Canine respiratory illness, Body mass index

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time
A dog seeks attention at the DeKalb County Animal Services shelter in Chamblee, Ga.
A dog seeks attention at the DeKalb County Animal Services shelter in Chamblee, Ga., on Aug. 27, 2019. LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta manages a Pets for Life program that helps keep animals in their homes and out of shelters, reducing shelter overcrowding. Andrea Smith/AP Photo

A veterinary researcher brings us the latest on a mysterious canine respiratory illness spreading in the U.S. Then, a writer explains the problems with using body mass index as a measurement of a person’s health, without context.

Featured in this Show

  • A mysterious canine respiratory illness is spreading—here's how to protect your pet

    Across the country, dogs have been contracting a mysterious respiratory illness with symptoms similar to that of kennel cough. We talk to a veterinary researcher about the current threat level, and how to protect your pet from getting sick.

  • The problem with using BMI out of context

    The usefulness of body mass index, or BMI, has long been called into question as a measure of health, particularly when used on its own. With the mainstreaming of obesity drugs, we take a look at the potential consequences of using BMI without the context of a person’s overall health.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Beatrice Lawrence Producer
  • Colleen Leahy Producer
  • Jessica Pritchard Guest
  • Yasmin Tayag Guest

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