Take a break from the gossip magazines and check out the latest offering that has tongues wagging among dog owners.
“Doggie Aficiionado” may just be the new “Vanity Fair” for the canine set – featuring dog lovers like Martha Stewart and “Twilight” star Kellan Lutz. It’s also chock full of star suggestions on travel, dog food and much more!
Is it winter itch – or a more serious allergy problem? Get to the source of your dog’s constant scratching – with help from Dr. Smithie!
(NECN) – Well dogs score again.
Scientific research keeps showing us how good dogs are for us and the latest is nothing short of remarkable, as the lead scientist says herself.
A new study from the University of Missouri compares older people in a walking program:
Part of the group chose humans as exercise partners, and part chose to walk dogs from a local shelter.
and guess what?
The people walking dogs were much more consistent about getting out there and showed a much bigger improvement in fitness.
The walking speed among dog walkers?
It went up by 28 % and many increased their balance and strength so much they stopped using walkers and canes.
The human-companion group only increased speed by 4%, and they often made excuses not to go out at all.
As researchers crunch the numbers further, they suspect they’ll document improvement in areas like depression and anxiety too.
Joining Vicki Croke to talk about why dogs are superior exercise partners and how we can best take advantage of that are Dr. Martha Smith, head vet at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Dr Martha Smith on Secret Life of Animals
(NECN) – We all know how important it is to pat our dogs.
But for some pet owners, a routine rubdown by a canine massage therapist is considered just as important, when it comes to combating things like arthritis and increasing flexibility.
Arnie Katz is a canine masseuse in Boston who teaches dog owners how to pamper a pooch, at home.
Arnie joins Vicki Croke with a few tips for our viewers.
(NECN) – We all know how important it is to pat our dogs.
But for some pet owners, a routine rubdown by a canine massage therapist is considered just as important, when it comes to combating things like arthritis and increasing flexibility.
Arnie Katz is a canine masseuse in Boston who teaches dog owners how to pamper a pooch, at home.
Arnie joins Vicki Croke with a few tips for our viewers.
Arnie Katz teaches you to pamper your pooch
(NECN) – On the Secret Life of Animals, Vicki Croke is talking cold noses.
Vicki’s next guest is the pet photographer behind *Cold Nose Photo*.
Stacey Hedman has an eye for capturing your pet’s most playful moments.
She joins Vicki in studio to talk about her latest project.
We’re paging Dr. Smithie for the answers to your e-mail questions. Check out her advice for solving some of your pet’s messiest behavior problems.
We all know that picking out the right name for your new pet can be a tough decision! So, if you are still looking for some advice, check out this list. The MSPCA-Angell has released its list for the top pet names of 2009. Max won for both male cats and male dogs, while the most popular female pet name was Bella among dogs and cats.
The list was compiled from more than 50,000 patients treated at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston in 2009.
The top five dog and cat names are as follows:
Dogs (male):
Max
Bailey
Charlie
Jake
Buddy
Dogs (female):
Bella
Lucy
Daisy
Sophie
Molly
Cats (male):
Max
Oliver
Tigger
Tiger
Sam
Cats (female):
Kitty
Bella
Sophie
Lucy
Chloe
Forget about Santa’s mailbag! Dog trainer Scott Dunmore is reaching into our “Secret Life” mailbag to answer some of your most troubling training questions.
Don’t forget about our regular advice segment, “Ask Dr. Smithie!” Each month, Dr. Martha Smith of the Animal Rescue League of Boston answers your e-mail questions.
You can send your questions to thesecretlifeofanimals@necn.com.
Poinsettias may not be the only problem when it comes to protecting your pet during the holidays. Vicki Croke runs down a list of some common hazards and takes a look at treats designed to keep pets away from the Christmas tree.
Looking for more information on these products?
You can find all of the items at Especially for Pets stores!
Buddy Bristle Bone
Dental chew toy
Everlasting treat ball
Antler chew toy
Bully stick
Raw beef marrow bones
My Dog Ate It Catering Carob & P.B. Cups
Fat Murray’s Treats
My Dog Ate It gift baskets

























