Off Leash with Dr. Pete

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly puts another round of listener questions in front of Dr. Pete, covering everything from copper storage disease and puppy nutrition to grass eating, fish oil supplements, flea prevention, and common misconceptions about pet health.
Dr. Pete begins by answering several questions about copper accumulation in dogs, including whether a low-copper diet can help reduce copper stored in the liver, which treats to avoid, and why regular monitoring of liver enzymes is so important.
The conversation then shifts to everyday questions many pet owners have, including why dogs suddenly start eating grass in the spring and when puppies can safely transition to adult dog food. Dr. Pete also shares his thoughts on modern flea and tick prevention, why some older products no longer work as well as they once did, and how to make informed decisions when choosing preventive care for your dog.
Whether you're caring for a growing puppy, managing allergies, or simply looking for trusted answers to common dog health questions, this episode offers practical, science-based guidance to help you make informed decisions for your pet. 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 most debated topics in veterinary medicine: Are we overvaccinating our dogs? With so much conflicting information online, it can be difficult for pet owners to know which vaccines are essential, which are based on lifestyle, and how often their pets really need them. Dr. Pete breaks down the science behind modern vaccination protocols and explains why there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
The conversation explores the difference between core vaccines, like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, and non-core vaccines that depend on where your dog lives and how they spend their time. Whether your dog goes hunting, attends daycare, visits the groomer, travels frequently, or mostly stays at home, Dr. Pete explains how veterinarians evaluate disease risk and build vaccination plans around a dog's individual lifestyle rather than simply giving every vaccine every year.
Whether you're welcoming a new puppy, wondering if your adult dog needs every vaccine, or simply trying to make informed decisions about your pet's preventive care, this episode offers practical, science-based guidance to help you work with your veterinarian to create the right vaccination plan for your dog. Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe and review!

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly brings your questions straight to Dr. Pete for another listener Q&A covering everything from puppy nutrition and food allergies to probiotics, pork-based diets, and some of the biggest myths circulating on social media. If you've ever wondered how to sort good pet advice from misinformation, this episode is for you.
 
The conversation begins with choosing the right food for large breed puppies and why slower, steady growth is often healthier than trying to grow puppies as quickly as possible. Dr. Pete also answers questions about managing chicken and beef allergies, selecting appropriate treats, and whether supplements are necessary for dogs eating a complete and balanced diet. Dr. Pete explains the difference between digestive health and allergic skin disease, discusses when probiotics may have a role, and why understanding the underlying cause of itching is far more important than relying on a marketing claim.
 
The episode also tackles a viral social media video claiming pork is unsafe for dogs, separating internet myths from current veterinary science and explaining why context matters when evaluating pet nutrition advice online.
 
Whether you're raising a puppy, managing food allergies, or trying to make sense of the endless stream of pet advice online, this episode offers practical, science-based answers to some of the questions dog owners ask most often. 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 a question many dog owners eventually ask themselves: Should you breed your dog? While the idea of raising a litter of puppies can sound exciting, responsible breeding involves far more than pairing two dogs together. From health testing and genetics to temperament and the financial realities of raising puppies, they explain why ethical breeding starts long before the first puppy is born.Along the way, Molly and Dr. Pete talk about the hidden costs of breeding, from emergency C-sections and veterinary care to the time, effort, and emotional investment required to properly raise a healthy litter. The conversation also explores the difference between ethical breeders and backyard breeders, common warning signs to look for when purchasing a puppy, and the questions every prospective dog owner should ask before supporting a breeder. Whether you're thinking about breeding your dog, looking for a reputable breeder, or simply want to better understand what responsible dog breeding really involves, this episode provides valuable insight into making decisions that benefit both dogs and the future of their breed. 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 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