Dog Anxiety Decoded: Expert Tips from Animal Trainer Nikki Varva
In this episode of In The Vet’s Office, Dr. Josie Horchak welcomes back fan-favorite guest Nikki Varva, expert dog trainer and founder of Always Training K9s. Together, they take a deep dive into the often misunderstood world of canine anxiety, exploring not just how it shows up—from subtle cues to more serious behavioral issues—but also what you can do to help. Josie and Nikki discuss practical strategies including crate training, tethering, and setting healthy boundaries, all of which can support a dog’s ability to self-soothe and feel secure. They also unpack common indicators of stress that may surprise even experienced pet parents, and share tools for managing separation anxiety with compassion and consistency. Whether you're raising a new puppy or supporting an anxious adult dog, this episode is full of real-world advice and actionable tips to help your canine companion find calm in a chaotic world. Don’t miss this insightful and heartwarming conversation! 🐾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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57:03
Lauren Akins: Motherhood, Mustang Mishaps & Her Dog Cash’s Brush with Death
This week on In The Vet’s Office, Dr. Josie Horchak steps out of the clinic and into the home of Lauren Akins—author, philanthropist, and wife of country star Thomas Rhett—for a heartwarming conversation about life with kids and animals. Lauren opens up about juggling motherhood with four little ones, two dogs (Kona and Cash), barn cats, and a spirited mustang. Lauren shares how her dog Cash became her constant companion during pregnancy—and how a freak accident with a pumpkin stem nearly cost him his life. She also reflects on her journey into horse ownership, including the injury that came with it, and the lasting impact a traumatic dog park incident had on her pup Kona. It’s a touching, candid episode filled with stories about the unbreakable bond between animals and their humans—and the wild things that happen when you open your heart (and home) to a full house of furry friends. Follow Lauren HERE Follow Dr. Josie HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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49:30
Cancer, Chemo & Controversy: A Candid Talk with a Veterinary Oncologist
Today in the vet’s office, Dr. Josie Horchak welcomes her longtime friend and vet school classmate, Dr. Daniela Korec, a veterinary oncologist with a deep passion for helping pets and their people navigate the cancer journey. From the most common types of cancer in pets to the misconceptions around prevention, Daniela and Josie dive into it all — including the hot-button topic of using ivermectin and supplements as treatments. Dr. Korec breaks down how chemotherapy for pets differs from human treatment (hint: most pets tolerate it surprisingly well!) and even shares which dog breeds lose their hair and how it grows back differently. Plus, she gives her unfiltered take on what *not* to do as a pet owner in the oncology office — like trusting breeders over licensed vets. It’s an honest, informative, and eye-opening episode every pet parent should hear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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55:12
Inside the World of Polo with Pamela Flanagan Devaleix
In this episode of In The Vet’s Office, Dr. Josie Horchak heads to Wellington, Florida—the heart of American polo—to sit down with professional player and Netflix POLO docuseries star, Pamela Flanagan Devaleix. Pamela opens up about her unique journey into the world of polo, what it's like being a woman in a male-dominated sport, and why the connection between horse and rider runs deeper than most imagine. She also tackles some of the biggest misconceptions about polo, especially the false narratives around horse welfare. It’s a candid, eye-opening conversation that goes beyond the glamour of the sport to reveal the truth behind the scenes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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49:41
SWAT Officer Steve Holland & His K-9 Alpha’s Wildest Stories From The Front Lines
In this episode of In The Vet’s Office, Dr. Josie is joined by K9 & SWAT Officer Steve Holland (@righteoustactics) for a gripping conversation about life on the front lines—with dogs by his side. Steve shares how he got started as a K9 Officer and eventually made his way onto a local SWAT team, training and working with his loyal companions: Duke, Alpha, and Chaos. From intense takedowns to emotional moments in the field, Steve reveals the wildest stories he’s experienced with his K9s and the deep bond he has shared with them. Dr. Josie also digs into the health and training challenges these elite dogs face and what it takes to keep them sharp, safe, and healthy on and off duty. *Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more behind-the-scenes pet stories and expert vet advice!* 🔔 *New episodes every week!* #Veterinarian #PetCare #K9Unit #SWAT #PoliceDogs #Dogs #WorkingDogs #VetLife #AnimalLovers #Nashville #Podcast #DogTraining #DrJosieHorchakSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
iHeartMedia and The Nashville Podcast Network presents "In The Vet's Office" with Dr. Josie Horchak. Each episode, veterinarian Dr. Josie Horchak, sits down with her co-host Shannon Ella to answer questions she's constantly hearing at the office -- What should I feed my dog? How do I potty train my puppy? Do I really need to brush my pet's teeth? Dr. Josie helps listeners navigate pet ownership through sharing cases she's seen in her 18+ year career as a veterinarian, answering listener calls, and giving her weekly "Paw & Order" list of things she would never do with her own pets. Dr. Josie has treated pets from the high rises of downtown Chicago to the pets of country stars in Nashville. Her ability to relate with owners has made her one of the most sought-after veterinarians in the country.
USA