Thinking about owning goats? Forget the picture-perfect Instagram posts—goat ownership is messy, demanding, and far from easy. In this episode of Muddy Paws and Hairballs, goat expert and homesteader Deborah Niemann debunks common myths and reveals what it really takes to raise happy, healthy goats.

We dive into essential topics every prospective goat owner needs to know:

• Goats are not house pets—understanding their unique behaviors
• Complex (and costly) nutritional needs for proper goat care
• The long-term commitment goat ownership requires
• Fencing and shelter must-haves to prevent your goats from escaping
• Finding a knowledgeable veterinarian experienced in goat care
• Goat personalities: their quirks, emotions, and social needs
• Top resources for learning about goat care, including courses and education

Whether you're dreaming of fresh goat milk, homemade cheese, or just curious about life with goats, Deborah’s candid insights and expert advice will help you make informed decisions before taking the leap into goat ownership.

🔗 Learn more about Deborah, her resources, and her podcast at:
Thrifty Homesteader
Deborah’s book on Amazon
For the Love of Goats Podcast on Apple

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

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Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!

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CONTACT: Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

🚨 Are you prepared to save your pet in an emergency? Join us for this episode of Muddy Paws and Hairballs with Arden Moore, a master-certified pet first aid and CPR instructor, award-winning author, and the host of two popular pet podcasts, Oh Behave on Pet Life Radio and Four-Legged Life. Arden brings her wealth of knowledge to share essential tips every pet parent needs to know. Learn how to handle pet emergencies and protect your furry family members.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

🐶 How to Recognize Pet Emergencies: Choking, heatstroke, injuries, and more.

🐾 Essential Pet First Aid Techniques: Arden’s step-by-step advice for handling crises.

🛒 Building the Ultimate Pet First Aid Kit: Must-have tools for any pet parent.

🐱 Preventative Safety Tips: Simple ways to make your home safer for pets.

🐕 Understanding Pet Behavior: What to watch for during stressful situations.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

🐾 Pet First Aid for You – Arden Moore’s pet first aid classes, certifications, and kits.

📞 ASPCA Poison Control – 24/7 hotline for pet poisoning emergencies.

📞 Pet Poison Helpline – Expert assistance with poisoning cases.

🛒 Shop Pet First Aid Kits – Get Arden’s recommended first aid kits.

🎧 Arden’s Podcasts:

Oh Behave: Listen on Pet Life Radio

Four-Legged Life: Visit Website

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!

LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #1 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes from 2024!

In this episode, holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet emphasizes the critical importance of understanding pet vaccinations, including core and non-core vaccines, potential risks of over-vaccination, and tailored vaccination schedules based on pet age and lifestyle. This episode empowers pet owners to have informed discussions with veterinarians and advocate effectively for their pets' health and well-being.

Highlights:

• The significance of core vs. non-core vaccines
• Assessing the risks related to vaccinations, including allergies and adverse reactions
• Evaluating age and lifestyle factors in determining vaccine needs
• Understanding rabies vaccination protocols and legal requirements
• Exploring alternatives to traditional vaccination practices
• Guidance on how to communicate effectively with veterinarians
• Stressing the importance of informed consent and pet owners’ rights

Learn more about Dr. Jeff, his work, and his courses at www.newearthvet.com.

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!

LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #2 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes of 2024 from the vault!

This episode focuses on addressing the top five dog behaviors that frustrate pet owners and providing actionable strategies to manage them effectively. Through insightful discussions with dog training expert Ruth Hegarty, listeners gain tools to:

• Improve their dog’s leash manners using positive reinforcement
• Reduce nuisance barking with effective management strategies
• Train reliable recall skills to ensure safety
• Manage jumping behaviors to keep guests happy
• Curtail destructive chewing and protect your belongings

To Learn More

• Explore Ruth’s dog training programs on her website: https://www.creaturegooddogtraining.com/
• Access Ruth’s resource library with helpful handouts: https://mailchi.mp/a21acb0bb44f/dogtalk

This re-airing of a fan-favorite episode delivers practical dog training advice that every pet parent needs to hear. Don’t miss this opportunity to tackle common dog behavior problems and strengthen the bond with your furry friend!

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!

LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #3 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes of 2024 from the vault!

This episode dives into the financial options available for pet healthcare, providing actionable insights to help pet parents prepare for unexpected expenses. Join Amy and Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Service’s Pet Business, as they discuss strategies like budgeting, CareCredit, and pet insurance, while emphasizing the importance of open communication with veterinarians.

Key Topics Covered:

• Examining the rising costs of pet ownership
• Exploring financing options for pet healthcare
• The role of CareCredit in managing expenses
• Budgeting strategies for unexpected healthcare costs
• The importance of pet insurance as a financial tool
• Communicating financial capabilities with veterinarians
• Resources and assistance available for pet parents in need
• Educational tools to help pet owners prepare for healthcare expenses

Discover how to plan for pet healthcare expenses and ensure your pets get the care they need.

Relevant Links:

• Learn more about Synchrony's Pet Lifetime of Care study: Read the Study Here
• Explore the benefits of CareCredit for pet healthcare: Visit CareCredit

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!

LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #4 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of our listeners' all-time favorite episodes of 2024 from the vault!

Understanding responsible rabbit care is essential for anyone considering adding a bunny to their family. Join Amy as she interviews Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to discuss the complexities of rabbit care, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the misconceptions surrounding bunny ownership.

You'll Learn About:

• Marcy’s journey from discovering an abandoned rabbit to founding Save a Bunny Rescue.
• Common misconceptions about rabbits' needs and proper care.
• The challenges faced by rabbits in shelters and rescue environments.
• Why spaying and neutering rabbits is vital for health and population control.
• The emotional and physical benefits of having rabbits as pets.
• How fostering can help you better understand rabbit and small animal care.
• Ways to support rabbit welfare and advocacy in your community.

To Learn More About Save a Bunny Rescue:

• Visit: https://saveabunny.org/
• Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaveABunny

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!

LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #5 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes of 2024 from the vault!

In this episode, Dr. Marlene Siegel joins us to explore how integrative veterinary care can transform your pet’s health and longevity. Forget masking symptoms—Dr. Siegel focuses on addressing root causes of disease and shares practical tips to help your pet thrive. From nutrition to detoxing and emotional care, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using today.

What We Cover:

• The danger of treating symptoms instead of the root problem.
• Why your pet’s diet matters more than you think.
• How inflammation wreaks havoc on pet health.
• The surprising role of water quality in wellness.
• Healing the gut for long-term health.
• Detoxing your pet’s environment for optimal well-being.
• Why emotional well-being is crucial for your pet’s overall health.
• How to educate yourself and advocate for your pet effectively.

Special Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Siegel: www.drmarlenesiegel.com
• Access her free e-book and courses: www.transformingvetmedicine.com
• Special Offer: The first 10 people to purchase Dr. Siegel's Pet Parent Course and share a photo of their completed purchase on Instagram, tagging @drmarlenesiegel with the hashtag #starlight, will receive a free 15-minute online consult with Dr. Siegel.

Hit play and get ready to take your pet’s health to the next level!

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!

LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!