never use – in fact, should be banned. And Victoria articulately explains why. She also describes why reactive dogs are doing what they are doing, and what to do about it. It’s Me or […]

Dr. Ernie Ward, is a world-renowned expert and advocate for pet health and nutrition. He’s the founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. He explains just how many pets are overweight or obese. He says we need to stop playing the blame game. Yes, feeding too much and feeding the too many […]

Pet parents have been asking for simpler pet treats with far fewer less ingredients…and Jackson Jones founder/owner Farm to Pet, based in Chicago, offers just that. There’s no processing, no salt, no preservatives and no names that are really long that you can’t pronounce – we’re talking pure protein (truly single ingredient treats). Many of the […]

Dr. Jeff Bloomberg of Veterinary Diagnostic Centers on how he has fulfilled a niche in the Chicago area which provides imaging for pets, primarily offering cardiac and abdominal ultrasounds. In fact, he’s been so successful – because of the need for his services and his Fear Free approach when fulfilling those services, similar centers may now […]

Head of Development and Community Engagement at Orphans of the Storm in Riverwoods, Sandy De Lisle, talks a special upcoming tribute to dog loving, fallen Chicago Police Officer Ella French; and shares an update and truth about the animal sheltering situation on the North Shore and all about her award-winning film You’re Out, co-starring a pit bull looking […]

Dreams can come true, as David Kerpel explains why he’s creating the Furever Home Dog Sanctuary. You can hear the enthusiasm, passion and determination to get this accomplished in his voice. The Sanctuary will be at 10720 Zarnstorff Rd., Richmond, IL. He explains what the mission will be (bottom line, to save dog lives). Furever Home is holding a spooky HOWL-O-WEEN benefit Oct. 18 and 19. Learn […]

Lisa Lunghofer is the Executive Director of the non-profit Grey Muzzle Organization, the largest national nonprofit organization focused only on the well-being of senior dogs. Most dogs in shelters are seniors and most dogs who don’t make it out of shelters are seniors. She explains what the organization is doing to prevent those dogs from landing in shelters […]

Paul Owens is the original dog whisperer. He explains how the moniker was “permanently borrowed” by Cesar Millan. In his latest book is Training for the Joy of Dogs: 50 Lessons Learned, Owens describes the advantages of positive reinforcement training compared punishment based training, which was about the only choice when he began training 50 years ago. He […]

Certified Cat Behavior Training Specialists Rita Reimers and Linda Hall aren’t only the Cat Behavior Alliance, they both with the late Richard Simmons. They talk about what the exercise guru was really like. Rita was also a pet sitter/dog walker for Richard. They also explain the Cat Behavior Alliance is an educational tool, and an outlet […]

Darlene Duggan, newly installed President of Anti Cruelty, explains there’s an animal welfare desert on the South and Southwest side of Chicago, and the non-profit is in the process of doing something about it. Chicago’s shelters are filled or near filled, and she explains why. The big Pour Your Heart Out event is September 26, 6–10 p.m. at Sarabande Chicago, […]

Reptile ownership is scaling upwards, which all began during the pandemic. Rich Crowley, treasurer and past president of the Chicago Hepatological Society, which helps to rescue reptiles and amphibians, offers ideas for people who are seeking a first-time reptile. He also describes that sometimes the animal may be less expensive than the enclosure and additional equipment […]

Chicago recently lost a great advocate for cats, Ann Dieter, Board Chair at Harmony House for Cats. Jennifer Zameic, shelter manager discusses this all-cat shelter in Avondale, and what makes this facility unique. Also, how to pick the right cat for you. And there’s a benefit pub crawl for kitties, September 28;  learn more here. Kim Theobald owner […]

It was Hall of Fame third baseman and WGN Radio broadcaster Ron Santo’s dream to one day help children suffering from diabetes. And that is exactly what the Ron and Vicki Santo Diabetic Alert Dog Foundation does. Scott Parker explains what having one of these dogs has done to support his daughter and his family. So […]

Jon Provost, who was Timmy on Lassie, is now 74 years old – amazing. He reminisces about his time with the most famous and heroic dog ever. The craziest thing Timmy was ever rescued from on TV was quicksand. And Lassie was there to save the day. Discussed are common misconceptions about Lassie and how Lassie […]

Just like that, one morning Heartland Animal Shelter, a premier shelter in Wheeling, IL, was literally underwater. Executive Director Jenny Schlueter explains why help is needed, either by fostering or adopting animals, and/or to give money. Insurance isn’t going to cover all this.  All the animals survived, though Jenny tells the story that if it wasn’t […]

Jay Spainhour, owner of Tucker Pups Pet Resort offers tips on boarding dogs. What the facility should be offering, and what to watch for when seeking a place for doggy daycare. Dog trainer Jeff Millman agrees one of the most common problems is on-leash aggression. He’s written a book, which entails how to help these dogs, particularly […]

Dr. Rena Carlson, immediate past president American Veterinary Medical Association on summertime pet safety. Heatstroke in dogs is all too common, yet nearly always preventable. And why are people still leaving dogs in hot cars? An update on FIP, which was detailed in a Steve Dale’s Pet World show from June 23. More and more people are traveling with pets but […]

Dr. Julia Albright, Veterinary Behaviorist and Associate Professor at University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine explains the brain to gut connection in humans and how in animals it’s nearly identical. Knowing this, a nutritional supplement probiotic called Calming Care can ease anxiety in dogs and cats.  She also talks about how understanding gut health may help […]

An in-depth deep dive into feline infectious peritonitis with Dr. Brian Holub, Chair of the Scientific Review Committee at EveryCat Health Foundation and retired Chief Medical Officer at VetCor.  Our conversation includes breaking news regarding FIP treatment in the U.S. And we tell the FIP story filled with so much drama and intrigue it might be a […]

Mike Shikashio, CDBC, is an expert on aggressive dogs. Why are some dogs aggressive? He dispels myths regarding causes of aggression and ways to help to most effectively treat these dogs. This is as detailed a discussion about this arguably increasingly common issue as you will hear on the radio – though, for more, Shikashio […]

Phil Arkow is a co-founder of the National Link Coalition, the non-profit national resource center on the link between animal abuse and human violence. Animal abuse is a sentinel indicator that something is clearly wrong, so if animals are abused likely there’s additional violence in the home.  Arkow explains why people are reluctant to leave […]

Conversations with Darlene Duggan, interim president at Anti Cruelty, and Susan Cappello, Acting Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC), about an honest appraisal of the animal shelter scene in Chicago, and why so many animals are being relinquished. At CACC, there’s an intense effort just to explain what they really do and that so many adoptable animals are […]

Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Brittany Lancellotti earned the EveryCat Health Foundation 2024 Steve Dale Communications Award for the Your Vet Wants You to Know podcast. Discussed are all sorts of allergies which dogs and cats suffer – including environmental allergies to food allergies, and what to about them. And even some odd allergies, such as cats allergic to people.

Robyn Michaels, a member of the Greater Chicago Whippet Club and a dog groomer in Rogers Park who speaks the truth – or at least her truth – regarding hobby dog breeders and the American Kennel Club (AKC). Why in the heck does the AKC seem more intent on protecting the breeders of “doodle dogs” […]

Linda Michaels, Author of The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook, featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs, explains what those needs are.  She discusses how dog training methods DO matter, and what dog trainers to run the other way from. Discussed is that people want to socialize puppies, but what some well-meaning individuals aren’t […]

Former Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust is beloved for so many reasons, and it turns out – no surprise – she’s a huge animal lover. She talks about the first Dog Day promotions (at that time taking dogs to Comiskey Park) and her love of goats, and what goats are like.  You’ll also hear […]

Dr. Robin Downing is a polymath (that means she knows A LOT) of veterinary medicine, a well-respected, albeit outspoken, expert on many topics. Discussed are a wide range of subjects from bioethics in veterinary medicine to the Fear Free initiative and principles to consent dog training (ascent is actually a better term) to declaw in […]

Dr. Renee Schmid is Senior Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 pet animal poison control center.  A wide range of concerns including rodenticides to insecticides; and what you can do if your pet ingests some. The truth about garlic in cats and dogs. Also discussed is Xylitol or Birch Sugar which can quickly kill, and […]

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Chris Pachel talks about canine separation anxiety – what it IS and what it IS NOT. What can people do to deal with dogs who have separation anxiety? Are dogs really guilty after having an accident indoors or tearing up a pillow because of separation anxiety.  Why are psycho-pharmaceuticals may be required or […]

Play with Your Cat! – That is both the name of the book and the message from Dr. Mikel Delgado. She discusses how to play with your cat, what are the best toys to play with your cat, when are the best times to play with your cat and most important why play is ESSENTIAL to your […]

Bradley Phifer, Director of Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers , explains what this organization is and what to look for if you happen to be sniffing out a dog trainer. And dog training is not a licensed profession, and some trainers use methods that can do more harm than good. That’s why demonstrating competence in the field […]

Founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, Dr. Ernie Ward, says the issue is far more complex than people merely offering too much table food. So, what exactly has been going on? And why with every passing year are there more and more obese dogs/cats? And it’s not only about weight, but […]

From IT’S ME OR THE DOG on Animal Planet, a very wide-ranging conversation with superstar dog trainer Victoria Stilwell. She announces that the virtual Victoria Stilwell Academy 11th Annual Dog Behavior Conference is April 19-21 and discloses who some of the speakers are and what some of the topics are. The hope is that San Francisco – working […]

Dr. Sheilah Robertson, who received the Animal Welfare for the American Veterinary Medical Association, is as expert anesthesia and analgesia.  She points out that people (and pets too) can truly die directly due to pain and offers the history of what we know about this. And answers at what point do you not put a […]

Kara Burns is a Credentialed Veterinary Technician with a specialty in nutrition, dentistry, and internal medicine. To acknowledge the difference she’s made in veterinary medicine, she was just honored with the Icon Award from the Bridge Club. Burns is on the Board of Directors of the EveryCat Health Foundation, and talks about an upcoming symposium, “Health Breakthroughs for […]

Virtual care or telehealth is available and it’s tempting – but might not be in your best interest or your pets’ interest, according to Dr. Gail Golab, Associate Executive Vice President and Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Actually, Dr. Golab loves the idea of telehealth, noting “it can be amazing” IF and […]

Gene O’Neill is CEO of North American Veterinary Community and the VMX veterinary meeting –  the largest continuing education event for veterinary professionals. He explains how this matters to you as a pet parent.  Dr. Tammy Grubb, President of the International Academy of Veterinary Pain Management and adjunct professor at Washington State University, discusss a Feline Health Symposium, Health Breakthroughs […]

Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows celebrates Pet Dental Health Month. He discusses preventive care (including several surprise answers). Indeed it’s all about prevention, like dental diets and treats, wipes and water additives like Oratene.  Dr. Michael Lappin, Professor at Colorado State University, has been investigating that mystery dog respiratory infection. He reveals what experts know and […]