The Mermaid Vet Podcast
By: Mermaid Vet Hospital
Language: en-us
Categories: Kids, Family, Pets, Animals
The Mermaid Vet Podcast dives beneath the surface of pet care with practice manager Tim Hopson and veterinarian Dr. Peter Mosites, Medical Director and owner of Mermaid Vet Hospital. Together, they break down the mysteries of modern veterinary medicine—helping pet owners understand what really happens behind the scenes at the vet’s office.From preventive care and wellness visits to behavior, emergencies, and real-world case stories, Tim and Dr. Mosites offer clear, compassionate insight designed to help you make smarter decisions for your pets. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or an experienced animal lover, this podcast gives you th...
Episodes
Inside Mermaid Vet: Sam on Her Role and What Pet Owners Miss
Jan 07, 2026In this episode of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, we sit down with Sam, a key member of our clinical team at Mermaid Vet Hospital, to talk about her path into veterinary medicine, what brought her to Vero Beach, and what keeps her passionate about working hands-on with pets every day.
We cover:
How Sam transitioned into veterinary medicine and surgical careWhat daily life looks like behind the scenes in a busy general practiceWhy interacting directly with pets is her favorite part of the jobThe one topic she wishes every Florida... Duration: 00:15:12009 - Supplements, Raw Diets & the Biggest Dog Food Myths We See in Clinic
Dec 24, 2025In Part 3 of our pet nutrition series on the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Dr. Peter Mosites and Tim Hopson dive deeper into one of the most confusing topics for pet owners: dog food, supplements, and nutrition myths.
This episode focuses on what veterinarians actually see in real clinical cases — not marketing claims or trendy labels.
We cover:
When supplements like omega-3s and probiotics actually help (and when they don’t)Joint supplements, bioavailability, and why “more” isn’t always betterHow to avoid low-quality or unregulated supplementsCommon real-world cases like itchy... Duration: 00:27:19008 - Pet Food Labels Explained: What AAFCO Statements, Ingredients, and “Buzzwords” Really Mean
Dec 17, 2025In this episode of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Tim and Dr. Peter Mosites dive deep into one of the most confusing parts of pet nutrition: pet food labels.
From misleading ingredient names to misunderstood guaranteed analyses, we break down what actually matters when choosing a dog or cat food — and what’s just marketing noise. Dr. Mosites explains the AAFCO naming rules (the 100%, 95%, 25%, “with,” and “flavor” rules), why guaranteed analysis numbers can be deceptive, and how ingredient lists tell a very different story than the front of the bag.
We also cover:
Ho... Duration: 00:32:01007 - How to Choose the Right Diet for Your Dog or Cat: Vet-Approved Guidance on Kibble, Canned, Raw & Fresh Food
Dec 10, 2025In Episode 7 of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Dr. Peter Mosites and Practice Manager Tim Hopson tackle one of the most confusing topics in pet care: nutrition. From kibble to canned food, raw diets to trendy subscription meals, this episode breaks down what truly matters when choosing your pet’s diet—and what’s just marketing.
You’ll learn:
• Why nutrition affects everything from weight and joints to skin, kidneys, and long-term disease
• The real pros and cons of dry kibble, including storage, cost, and nutrient consistency
• Why wet food isn’t necessa...
006 - The Hardest Day: What Pet Owners Should Know About End-of-Life Decisions
Dec 03, 2025 No matter how much love or care we give them, our pets can’t stay with us forever. In this heartfelt conversation, Tim and Dr. Mosites open up about the emotional realities of euthanasia in veterinary practice—what makes it so hard, what makes it meaningful, and how they help pet parents navigate those final days.
They discuss the subtle changes that signal declining quality of life, the difference between aging and suffering, and the compassionate steps taken to ensure a peaceful goodbye. This episode is an honest, comforting guide for anyone walking alongside an aging companion.
005 - Thanksgiving Safety for Pets: Foods, Chaos & Holiday Emergencies
Nov 26, 2025In this Thanksgiving special of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Tim and Dr. Mosites dive into everything pet owners need to know before the turkey hits the table. From the foods your dog can try to the ones that will most certainly land you in the ER (looking at you, turkey skin and toxic raisins), we walk through the real risks and real-life scenarios we see every year.
We also talk practical holiday etiquette for pets: how to prevent counter-surfing, what to do when guests leave the door wide open, how to keep your anxious pets calm with...
Duration: 00:26:07004 - Understanding Your Vet’s Recommendations — And Your Options
Nov 19, 2025In this episode of The Mermaid Vet Podcast, Practice Manager Tim Hopson sits down with Mermaid Vet Hospital's Medical Director and Owner Dr. Peter Mosites to unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in veterinary care: risk management.
What does it really mean when your vet talks about “risk”? How do veterinarians decide which treatments are necessary—and when it might be reasonable to wait and observe? And how can pet owners balance peace of mind, cost, urgency, and outcome without feeling overwhelmed?
Using real examples like dog b...
Duration: 00:18:10003 - Mermaid SANDS: Expanding Access to Affordable Pet Care
Nov 12, 2025In this special bonus episode, Dr. Peter Mosites, DVM sits down with Dr. William Close, PhD (Immunology), Vice President of Mermaid SANDS (Spay & Neuter Dental Services), to discuss the launch of this new nonprofit veterinary initiative. Together, they explore the mission behind SANDS, the critical need for accessible veterinary care, and the practical steps being taken to keep costs low while maintaining high medical standards.
Listeners will hear the story of how Mermaid SANDS came to life—from early inspiration and community need to the long road through permitting and renovation—and what the...
Duration: 00:21:22002 - Ways to Save Money on Veterinary Care
Nov 05, 2025Tim and Dr. Mosites dive into a wallet-friendly, pet-healthy topic: how to save money on veterinary care while still doing what's best for your pet. They discuss prevention vs. treatment costs, how to choose which services really matter, where DIY makes sense, and when cutting corners can end up costing you more.
Whether you're a new pet parent or a long-time companion caregiver trying to navigate rising costs, this episode offers guidance, a few laughs and practical take-home advice.
Duration: 00:20:33001 - Spectrum of Care
Oct 29, 2025In this inaugural episode of The Mermaid Vet Podcast, Practice Manager Tim Hopson and Medical Director Dr. Peter Mosites dive into the concept of the Spectrum of Care in veterinary medicine — what it means, why it matters, and how it helps pet owners make informed choices for their animals’ health.
They explore why “gold standard” treatment isn’t always possible or necessary, how finances and accessibility play into care decisions, and how open communication with your veterinarian builds trust and better outcomes.
Along the way, you’ll hear thought...
Duration: 00:15:21