Off Leash with Dr. Pete

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete share the story of Ellie, a Labrador whose persistent diarrhea and weight loss left multiple veterinarians searching for answers. Dr. Pete explains why chronic diarrhea isn't always caused by parasites or a simple stomach upset. He walks through the importance of bloodwork, what low albumin levels can reveal, and why distinguishing between conditions like Addison's disease and intestinal lymphangiectasia can make all the difference.
Along the way, Molly and Dr. Pete discuss the challenges of managing complex medical cases from a distance, how veterinary medicine continues to evolve, and why every patient deserves an individualized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
Whether your dog has experienced chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing digestive issues, this episode offers valuable insight into why finding the right diagnosis matters—and how asking the right questions can sometimes save a dog's life. Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe and review!

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete tackle one of the biggest myths in the dog world: how much does breed actually determine a dog's personality? From Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas to Dobermans, Pit Bulls, and Border Collies, they discuss which stereotypes have some truth behind them-and which ones deserve to be left behind.Dr. Pete explains why genetics can influence certain behaviors, but don't determine whether a dog will be friendly, aggressive, or well-mannered. The conversation covers the importance of early socialization, proper training, matching a dog's energy level to your lifestyle, and why environment often plays a much larger role than breed alone.Along the way, Dr. Pete shares memorable stories from his years in practice that challenge many of the assumptions dog owners make about different breeds.Whether you're thinking about bringing home your first puppy or simply want a better understanding of canine behavior, this episode offers practical advice to help you choose, train, and care for your dog with confidence. Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe and review!

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete dive into one of the biggest challenges facing owners of tiny breed puppies: hypoglycemia. Using a real-life case involving a young Yorkie, Dr. Pete explains why very small puppies can suddenly become weak, lethargic, or unresponsive, what causes dangerous drops in blood sugar, and the simple steps that can help stabilize them before they receive veterinary care.

 
The conversation also covers the unique needs of toy breed dogs. Dr. Pete shares practical advice for new dog owners and explains why understanding normal puppy development can prevent emergencies.

 
Dr. Pete also breaks down the differences between ear mites, ear infections, and food allergies, explains why cats and dogs experience ear problems differently, and shares what veterinarians look for during an ear exam.
 
Whether you've recently welcomed a tiny puppy into your home, own a toy breed dog, or simply want to better understand common ear conditions in dogs and cats, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you keep your pets healthy and safe. Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete take on one of the most controversial topics in pet nutrition: raw diets versus kibble. After Molly returns from Global Pet Expo, where raw and fresh pet foods dominated the conversation, she and Dr. Pete break down the claims behind these diets and discuss what every dog owner should know before making the switch.

 
Dr. Pete explains why a dog that suddenly stops eating may have an underlying medical problem rather than simply becoming "picky," and why changing foods can sometimes delay an important diagnosis. They also explore the potential risks associated with raw feeding, including bacterial contamination from Salmonella and E. coli, food safety concerns, and the challenges of balancing a complete diet at home.


 
Molly also shares her experience speaking with pet food companies at Global Pet Expo, where she found that many representatives couldn't answer basic questions about ingredients, minerals, or nutrient levels. 


 
Whether you feed kibble, fresh food, a raw diet, or are simply trying to choose the best option for your dog, this episode offers practical, science-based insight to help you make informed decisions about your pet's nutrition. Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe and review!

Fireworks, thunderstorms, road trips, and summer celebrations can be exciting for us—but for many dogs, they can be some of the most stressful days of the year.
 
In this episode of Off Leash, Dr. Pete and Molly discuss why so many dogs struggle with noise anxiety and travel stress, and what pet owners can do before the panic starts. They break down the importance of planning ahead, how the "Chill Protocol" works, when medications like gabapentin and trazodone may be appropriate, and why waiting until your dog is already terrified is often too late.
 
The conversation also covers practical training techniques for helping dogs become more comfortable with loud noises, travel, and unfamiliar situations, along with the common mistakes owners make when trying to comfort an anxious pet.
 
Whether your dog hides during thunderstorms, panics during fireworks, or gets anxious on road trips, this episode is packed with practical advice to help make the busy summer season safer and less stressful for both you and your four-legged family members.
 
Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review! Wishing all of our listeners and clients a very happy 4th of July weekend!

In this heartfelt episode of Off Leash, Molly sits down with service dog trainer, advocate, and disability educator Jaime Simpson to share a story of resilience, purpose, and the life-changing bond between humans and dogs.
 
Jaime opens up about living with epilepsy, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, vision challenges, and other complex medical conditions—and how her service dogs have become essential partners in helping her navigate daily life. From seizure alerts and medication retrieval to mobility support and emotional healing, Jaime's dogs do far more than provide assistance—they've helped save her life.
The conversation explores the incredible world of service dog training, the science behind medical alert dogs, and Jaime’s mission to help others through her organization, New Life Working Dogs. She also shares how a near-death hospitalization transformed her outlook on life, inspiring her to focus on connection, kindness, and helping others find support through both dogs and community.
 
This inspiring episode is a reminder of the extraordinary things dogs are capable of, the power of perseverance, and the beauty of finding purpose through service. Thanks so much for listening to Off Leash and be sure to subscribe and review!
 
Follow Jaime:Instagram & Socials: @EmbracingEchoWebsite: embraceeveryday.org

At the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Molly sits down with Samantha from Pure and Natural Pet, a woman-founded company that's raising the bar for transparency in the pet wellness industry.
 
From USDA-certified organic grooming products to innovative dental care solutions, Samantha shares how Pure and Natural Pet was built on a mission to create safer, cleaner, and more trustworthy products for pets. The conversation dives into the challenges of regulation in the pet industry, the importance of ingredient transparency, and why pet parents should pay closer attention to what they're putting on—and in—their pets.
 
You'll also hear about some of the company's most popular products, including dental wipes, paw balms, hot spot relief treatments, flea and tick solutions, and grooming essentials designed with both pets and pet owners in mind.
 
Whether you're a devoted pet parent, professional groomer, or simply curious about the growing movement toward natural pet care, this episode offers valuable insights into the products, practices, and people helping shape the future of pet wellness.
 
Thanks so much for listening to the Off Leash Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and review!

Before the exam, before the blood draw, and before your dog heads "to the back"—what really happens at the veterinary clinic?
 
In this episode of Off-Leash, Dr. Pete and Molly pull back the curtain on one of the biggest mysteries in veterinary medicine: what happens when your pet disappears behind the treatment room doors. From anxious dogs and nervous owners to blood draws, nail trims, sedation protocols, and the surprisingly common reasons pets behave better away from their humans, this candid conversation explains the why behind veterinary procedures.
 
Dr. Pete shares real-world stories from decades in practice, discusses the "Chill Protocol" for anxious pets, explains when sedation becomes the safest option, and addresses one of the most common concerns pet owners have: "Are they torturing my dog back there?"
 
Whether your dog loves the vet, hates the vet, or starts panicking the moment you turn into the parking lot, this episode offers an honest look at how veterinary teams work to keep pets, owners, and staff safe while providing the best possible care.
 
Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at veterinary medicine, practical tips for reducing your pet's anxiety, and a few hilarious stories that only Dr. Pete could tell. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

In this episode of Off Leash, we sit down with Pam O’hara, a disabled service dog handler, advocate, and dog sport enthusiast who is redefining what accessibility looks like in the canine world. Recorded live at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, this heartfelt and inspiring conversation dives into Pam’s journey navigating colon cancer, epilepsy, vision loss, and life alongside her incredible Belgian Malinois service dog, Mazikeen.
 
Pam shares how her rescue dog—once slated for euthanasia—became her teammate, confidence builder, and partner in advocacy. Together, they’ve entered the world of protection sports, service dog work, and public education while pushing for greater inclusivity in dog sports for disabled handlers.
 
From bite work and dock diving to the realities of traveling with a service dog, this episode explores the barriers disabled handlers face and Pam’s ambitious vision for creating adaptive, Paralympic-style dog sport events that welcome everyone.
 
It’s a powerful conversation about resilience, teamwork, accessibility, and the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Fresh from Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Molly sits down with David Teaster of Satellai to talk about the future of pet safety, GPS technology, and AI-powered pet care. From virtual fencing and real-time GPS tracking to activity monitoring and health insights, David breaks down how Satellai’s smart collars are changing the game for pet owners, hunters, hikers, and adventurers alike.
 
The conversation dives into everything from waterproof tracking collars and two-way audio features to AI behavior analysis that can help spot potential health concerns before they become serious. Molly also shares her own experiences with stubborn dachshunds, hunting dogs, and why reliable tracking technology matters when pets take off after prey.
 
Plus, David gives listeners an inside look at Satellai’s newest products, including the Collar Go and the upcoming Tracker Ultra with satellite connectivity for off-grid adventures. If you’ve ever worried about a lost pet, wanted smarter wearable tech for your dog, or just love hearing about innovative pet products, this episode is packed with insight and fun conversation.
 
Learn more about Satellai at satellai.com and don’t forget to subscribe to Off Leash with Dr. Pete for more conversations from the pet industry and beyond.