The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Cut The Costs, and Love Life With Your Pets Again

Should You Get A Dog For Your Dog, Or Is It a Big Mistake?

Should you get a dog for your dog… or are you about to double your stress, noise, behavior issues, and vet bills?Many pet parents see a bored, clingy, or “lonely” dog (or other pet) and assume the solution is a companion, a boyfriend, girlfriend, sibling, or built-in best friend. But adding another dog doesn’t automatically make life easier. It can just as easily increase barking, trigger resource guarding, amplify anxiety, and create daily management problems you didn’t have before, especially if you don’t actually know why your dog is acting that way in the first place. In this episode, veterinary psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Malamed, DVM, DACVB, CABC, MBA, breaks down when getting a second dog truly helps, when it backfires, and how to tell whether your dog actually needs a companion or just better enrichment, structure, or training, or time with their favorite person - you!BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • What “my dog is lonely” really means and how to assess it correctly • The most common ways a second dog makes behavior issues worse • The 3-part filter to use before bringing home another dog: capacity, compatibility, and motivationIf you are even considering dog number two, pause and listen to this first.CONNECT WITH DR. RACHEL MALAMEDWebsite | https://www.behaviordogtor.comFacebook Group | Pet Psychiatry and Behavior Support for Pet Parents Instagram | @dr.rachelmalamedI was a guest on the That’s Good Parenting podcast talking about how to bring a pet into a busy family without turning your house into chaos. Listen here: petparenthotline.com/thatsgoodparenting Support the showExpert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Ask These Questions Before You Say Yes At The Vet

Have you ever walked out of the vet thinking, I should’ve asked more… but it happened so fast?This episode is for the moment you’re sitting in the exam room, your brain goes blank, and the vet is moving on to the next step before you’ve processed what you just heard.In this episode, I’m giving you real, usable phrases to ask about priorities, timing, options, and cost, plus what to say when you need to pause or say no, without sounding rude, cheap, or like you don’t care.You’re not “being difficult,” you’re trying to leave with a plan you understand, can afford, and can actually follow through on.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:• The exact questions that turn a long recommendation list into clear priorities• What to say when you need options, a lower-cost path, or time to think• How to pause, hold off, or say no without overexplainingGrab the Vet Visit Question Guide so you don’t have to remember any of this in the moment: petparenthotline.com/vetvisitquestionsOTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:• Vet Visit Question Guide: petparenthotline.com/vet-visit-questions Support the showExpert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

One Question That Helps You Speak Up at the Vet | Pet Parent Power Up

Ever walked out of the vet with a receipt and regret because you didn't ask about options, priorities, or cost? You are not the only one. Most pet parents do not stay quiet because they do not have questions. They stay quiet because they are worried about how the question will make them sound, like they are difficult, cheap, dumb, or like they are questioning the vet.In this Pet Parent Power-Up bonus episode, I am giving you one simple question to ask yourself before the appointment that helps you push past the hesitation and speak up, even when the conversation feels awkward or stressful.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • The real reason you hesitate to ask questions at the vet • The one question that helps you push past the fear that keeps you quiet • A quick 30-second prep you can do before your next appointment so you walk in ready to ask what you need to ask Support the showExpert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

$10 And 2 Minutes To Help Your Pet Live Longer?

What if a $10 purchase used 2 minutes a day could help your pet live better and longer? Most pet parents know they “should” brush their pet's teeth, but fewer than 10% actually do. So, dental disease quietly builds for years and doesn’t stay in the mouth, but instead, silently spreads bacteria throughout your pet's body impacting their organs, their health, and their longevity. Spending just $10 on a tooth-brush kit and taking 2 minutes a day to brush your pet's teeth, you'll be investing in a better quality, longer life for your pet.  In this episode, board-certified veterinary dentist Dr. Chanda Miles explains why dental health is really about quality of life and longevity, why small dogs and cats tend to get into trouble faster, and what real prevention looks like when life gets busy. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Why dental disease is more than a teeth problem, and how it can affect overall health • Why small dogs and cats are higher risk, and why brushing can feel difficult to do • What a proper dental cleaning includes, why anesthesia-free cleanings fall short, and when a veterinary dentist may be worth it CONNECT WITH DR. CHANDA MILES VETERINARY DENTISTRY SPECIALISTS (KATY, TX) | WEBSITE OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Accepted Products List | vohc.org Support the showExpert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Pet Tech: How to Tell What’s Actually Worth It

Pet tech is exploding, and a lot of it looks amazing right up until you’re the one charging it, cleaning it, troubleshooting it, and regretting the money you spent. In this episode, AI and tech expert Debbie Richards breaks down the simplest way to decide if a pet gadget is actually worth it for your home, your budget, and your pet’s personality. We talk about the core questions to ask before you buy, what “set it and forget it” should really mean, and why the best tech is the kind that reduces stress instead of creating more. You’ll also hear a few standout trends from CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, including preventative health tools, safer pet doors, and a smart fountain designed to make cleaning less of a part-time job.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:The decision filters that keep you from buying tech that becomes another choreHow to spot when a gadget solves a real problem vs creating a new oneWhat to check before you buy, so returns and subscriptions don’t surprise youCONNECT WITH DEBBIE Website: https://cre8iveii.com/OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Facial recognition cat feeder: https://cheerble.com/Rescue Retriever and the Rescue Retriever FireTag: https://rescueretriever.com Petkit Water Fountain: https://petkit.com Satellai Health and GPS Collar: https://satellai.com Pawport Dog Doors: https://pawport.comSupport the showExpert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro