Pet Peeves - hot-button pet issues that make owners growl, wag and purr, or bare their teeth - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.com)

Declawing has become an all too common convenience option in this country despite that it has absolutely no health benefits for cats. Detractors argue that declawed cats suffer long-lasting emotional and physical trauma as a result, yet veterinarians continue performing the surgeries. If you’re HISSED OFF about declaw-bashing, or purrplexed why it’s done at all, join cat experts Dr. Susan Little (president of the Winn Feline Foundation), and Dr. Karen Thomas (a Burmese breeder) for their insights on this volatile issue

March 21-27 is National Poison Prevention Week, and our dogs (and less often our cats) are all-too-common victims. Join Dr. Steven Hansen, manager of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org) for a lively and enlightening discussion that describes common pet poisons, what to do if the worst happens, dispels some myths, and explains how to protect pets from being their own worst enemies.

If you share your life with a cat and have ever provided any sort of medical care--you have the Winn Feline Foundation to thank. Founded by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1968, the Foundation has funded over $3 million in health research for cats. Yet there are some cat-specific illnesses and concerns that have been clawing at our felines for years and the funds to find a treatment, a prevention, even a cure, are taking nine lives to collect. Dr. Susan Little, the president of Winn Feline Foundation (www.winnfelinehealth.org), tells us how we can help Winn help cats.

Nobody complains when state-of-the-art medical treatment saves a pets life. But people can’t afford their own health insurance, let alone routine pet care. Pet lovers face hard financial choices these days. Has keeping dogs and cats become a luxury for the wealthy? Jim Flanigan, the Director of Marketing for the American Veterinary Medical Association, answers hard questions about the cost of veterinary care, and what the AVMA and veterinarians are doing about it.

We live in an age when keeping cats and dogs healthy and happy has never been easier--or more expensive! And according to the AVMA, cats are getting the short end of the furry stick when it comes to seeing the veterinarian. Has veterinary care become too rich for your wallet? Why do cats see the veterinarian less frequently than dogs--surely dog owners don’t love their pets more than cat owners? Dr. Jane Brunt, a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and chair of the Catalyst Summit, offers insights into these issues and more.

Does King's pooch-smooch curl your toes? Maybe Fluffy's tuna-breath rivals rotten eggs? Bad breath makes us keep pets at arms' length, and when the stink-meter goes up, it's more than a social faux paws. Join Pet Peeves to learn the hidden dangers of dental problems, some shocking statistics about YOUR pets, and dog-gone amazing medical treatments. February is National pet Dental Health Care Month, and Dr. Brett Beckman, the president of the American Veterinary Dental Society, helps us learn how to clean up our furry act, and keep those teeth pristine and breath fresh.

Is it only a beauty pageant? Do those gorgeous coifed, clipped, buffed and puffed pooches have any brains under the frou-frou? Did you ever wonder if they act like real dogs? Join Pet Peeves to hear the truth about show dogs from a real insider, David Frei, the longtime co-host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. He’ll also tell us about Angel On A Leash, a charitable therapy dog program.

Amy Shojai welcomes everyone to her new show, Pet Peeves, and gives an overview of what to expect on future episodes. Tune in!!