How to make your pet happy and healthy (hint, just listen)

A veterinarian compiles two decades of knowledge into a new guide that demystifies the biggest questions about our animal companions.

From chickens to iguanas to pit bulls, Gary Weitzman has seen it all.

In his more than two decades as a veterinarian, he has developed strategies for treating common ailments and behavioral problems in our animal companions, and has distilled his know-how in the new National Geographic book, Complete Guide To Pet Health, Behavior, And Happiness.

Now CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, Weitzman also hopes to shatter common myths about pets, for instance that cats are easier pets than dogs, and that animal shelters aren’t necessarily “sad places.” (Read more about the science of pets on our Domesticated hub.)

Weitzman sat down with National Geographic to discuss his career and his lovable pit bull, Betty,

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