Dr. A for Animals

About Dr. A for Animals

Join veterinarian Sharla Ansorge as she guides you through a wealth of science-supported information that will help you help animals. From learning how best to navigate your pets' health care and daily wellness, to finding ways to live in harmony with your local wildlife, Dr. A and her guests will give you reliable information, tools, and creative solutions so that you can keep your animal friends healthy and happy.

Publisher

Sharla Ansorge

Category

health & fitness · kids & family · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Apr 2025

Latest episode

3 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Healthy supplement or snake oil for pets? What works to support animal health and what's just hype

   The world of pet supplements is booming—but are they really necessary? From joint chews and fish oils to probiotics, calming treats, and countless products claiming to boost your pet's health, it can be difficult to separate science from marketing.In this episode of Dr. A for Animals, we take a closer look at the evidence behind some of the most popular nutritional supplements for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. We'll discuss which supplements have proven benefits, which ones show promise but need more research, and which may be little more than expensive hype.You'll also learn how pet supplements are regulated, why product quality can vary dramatically between brands, and what questions to ask before adding any supplement to your pet's routine. We'll cover common misconceptions, potential safety concerns, and why more isn't always better when it comes to your pet's nutrition.Whether you're considering a supplement for an aging dog with arthritis, a cat with digestive issues, or you're simply wondering if your healthy pet needs anything beyond a balanced diet, this episode will help you make informed, evidence-based decisions.Join us as we explore what really works, what's still uncertain, and how to choose supplements that support your pet's health—not just the latest marketing trend.

2. 

   20 Aug 2026

   Should your dog or cat really be eating that? Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: Facts, Myths, and What Really Matters

   This week on Dr. A for Animals, we’re diving into one of the most confusing — and controversial — topics in pet care: nutrition for dogs and cats. With endless advice online and shelves full of foods claiming to be “natural,” “grain-free,” “human-grade,” or “ancestral,” how do pet owners know what’s actually healthy?Joining me is Dr. Amy Farcas, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to help break down the science behind pet food and separate facts from marketing hype.In this episode, we discuss:What truly makes a diet healthy and balancedThe differences between large pet food companies and boutique brandsCommon myths about ingredients and how to interpret pet food labelsThe pros and cons of homemade dietsThe evidence, concerns, and controversies surrounding raw feedingWhether you feed kibble, canned, homemade, raw, or a combination, this episode is designed to help you make informed, evidence-based decisions for your pets!Resources:World Small Animal Veterinary Association Nutrition GuidelinesVeterinaryNutritionCare.com/signupBalance.itpetdiets.comvetspecialists.com

3. 

   6 Aug 2026

   Does my pet need all these tests? A guide to understanding diagnostic testing at the vet

   Why does your veterinarian recommend bloodwork when your pet seems perfectly healthy? What can a urine test or X-ray reveal that a physical exam can't? And how do veterinarians decide which tests are truly necessary?In this episode of Dr. A for Animals, we're taking a closer look at veterinary diagnostic testing and the important role it plays in keeping our pets healthy. From routine wellness screenings to advanced imaging, you'll learn what some of the most common tests are, what they can tell us, and how they help veterinarians detect disease early, monitor ongoing conditions, and make informed treatment decisions.We'll also discuss common questions and concerns about diagnostic testing, including cost, stress for pets, and why "normal" test results can be just as valuable as abnormal ones.Whether your veterinarian has recently recommended diagnostic testing or you're simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode will help you better understand the "why" behind these recommendations—so you can feel more confident making healthcare decisions for your furry, feathery, and scaly family members.

4. 

   23 Jul 2026

   The Basics of Animal Behavior and Training

   Understanding animal behavior is the foundation of a safe, trusting, and joyful relationship with our pets. In this episode, we explore why animals behave the way they do, how they learn from the world around them, and why reward-based training methods are the most effective and humane approach.You’ll learn how to recognize common body language signals, avoid everyday training mistakes, and use simple, practical strategies to encourage the behaviors you want to see. For any of the animals you share your life with, this episode will give you the tools to communicate more clearly, reduce stress, and strengthen your bond through compassionate training.Time stamps:1:30: The importance of understanding animal behavior5:00: How behaviors are shaped, nature vs nurture7:10: Normal behavior vs problem behavior and abnormal behavior9:00: Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence11:50: What are positive and negative reinforcement/punishment?23:45: Providing alternate outlets for potentially problematic behaviors26:45: Flooding and learned helplessness29:30: Getting started on training using positive reinforcement40:30: Noticing body language and stress46:45: Desensitization and counter-conditioning51:10: Common mistakes in training or managing behavior 59:00: The importance of basic training and building trust1:00:00: When you need professional help

5. 

   11 Mar 2026

   Season 1 Wrap-Up

   A quick safety announcement for the upcoming holidays, a fun tidbit about really cool animals, and a big thank you!

6. 

   26 Feb 2026

   Supporting pets through normal aging, age related diseases, and osteoarthritis

   Caring for an aging pet can bring both deep joy and new uncertainty. In this episode, we explore what it truly means for a wide variety of species we love as pets to grow older — including the normal, healthy changes of aging and how to recognize when something more serious may be developing.We discuss the most common medical conditions seen in senior pets, many of which can be successfully managed to maintain comfort and quality of life. Because arthritis is one of the most widespread and under-recognized problems in older animals, we take a deeper look at the subtle signs of pain, available treatment options, and practical ways to make the home environment easier for aging companions.This episode is designed to help pet owners feel empowered rather than afraid of the senior years — with guidance on preventive care, quality-of-life monitoring, and the emotional side of loving an older pet.Aging is natural. Suffering doesn’t have to be.Resources:Episode 5 on oral health and dental disease: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oral-health-and-dental-disease-in-dogs-and-cats/id1852856063?i=1000741808188Episode 6 on quality of life, end of life, and coping with grief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-end-of-life-for-beloved-pets-coping-with-grief/id1852856063?i=1000743400342https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9484193/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144988/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3525174/

7. 

   12 Feb 2026

   Understanding and Managing Your Pets' Medications

   Giving your pet medication can feel confusing, stressful, or even overwhelming—especially if your pet isn’t cooperative. In this episode, we walk through the basics of understanding and managing your pet’s medications, including why medications are prescribed, how to read labels and instructions, tips for giving pills and liquids successfully, and what side effects to watch for. Whether your pet needs short-term treatment or long-term medication for a chronic condition, this episode is designed to help you feel more confident, informed, and supported as a pet parent.Resources:How to give medications tutorial: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUpOWKSjsMJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Time Stamps:1:00: Medications for animals4:40: Various formulations for medications5:30: Compounded and transdermal medications11:20: Generic drugs13:20: Off-label prescribing19:20: Medication labels - what’s required, and what it all means27:50: Timing of medication administration29:50: Getting the medication into the animal with minimal stress40:00: Do’s and don’t’s of giving medication in food45:30: Giving pills directly to dogs and cats 50:20: Giving liquid medication directly 52:00: Towel wrap for “handsy” pets54:55: Applying topical medications for skin, ears, eyes1:00:00: Applying transdermal medications1:02:00: Giving injectable medications1:13:00: Side note - don’t scruff the cat!1:15:30: What to do if your pet absolutely refuses all routes of medication1:21:40: Adverse drug reactions, when it’s manageable, when it’s an emergency1:37:00: Storing and handling medications1:38:00: Missed doses1:41:00: Long term/chronic medications and monitoring, managing costs1:49:00: Follow up

8. 

   29 Jan 2026

   The Wild Side - How to Reap the Benefits of Nature Exposure While Protecting Wildlife, Habitats, and Our Pets

   This episode delves into the effects of nature exposure on human health and how we can enjoy and experience nature while minimizing our impact and helping to protect the animals and land around us. We discuss how to keep pets safe from wildlife, how to handle unwanted wildlife encounters, and how to help an injured wild animal.Resources:Cornell Lab of Ornithology: www.allaboutbirds.orgMerlin Bird ID app: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/National Wildlife Federation: www.nwf.orgStudies mention:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20207-6?utmhttps://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/2/153?utmhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24697969/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39209768/Time stamps:1:00: How nature exposure affects human health8:40: Getting into nature: watching birds15:40: Feeding wild birds - pros, cons, and how to do it right31:30: Providing water sources for wildlife34:00: Handling unwanted wildlife interactions and “nuisance” wildlife55:30: Encountering injured or orphaned wildlife - what you can do1:09:00: Keeping pets safe from wildlife and wildlife safe from pets1:25:00: Making yourself a good steward of the land

9. 

   15 Jan 2026

   Recognizing and managing thyroid disease in dogs and cats

   Is your senior cat losing weight but eating like a champ? Or has your dog been slowing down, gaining pounds, and losing that shine in their coat? These could be clues that your pet’s thyroid — a tiny gland with a big job — isn’t working as it should.In this episode, Dr. A breaks down how the thyroid regulates your pet’s metabolism and what happens when things go off balance. You’ll learn about hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and even a rare congenital form that can affect kittens. We’ll cover symptoms to watch for, how veterinarians diagnose these conditions, and the good news: with the right treatment, most pets live full, healthy lives.Whether you’re a curious pet owner or just love learning about animal health, this episode will help you understand how this little gland keeps your furry family members feeling their best.Time stamps:1:00: Basics of thyroid function5:45: Thyroid dysfunction - hypo and hyper6:38: Hypothyroidism in dogs, causes and symptoms10:00: Diagnosing hypothyroidism13:58: Treatment, monitoring, and prognosis for hypothyroidism16:20: Hyperthyroidism in dogs16:58: Hyperthyroidism in cats, causes and symptoms24:50: Diagnosing hyperthyroidism30:02: Treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism and monitoring concurrent conditions47:00: Monitoring and prognosis for hyperthyroidism49:15: Hypothyroidism in kittens, cause and symptoms55:00: Treatment for hypothyroidism57:30: Importance of regular senior check-ups58:15: Thyroid supplements

10. 

    1 Jan 2026

    Navigating end of life for beloved pets, coping with grief

    In this episode, we discuss how to prepare for emergency room decisions; how to manage and support a chronically or terminally ill pet; thoughts about humane euthanasia, and what to expect if you and your companion animal are faced with this procedure; and how to cope with grief and work towards recovery after losing a beloved animal.Time stamps:3:50: Life threatening emergency situations7:10: Providing comfort asap for a suffering animal9:00: Using prognosis as a guide in decision making11:10: Considering finances and financial aid17:30: Monitoring quality of life in chronically ill animals25:03: Palliative care/hospice care37:00: What does a peaceful end look like?38:09: Conflicting opinions about humane euthanasia44:25: How do we know if it’s too soon?46:40: Dealing with feelings of guilt or selfishness47:30: Humane euthanasia, what to expect58:00: Coping with grief1:01:00: The pain of guilt along with grief1:03:25: Dwelling on traumatic memories1:04:00: The power of happy memories, ritual, and memorials1:08:30: Helping kids copeResources: Financial assistance:https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/https://scratchpayapp.com/https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/financial-assistance-veterinary-care-costsGrief support:https://www.lapoflove.com/our-services/pet-loss-supporthttps://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/coping-loss-petQuality of life monitoring:https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdfhttps://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951966

11. 

    18 Dec 2025

    Oral Health and Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

    In this episode, we shine a light on one of the most common—and most overlooked—areas of animal health: the mouth. Dr. Lindsey Schneider, a board-certified veterinary dental specialist, joins us to break down what every pet owner should know about oral hygiene, dental disease, and when to seek professional care.Together, we explore how dental problems develop, what early warning signs pet parents often miss, and why regular oral care is essential for long-term health and comfort. Dr. Schneider also walks us through what happens during a professional dental cleaning, the risks of untreated dental disease, and practical steps you can take at home to keep your dog or cat’s teeth and gums healthy.Whether you want to improve your daily dental routine with your pet or you’re curious about what really happens behind the scenes in veterinary dentistry, this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance to help you make informed decisions.Time Stamps:01:50: Why dental health is important for animals05:30: Dog and cat dental anatomy and physiology vs humans’07:25: Periodontal and endodontal disease, tooth fractures11:19: Tooth resorption in cats14:20: Gingivostomatitis 17:40: Jaw fracture21:00: Oral masses and cancer23:00: Signs of oral discomfort and dental disease25:50: Maintaining dental health at home34:00: Professional veterinary dental care 43:30: Tooth extractions49:00: Geriatric patients in need of dental care, anesthetic safety52:30: Pain management56:00: Advanced dental procedures1:06: Surgical treatments for oral cancers1:12: Effect of oral health on overall health and quality of life1:14: Myths about animal oral health1:19: Dental health and disease in other specieswww.vohc.org

12. 

    4 Dec 2025

    The Basic Dog

    In this discussion with our guest, Dr. Kathy Hickey, we cover details on deciding on a new dog and setting him up for success, safety, health monitoring, vet visits and preventive health care, exercise and enrichment, nutrition, and the basics of dog behavior, body language, and training.Resources mentioned in this episode:https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-cat-and-dog-diets#:~:text=The%20AVMA%20recognizes%20public%20interest,to%20human%20and%20animal%20health.https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/questions-answers-fdas-work-potential-causes-non-hereditary-dcm-dogshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40256950/https://dogagingproject.org/https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/Time Stamps:02:30: Deciding on a new dog05:30: Pros and cons of pure bred vs “mutts”08:00: Considering costs09:00: Setting up supplies10:30: Toy safety for puppies11:05: Collars, leashes, head halters14:00: Dishes, food, water16:05: More toy safety17:50: Exercise and enrichment19:05: More safety, household toxins21:30: Home health monitoring and recognizing urgent medical concerns26:28: Health maintenance/preventive care31:18: Introducing a new dog to other animals at home34:30: Regular vet care39:15: Spay/neuter considerations42:30: Getting medication into your dog45:19: Behavior and training, body language52:00: Working with shy and anxious dogs58:55: Potty training details for puppies1:01:00: When it’s not working out1:03:00: Re-cap on preventive care/dental care and financial considerations1:08:13: Addendum on nutrition and dog aging study

13. 

    19 Nov 2025

    The Basic Parrot

    We discuss all the basics of living with parrots, starting with deciding whether to adopt or buy a bird and how to introduce a bird to your home. We go over how to set any parrot up for success and a happy, healthy life; what resources birds need every day; health monitoring and navigating vet visits; safety; bird body language, behavior, and training.A few resources mentioned:https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/abs/deflighting-procedures-and-their-welfare-implications-in-captive-birds/6960A253EAF6DAD6AE4D0ED8C06D4251https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287605561_Welfare_Assessment_of_Flight-restrained_Captive_Birds_Effects_of_Inhibition_of_LocomotionBehavior/training help: https://www.goodbirdinc.com/Foraging at home: https://avianstudios.com/captive-foraging-dvd/Time Stamps:1:20: What to consider before getting a bird, adopting or buying13:20: Introducing a bird to other birds or other animals27:00: Choosing and setting up the right housing39:00: Dishes, foraging, and a little on diet43:40: Toys45:25: Introducing toys, housing, etc to a very neophobic bird47:30: Daily routine, need for sleep, out-of-cage time51:10: Regular bathing55:50: Humidity57:10: Light needs and bird vision1:00:00: Outdoor exposure and safety1:01:50: Foraging for mental health 1:04:00: Nutrition1:07:00: Transitioning off an unhealthy diet1:13:00: Managing water needs1:14:50: The importance of routine, variety, and having choices1:16:45: Safety - other animals, toxins and irritants, toy parts, and other dangers1:27:00: To fly or not to fly1:37:30: Bird health - the overall environment and hygiene1:45:30: Feather health; dealing with broken blood feathers1:50:20: Skin, foot, beak, and nail health1:56:25: Monitoring weight1:58:00: Visiting the vet2:05:00: Recognizing illness, feather damaging behavior, egg laying2:13:50: Giving medication to a bird2:17:20: Bird behavior2:20:50: Training to step up; avoiding use of negative reinforcement2:29:20: Enrichment2:31:20: Avoid idle petting2:33:11: Body language2:39:30: Reproductive behaviors and avoiding mate bonding with humans2:43:00: How to pet your bird2:48:25: Dealing with screaming and other unwanted behaviors

14. 

    23 May 2025

    The Basic Cat

    In this episode, we discuss what every cat needs to live a healthy, happy life with their human family. We start with bringing a new cat into your home and move on to basic care and feeding, monitoring health at home, safety, and what to expect at an initial or annual vet visit, including discussion about vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and dental care. We talk about managing stress and handling shy cats, feline body language, play, and general behavior. This episode covers all the basics of your everyday cat!Time stamps:01:45: Getting a new cat or kitten(s)10:00: Choosing a breed13:11: When a cat adopts you16:20: Kitting out your kitty - supplies to buy for health, hygiene, and enrichment27:48: Introducing a new cat to your home30:00: Using pheromones to help reduce stress32:10: Introducing cats to other cats38:10: Introducing cats to dogs41:40: Resources every cat needs: litter, food, dishes, puzzle feeders, furniture and scratching surfaces 1:07:40: Indoors or out?1:13:00: Enrichment and limited outdoor exposure1:26:10: Safety1:35:40: Basic health monitoring at home1:42:44: Health maintenance1:54:30: Establishing care with a vet, vaccinations, dental care, spay/neuter2:22:50: Medicating cats2:31:22: Cat behavior

15. 

    23 Apr 2025

    When, Why, and How to Get Your Pet to the Vet

    In this episode, we cover basic recommendations for regular preventive health care for a wide variety of companion animal species. We also help you recognize signs of pain or illness in animals that signal the need for emergency care, urgent care, or less urgent medical care. We also outline tips for transporting animals in the car and helping nervous animals get through the travel and handling that occurs with any vet visit. Finally, we've got tips for managing the cost of medical care and finding a vet who can meet your pets' needs.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

11 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.