May 13, 2025 • 28 mins
Dr. Andrew Torchia, medical director at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in New York City, shares some savvy tips on how to keep your cat and dog at healthy weights, engage in meaningful play and much more. Dr. Torchia shares his home with a pair of playful felines named Mango and Lady MacBeth. Tune in me-NOW!
EPISODE NOTES: Bring Out the Healthy Best in Your Pet with Dr. Andrew Torchia
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EPISODE NOTES: Bring Out the Healthy Best in Your Pet with Dr. Andrew Torchia
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/oh-behave-with-arden-moore-harmony-in-the-household-with-your-pets-recommended-by-oprah--6666801/support.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, this is Pet Life Radio. Let's talk pets.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
It's all behaved with Arden Moore, this show that teaches
you how to have harmony in the household with your pets.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
Join Ardina.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
She travels coast to coast to help millions better understand
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You'll get the latest buzz from Wagging Tongues and Tails Garner,
great pet tips and have a dog one fur flying
(00:37):
fun time. So get ready for the paws and applause
as we unleaseh your oh behave hosts America's pet edutainer.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Arden Moore.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Welcome to the Old Behave Show on Pet Life Radio.
I'm your host, Arden Moore. Now I'm vetting behind. Now
all those well intended New Year's resolutions you set for
yourself puff, They're gone, they're dust. But there is always
always time to bring out the healthy best in our
dogs and cats. How you ask, well, guess what The
(01:12):
answer man is here to unleash some really great tips
for your dogs and cats. I would like at this
time for you to give pause and applause to the
medical director of the Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in
New York City. Please welcome doctor Andrew Torchia. Welcome, Welcome,
(01:34):
doctor Andrew.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Hello, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
All Right, so we're gonna get going on some things
we can do for our dogs and cats. But people
are like, who is he? We got to know? Well,
this guy? I love that you put in a full
day as a veterinarian. What is something you also enjoy
when you're not saving lives?
Speaker 4 (01:52):
Can I still say?
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Cats?
Speaker 4 (01:54):
Yes, cats, catstscots, I absolutely love them.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
I say, real men love cats. What is it about cats?
And they're very popular these days and they're getting there
do I mean there's adventure cats now, they're blowing it
up on social media, Instagram, things like that. But as
a man, what is it about cats?
Speaker 4 (02:17):
I think? Okay, I love dogs. Grew up with dogs.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Yeah, isn't the sight Okay?
Speaker 3 (02:20):
There amazing?
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Yeah, So that was my That's basically dogs are why
I became a vet, and then I got forced into
knowing cats because you don't just do one animal when
you're a veterinarian, and I started to get to know them.
I don't think I've really met anyone that's truly lived
with a cat and bonded with a cat that hasn't
become an eternal cat person. It's a relationship that can
be replaced.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
I understand you have a couple of cats at home,
and when you say their names, the second one that
you adopted will explain your other loves. So go ahead
and name your two cats and what they're all about.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
Okay, so my first son is Mango. Of course, he's
an orange cat original right, But he came in to
me when I was working in emergency and he was
in a scary situation and he really didn't have an owner,
so I just decided to keep him, and I'm so
happy that I did.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Well, you kind of name him a perfectly terrible cat.
What does that mean?
Speaker 3 (03:12):
Terrible?
Speaker 4 (03:12):
Well, he's orange, and you know who knows how many
brain cells are actually up there with the orange ones?
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Oh, now, are you'll be nice? I got an orange
tabby too, Casey. He rules my world.
Speaker 4 (03:21):
Okay, maybe mine with mine?
Speaker 1 (03:22):
Okay?
Speaker 4 (03:23):
Misguided? He doesn't know how to play with soft paws.
If you just walk past him, me bats at you,
but then he just wants to head butt you and
be helped. Right now, I could hold him upside down
in my arm for three hours and she just look
dinner and mangoes right there.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Everyone, So, who's the other feline friend?
Speaker 4 (03:41):
And then the other one is Lady Macbeth and she
is a beautiful little angel cat that I couldn't live without.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Either's and Lady Macbeth, which brings us to this Hey
pet pals, Doctor Torca. You know he's got some good credentials.
He went to the University of Flora, I got his
veterinary degree. He's from the northeast Pennsylvania. Now he's in
New York. You've done a lot of things. I love
on your bio that you have a passion a passion
(04:09):
for soft tissue surgery, wound management, and cardiology. That sounds
all veterinarian, but you love the theater right absolutely.
Speaker 4 (04:18):
That was my first lob that really helped me find
myself when I was a kid. How So, it's a
very accepting community. It's organized, it's structured, and it's also
very artistic. And then ye always a message behind it. Oh,
there's always a message behind it, and I think all
of those things combined really made me fall in love
with it.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
So have you performed on stage? I.
Speaker 4 (04:40):
Back in the day used to be a performer. Yes,
I went to My undergrad degree was in acting and
I double major in acting and veterinary biomedical science.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
What do people say when they see that different kind
of both sides of the brain being tapped. I don't know.
Speaker 4 (04:55):
I hope they're thinking, well, I hope you spent enough
time in the veterinary park, because usually that's what I'm
doing with them. But there's a huge link with the
arts and sciences. There's a huge link between those two.
Very calculated.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
Also the arts, well, you also probably have an amazing
bedside manner.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
I think that it's something that I always try to
prioritize because it's so important. It changes everything. You can
say whatever medical jargon you want to say to people,
But what matters is that they understand it and they
feel okay with what's happening. And that's kind of part
of Virgually at heart of Chelsea, what we do, it's
about the partnership with the person we want to be
(05:32):
your partner. It's kind of not how veterinarians used to practice.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
No, I like that, So could you tell us a
little bit about Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group. I mean,
you've got the word heart in your company name.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
We started about twenty five years ago with one man
named Mark Siebert, and then he just built this empire
and added veterinarians that we're here to really subscribe to
the culture of the practice, and it's about being there
for our clients, being there for their pets, and of
of course, being there for our employees and supporting each other.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
How many locations in the Big Apple five locations.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
We've got three Manhattan and two locations in Brooklyn, and
then I just helped to open up our second location
in Brooklyn and Prospect Heights.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
You're a medical director, so tell me some of the
things you need to do every day besides practicing your Shakespeare.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
I do that I close the office door.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Do you say, never was there a greater tale of
woe than that of Juliet and Romeo? Right?
Speaker 4 (06:31):
And Lady Macbeth.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
No, and Lady Macbeth. Do you have a quote from
Lady Macbeth?
Speaker 3 (06:35):
You love?
Speaker 4 (06:36):
I mean the good there's just such a good story
and that character of Lady Macbeth is why I love
it everything that she is, her power, the power dynamic
between Lady Macbeth and her husband, and how just the
entire show that power dynamic shows. And I think that's
so relatable to today. I mean, I hope that it's
not a much of a conflicting story, but that's why
(06:58):
I fell in up with that play.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
All right, So what are some of the things you
get to do as a veterinarian and a medical director
at Heart of Chelsea.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Well, it really just starts with learning how to be
a medical director, which has honestly been my whole journey,
and I'm just always growing, always learning about how to
be a good coach and a good mentor and how
to foster a culture that is beneficial for everyone. It
helps people grow. So really that's been my focus, is
(07:28):
that I need to figure out how to be good
for the people that I work with.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
So we talked at the top of the show that hey,
you know, we try to make resolutions at the start
of every year. It doesn't always work, but you're on
a mission to help people lucky enough to have a
dog or a cat or more in their life to
get them healthy. So what are some tips you can
offer our pet pals when it comes to making sure
(07:53):
your dog or cat doesn't look like a Harry Ottoman.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
So we're doing more than just sitting around on the
in front of the fireway. I love that. I think
it is actually really interesting that you asked me about
being a medical director and then asked me this question,
because I think the coaching style can be applied. Yes,
when you're setting goals, have you heard of a smart goal? Yes, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic,
and time base. So if you're going to set a
(08:17):
goal for your pet, make choose a smart goal. And
instead of just saying I'm going to play with Fluffy
Moore like, I'm going to make sure that Fluffy gets
thirty minutes of exercise at least twice a week for
the next three months, and then in three months, I'm
going to assess that goal, see if it was realistic,
see if I achieved it. Set a new goal.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
And from the veterinarian standpoint, and I'm saying this as
I could shed a few pounds, what is the impact
of a dog or cat having extra pounds they don't need.
What happens to their health.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
It's everything, absolutely everything. If you name a b reed,
then I can name a reason why being overweight will
affect them. And it's about just a healthy lifestyle. Really, Okay,
I don't focus on especially I mean, I think in
the human world, but also in the animal world, I
don't focus on a number. We focus on a body
condition score. How muscled you are, how much you can
(09:10):
feel over top the ribs. Do you taper out at
the waist? Are you breathing comfortably either?
Speaker 1 (09:15):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (09:15):
And that's the focus.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
So if a dog has extra weight, what are some
of the body systems that could be in jeopardy.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
I think if I were to think of what comes
to mind as the number one impact, it would probably
be joint health. Okay, we're looking at the little docs
ands when they have back issues.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Oh the low riders. Yeah, they're so long and they
have such short legs.
Speaker 4 (09:40):
It's true, there's certainly some genetic issues there. They're perfect
little apartment dogs, and I absolutely love them. They have
amazing mentations. So I'm happy we have them because we
kind of created these genetics through breeding. It's our responsibility
then to I don't care for them as to the
(10:01):
best of our abilities.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Hey, Hey, everybody, we're speaking with doctor Andrew Torcia. He
is a medical director at the heart of Chelsea Veterinary
Group in the Big Apple, New York City. We're going
to dive in more about some ways to keep our
pet their healthy best this year and beyond. But you
know the drill. We gotta take a break, so ready, sit, stay,
(10:23):
We'll be right back.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Time for a walk on the red car.
Speaker 4 (10:29):
But of course, all behave.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
We'll be backing up lash right after these messages. Oh sure,
it's all fun and games until someone ends up in
a cone.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
That's right, we are animals.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Deal with it Headline Radio, Let's talk pets, Let's talk
pass it.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
Let's petal Headline.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Radio, Petlight Radio dot Com.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Hey, I'm Bill Berloni, theatrical animal trainer, pet advocate and
dog lover. Tune into the Old Big Cave Show hosted
by Arden Moore on pet Life Radio. What we're back
from the lot. Just check the paper and we had
our record showing at the.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Box, the letterbox that is now back to Oh Behave.
Here's Arden.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Welcome back to the Oh Behave Show on pet Life Radio.
I'm your host, Arden Moore. I am enjoying speaking with
doctor Andrew Torca. He's a medical director at the heart
of Chelsea Veternary Group in New York City. He's a
major cat daddy. He has two cats, Lady Macbeth of
course and Mango. But you mentioned the fact that extra
(11:38):
weight on a dog a cat can do some body
no good for the joints. What do you mean by that?
And how do you avoid crash dieting in a dog
or a cat.
Speaker 4 (11:49):
Well, here's the thing I think. Now, I'm not an
expert in psychiatry, but I think Barba krasdye dieting is
mental and we are lucky enough, for the most part,
to be in complete control of every calorie that enters
your pet's little body.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
Yeah, they're not taking the car keys and going through
McDonald's and saying supersize me, right, right?
Speaker 4 (12:11):
And if they do that, film it and you'll make
a ton of money offle I.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
Goold answer, could answer, Okay, so we can control what
goes in their mouth, right.
Speaker 4 (12:18):
I've always said I wish I had a giant vending
machine that only dispensed the calories that I needed for
the day, so it wasn't on me. Okay, you can
be very calculated with it. You can see, okay, Fluffy
has gained weight on X amount of calories. If you
need help figuring out how many calories you're feeding them,
work with your veterinarian. Take away twenty twenty or twenty
(12:40):
five percent. Weigh them again in a month, see if
that number's gone down, or see a veterinarian in a month,
have an exam again, see if their body's feeling better.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
When you're at an ideal weight. Not only as a
dog or cats strutting really good, but what's happening to
their body systems like their heart, their lungs, their liver,
if they're at a good weight.
Speaker 4 (13:00):
When they're at a good weight, of course, it just
helps with everything. High levels of fat content can really
have a negative impact on the liver. Yeah, dogs, I
manage where we have to get them on a severely
restricted fat fat restricted diet where and they're at the
point where any fat that enters their system is not getting.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
Metabolized in a good way.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
So liver disease is big, and in cats mostly inducing diabetes.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
Yeah, not fun.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
And there's something in the air. I've had at least
four newly diabetic cats in the past month.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
Are you kidding?
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Huh?
Speaker 1 (13:33):
What do you think Is it them eating too much
corn and the meal and the diet. What do you
think could be causing that?
Speaker 4 (13:40):
While of arms is a bell carbohydrate intake, people expect
dry food to be lowering calories than canned food because
it looks it and canned food just kind of looks
more palatable. But it's the other way around. So those
cats that have dry food out for them all the time,
they're the ones at risk, the ones that just go
to the dry food that's constantly available. Blood sugar goes up.
(14:02):
As your blood sugar goes up, you need insulince bring
that blood sugar into the cells to give those cells
that energy. Because the blood sugar is so high all
the time, the cells are just getting way too much
of that sugar, so they downregulate and they stop paying
attention to the insulin. And that's what makes you diabetic.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
And when it comes to cats and dogs, doctor Torcia,
cats don't really want to tell you they're feeling bad,
do they. They don't emote. They wouldn't be a good
actor in Shakespeare like a dog would.
Speaker 4 (14:29):
Be right, Absolutely agree, absolutely, I mean sometimes full transparency.
I look at my cat and I think you, okay,
is everything Okay? I mean it is. But because I
do annual screening, I take them in get blow work done.
In cats, it's so important to test their urine as
well when you're doing gloodwork. So important because okay, what are.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
You finding, good doctor when you do a urine draw
out of the bladder or you take a blood draw
Because for us mere mortals, we're like, well, Casey my
cat and ConA my dog. They're not tell where they're
aching or hurting. But what do you see in those
really vital annual blood in urine test.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
I could talk to you about this for three hours.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
There so many things, everybody, this is going to be
a really extended episode.
Speaker 4 (15:15):
What stay here, but tell us a.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
Few things that you, as a veterinarian, need to make
sure people understand the importance of an annual physical that
includes the blood and urine work.
Speaker 4 (15:26):
I think the point I would drive home more than
anything is lab testing. I feel is almost most beneficial
when you get it in succession. Okay, we've got breeds
of dogs, breeds of cats, and we've taken all these
numbers we've gotten from what one hundred thousand lab tests
to tell us what their lab results should be. But
(15:49):
all needs are so different. There's there's so many differences
between them. So just because we have a range for
a dog doesn't mean your dog is normal when their
values are within that normal range. So if I see
your dog with a nice low kidney value below one,
and then your dog goes up to what's considered normal
at one point five, that might be abnormal for your dog.
(16:11):
So really, yearly successional love work so important, so you
can see the trends.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
I like that. I like that. And you're in New
York City. I love New York City. I've actually been
there on events where years ago, I took my husky
from California to New York City to do some media
work and Chipper, the husky mix, was so excited because
she got to pee and poop in Central Park. What
are dogs like in the Big Apple? I mean they're
(16:39):
with tons of other dogs, tons of other people. Walking
Does a dog good? Doesn't it?
Speaker 4 (16:45):
Walking? Does it the dog good? Does it human good?
Speaker 3 (16:47):
Too?
Speaker 4 (16:47):
But I actually so, I'm from countryside Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Amishtown,
and I located here and I kind of think that
the dogs here get a bit more exercise because we
have to. That's a good point active that we don't
just open the back door and they just go outside
and then sit at the back door and wait to
come back in. Some dogs will run around and enjoy themselves,
(17:08):
but here it's like, all right, every morning, I'm getting up,
I'm taking them to the dog park. There's going to
be our little play group of dogs that they're going
to interact with. And that way you're knowing that they
get more exercise, and you're there and you witness it.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
When you're walking a dog on a leash in New
York City, I know there's a lot of stuff on
the ground, litter, I've heard marijuana joints. I've heard nothing
with poison. Put in a hot dog to kill the rat.
Good luck with getting the rats out of New York City.
So is there any tips you can give people when
they're leashwalking a dog to keep them from seeing you
(17:42):
as an emergency visit?
Speaker 4 (17:45):
Of course I would love for you to not have
to come in visit. Retractable leashes are not the best option.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
And please, thank you good doctor.
Speaker 4 (17:54):
Tell everybody why mind backgrounds an emergency spent five years
doing emergency overnights in New York City, and the amount
of times I've seen a broken retractable leash or a
retractable leash where you just didn't get that button down
and your dog runs into another dog that wasn't prepared
for that. Mount of times i've seen that come into
the er I can't even tell you so running out
(18:16):
into the street, or the cord breaks from it, the
mechanism breaks. So no retractable leashes. You have more control
with a shorter, stronger leash.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
Okay, what are you doing when you're walking your dog
in the streets of New York City? I hope you're
going to tell them not to be looking at.
Speaker 4 (18:32):
Their while walking exactly, get off yourself. Oh, I used
to have a video of a dog. Of course I
immediately came up and gently, politely no. But I had
a video of a dog where two New Yorkers were
walking their dogs and they knew each other and they stopped.
He was in ninety degree August weather, and they stopped
(18:55):
and they were talking and you can see their dogs
dancing because the sidewalk was so hot. And I just
sat a quick video and I walked up and showed
them politely, really honestly. Yeah, so grateful because of course
you just pay attention to them, don't sit on your phone,
just you're there with your dog, and it's like such
a special bombs that you get to spend time with
your dog. So give them that time.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
So where are some fun places you see dogs being
walked in the city. We obviously have Central Park, but
is there any other gems that people could take their dogs.
Speaker 4 (19:25):
There are parks scattered all around New York, dog parks
specifically because there's definitely a need for them, and there's
even the ones that you might not immediately see, like
there are areas and high rises that are designated for
dogs to be off leash, things like that. So if
you just look around to do a little Google search
in your area, I bet you'll find something within about
five blocks.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
So what is some tips you can give for people
before they take that dog into a dog park? What
should they do to pay attention to the vibe?
Speaker 4 (19:52):
Great question. I would say this is honestly across all
of America as something as you know about, but staying
up to date on vaccines, I think it it feels
a little bit more foreign to people because dogs get
vaccinated more frequently than people do in general. Right, and
think about their exposure, and their faces are in the ground,
their paws are bare.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
They're looking butts. Come on, you can say that they're
eating things that came out the south end.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
Right exactly, And so specifically leptospherosis is we've had just
serial upticks in leptosporosis. After twenty twenty, we had more
of a rat outbreak in New York City. Leptosporosis is
spread a lot through the urine of rodents. So rats and.
Speaker 1 (20:35):
Mindy, that's something the dog can give to you, right.
What about bordetella bordetella.
Speaker 4 (20:40):
I probably treat bordertella every week, so like most vaccines,
like almost all vaccines, you still at risk of contracting
this disease. But again, like most vaccines, the life threatening
portion is mostly relieved when you have a vaccine. So
instead of getting this full pneumonia where they have to
be hostilized in an oxygen tank, which is the way
(21:01):
that we provide oxygen to dogs if we need to
hospitalize them, you might have a little cold and that
you can handle it.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
Yeah, no, no, Well what about cats? What are some
must have vaccines, and people go, well, my cat only
lives in the house. My cat will be bulletproof against
any diseases. Boloney right, It is.
Speaker 4 (21:20):
Not entirely true. When I come in from a long day,
or if I come in from work, I actually don't
interact with my cats until in the hamper, I shower
and change. Just because you can bring things in on
your clothes, it feels like you but this their live
respiratory stuff can be brought in on your clothes.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
I bet Lady Macbeth and Mango are very grateful that
you groom yourself very well like a cat.
Speaker 4 (21:44):
I hope that.
Speaker 1 (21:44):
Did you hear that you don't bring cooties in? But
what about toys and cats. I've been to some homes,
doctor Torchower, I'm like, I want to be that cat.
They seem to have a zillion toys. But what's a
good way of using toys with the purpose to bring
play with the purpose for a cat?
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (22:02):
I love that being smart about what toy you choose.
Speaker 3 (22:05):
For sure.
Speaker 4 (22:06):
I don't like really long, stringy things because they can
be risky. I don't like to try to make them
have these huge bursts of energy. I mean they are okay,
twenty three hours of stagnant, and then you ask them
to sprint. So I keep it gentle at first, and
then okay, more activity. If you're going to do something
like a laser pointer. It's not exactly our favorite toy
(22:29):
for cats because you need to not foster this frustration
that they can have when they literally can't flavor poinner.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
No one can, and they can't touch it right. So
it'd be like you want a glass of wine and
the glass becomes invisible.
Speaker 4 (22:42):
I can't even think about that.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Okay, But what's something tactle that they can do. What
do you do with Lady Macbeth and Manga when they
get ready to get some exercise.
Speaker 3 (22:52):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (22:52):
I love obstacles. I love setting up obstacles. They want
to play around something. They want to play underneath the
frame or a door. They want to play. They want
to be in the box and be jumping out of
the box. It kind of mimics their natural instinct, right
they would They crouch, they hide, and then they pounce.
So I give them that opportunity.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
We have one little air at last area before we
let you go and save lives. I should do down
in the mouth what's the deal about doggy breath even
in a cat, And why should we not just say, well,
that's just them.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
Right, I mean, the deal is it's they should have
their teeth brush just like we should. And we go
to the dentist every six months. We brush hopefully twice
a day, flossing two and.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
I do ring.
Speaker 4 (23:35):
And I don't think I didn't know that when I
was a kid, I didn't know that. I just thought
dog breath smelled. Yeah, you learned a lot. I got
a couple tips, So that abrasive teeth brush, I don't
start with it. If you're gonna start brushing your teeth cat,
use something or brushing your teeth cat burthering your cat's
steef or your dog's teeth. Start with something soft and easy,
just a quick little brush with a paper towel that
(23:56):
has toothpaste on it. One, two, three, and you can
write right up to a toothbrush. But just get them
used to it at first, having a veterinarian take a
look into their mouth and talk to you about whether
it's necessary to do it. Anesthetized dental cleaning that can
be super important as well. And then my final tip
is the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Speaker 1 (24:16):
All right, VOHC, say it loud, say it proud, BOHC.
All right, that should be on the label.
Speaker 3 (24:21):
Right.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
Yes, they have VOC approved products that you can find
on their website. I've sent at least ten thousand people
to them. They're sold well.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
Some people may not be coordinated enough to put one
of those fingerbrushes on. There are some enzymes out there,
and there's some lickable things. It seems like this is
an age where more attention's being paid to oral health
by veterinarians for dogs and cats. So there are some
other options, right.
Speaker 4 (24:49):
Yes, there's water additives, there's shoes that release that enzyme
as well, powders you can put on the food. They're
all good. Well, it does correlate to their systemic health.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
It does. I can't believe our it goes by so fast.
But Broadway show that you've been going to go to,
and is it a Shakespeare one? You're a theater major.
Speaker 4 (25:09):
I'm going to go see Sunset Boulevard tomorrow, all right,
the classic classic movie that I highly recommend.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
What is your favorite Shakespeare play?
Speaker 4 (25:18):
I would say The Tempest and why because it was
the final one.
Speaker 1 (25:22):
And do you have a favorite Shakespeare quote? I always
want to say nice play bill Shakespeare. Sorry, that was
my bad pun okay quote.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
That's a tough one, you know. I can't think of
a specific Shakespeare quote that really sings to me.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
Well, mine was Beware of Jealousy? My son 'tis the
green Eyed Monster? Do you know what that's from?
Speaker 4 (25:43):
Is that problem?
Speaker 1 (25:43):
I think that's Iago? And does the moona? What is
the play?
Speaker 4 (25:48):
I think you're more of a Shakespeare fan than I am.
Speaker 1 (25:51):
I just had a really cool high school teacher years ago,
mister Gordon, who would act out Shakespeare plays in Crompoint
High School in Indiana, and I was like, what is
wrong with this man? And he made it so fun.
But you love Shakespeare? You named your cat after a
main character. Any party message you want to give, Doctor
(26:12):
Torcha to our pet pals tuning.
Speaker 4 (26:14):
In absolutely, if you're in the New York area, please
come down the heart of Chelsea. Really want to create
a partnership with pet parents. Be there to whatever capacity
you need us to be.
Speaker 1 (26:24):
And how do we find you? What's the site?
Speaker 4 (26:26):
What website part of Chelsea dot com?
Speaker 1 (26:28):
That's too easy, Doctor Andrew Torcha. You put up with me.
Thank you, and thank you for all you do for
dogs and cats in the Big Apple and beyond. At
this time, I want to do a shout out to
my producer, Mark Winter. He is the executive producer of
Pet Life Radio and humbly we're the largest radio network
on pets. And this show you're tuning in to right
(26:50):
now has been on the air since oh my goodness
oh seven, which makes us the longest running pet podcast
on the planet, when no one knew what a podcast was.
I think my cell phone has a podcast now, but
keep showing up for us. I have a really fun
e newsletter. Go to four leggedlife dot com sign up.
We get prizes, we profile people like good doctors like
(27:13):
doctor Torcha, And if you really want to be your
pet's best health ally, would you please join me in
one of our veterinary approved Pet First Aid for you classes.
We teach it online, interactive, in person, and soon we
will be doing a self paced course, all veterinary approved,
starring Pet Safety Dog Kona and Pet Safety Cat Casey.
(27:37):
So until next time, this is your flee free host
Arden Moore delivering just two words to all you two
three and four leaguers out there. I'll behave.
Speaker 4 (27:48):
The coach that are around the world.
Speaker 3 (27:50):
It's all behaved with arden More.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Find out why cats and dogs do the things they
do and get the latest buzz from wagging tongues and
tails and rent ten tinsel Town. From famous pet experts
and best selling authors to television and movie stars. You'll
get great tail whacking pet tips and.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
Have a fur flying fun time.
Speaker 2 (28:08):
All behave with America's pet entertainer. Aren't More every week
on demand only a Petlife Radio dot com
Hey, this is Pet Life Radio. Let's talk pets.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
It's all behaved with Arden Moore, this show that teaches
you how to have harmony in the household with your pets.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
Join Ardina.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
She travels coast to coast to help millions better understand
why cats and dogs do what they do. Get that
latest scoop on famous spaces they're perfectly pampered pets, and
who's walking goo and rent in Tinseltown? From famous pet
experts and best selling authors to television and movie stars.
You'll get the latest buzz from Wagging Tongues and Tails Garner,
great pet tips and have a dog one fur flying
(00:37):
fun time. So get ready for the paws and applause
as we unleaseh your oh behave hosts America's pet edutainer.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Arden Moore.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Welcome to the Old Behave Show on Pet Life Radio.
I'm your host, Arden Moore. Now I'm vetting behind. Now
all those well intended New Year's resolutions you set for
yourself puff, They're gone, they're dust. But there is always
always time to bring out the healthy best in our
dogs and cats. How you ask, well, guess what The
(01:12):
answer man is here to unleash some really great tips
for your dogs and cats. I would like at this
time for you to give pause and applause to the
medical director of the Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in
New York City. Please welcome doctor Andrew Torchia. Welcome, Welcome,
(01:34):
doctor Andrew.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Hello, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
All Right, so we're gonna get going on some things
we can do for our dogs and cats. But people
are like, who is he? We got to know? Well,
this guy? I love that you put in a full
day as a veterinarian. What is something you also enjoy
when you're not saving lives?
Speaker 4 (01:52):
Can I still say?
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Cats?
Speaker 4 (01:54):
Yes, cats, catstscots, I absolutely love them.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
I say, real men love cats. What is it about cats?
And they're very popular these days and they're getting there
do I mean there's adventure cats now, they're blowing it
up on social media, Instagram, things like that. But as
a man, what is it about cats?
Speaker 4 (02:17):
I think? Okay, I love dogs. Grew up with dogs.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Yeah, isn't the sight Okay?
Speaker 3 (02:20):
There amazing?
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Yeah, So that was my That's basically dogs are why
I became a vet, and then I got forced into
knowing cats because you don't just do one animal when
you're a veterinarian, and I started to get to know them.
I don't think I've really met anyone that's truly lived
with a cat and bonded with a cat that hasn't
become an eternal cat person. It's a relationship that can
be replaced.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
I understand you have a couple of cats at home,
and when you say their names, the second one that
you adopted will explain your other loves. So go ahead
and name your two cats and what they're all about.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
Okay, so my first son is Mango. Of course, he's
an orange cat original right, But he came in to
me when I was working in emergency and he was
in a scary situation and he really didn't have an owner,
so I just decided to keep him, and I'm so
happy that I did.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Well, you kind of name him a perfectly terrible cat.
What does that mean?
Speaker 3 (03:12):
Terrible?
Speaker 4 (03:12):
Well, he's orange, and you know who knows how many
brain cells are actually up there with the orange ones?
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Oh, now, are you'll be nice? I got an orange
tabby too, Casey. He rules my world.
Speaker 4 (03:21):
Okay, maybe mine with mine?
Speaker 1 (03:22):
Okay?
Speaker 4 (03:23):
Misguided? He doesn't know how to play with soft paws.
If you just walk past him, me bats at you,
but then he just wants to head butt you and
be helped. Right now, I could hold him upside down
in my arm for three hours and she just look
dinner and mangoes right there.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Everyone, So, who's the other feline friend?
Speaker 4 (03:41):
And then the other one is Lady Macbeth and she
is a beautiful little angel cat that I couldn't live without.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Either's and Lady Macbeth, which brings us to this Hey
pet pals, Doctor Torca. You know he's got some good credentials.
He went to the University of Flora, I got his
veterinary degree. He's from the northeast Pennsylvania. Now he's in
New York. You've done a lot of things. I love
on your bio that you have a passion a passion
(04:09):
for soft tissue surgery, wound management, and cardiology. That sounds
all veterinarian, but you love the theater right absolutely.
Speaker 4 (04:18):
That was my first lob that really helped me find
myself when I was a kid. How So, it's a
very accepting community. It's organized, it's structured, and it's also
very artistic. And then ye always a message behind it. Oh,
there's always a message behind it, and I think all
of those things combined really made me fall in love
with it.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
So have you performed on stage? I.
Speaker 4 (04:40):
Back in the day used to be a performer. Yes,
I went to My undergrad degree was in acting and
I double major in acting and veterinary biomedical science.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
What do people say when they see that different kind
of both sides of the brain being tapped. I don't know.
Speaker 4 (04:55):
I hope they're thinking, well, I hope you spent enough
time in the veterinary park, because usually that's what I'm
doing with them. But there's a huge link with the
arts and sciences. There's a huge link between those two.
Very calculated.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
Also the arts, well, you also probably have an amazing
bedside manner.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
I think that it's something that I always try to
prioritize because it's so important. It changes everything. You can
say whatever medical jargon you want to say to people,
But what matters is that they understand it and they
feel okay with what's happening. And that's kind of part
of Virgually at heart of Chelsea, what we do, it's
about the partnership with the person we want to be
(05:32):
your partner. It's kind of not how veterinarians used to practice.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
No, I like that, So could you tell us a
little bit about Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group. I mean,
you've got the word heart in your company name.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
We started about twenty five years ago with one man
named Mark Siebert, and then he just built this empire
and added veterinarians that we're here to really subscribe to
the culture of the practice, and it's about being there
for our clients, being there for their pets, and of
of course, being there for our employees and supporting each other.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
How many locations in the Big Apple five locations.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
We've got three Manhattan and two locations in Brooklyn, and
then I just helped to open up our second location
in Brooklyn and Prospect Heights.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
You're a medical director, so tell me some of the
things you need to do every day besides practicing your Shakespeare.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
I do that I close the office door.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Do you say, never was there a greater tale of
woe than that of Juliet and Romeo? Right?
Speaker 4 (06:31):
And Lady Macbeth.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
No, and Lady Macbeth. Do you have a quote from
Lady Macbeth?
Speaker 3 (06:35):
You love?
Speaker 4 (06:36):
I mean the good there's just such a good story
and that character of Lady Macbeth is why I love
it everything that she is, her power, the power dynamic
between Lady Macbeth and her husband, and how just the
entire show that power dynamic shows. And I think that's
so relatable to today. I mean, I hope that it's
not a much of a conflicting story, but that's why
(06:58):
I fell in up with that play.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
All right, So what are some of the things you
get to do as a veterinarian and a medical director
at Heart of Chelsea.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Well, it really just starts with learning how to be
a medical director, which has honestly been my whole journey,
and I'm just always growing, always learning about how to
be a good coach and a good mentor and how
to foster a culture that is beneficial for everyone. It
helps people grow. So really that's been my focus, is
(07:28):
that I need to figure out how to be good
for the people that I work with.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
So we talked at the top of the show that hey,
you know, we try to make resolutions at the start
of every year. It doesn't always work, but you're on
a mission to help people lucky enough to have a
dog or a cat or more in their life to
get them healthy. So what are some tips you can
offer our pet pals when it comes to making sure
(07:53):
your dog or cat doesn't look like a Harry Ottoman.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
So we're doing more than just sitting around on the
in front of the fireway. I love that. I think
it is actually really interesting that you asked me about
being a medical director and then asked me this question,
because I think the coaching style can be applied. Yes,
when you're setting goals, have you heard of a smart goal? Yes, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic,
and time base. So if you're going to set a
(08:17):
goal for your pet, make choose a smart goal. And
instead of just saying I'm going to play with Fluffy
Moore like, I'm going to make sure that Fluffy gets
thirty minutes of exercise at least twice a week for
the next three months, and then in three months, I'm
going to assess that goal, see if it was realistic,
see if I achieved it. Set a new goal.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
And from the veterinarian standpoint, and I'm saying this as
I could shed a few pounds, what is the impact
of a dog or cat having extra pounds they don't need.
What happens to their health.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
It's everything, absolutely everything. If you name a b reed,
then I can name a reason why being overweight will
affect them. And it's about just a healthy lifestyle. Really, Okay,
I don't focus on especially I mean, I think in
the human world, but also in the animal world, I
don't focus on a number. We focus on a body
condition score. How muscled you are, how much you can
(09:10):
feel over top the ribs. Do you taper out at
the waist? Are you breathing comfortably either?
Speaker 1 (09:15):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (09:15):
And that's the focus.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
So if a dog has extra weight, what are some
of the body systems that could be in jeopardy.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
I think if I were to think of what comes
to mind as the number one impact, it would probably
be joint health. Okay, we're looking at the little docs
ands when they have back issues.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Oh the low riders. Yeah, they're so long and they
have such short legs.
Speaker 4 (09:40):
It's true, there's certainly some genetic issues there. They're perfect
little apartment dogs, and I absolutely love them. They have
amazing mentations. So I'm happy we have them because we
kind of created these genetics through breeding. It's our responsibility
then to I don't care for them as to the
(10:01):
best of our abilities.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Hey, Hey, everybody, we're speaking with doctor Andrew Torcia. He
is a medical director at the heart of Chelsea Veterinary
Group in the Big Apple, New York City. We're going
to dive in more about some ways to keep our
pet their healthy best this year and beyond. But you
know the drill. We gotta take a break, so ready, sit, stay,
(10:23):
We'll be right back.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Time for a walk on the red car.
Speaker 4 (10:29):
But of course, all behave.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
We'll be backing up lash right after these messages. Oh sure,
it's all fun and games until someone ends up in
a cone.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
That's right, we are animals.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Deal with it Headline Radio, Let's talk pets, Let's talk
pass it.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
Let's petal Headline.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Radio, Petlight Radio dot Com.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Hey, I'm Bill Berloni, theatrical animal trainer, pet advocate and
dog lover. Tune into the Old Big Cave Show hosted
by Arden Moore on pet Life Radio. What we're back
from the lot. Just check the paper and we had
our record showing at the.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Box, the letterbox that is now back to Oh Behave.
Here's Arden.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Welcome back to the Oh Behave Show on pet Life Radio.
I'm your host, Arden Moore. I am enjoying speaking with
doctor Andrew Torca. He's a medical director at the heart
of Chelsea Veternary Group in New York City. He's a
major cat daddy. He has two cats, Lady Macbeth of
course and Mango. But you mentioned the fact that extra
(11:38):
weight on a dog a cat can do some body
no good for the joints. What do you mean by that?
And how do you avoid crash dieting in a dog
or a cat.
Speaker 4 (11:49):
Well, here's the thing I think. Now, I'm not an
expert in psychiatry, but I think Barba krasdye dieting is
mental and we are lucky enough, for the most part,
to be in complete control of every calorie that enters
your pet's little body.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
Yeah, they're not taking the car keys and going through
McDonald's and saying supersize me, right, right?
Speaker 4 (12:11):
And if they do that, film it and you'll make
a ton of money offle I.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
Goold answer, could answer, Okay, so we can control what
goes in their mouth, right.
Speaker 4 (12:18):
I've always said I wish I had a giant vending
machine that only dispensed the calories that I needed for
the day, so it wasn't on me. Okay, you can
be very calculated with it. You can see, okay, Fluffy
has gained weight on X amount of calories. If you
need help figuring out how many calories you're feeding them,
work with your veterinarian. Take away twenty twenty or twenty
(12:40):
five percent. Weigh them again in a month, see if
that number's gone down, or see a veterinarian in a month,
have an exam again, see if their body's feeling better.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
When you're at an ideal weight. Not only as a
dog or cats strutting really good, but what's happening to
their body systems like their heart, their lungs, their liver,
if they're at a good weight.
Speaker 4 (13:00):
When they're at a good weight, of course, it just
helps with everything. High levels of fat content can really
have a negative impact on the liver. Yeah, dogs, I
manage where we have to get them on a severely
restricted fat fat restricted diet where and they're at the
point where any fat that enters their system is not getting.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
Metabolized in a good way.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
So liver disease is big, and in cats mostly inducing diabetes.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
Yeah, not fun.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
And there's something in the air. I've had at least
four newly diabetic cats in the past month.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
Are you kidding?
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Huh?
Speaker 1 (13:33):
What do you think Is it them eating too much
corn and the meal and the diet. What do you
think could be causing that?
Speaker 4 (13:40):
While of arms is a bell carbohydrate intake, people expect
dry food to be lowering calories than canned food because
it looks it and canned food just kind of looks
more palatable. But it's the other way around. So those
cats that have dry food out for them all the time,
they're the ones at risk, the ones that just go
to the dry food that's constantly available. Blood sugar goes up.
(14:02):
As your blood sugar goes up, you need insulince bring
that blood sugar into the cells to give those cells
that energy. Because the blood sugar is so high all
the time, the cells are just getting way too much
of that sugar, so they downregulate and they stop paying
attention to the insulin. And that's what makes you diabetic.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
And when it comes to cats and dogs, doctor Torcia,
cats don't really want to tell you they're feeling bad,
do they. They don't emote. They wouldn't be a good
actor in Shakespeare like a dog would.
Speaker 4 (14:29):
Be right, Absolutely agree, absolutely, I mean sometimes full transparency.
I look at my cat and I think you, okay,
is everything Okay? I mean it is. But because I
do annual screening, I take them in get blow work done.
In cats, it's so important to test their urine as
well when you're doing gloodwork. So important because okay, what are.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
You finding, good doctor when you do a urine draw
out of the bladder or you take a blood draw
Because for us mere mortals, we're like, well, Casey my
cat and ConA my dog. They're not tell where they're
aching or hurting. But what do you see in those
really vital annual blood in urine test.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
I could talk to you about this for three hours.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
There so many things, everybody, this is going to be
a really extended episode.
Speaker 4 (15:15):
What stay here, but tell us a.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
Few things that you, as a veterinarian, need to make
sure people understand the importance of an annual physical that
includes the blood and urine work.
Speaker 4 (15:26):
I think the point I would drive home more than
anything is lab testing. I feel is almost most beneficial
when you get it in succession. Okay, we've got breeds
of dogs, breeds of cats, and we've taken all these
numbers we've gotten from what one hundred thousand lab tests
to tell us what their lab results should be. But
(15:49):
all needs are so different. There's there's so many differences
between them. So just because we have a range for
a dog doesn't mean your dog is normal when their
values are within that normal range. So if I see
your dog with a nice low kidney value below one,
and then your dog goes up to what's considered normal
at one point five, that might be abnormal for your dog.
(16:11):
So really, yearly successional love work so important, so you
can see the trends.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
I like that. I like that. And you're in New
York City. I love New York City. I've actually been
there on events where years ago, I took my husky
from California to New York City to do some media
work and Chipper, the husky mix, was so excited because
she got to pee and poop in Central Park. What
are dogs like in the Big Apple? I mean they're
(16:39):
with tons of other dogs, tons of other people. Walking
Does a dog good? Doesn't it?
Speaker 4 (16:45):
Walking? Does it the dog good? Does it human good?
Speaker 3 (16:47):
Too?
Speaker 4 (16:47):
But I actually so, I'm from countryside Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Amishtown,
and I located here and I kind of think that
the dogs here get a bit more exercise because we
have to. That's a good point active that we don't
just open the back door and they just go outside
and then sit at the back door and wait to
come back in. Some dogs will run around and enjoy themselves,
(17:08):
but here it's like, all right, every morning, I'm getting up,
I'm taking them to the dog park. There's going to
be our little play group of dogs that they're going
to interact with. And that way you're knowing that they
get more exercise, and you're there and you witness it.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
When you're walking a dog on a leash in New
York City, I know there's a lot of stuff on
the ground, litter, I've heard marijuana joints. I've heard nothing
with poison. Put in a hot dog to kill the rat.
Good luck with getting the rats out of New York City.
So is there any tips you can give people when
they're leashwalking a dog to keep them from seeing you
(17:42):
as an emergency visit?
Speaker 4 (17:45):
Of course I would love for you to not have
to come in visit. Retractable leashes are not the best option.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
And please, thank you good doctor.
Speaker 4 (17:54):
Tell everybody why mind backgrounds an emergency spent five years
doing emergency overnights in New York City, and the amount
of times I've seen a broken retractable leash or a
retractable leash where you just didn't get that button down
and your dog runs into another dog that wasn't prepared
for that. Mount of times i've seen that come into
the er I can't even tell you so running out
(18:16):
into the street, or the cord breaks from it, the
mechanism breaks. So no retractable leashes. You have more control
with a shorter, stronger leash.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
Okay, what are you doing when you're walking your dog
in the streets of New York City? I hope you're
going to tell them not to be looking at.
Speaker 4 (18:32):
Their while walking exactly, get off yourself. Oh, I used
to have a video of a dog. Of course I
immediately came up and gently, politely no. But I had
a video of a dog where two New Yorkers were
walking their dogs and they knew each other and they stopped.
He was in ninety degree August weather, and they stopped
(18:55):
and they were talking and you can see their dogs
dancing because the sidewalk was so hot. And I just
sat a quick video and I walked up and showed
them politely, really honestly. Yeah, so grateful because of course
you just pay attention to them, don't sit on your phone,
just you're there with your dog, and it's like such
a special bombs that you get to spend time with
your dog. So give them that time.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
So where are some fun places you see dogs being
walked in the city. We obviously have Central Park, but
is there any other gems that people could take their dogs.
Speaker 4 (19:25):
There are parks scattered all around New York, dog parks
specifically because there's definitely a need for them, and there's
even the ones that you might not immediately see, like
there are areas and high rises that are designated for
dogs to be off leash, things like that. So if
you just look around to do a little Google search
in your area, I bet you'll find something within about
five blocks.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
So what is some tips you can give for people
before they take that dog into a dog park? What
should they do to pay attention to the vibe?
Speaker 4 (19:52):
Great question. I would say this is honestly across all
of America as something as you know about, but staying
up to date on vaccines, I think it it feels
a little bit more foreign to people because dogs get
vaccinated more frequently than people do in general. Right, and
think about their exposure, and their faces are in the ground,
their paws are bare.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
They're looking butts. Come on, you can say that they're
eating things that came out the south end.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
Right exactly, And so specifically leptospherosis is we've had just
serial upticks in leptosporosis. After twenty twenty, we had more
of a rat outbreak in New York City. Leptosporosis is
spread a lot through the urine of rodents. So rats and.
Speaker 1 (20:35):
Mindy, that's something the dog can give to you, right.
What about bordetella bordetella.
Speaker 4 (20:40):
I probably treat bordertella every week, so like most vaccines,
like almost all vaccines, you still at risk of contracting
this disease. But again, like most vaccines, the life threatening
portion is mostly relieved when you have a vaccine. So
instead of getting this full pneumonia where they have to
be hostilized in an oxygen tank, which is the way
(21:01):
that we provide oxygen to dogs if we need to
hospitalize them, you might have a little cold and that
you can handle it.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
Yeah, no, no, Well what about cats? What are some
must have vaccines, and people go, well, my cat only
lives in the house. My cat will be bulletproof against
any diseases. Boloney right, It is.
Speaker 4 (21:20):
Not entirely true. When I come in from a long day,
or if I come in from work, I actually don't
interact with my cats until in the hamper, I shower
and change. Just because you can bring things in on
your clothes, it feels like you but this their live
respiratory stuff can be brought in on your clothes.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
I bet Lady Macbeth and Mango are very grateful that
you groom yourself very well like a cat.
Speaker 4 (21:44):
I hope that.
Speaker 1 (21:44):
Did you hear that you don't bring cooties in? But
what about toys and cats. I've been to some homes,
doctor Torchower, I'm like, I want to be that cat.
They seem to have a zillion toys. But what's a
good way of using toys with the purpose to bring
play with the purpose for a cat?
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (22:02):
I love that being smart about what toy you choose.
Speaker 3 (22:05):
For sure.
Speaker 4 (22:06):
I don't like really long, stringy things because they can
be risky. I don't like to try to make them
have these huge bursts of energy. I mean they are okay,
twenty three hours of stagnant, and then you ask them
to sprint. So I keep it gentle at first, and
then okay, more activity. If you're going to do something
like a laser pointer. It's not exactly our favorite toy
(22:29):
for cats because you need to not foster this frustration
that they can have when they literally can't flavor poinner.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
No one can, and they can't touch it right. So
it'd be like you want a glass of wine and
the glass becomes invisible.
Speaker 4 (22:42):
I can't even think about that.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Okay, But what's something tactle that they can do. What
do you do with Lady Macbeth and Manga when they
get ready to get some exercise.
Speaker 3 (22:52):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (22:52):
I love obstacles. I love setting up obstacles. They want
to play around something. They want to play underneath the
frame or a door. They want to play. They want
to be in the box and be jumping out of
the box. It kind of mimics their natural instinct, right
they would They crouch, they hide, and then they pounce.
So I give them that opportunity.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
We have one little air at last area before we
let you go and save lives. I should do down
in the mouth what's the deal about doggy breath even
in a cat, And why should we not just say, well,
that's just them.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
Right, I mean, the deal is it's they should have
their teeth brush just like we should. And we go
to the dentist every six months. We brush hopefully twice
a day, flossing two and.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
I do ring.
Speaker 4 (23:35):
And I don't think I didn't know that when I
was a kid, I didn't know that. I just thought
dog breath smelled. Yeah, you learned a lot. I got
a couple tips, So that abrasive teeth brush, I don't
start with it. If you're gonna start brushing your teeth cat,
use something or brushing your teeth cat burthering your cat's
steef or your dog's teeth. Start with something soft and easy,
just a quick little brush with a paper towel that
(23:56):
has toothpaste on it. One, two, three, and you can
write right up to a toothbrush. But just get them
used to it at first, having a veterinarian take a
look into their mouth and talk to you about whether
it's necessary to do it. Anesthetized dental cleaning that can
be super important as well. And then my final tip
is the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Speaker 1 (24:16):
All right, VOHC, say it loud, say it proud, BOHC.
All right, that should be on the label.
Speaker 3 (24:21):
Right.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
Yes, they have VOC approved products that you can find
on their website. I've sent at least ten thousand people
to them. They're sold well.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
Some people may not be coordinated enough to put one
of those fingerbrushes on. There are some enzymes out there,
and there's some lickable things. It seems like this is
an age where more attention's being paid to oral health
by veterinarians for dogs and cats. So there are some
other options, right.
Speaker 4 (24:49):
Yes, there's water additives, there's shoes that release that enzyme
as well, powders you can put on the food. They're
all good. Well, it does correlate to their systemic health.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
It does. I can't believe our it goes by so fast.
But Broadway show that you've been going to go to,
and is it a Shakespeare one? You're a theater major.
Speaker 4 (25:09):
I'm going to go see Sunset Boulevard tomorrow, all right,
the classic classic movie that I highly recommend.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
What is your favorite Shakespeare play?
Speaker 4 (25:18):
I would say The Tempest and why because it was
the final one.
Speaker 1 (25:22):
And do you have a favorite Shakespeare quote? I always
want to say nice play bill Shakespeare. Sorry, that was
my bad pun okay quote.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
That's a tough one, you know. I can't think of
a specific Shakespeare quote that really sings to me.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
Well, mine was Beware of Jealousy? My son 'tis the
green Eyed Monster? Do you know what that's from?
Speaker 4 (25:43):
Is that problem?
Speaker 1 (25:43):
I think that's Iago? And does the moona? What is
the play?
Speaker 4 (25:48):
I think you're more of a Shakespeare fan than I am.
Speaker 1 (25:51):
I just had a really cool high school teacher years ago,
mister Gordon, who would act out Shakespeare plays in Crompoint
High School in Indiana, and I was like, what is
wrong with this man? And he made it so fun.
But you love Shakespeare? You named your cat after a
main character. Any party message you want to give, Doctor
(26:12):
Torcha to our pet pals tuning.
Speaker 4 (26:14):
In absolutely, if you're in the New York area, please
come down the heart of Chelsea. Really want to create
a partnership with pet parents. Be there to whatever capacity
you need us to be.
Speaker 1 (26:24):
And how do we find you? What's the site?
Speaker 4 (26:26):
What website part of Chelsea dot com?
Speaker 1 (26:28):
That's too easy, Doctor Andrew Torcha. You put up with me.
Thank you, and thank you for all you do for
dogs and cats in the Big Apple and beyond. At
this time, I want to do a shout out to
my producer, Mark Winter. He is the executive producer of
Pet Life Radio and humbly we're the largest radio network
on pets. And this show you're tuning in to right
(26:50):
now has been on the air since oh my goodness
oh seven, which makes us the longest running pet podcast
on the planet, when no one knew what a podcast was.
I think my cell phone has a podcast now, but
keep showing up for us. I have a really fun
e newsletter. Go to four leggedlife dot com sign up.
We get prizes, we profile people like good doctors like
(27:13):
doctor Torcha, And if you really want to be your
pet's best health ally, would you please join me in
one of our veterinary approved Pet First Aid for you classes.
We teach it online, interactive, in person, and soon we
will be doing a self paced course, all veterinary approved,
starring Pet Safety Dog Kona and Pet Safety Cat Casey.
(27:37):
So until next time, this is your flee free host
Arden Moore delivering just two words to all you two
three and four leaguers out there. I'll behave.
Speaker 4 (27:48):
The coach that are around the world.
Speaker 3 (27:50):
It's all behaved with arden More.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Find out why cats and dogs do the things they
do and get the latest buzz from wagging tongues and
tails and rent ten tinsel Town. From famous pet experts
and best selling authors to television and movie stars. You'll
get great tail whacking pet tips and.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
Have a fur flying fun time.
Speaker 2 (28:08):
All behave with America's pet entertainer. Aren't More every week
on demand only a Petlife Radio dot com
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