The Consult Room

We’ve all heard it: “One dog year equals seven human years.” But it’s wrong - and in this episode of The Consult Room, I explain why.

From the rapid aging dogs experience in their early years, to the role of breed, size, genetics, and even new anti-aging research, this episode explores what really determines a dog’s lifespan. Most importantly, it’s about how knowing your dog’s true biological age can help you give them the best care at every stage of life.

In This Episode:

• Why the 7-to-1 rule doesn’t work
• How dogs age differently depending on size and breed
• The science of epigenetic clocks and aging
• The extraordinary cases of Bluey and Bobie
• Why weight management is the single biggest factor in longevity
• What senior dogs need compared to younger dogs

Key Takeaways:

• Dogs age rapidly in their early years, then more slowly
• Small breeds often live far longer than giant breeds
• Genetics and environment both shape lifespan
• Knowing your dog’s life stage helps tailor their care
• Healthy weight = healthier, longer life

Resources and More Info:

🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more advice and resources
📊 Learn more about Loyal’s research into canine longevity: http://loyalfordogs.com
🐾 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet for daily insights and updates

🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

Do we love our pets too much, and could it be harming them?

In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore the dramatic shift in how we view our pets - from animals that fit into family life to “fur babies” at the heart of it.

We’ll look at the benefits of closer bonds, but also the hidden welfare risks when pets are treated like humans.

From the rise of “pet parents” to why I now call myself a “guardian,” this episode is about finding a balance between love and species-specific care.

In This Episode:

• How pet ownership has changed over time
• The welfare risks of over-humanising pets
• Why anthropomorphism can lead to behavioural problems
• The role of language in shaping owner attitudes
• Why “guardian” might be the healthiest mindset for pets and people

Key Takeaways:

• Pets are not property — but they’re not children either
• Anthropomorphism can compromise both physical and behavioural health

• Words matter: they shape how we think about and care for animals

Resources & Links

🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet health advice and resources
📊 Read the UK survey from Purina: Purina Pet Ownership Survey
📚 Learn more from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute: https://habri.org/
🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for daily insights and updates

🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

From the differences between soluble, insoluble, and fermentable fibre to the growing science of the gut microbiome, we explore how fibre supports digestion, immunity, weight management, and even behavioural health. We also look at how fibre interacts with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, and why quality and gradual introduction are key when choosing a supplement.

Whether you're a vet, a pet owner, or just fibre-curious, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of why gut health really matters, and how a scoop of fibre might make all the difference.

In This Episode:

• How fibre works in the body, and why it’s not one-size-fits-all
• Why fermentable fibre supports beneficial gut bacteria
• The role of fibre in managing diarrhoea, anal glands and weight
• Differences between dog and cat fibre requirements
• What to look for when choosing a fibre supplement

Key Takeaways:

• Fibre plays a vital role in digestive and overall health
• Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics all support gut balance
• Cats have different needs and tolerate fibre differently to dogs
• Not all fibre is equal! Source, solubility and fermentability matter
• Supplementation should be gradual to avoid digestive upset

Resources & Links:

• Learn more at Protexin Veterinary
• For pet health support, visit theconsultroom.co.uk
• Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet for more episodes and updates

💬 Got a question about fibre or pet nutrition? Drop it in the comments or tag me on social media.

📲 If you enjoyed the episode, follow and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast.

This episode of The Consult Room is a story of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary bond between a vet student and her assistance dog.

I’m joined by Jade, a veterinary student living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that caused her to collapse without warning, forcing her to leave vet school and putting her dreams on hold. That is, until she met Jules, an alert assistance dog trained by Medical Detection Dogs.

Jules gives Jade minutes of warning before an episode strikes, allowing her to stay safe. Since being matched with him, Jade hasn’t had a single injury or hospital admission.

Together, they’ve returned to vet school, and Jade is pursuing her dream again - with Jules at her side every step of the way.

This is an inspiring conversation about the life-changing power of support animals, the impact of invisible illness, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when everything feels impossible.

In This Episode:

• Living with undiagnosed POTS and the struggle to be heard
• The toll of repeated injuries and social isolation
• How Jules predicts fainting episodes—and how he communicates them
• The impact of assistance dogs on mental health and independence
• Returning to vet school and rebuilding a life with purpose

Key Takeaways:

• POTS can be life-limiting, especially when resistant to treatment
• Jules has given Jade not just safety, but her confidence and freedom back
• Medical alert dogs are trained to respond to an individual's unique scent patterns
• Veterinary students with disabilities face hidden challenges - but also break barriers
• Animals aren’t just companions - they can be lifelines

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Medical Detection Dogs: medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk
• For mental health support, visit Vetlife
• Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet for more episodes and updates

💬 Has a pet changed your life in an unexpected way? Share your story in the comments or tag me on social media.

📲 Don’t forget to follow and leave a review—it helps more people discover these important conversations.

Redundancy has never really been part of the veterinary conversation - until now.

In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by veterinary nurse Annie Clark, who shares her deeply personal experience of being made redundant. We talk about the emotional toll, the changing realities of job security in our sector, and what these shifts could mean for animal care, team wellbeing, and the future of the profession.

I also offer my own reflections on the broader landscape, from workforce shortages to financial pressures, and explore how we can better support colleagues going through this difficult process.

In This Episode:

• Annie's first-hand account of being made redundant
• Why redundancies feel so foreign — and painful — in veterinary care
• How job cuts affect team morale, patient care and mental health
• The rise of corporate cost-cutting and what it means for job stability
• Why open communication and support systems are more important than ever

Key Takeaways:

• Redundancies are becoming more common across the veterinary profession
• Experienced team members are being lost, and not always replaced
• The emotional fallout affects both those who leave and those who stay
• Financially driven decisions may undermine long-term care quality
• There are support systems out there - and it’s vital to use them

Resources Mentioned:

💬 Have redundancies affected your team? Let us know in the comments or tag @‌DrPaulTheVet to share your experience.

Dog bites are on the rise in the UK and many owners have no idea their dog could land them on the wrong side of the law.

In this episode of The Consult Room, I speak with Gemma Taylor, an experienced animal welfare expert from Blue Cross. We explore what’s really behind the increase in dog bite incidents, the complex laws that apply, and what every dog owner should know to keep their dog (and the public) safe.

Gemma also shares insights from the Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDoC), a police-referred programme that is changing the way we educate owners—and reducing reoffending rates to zero.

Whether you're a new dog owner or a lifelong pet parent, this is an essential listen.

In This Episode:

• Why dog bites have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic
• The surprising legal definition of a “dangerous dog”
• Common mistakes that land owners in legal trouble
• How breed, recall, and lead use affect risk
• Why responsible ownership starts with training and awareness
• How the Blue Cross RDoC course is transforming outcomes

Key Takeaways:

• One in four people will experience a dog bite in their lifetime
• The law doesn’t require a bite—just fear—to deem a dog dangerous
• Owners can be held liable even if their dog was provoked or didn't cause injury
• Proper training, control, and socialisation are essential
• Blue Cross’s education-first approach is working—with 0% reoffending

Resources and More Info:

• Visit bluecross.org.uk and explore the Advice section for dog safety and training tips
• Watch practical guidance on the Blue Cross YouTube channel
• Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet for more insights and updates

🎙️ Enjoyed the episode?

Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

💬 Got questions or stories about dog ownership? Share them in the comments or tag me on social media

It’s collaboration time and in this special episode, Dr Paul joins Chris Watling as a guest for the launch of the Meet the Animal People podcast. Together, they explore Paul’s personal journey through the veterinary world, from a childhood fascination with wildlife, through the challenges of vet school, to a career that spans clinical practice, charity leadership, and media work.
They also reflect on communication, mental health, diversity in the veterinary profession, and how staying connected to a personal mission can make all the difference.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Why early work experiences (even outside of veterinary practice) build critical communication skills
• The importance of diversity and inclusion in the veterinary sector
• How separating personal identity from your job can support mental health
• Why charity work offers a different kind of fulfilment for veterinary professionals

• Changing dynamics in pet ownership and access to veterinary care

Key Takeaways:

• Communication with pet owners is as important as clinical skill
• Diversity in the veterinary profession is improving, but more work is needed
• Mental health challenges are real and creating work-life boundaries matters
• Charity roles can amplify impact by supporting communities and animal welfare
• Failure is part of growth and resilience comes from embracing setbacks

Related Links and Resources:

• Find the full episode on Meet the Animal People here: Episode 2 – Paul Manktelow

• Connect with Dr. Paul Manktelow on social media: ⁠@DrPaulTheVet⁠

• Visit the website for blogs and insights: ⁠theconsultroom.co.uk⁠

Engage With Us:
💬 What part of Paul's journey resonated most with you? We would love to hear your thoughts.

📲 Follow ⁠@DrPaulTheVet⁠ for more insights and check out Chris Watling’s Meet the Animal People podcast for more inspiring conversations from the world of animal care.

🎙️ Thank you for tuning in. Please follow and leave a review. It really helps others discover these important conversations.

The Assisted Dying Bill is currently under debate in UK Parliament, with strong public support but also deep ethical concerns. But one profession has been left out of the discussion - veterinary surgeons.

As someone who has performed euthanasia countless times, I ask:

Should vets have a voice in this debate?

In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore:

• The key provisions of the Assisted Dying Bill and its potential impact.

• How euthanasia decisions in veterinary medicine differ from human assisted dying.

• Why quality of life plays a central role in veterinary end-of-life care—but not in the current human model.

• The emotional burden of euthanasia—on vets, doctors, and families.

• Whether vets’ expertise in assessing suffering could offer valuable insights into this complex debate.

This is a sensitive, thought-provoking discussion about life, death, and dignity—through the lens of a profession that makes these decisions every day.

💡 Takeaways:

• The Assisted Dying Bill proposes medical assistance for terminally ill adults.

• Public support remains strong, with 75% in favour.

• Unlike human medicine, veterinary euthanasia is based on suffering and quality of life, not just terminal illness.

• Ethical concerns include coercion, emotional burden on doctors, and patient autonomy.

• Vets have extensive experience in assessing pain, suffering, and end-of-life decisions.

• The veterinary profession has not been consulted in the Assisted Dying Bill discussions.
• The debate raises critical questions about how we define suffering and dignity in both human and animal medicine.

🔗 Related Links and Resources:

• UK Parliament Assisted Dying Bill Overview

• Dignity in Dying – Public Campaign for Assisted Dying

• Royal College of Physicians – Assisted Dying Position

• BVA Ethics Discussion on End-of-Life Decision Making

  
  

📲 Engage With Us:
💬 What’s your take on the Assisted Dying Bill? Should vets have a say in this debate? Let me know in the comments.

📲 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favorite platform to stay updated on future episodes.

🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.
You’ll find all relevant links in the show notes.

If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review, it really helps others discover the podcast.

For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @‌DrPaulTheVet or visit theconsultroom.co.uk.

In this episode of The Consult Room, we explore the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into the rising costs of veterinary care across the UK. Join me as I break down the complex issues facing the sector, from corporate consolidation and price transparency to the financial strain on pet owners.

Drawing on over two decades of experience in the charity veterinary sector, I discuss the implications for pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal welfare. From skyrocketing vet fees and pet insurance premiums to media portrayals of the profession, this conversation delves into the root causes of the affordability crisis and potential solutions that the CMA’s report may offer.

💡 Takeaways:

• The CMA’s investigation aims to address rising vet care costs.

• Corporate consolidation has drastically changed the veterinary landscape.

• Pet owners face rising vet fees and insurance premiums, creating financial stress.

• Pricing transparency could empower pet owners to make informed decisions.

• Media coverage has contributed to misconceptions about vet costs and services.

• Many veterinary professionals face burnout due to industry pressures.

• Delayed veterinary visits caused by financial concerns can worsen pet health.

• The CMA’s report may lead to significant reforms in pricing and competition.

  
  

  🔗 Related Links and Resources:

  • Competition and Markets Authority: Official Investigation Announcement

  • British Veterinary Association’s Response to the CMA Inquiry

  • PDSA Paw Report 2023: Veterinary Access and Affordability

  • Vet Record: Analysis of Corporate Consolidation

  📲 Engage With Us:
  💬 What’s your take on the CMA investigation? Join the conversation on social media—let me know your thoughts and experiences.
  📲 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favourite platform to stay updated on future episodes.

  🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.
  You’ll find all relevant links to this conversation in the show notes.

  If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review—it really helps others discover the podcast.

  For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @‌DrPaulTheVet or check out my website at theconsultroom.co.uk.

  
  

In this episode of The Consult Room, Dr. Paul Manktelow is joined by Dr. Stuart Halperin, a leading expert in stem cell therapy for dogs. Together, they discuss the rising prevalence of arthritis in dogs, including why even young dogs can develop this painful condition.

Dr. Halperin explains how stem cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment, is providing new hope by not just masking symptoms but potentially reversing the damage caused by arthritis.

Listeners can expect to hear about:

Tune in to learn how stem cell therapy is not only changing the treatment of arthritis in dogs but also paving the way for future advancements in veterinary medicine.

For more information and resources, visit www.theconsultroom.co.uk.