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! 🐾

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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.

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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.

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