The Space Coast Pet Podcast
by Roger L Welton DVM
Dr. Roger Welton is an experienced practicing veterinarian, successful author, blogger and media personality. Airing every Thursday at 8 AM EST, Dr. Roger discusses the pertinent pet issues of the day and addresses listener emails.
Episodes
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Preventive medicine for dogs has never been easier
Dr. Roger details new technology that has made preventative medicine in dogs as easy as set it and forget it. Tune in to learn about new products that make prevention more safe and effortless than ever! Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on the air to...
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The Age of Super Bugs and Super Worms!
Dr. Roger talks about the rise of bateria and worm parasites that are resistant to our best antibiotics and parasiticides, respectively. Tune to learn about this concerning trend and how to protect your pets from super bugs and super worms! Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed…
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Spinal disc disease is on the rise
In his first ever video podcast, Dr. Roger discusses the rise of spinal disc disease, aka., intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), in dogs. Tune in to learn about recognizing clinical signs of IVDD in dogs, prevention, and treatment options. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by...
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Are there infectious diseases we can catch from our pets?
In the last episode, Dr. Roger detailed some common parasites that can be transmitted to people. He follows up in this episoide with zoonotic infectious disease, that is, bacterial, viral, and fungal disease that can be transmitted from pets to people. Tune in to learn about these disease, how to...
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Beware of The Monsters Within!
Dr. Roger details the danger internal parasites can pose to your pets, as well as the danger they can pose to your human family. Tune in to learn about how dogs and cats contract parasites, what to look out for, and how to prevent them. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by…
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How/what should we be feeding our dogs?
Dog parents are constantly bombarded with pet food marketing and opinions on what is best to feed their dogs now more than ever. In this episode, Dr. Roger revisits the pros and cons of different feeding strategies for dogs. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on…
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Why Chewy is bad for pet health care
Dr. Roger details why the Chewy corporation is bad for pet health and veterinary medicine in general. The reasons behind Dr. Roger's stance on Chewy may surprise you, so be sure to tune in to stay informed. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on the air to...
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The unique health needs of little dogs
While all sizes of dogs share the same physiology, there are certain health concerns that have different levels of prevalence depending on the size/breed of the dog. In this episode, Dr. Roger details health concerns common to small and toy breed dogs specifically. This one if dedicated to the...
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How AI and other rapidly advancing technologies are revolutionizing veterinary medicine
AI is changing all aspects of our lives, in business, day to day living, how we access information, and of course, health care. In this episode, Dr. Roger details how AI and other rapidly advancing technologies are changing veterinary medicine for better and occassionally, for worse. Send…
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Pet insurance, PLEASE!
Dr. Roger makes his case for pet parents to carry Pet Insurance for their pets. Based on his extensive experience in his own practice and recently covering shifts in a 24/7 emergency and critical care hospital, Dr. Roger contrasts his experiences with pet parents of critically sick or injured…
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What is Pet Equity and why should pet parents know about it?
Private equity has been making a strong push into the veterinary industry. Just 10 years ago, veterinary clinics owned by private equity investment firms and corporations accounted for only 8% of the industry, whereas now, that number is closer to 30% and growing. What's more, most of the time…
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Rising anti-vax sentiment leading to sharp rises in preventable dangerous infectious diseases in pets
Anti-vaccine sentiment in the veterinary industry is rising, and with it, sharp rises in prevantable dangerous infectioud disease. Canine Distemper, once considered near eradicated, is making a comeback with tragic consequences. In this episode, Dr. Roger details the driving force behind rising...
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What can I do to help my itchy dog???
Being itchy can compromise quality of life every bit as much as being in pain, and chronic severe itch from skin allergy is common medical concern in dogs. Thankfully in this day and age, there a multiple therapeutic options to safely help control itchy and inflamed skin. In this episode, Dr.…
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How the Iran War will impact veterinary costs.
Th Iran War is causing far reaching economic consequences, including possible significant increases in the costs of veterinary care. In this episode, Dr. Roger outlines what direct and indirect ways in which the war stands to affect the veterinary industry and what measures pet parents can take...
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Is cancer on the rise in pets?
Cancer is currently number 1 cause of death in dogs and the number 2 cause of death in cats. In this episode, Dr. Roger discusses if current statistics represent a rise in the incidence of cancer in pets. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on the air to...
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Everything you need to know about kidney failure in cats
Kidney failure is the most common cause of death among cats. In this episode, Dr. Roger discusses all aspects of kidney failure, from proactive prevention to conventional management and cutting edge experimental treatment. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on the...
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Preparing pets for a safe and healthy summer
The Groundhog may have seen his shadow, but Summer will be here before you know it. Tune in as Dr. Roger offers a number of tips for keeping your pets safe and happy this summer season. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on the air to [email protected]. Follow...
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An effective and natural approach to calm an anxious dog
Dr. Roger has observed a steady uptick over the years in stress/anxiety disorders in dogs. In this episode he discusses natural solutions to relieve stress in our nervous canine companions. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on the air to [email protected]....
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Top 5 Pet Resolutions 2026!
In his annual first podcast of the year, Dr. Roger offers pet parents top 5 preferred pet New Year's resolutions - at least from his point of view - for 2026. Tune in to see what Dr. Roger wishes for you and your pets for 2026! Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger…
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Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Roger!
Welcome to Dr. Roger's Thanksgiving episode. Beyond wishing his beloved listeners a happy thanksgiving, in this episode, Dr. Roger educates about hidden holiday dangers for pets that are easy to avoid. After nearly 24 years of practice, Dr. Roger has seen a lot, including the consequences of pet...
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All about cats episode
Cats are a unique species that millions of people cherish as companions and furry family members. They bring so much life to our homes in ways that are different from dogs, but no less enjoyable, affectionate, and sometimes very funny and quirky. Dr. Roger dedicates this episode to talking about...
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Dog parvo outbreak and the troubling reasons behind it
Dr. Roger reports on a current parvo outbreak in dogs. Parvo is a very contagious and deadly disease seen in dogs caused by parvovirus. It is also a very preventable disease via a safe vaccination that has been available for several decades. If it is so preventable, why is there an outbreak of…
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Big Beautiful Bill legislation impacts veterinary medicine
Dr. Roger discusses specific provisions in the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill legislation that will significantly impact the future of veterinary medicine. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on the air to [email protected]. Follow Dr. Roger's Facebook posts...
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Happy Veterinary Technician Week!
For Veterinary Technician Week, 2025, Dr. Roger celebrates the often unsung heroes of veterinary medicine, the heart beat of veterinary practices, our beloved veterinary technicians. In this episode, Dr. Roger details the every day tasks that they perform with courage, skill, and passion, and...
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Invasion of the ticks!
Ticks are evolving rapidly to withstand extremes of temperature and climate to expand their geographic reach and increase their seasonal tolerance. There is even an invasive new tick species adding to the pool ticks that carry an increasing number of tick born infectious diseases that commonly...
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The feline obesity epidemic
A majority of household cats are obese! While some pet owners see their obese cats as "fat and happy," obesity can have very serious health consequences and significantly reduce quality of life and even shorten the lives of our beloved felines. In this episode, Dr. Roger discusses the feline...
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A new type of bladder stone linked to human grade diets in dogs
The University of Minnesota Urolith Center is seeing a novel type of bladder stone in dogs and cases are on the rise. In this episode, Dr. Roger discusses this previously non-existent bladder stone and how it appears to be strongly linked to human grade dog food brands. Send listener emails for...
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Dogs: Survival of the friendliest!
In this episode Dr. Roger discusses the unique evolution of dogs and the integral role interactions with humans to become a whole separate species from the wolf. Learn how this extraordinary evolution that began with cooperation with and companionship for early humans affected the modern dog in...
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Resistant hookworm is on the rise!
Hookworm was once a common but easily and cheaply treated worm parasite in dogs and cats. In recent years, veterinarians have seen cases of hookworm that are resistant to conventional treatments and resistant cases are on the rise. With this disease that has the potential to infect the human...
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How to prepare for and manage Petflation
As a long time practice owner, Dr. Roger has unique insights into the economic trends of the veterinary industry. In this episode, Dr. Roger warns of inflationary cost increases that veterinary clinics are bracing for that will ultimately affect pet owner's cost of veterinary care, the reasons...
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Is your cat a "Puker?" Something could be wrong!
Some cats are prone to regurgitation or vomiting, but seem otherwise fine in every other way (normal appetite, body condition, playfulness, litter box habits, etc.). Sometimes hairballs come up, while other times it can be undigested or partially digested food, bile, or some combination of all of...
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Having pets is good for our health!
In this episode, Dr. Roger highlights the human health benefits of having intimate pet companionship for all stages of life, even contributing to longer life expectancy. The human animal bond not only brings us joy and companionship, pets are literally good for our health. Join Dr. Roger in...
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Help for dogs with fireworks stress!
4th of July is a wonderful time of celebration right in the middle of summer. From barbecues to parties and of course fireworks, the 4th is a blast for people of all ages. For many of our canine, unfortunately, the 4th of July can bring about stress, in some, even shear terror from fear of...
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Chronic GI disease sharply on the rise in dogs
In this episode, Dr. Roger discusses the all time high (and rising) incidence of chronic gastrointestinal disease in dogs. Based on early research out of Texas A&M University School of Veterinary and his own experience in clinical practice, Dr. Roger discusses the underlying causes for this rise…
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Beware of hidden summer dangers for pets
Summer is a wonderful time of year for families and pets, especially in temperate climates where long winters make summer a time to look forward to spend time enjoying the outdoors and barbecuing. Summer is also a time that can present unique dangers to pets, especially dogs. In this episode, Dr....
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Antivax sentiment rising in the veterinary world, Bird Flu update
Anti-vaccine sentiment is on the rise among pet owners and consequently, so are preventable deadly infectious diseases. Whereas the anti-vaccine ilk were once occasional outliers, with public anti-vaccine sentiment on the rise in human medicine, veterinarians experience now experience refusal of...
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Beware of spring dangers lurking for pets
Spring is a time of renewal, longer daylight, flowers and leave blooming, and wildlife reawakened and active. The tease of warmer days after we have tired of the cold winter bring us the hope of summer to look forward to and more time with our human and furry loved ones spent outdoors. In this...
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Why do some dogs eat poop??
Coprophagia is a fancy word for a very unpleasant habit some dogs exhibit: eating poop. Whether it is their own, other dogs, other specie, or all of the above, some dogs seem to enjoy the taste of feces. In this episode, Dr. Roger discusses this habit, why some dogs do this, and what can be done…
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A complete and comprehensive strategy for preventing/treating arthritis in dogs and cats
Osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as just "arthritis," is the most common chronic disease that dogs and cats suffer from. Thankfully, there are many safe options for prevention and treatment of arthritis that can add years of life with good quality for our pets. In this episode, Dr. Roger...
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Bird flu is infecting cats - What cat owners need to know!
Avian influenza strain H5N1 is far more concerning than high egg prices. The virus has managed to jump species primarily in cats with cases rising and carrying a high mortality rate. In this episode, Dr. Roger breaks down the risk of avian flu to your cats, how to protect them from infection, and...
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What all of the studies tell us about feeding pets raw meat based diets
About 13% of pet owners feed their pets raw meat based diets. There are strong opinions about the practice of feeding pets raw, both from the pet parents that believe in it health benefits, and a majority of veterinarians that are against it. In this episode, Dr. Roger examines all available raw...
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They are adorable, quirky, and fun, but know what you are getting into when you commit to purchasing a French Bulldog
They are America's most popular dog breed 3 plus years running and their popularity is showing no signs of slowing. Many new French Bulldog parents, however, quickly become shocked about all that comes with caring for a Frenchie. The dedication it takes to raise and care for the average dog is a...
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A key aspect of your pet's health that can significantly affect the incidence of disease
Tune in to learn about a key aspect of a pet's general wellness care that can significantly affect the incidence of systemic disease. Overlooking this key health concern can increase the incidence of kidney failure, congestive heart failure, and liver disease by 150%, as well as significantly...
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Ticks are far more than just a nuisance to your dog
Ticks cause direct irritation to the skin of dogs leading to itch, rashes and skin infections. In addition to this, ticks can potential spread life threatening infectious diseases to dogs. In this episode, Dr. Roger discusses the risks of different risks of tick born infectious diseases to dogs...
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Top 5 Pet Resolutions
Happy New Year from the Space Coast Pet Podcast Team! In this inaugural episode of 2025, per his yearly New Year tradition, Dr. Roger discusses his top pet resolution wish list. Send listener emails for consideration to be addressed by Dr. Roger on the air to [email protected]. Follow Dr....
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What the latest research tells us about when to spay/neuter different dog breeds
Depending on dog breed and gender, there are increases, and decreases in certain orthopedic conditions and cancers that are affected by the timing of sterilization procedures. Dr. Roger reports on the latest spay/neuter recommendations by breed based on the most current research. Below is the…
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Keeping your pets safe this holiday season!
As per yearly tradition dating back to 2009, Dr. Roger has a pre-holiday episode dedicated to hidden dangers that unexpectedly lurk around the holiday season. For long time listeners, you may have heard some of this before, but new things come to Dr. Roger's attention year in and year out, so...
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Dr. Roger's experience falling back into a beautiful dream
Dr. Roger recalls his recent trip to attend the West Indies Veterinary conference in the British West Indies on the island of St. Kitts. Dr. Roger discusses how the experience took him back to the very early stages of his veterinary career and the wave of powerful emotional and spiritual...
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What is holistic veterinary medicine?
The term holistic as it pertains to veterinary medicine has moved away from its original meaning and intent. In this episode, Dr. Roger explains what it is means to be a holistic veterinarian and what a holistic veterinary health care regimen for pets looks like. Dr. Roger selects listener emails...
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How to keep your pets safe before and after a natural disaster
Having just endured Hurricane Milton, Dr. Roger highlights dangers unique to pets in the aftermath of a major natural disaster like Milton and Hurricane before it. Natural disaster are not always storms, so even in areas not prone to major storms, having a disaster/emergency plan in place for…
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About this show
Dr. Roger Welton is an experienced practicing veterinarian, successful author, blogger and media personality. Airing every Thursday at 8 AM EST, Dr. Roger discusses the pertinent pet issues of the day and addresses listener emails.
Hosted by
Roger L Welton DVM