In this episode of "Ask the Vet," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Philipp Schott, veterinarian, bestselling author, and storyteller, to discuss his new book Heal the Beast: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. Together, they explore surprising and quirky stories of animal healers across cultures and centuries, while reflecting on what these traditions teach us about the bond between humans and animals.

Topics include:

Why caring for animals has been universal throughout human history

• How wars and plagues helped spark the foundations of modern veterinary medicine
• The scourge of rabies from ancient Egypt to today
• Superstitions, misguided cures, and the return of alternative approaches
• The emotional, practical, and spiritual reasons people treat animals
• What the history of veterinary medicine reveals about its future

Also on this month’s show:

• Viral trending animal story featuring Maple, the retired police dog who now protects honeybees
• Animal news, including radioactive rhino horns to fight poaching, U.S. cities ranked by pet-friendliness, and TSA warnings about transporting pets
• Pet Health Listener Q&A on moving cross-country with cats, managing recurring ear infections in dogs, and knee problems after a common orthopedic surgery in dogs

Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.

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