In this month's episode we welcome our first vet nurse guest, Jacinta Van Eeden to discuss the changes that can be implemented to create a calm veterinary clinic environment.

Topics discussed include:

• The importance of a calm clinic environment.
• Common signs that indicate a pet may be anxious or stressed.
• Ways to get puppies and kittens used to visiting vet clinics.
• How our tone of voice can impact a pet's behaviour.
• Practical tools that clinics can implement to provide a relaxing environment.
• Steps that pet parents can take to prepare their pets for clinics visits.
• Fear free certification for veterinary clinics.
• Jacinta shares how to reduce anxiety in pet parents when their pet has a vet consultation.
• The number on tip Jacinta has for pet parents to ensure their pet doesn't become anxious when visiting vet clinics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr Sarah Howard speaks to Dr Matthew Muir on his functional approach to managing allergic dermatitis.

Topics discussed include:

• Dr Matthew Muir's approach to pets with allergic dermatitis
• The reason immunotherapy is so under-utilised and its limitations.
• Conventional allergy management pharmaceuticals and how they work.
• How diet plays a role in Dr Muir's functional approach (immuno-nutrition).
• The relationship between the microbiome and allergies.
• The nutraceuticals Matthew might use when managing a dermatology case.
• How can we manage acute cases outside of a pharmaceutical approach?
• Dr Matthew discusses what is new and emerging in this field.
• What can pet owners do to decrease the risk of skin allergies in dogs?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Dr Nicole Rous breaks down the process of bringing a puppy home and providing the optimal environment for physical and behavioral development.

Topics discussed include:

• Tips on selecting the right puppy from a breeder, shelter or pet shop.
• The benefits of finding a good breeder and maintaining a good relationship.  
• How to get a good idea of the innate temperament of the parents.
• Puppy socialisation timeline and the value of positive socialisation.
• How the breed compatibility with the owner lifestyles matters to the development of the puppy.
• Dr Rous discusses how we should approach to puppy behavioural training and the common mistakes we make.
• Positive reinforcement training and understanding how to read behavioural signals.
• Common mistakes that pet parents make.
• Importance of the vet role in the fear free experience.  
• Nutrition needs for puppies, the benefits to their trainability and the optimal puppy diet.
• Dr Rous describes the considerations behind choosing a good chew for puppies.
• Desexing considerations.

To listen to Dr Rous' podcast on desexing, go to this link https://omny.fm/shows/pure-animal-podcast/neutering-insights-with-dr-nicole-rous

To register to Dr Matthew Muir's dermatology webinar, go to this link https://my.demio.com/ref/w0mUrHThNOb0WpKe

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this month's episode, Dr Sarah Howard discusses nutrient based psychiatry in the veterinary field with Dr Matthew Muir.

Topics discussed include:

• Dr Muir explains what nutrient-based psychiatry is.
• How does Matthew apply nutrient based psychiatry in the veterinary field?
•  What research is available supporting the importance that nutrition and microbiome diversity has on behaviour in dogs?
• What nutrients are missing from some commercial diets?
• How important is diet diversity?
• Ingredients present in diets that can be detrimental to dogs.
• Choosing the correct nutritional diet for your pet.
• Dr Muir's number one advice for veterinarians when it comes to nutrition and behaviour.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss with Professor Caroline Mansfield, urolithiasis in dogs and cats and their relationship with the microbiome.

Topics discussed included:

• What are uroliths and how are they formed?
• The different types of uroliths and the risk factors for their development.
• The way in which the gut microbiome can influence the development of urinary crystals and stones.
• Can microbiome modification form part of urolith management?
• Links between development of urolith and gut disease.
• Is there a clear gut-kidney axis? Can dysbiosis contribute to kidney disease?
• Professor Caroline shares the management plan she uses for her urolith cases.
• Probiotics that could be helpful in urinary cases.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Dr Sarah Howard discusses healthy ageing in dogs with Dr Matthew Muir.

Topics discussed include:

• The reason ageing is currently a hot topic.
• What leads to an increased lifespan and better quality of life?
• Diet changes that can impact ageing in dogs.
• Dr Muir discusses what we should avoid in order to increase lifespan.
• Matthew goes into details of what dogs' diets should look like to prevent disease.
• How often should we be feeding our pets?
• What happens to the gut microbiome as dogs get older? 
• Dr Muir delves into supplements that can be beneficial for ageing and emerging tools that are becoming available.
• The importance of preventative medicine - proactive vs reactive care.
• Accelerators of biological ageing.

Additional resources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11991408/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11675035/https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1355560/full https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11505706/ https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/18/11/564https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4936929/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22216092/ 

 

1. Adams VJ, Watson P, Carmichael S, Gerry S, Penell J, Morgan DM. Exceptional longevity and potential determinants of successful ageing in a cohort of 39 Labrador retrievers: results of a prospective longitudinal study. Acta Vet Scand. 2016;58:29. doi:10.1186/s13028-016-0204-8
2. Cupp CJ, Jean-Philippe C, Kerr WW, Patil AR. Effect of nutritional interventions on longevity of senior cats. Int J Appl Res Vet Med. 2007;5(3):133–149
3. Bermingham EN, Patterson KA, Shoveller AK, Fraser K, Butowski CF, Thomas DG. Nutritional needs and health outcomes of ageing cats and dogs: is it time for updated nutrient guidelines? Anim Front. 2024;14(3):5–16. doi:10.1093/af/vfae008
4. Jackson J, Radford AD, Belshaw Z, Wallis LJ, Kubinyi E, German AJ, Westgarth C. Using veterinary health records at scale to investigate ageing dogs and their common issues in primary care. J Small Anim Pract. 2025;66(2):81–91. doi:10.1111/jsap.13809
5. Creevy KE, O'Neill DG, Promislow DEL. Morbidity and mortality in elderly dogs – a model for human aging. BMC Vet Res. 2022;18(1):456. doi:10.1186/s12917-022-03518-8
6. Lewis TW, Wiles BM, Llewellyn-Zaidi AM, Evans KM, O’Neill DG. Longevity and mortality in Kennel Club registered dog breeds in the UK in 2014. Canine Genet Epidemiol. 2018;5:10. doi:10.1186/s40575-018-0066-8
7. Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, Mantz SL, Biery DN, Greeley EH, Lust G, Segre M, Smith GK, Stowe HD. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002;220(9):1315–1320. doi:10.2460/javma.2002.220.1315
8. Guelfi G, Capaccia C, Tedeschi M, Bufalari A, Leonardi L, Cenci-Goga B, Maranesi M. Dog aging: a comprehensive review of molecular, cellular, and physiological processes. Cells. 2024;13(24):2101. doi:10.3390/cells13242101
9. Laflamme DP. Nutritional care for aging cats and dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2012;42(4):769–791. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.04.002
10. Hall JA, Jewell DE. Feeding healthy beagles medium-chain triglycerides, fish oil, and L-carnitine offsets age-related changes in serum fatty acids and carnitine metabolites. PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e49510. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049510
11. Bermingham EN, Patterson KA, Shoveller AK, Fraser K, Butowski CF, Thomas DG. Nutritional needs and health outcomes of ageing cats and dogs: is it time for updated nutrient guidelines? Anim Front. 2024;14(3):5–16. doi:10.1093/af/vfae008
12. Bray EE, Zheng Z, Tolbert MK, McCoy BM, Kaeberlein M, Kerr KF; Dog Aging Project Consortium. Once-daily feeding is associated with better health in companion dogs: results from the Dog Aging Project. GeroScience. 2022;44(3):1779–1790. doi:10.1007/s11357-022-00575-7
13. Palaseweenun P, Hagen‐Plantinga EA, Schonewille JT, Koop G, Butre C, Jonathan M, Wierenga PA, Hendriks WH. Urinary excretion of advanced glycation end products in dogs and cats. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2021;105(1):149–156. doi:10.1111/jpn.13347
14. Yang L, Yang L, Cai Y, Luo Y, Wang H, Wang L, Chen J, Liu X, Wu Y, Qin Y, Wu Z, Liu N. Natural mycotoxin contamination in dog food: a review on toxicity and detoxification methods. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2023;257:114948. doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114948
15. Bridglalsingh S, Archer-Hartmann S, Azadi P, Barbier de La Serre C, Remillard RL, Sunvold GD, Bartges JW. Association of four differently processed diets with plasma and urine advanced glycation end products and serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products concentration in healthy dogs. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2024;108(3):735–751. doi:10.1111/jpn.13927
16. Marchi PH, Vendramini THA, Perini MP, Zafalon RVA, Amaral AR, Ochamotto VA, Da Silveira JC, Dagli MLZ, Brunetto MA. Obesity, inflammation, and cancer in dogs: review and perspectives. Front Vet Sci. 2022;9:1004122. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.1004122
17. Schmid SM, Hoffman JM, Prescott J, Ernst H, Promislow DEL, Creevy KE; Dog Aging Project Consortium. The companion dog as a model for inflammaging: a cross-sectional pilot study. GeroScience. 2024;46(6):5395–5407. doi:10.1007/s11357-024-01217-w
18. Ren J, Li H, Zeng G, Pang B, Wang Q, Wei J. Gut microbiome-mediated mechanisms in aging-related diseases: are probiotics ready for prime time? Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1178596. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1178596
19. Parker A, Romano S, Ansorge R, Aboelnour A, Le Gall G, Savva GM, Pontifex MG, Telatin A, Baker D, Jones E, Vauzour D, Rudder S, Blackshaw LA, Jeffery G, Carding SR. Fecal microbiota transfer between young and aged mice reverses hallmarks of the aging gut, eye, and brain. Microbiome. 2022;10:68. doi:10.1186/s40168-022-01262-3
20. Ulluwishewa D, Anderson RC, McNabb WC, et al. Regulation of tight junction permeability by intestinal bacteria and dietary components. J Nutr. 2011;141(5):769–76. doi:10.3945/jn.110.135657
21. Cao L, Lee SG, Lim KT, Kim HR. Potential anti-aging substances derived from seaweeds. Mar Drugs. 2020;18(11):564. doi:10.3390/md18110564
22. Grzeczka A, Graczyk S, Kordowitzki P. Pleiotropic effects of resveratrol on aging-related cardiovascular diseases—what can we learn from research in dogs? Cells. 2024;13(20):1732. doi:10.3390/cells13201732
23. Kusaba A, Arai T. Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increases antioxidative activity in dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2024;11:1355560. doi:10.3389/fvets.2024.1355560
24. Cho HW, Choi S, Seo K, Kim KH, Jeon JH, Kim CH, Lim S, Jeong S, Chun JL. Gut microbiota profiling in aged dogs after feeding pet food contained Hericium erinaceus. J Anim Sci Technol. 2022 Sep;64(5):937-949.
25. Kaur J, Seshadri S, Golla KH, Sampara P. Efficacy and safety of standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on reducing stress and anxiety in domestic dogs: A randomized controlled trial. J Vet Behav. 2022;51:8–15.
26. Bharani KK, Devarasetti AK, Carey L, Khurana A, Kollipaka R, Hanuman DDV, Chetla VS, Banothu AK. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Vet Med Sci. 2024 Sep;10(5):e1556
27. Sacoor C, Marugg JD, Lima NR, Empadinhas N, Montezinho L. Gut-brain axis impact on canine anxiety disorders: new challenges for behavioral veterinary medicine. Vet Med Int. 2024;2024:2856759. doi:10.1155/2024/2856759
28. Lee E, Carreras-Gallo N, Lopez L, Turner L, Lin A, Mendez TL, Went H, Tomusiak A, Verdin E, Corley M, Ndhlovu L, Smith R, Dwaraka VB. Exploring the effects of Dasatinib, Quercetin, and Fisetin on DNA methylation clocks: a longitudinal study on senolytic interventions. Aging (Albany NY). 2024;16(4):3088–3106. doi:10.18632/aging.205581
29. Bitto A, Ito TK, Pineda VV, LeTexier NJ, Huang HZ, Sutlief E, Tung H, Vizzini N, Chen B, Smith K, Meza D, Yajima M, Beyer RP, Kerr KF, Davis DJ, Gillespie CH, Snyder JM, Treuting PM, Kaeberlein M. Transient rapamycin treatment can increase lifespan and healthspan in middle-aged mice. eLife. 2016;5:e16351. doi:10.7554/eLife.16351
30. Urfer SR, Kaeberlein TL, Mailheau S, Bergman PJ, Creevy KE, Promislow DEL, Kaeberlein M. A randomized controlled trial to establish effects of short-term rapamycin treatment in 24 middle-aged companion dogs. GeroScience. 2017;39(2):117–127. doi:10.1007/s11357-017-9972-z
31. Kaeberlein M, Creevy KE, Promislow DEL. The Dog Aging Project: translational geroscience in companion animals. Mamm Genome. 2016;27(7–8):279–288. doi:10.1007/s00335-016-9638-
32. Mulder IE, Schmidt B, Lewis M, Delday M, Stokes CR, Bailey M, Aminov RI, Gill BP, Pluske JR, Mayer CD, Kelly D. Restricting microbial exposure in early life negates the immune benefits associated with gut colonization in environments of high microbial diversity. PLoS One. 2011;6(12):e28279. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0028279
33. Hemida M, Vuori KA, Moore R, Anturaniemi J, Hielm-Björkman A. Early life modifiable exposures and their association with owner-reported inflammatory bowel disease symptoms in adult dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:552350. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.552350
34. McMahon JE, Graves JL, Tovar AP, Peloquin M, Greenwood K, Chen FL, Nelson M, McCandless EE, Halioua-Haubold CL, Juarez-Salinas D. Translational immune and metabolic markers of aging in dogs. Sci Rep. 2025;15:14460. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-51976-3
35. Urfer SR, Kaeberlein M. Desexing dogs: a review of the current literature. Animals (Basel). 2019;9(12):1086. doi:10.3390/ani9121086
36. Santos JDP, Cunha E, Nunes T, Tavares L, Oliveira M. Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs. Res Vet Sci. 2019;125:136–140. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.05.011
37. Selting KA, Ringold R, Husbands B, Pithua PO. Thymidine kinase type 1 and C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with spontaneously occurring cancer. J Vet Intern Med. 2016;30(4):1159–1166. doi:10.1111/jvim.13954
38. Urfer SR, Kaeberlein M. Desexing dogs: a review of the current literature. Animals (Basel). 2019;9(12):1086. doi:10.3390/ani9121086
39. Clark JD, Rager DR, Crowell-Davis S, Evans DL. Housing and exercise of dogs: effects on behaviour, immune function and cortisol concentration. Lab Anim Sci. 1997;47(5):500–510

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Caroline Mansfield joins us again to discuss all about feline triaditis.

Topics discussed include:

• What exactly is triaditis?
• Understanding the underlying cause of this condition.
• Challenges of diagnosing triaditis and multi-organ involvement.
• When are antibiotics indicated as part of the management plan?
• Correcting dysbiosis as part of the management plan.
• Clinical signs to look out for with feline triaditis.
• Duration of inappetence for hepatic lipidosis to develop.
• Professor Caroline Mansfield's go-to diagnostic tools.
• Treatment strategy when managing triaditis.
• The importance of diet as part of the management protocol.
• Long term prognosis for cats with triaditis and follow-ups required.
• Caroline's top 3 tips!

To register for Professor Caroline Mansfield's webinar on the impact of the microbiome on non-GI diseases, go to this link - https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d50a6d23-31b2-4481-9324-0f1dbabcfe19@afa78dff-85bb-46f3-b036-b43bcf79c497

To listen to Professor Mansfield's previous podcast on management of digestive disorders, go to this link https://omny.fm/shows/pure-animal-podcast/episode-encore-management-of-digestive-disorders-w

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of the microbiome with Dr Susan Armstrong.

Topics include:

• What made Sue turn to Veterinary Science and alternative therapies.
• Why cancer and auto-immune diseases are of particular interest to Dr Armstrong and what treatment modalities she uses for them.
• The role and importance of a healthy microbiome.
• What are we eating that upsets the balance of the microbiome?
• Can a microbiome evolve to require different types of food?
• Do dogs need to be omnivorous?
• Dr Sue explains the difference between microbiomes in different species.
• The importance of prebiotics and probiotics.
• How probiotics can help with respiratory and bladder problems among other conditions.
• Sue’s insights in the use of probiotics in behavioural conditions.
• Can probiotic strains found in human products be useful for other species?

To register for Professor Caroline Mansfield's webinar, please register on this link - https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d50a6d23-31b2-4481-9324-0f1dbabcfe19@afa78dff-85bb-46f3-b036-b43bcf79c497

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we chat to Dr Nicole Rous about the latest insights on neutering and the recommendations veterinarians should be giving pet owners based on the latest research.

Topics discussed include:

• Why do vets recommend for pets to be neutered?
• How has neutering recommendations changed in the last 5-10 years?
• Dr Nicole discusses the most appropriate age for desexing.
• Duration of a heat and what should pet parents expect.
• Dr Rous delves into the reasons why neutering recommendations have changed over time.
• The role hormones play in bone growth and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Changes pet owners should be making if their pet is desexed early.
• The impact oestrogen has on the gut microbiome and neurotransmitters.
• Dr Nicole explains what part neutering plays in cognitive dysfunction.
• Do neutering recommendations differ for cats?
• The importance of feeding a good diet.
• Health risks and signs pet owners should be aware of if their pet is not neutered.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode encore, we revisit our chat with Dr Stephen Fearnside on medical management of osteoarthritis.

Topics include:

• How did Dr Fearnside end up as a Veterinary Specialist.
• The importance of rehabilitation in osteaoarthritis.
• An insight into Steve’s favourite cases.
• Common presentations of cases of osteoarthritis and how vital it is to have a management plan.
• The benefits and limitations of joint replacements.
• A holistic approach to arthritis management in dogs that are not surgery candidates.
• Dr Fearnside takes us through the 3 pillars of managing arthritis and his approach to each of them.
• Steve explains therapeutic laser therapy and how it works.
• Which supplements should we be using before the onset of arthritis and which supplements can help to manage arthritis.
• The challenges of getting pet parents to adhere to a management plan.
• The role of regenerative medicine in the future.

You can find Dr Fearnside at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.