The Independent Vet with Dr. Beth Barrett

Swimming, Splashing & the Stuff Nobody Warns You About

Season 1 · Episode 12 Run time: ~29 minutes Host: Michael Dargie Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM

Michael has spent a lot of summers with wet dogs. Billy, his Staffordshire-boxer cross, was built — as Michael puts it — like a torpedo with the buoyancy of a brick; he'd wade into the river happily and never once swim. Skaya the husky would fetch logs, actual floating logs, until somebody made her stop. And Heidi, the shepherd cross, spent an entire afternoon being quietly, methodically outwitted by a beaver. So when this conversation turned to dogs and water, Michael brought the stories, and Dr. Beth Barrett brought the clinical picture that explains every single one of them.

The premise is simple and a little counterintuitive: water and dogs are pure summer magic, and the water is also exactly where a perfect day quietly goes sideways. Not in dramatic, horror-movie ways — in small, easy-to-miss ways that a prepared owner can head off completely.

They start with the myth Michael believed his whole life: that every dog can swim. Plenty can't. Brick-built, barrel-chested, short-nosed dogs are dense with muscle, sit low, take on water through big open mouths, and struggle for air before they struggle to float — they end up bottom-down, top-up, paddling frantically and going nowhere. And it isn't only the breeds you'd expect. Dr. Beth spent hours in the water with Briar, a long, lean standard poodle with the textbook body for it, who simply never found the coordination. Her advice: let a dog tell you whether the water is their thing, and never over-face one that says no.

From there it's the full swim-day picture. The fetch-till-they-drop dog has no off switch — Dr. Beth's own Zip and Saco would retrieve until they collapsed — which is why you have to be the brakes. Dogs overheat in water, especially as the season warms it up. And then two things most owners have never heard of: water intoxication, where a mouth held open around a ball or a log takes on so much water that it dilutes the body's sodium into a genuine, treatable-but-life-threatening emergency; and limber tail, the terrifying limp tail that sends people into a panic and is usually a few days of anti-inflammatories and rest.

The back half is aftercare and Alberta. Rinsing the hot-spot and ear-infection risk off a dog as the water warms. Watching for blue-green algae — that oil-slick or spilled-green-paint look on the surface. Backcountry care when there's no garden hose and no vet down the road (Dr. Beth doesn't leave home without a bottle of Hibitane soap). River undercurrents and post-rain water levels that sweep dogs away. And the underwater hazards of northern "stick ponds," where a hard-charging retriever launches in and comes out with a gash up its chest.

Plus the mailbag question Michael wrote himself, because it really happened: are beavers actually dangerous? Yes. Genuinely. And so, it turns out, is Florida.

The throughline, as it so often is with Dr. Beth: your dog doesn't always know when to quit, so you have to be the sensible one. Be their advocate, read the day, and when in doubt, head home early.

Chapters & Timestamps

Time

Segment

00:00

Cold open, disclaimer & welcome

01:31

Can every dog swim? (Spoiler: no)

04:02

Teaching a dog to swim — and when not to push

05:30

The fetch-till-they-drop dog: you're the brakes

07:33

Water intoxication — when swimming makes a dog sick

10:27

Limber tail: the scary limp tail, explained

13:18

After the swim: rinsing, ears & blue-green algae

15:58

Backcountry care: no hose, no vet down the road

18:29

Hazards owners miss: hose games, currents & runoff

20:59

Myth or Muzzle? — Does my dog know when to stop?

21:47

Ask Dr. Beth — Are beavers actually dangerous?

25:17

Michael's takeaways, stick ponds & outro

Myth or Muzzle? (20:59)

The claim: "My dog knows his own limits — he'll stop swimming or fetching when he's had enough."

Verdict: MUZZLE IT.

Dr. Beth: it's dog-dependent, and drive is the deciding factor. A lower-drive dog will pace itself, be mindful, take things easy. A high-drive dog, left to its own devices, will retrieve until it collapses from exhaustion — it simply doesn't have the self-preservation instinct to stop when it should. As Dr. Beth puts it, if somebody kept throwing something, her dogs would not know when to quit. That's exactly why the owner has to be the limiting factor: the parent, the sensible one, the person who ends the day before the dog would.

Ask Dr. Beth (21:47)

The question (from Michael — and it really happened): "We had a shepherd cross named Heidi, high prey drive, and there was a beaver at the dam in Beaumont Park she loved to 'play' with. The beaver would let her get close, slap its tail, dive under, and pop up behind her. At first we thought it was cute. Are beavers actually dangerous to dogs?"

Dr. Beth's answer, in short: yes — genuinely.

• Beavers have drowned dogs. A big one can grab a dog, pull it underwater, and hold it there.
• They're not small. Dr. Beth puts an adult beaver at roughly 40 to 50 pounds — a serious animal, and one that's completely at home in the water while your dog is not.
• The behaviour Michael describes isn't play. The beaver is using the dog's own prey drive against it — luring, diving, resurfacing just out of reach — to wear the dog out in deep water.
• Dr. Beth has never had one go after her own dogs, but she's heard enough stories to be genuinely cautious. When a beaver moved into the canal near her a couple of years ago, she changed where she walked her dogs until he moved on.

Michael's takeaway: Water and dogs can be pure summer magic — but not every dog is a swimmer, the fetch-till-you-drop dog needs you to call the brakes, and that terrifying limp tail is usually nothing a little rest won't fix. Dry those ears, respect the backcountry, and when in doubt, head home early.

Key Takeaways

Not every dog can swim, and that's not a training problem. Dense, brick-built, barrel-chested dogs don't have the buoyancy for it. Short-nosed breeds already work hard for air, and big open mouths take on water. Those dogs end up bottom-down and top-up, paddling frantically without going anywhere.

Body type isn't the whole story either. Briar the standard poodle had the ideal build and never found the coordination — even in a life jacket, with people holding her up. Some dogs just don't have it.

Let the dog decide. Give them the opportunity, never force it. Plenty of dogs will happily wade, paddle the shallows, and cool off without ever swimming — and they get most of the benefit anyway.

You are the off switch. High-drive dogs will retrieve until they collapse. They don't have the self-preservation instinct to stop, so the owner has to be the limiting factor. Dr. Beth is blunt about it: it's possible to kill your dog doing something they love.

Dogs overheat in the water. Being wet is not the same as being cool, especially as summer warms the water itself. Heatstroke is still on the table on a swim day.

Water intoxication is real, and it's an emergency. A dog swimming with its mouth open — around a ball, a log, a stick — ingests enough water to dilute its blood sodium. The kidneys can't clear it fast enough, and low sodium hits nervous and kidney function hard. Retrievers, small dogs, and lean dogs are most at risk.

Know the signs. Bloating first (the stomach filling with water), then neurologic changes and vomiting. If a dog that's been swimming or retrieving starts behaving abnormally, get them seen — treatment means a sodium chloride solution and diuretics, not wait-and-see.

The garden hose counts. Dogs that snap and bite at a hose spray — often little terrier types — take on a surprising amount of water. It looks like harmless fun; it's one of the main places water intoxication turns up. Limit the game.

Limber tail looks catastrophic and usually isn't. Cold water constricts the blood vessels at the base of the tail while the tail is working hard as a rudder. The muscles inflame, the tail hangs limp, and it hurts — often badly. It responds within a few days to anti-inflammatories, warm compresses, and laser therapy. In Alberta it's a snow condition too, seen every winter in retrievers working with their tails down in the snow.

Aftercare changes with the season. Cold spring water means watching for limber tail and towelling off so they don't get chilled. Warm mid-summer water means bacterial overgrowth — rinse them off, especially the neck where moisture sits, or you'll get hot spots, skin infections, and that unmistakable smell. Ear infections spike later in the summer for the same reason.

Blue-green algae season is here. Look for an oil-slick sheen or what looks like green paint spilled on the surface. Keep the dog out entirely. If they were already in, get them out, don't let them lick their coat, and rinse them as thoroughly as you can.

Pack for the backcountry. Dr. Beth doesn't go anywhere without a bottle of Hibitane soap — soaping a dog up mitigates skin trouble until you can get somewhere with water to rinse. A cotton ball or even a Kleenex wrapped around a finger clears water from ears; a proper ear cleaner is better, and diluted vinegar works in a pinch against yeast.

Read the water itself. Undercurrents, rising levels after rain, and sweeping river corners packed with deadfall all sweep dogs away or trap them. "Stick ponds" with dead trees in and around them are worse: a hard-charging retriever launches in, hits a submerged tree, and comes out with a chest laceration that can be life-threatening — and still wants you to throw another bumper.

Beavers are not a joke. A 40–50 lb adult can grab a dog and drown it, and the "play" behaviour is a deliberate wearing-down tactic. Give them a wide berth.

Resources Mentioned

• Barrett Veterinary Practice — barrettvet.ca · 403.860.5763 · [email protected] · @barrettveterinarypractice
• Alberta blue-green algae advisories — the provincial site where you can check current bloom advisories before you take your dog to a lake. (Web link pending — see producer flags.)
• Hibitane (chlorhexidine) soap — Dr. Beth's don't-leave-home-without-it item for backcountry swim days; ask your vet about the right product and dilution for your dog.
• Dog life jackets — worth trying for a dog you're helping learn, though as Briar's story shows, a jacket won't turn a non-swimmer into a swimmer.
• Ear cleaner — if your dog is prone to ear infections, keep a proper veterinary ear cleaner on hand for after swims. Diluted vinegar is a serviceable backup against yeast.
• Previous episode on blue-green algae & summer safety — referenced on air; link in the show notes. (Confirm which episode — see producer flags.)

Connect with The Independent Vet

• Website: barrettvet.ca
• Instagram: @barrettveterinarypractice
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 403.860.5763

Got a question for Dr. Beth? Send it in — it might be featured in a future Ask Dr. Beth segment.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet.

Season 1 · Episode 11 Run time: 26 Minutes Host: Michael Dargie Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM

Every so often a topic comes with a name so intimidating that people avoid talking about it altogether — and that, Dr. Beth Barrett says, is exactly the problem. Echinococcus multilocularis sounds like a spell from a fantasy novel (Michael gives it a heroic run and lands somewhere around "Alec-Kabam"), but most Albertans know it by its friendlier alias: the fox tapeworm. Here, it's really more of a coyote tapeworm.

It's been in the headlines lately, and Dr. Beth wanted to get ahead of the worry rather than feed it. Her approach is the one she brings to everything: know your enemy, then make a plan. So this episode is a calm, thorough walk through what this parasite actually is, why Alberta has become a hotspot, and — most importantly — the handful of simple, inexpensive things that keep it away from your dog and your family.

The short version, the one Dr. Beth keeps coming back to: this is rare, it's highly preventable, and you do not need to panic. The parasite itself is microscopic — a few millimetres, far too small to ever see. It lives quietly in coyotes and foxes, cycling through the mice they eat, and in those animals it causes no real trouble. The danger only appears when it lands somewhere it doesn't belong. Dogs can pick it up; people can too; and — good news for the cat households — cats appear to be spared. When it does land in the wrong host, the larval form settles into the liver and grows slowly, like a tumour, over five to fifteen years.

Dr. Beth has seen it up close. She walks Michael through a case from her own practice: a four-kilogram acreage dog whose liver alone weighed 2.8 kilograms by the end — an abdomen so full of it that everything else was squished into one corner. And she connects it to the case that made the Alberta news, a woman whose suspected liver cancer turned out to be this parasite instead.

That's the sobering part. The reassuring part is everything the back half of the episode is about: wash your hands, keep your dog clean, pick up the poop, and deworm on a schedule that fits your dog's life — with a product that actually contains praziquantel, because the pet-store dewormers (and the garlic, and the cayenne) won't touch it. Dr. Beth has already switched her own dogs to monthly. As she puts it, it's a slow-moving train — but it's a train you can see coming, and step off the tracks.

Along the way: a name nobody can pronounce, a parasitologist on speed-dial in Guelph, a poop-roller named Saco, and a cat-caught mouse in the garage that explains exactly how easily this happens.

Chapters & Timestamps

Time

Segment

00:00

Cold open & disclaimer

00:33

Welcome back to The Independent Vet

01:02

A name that sounds like a spell — Echinococcus multilocularis

01:49

Why it's in the headlines, and why Alberta

02:44

Section 1: How big is this thing? (It's microscopic)

03:34

The natural hosts: coyotes and foxes

04:26

The life cycle: rodents, eggs, and the larval liver form

06:53

The wrong hosts: dogs do, people can, cats don't

07:38

Why it's serious in people — a 5-to-15-year slow burn

08:09

The Alberta news case: a liver mistaken for cancer

08:58

A more aggressive European strain arrives

09:37

A short history: Alaska, Manitoba (1928), Minnesota (1977)

10:30

2013 onward: the sharp uptick in Alberta

11:09

Section 2: Dr. Beth's case — the 4 kg dog with the 2.8 kg liver

11:44

Why city dogs are now at risk (up to 60% of urban coyotes)

12:59

Inside the surgery: an abdomen full of liver

13:37

Consulting the parasitologist — and a prediction

14:26

Section 3: Can people be tested? And how do we prevent it?

15:17

Step one: wash your hands

15:53

Deworming: praziquantel and Interceptor Plus

16:55

Why monthly matters now

18:04

What doesn't work: pet-store dewormers, garlic, cayenne

18:20

Pick up the poop; manage rollers and mouse-eaters

19:52

Saco, Zip, and the cat-caught mouse in the garage

20:16

"Like insurance for your car"

20:25

Other parasites on the radar: roundworms and hookworms

20:58

Reminders, and why we all forget

22:12

The slow-moving train

22:53

Myth or Muzzle?

23:29

Ask Dr. Beth — the on-leash city dog

24:58

Michael's takeaways

25:51

Outro

Myth or Muzzle? (22:53)

The claim: "If my dog looks perfectly healthy, there's no way it's carrying a dangerous tapeworm."

Verdict: MUZZLE IT.

Dr. Beth: dogs are canids, and they can carry this exactly the way a fox or coyote does — as an intestinal parasite quietly shedding eggs. A dog with the intestinal form usually shows no symptoms at all. So a healthy-looking dog tells you nothing about whether it's shedding, which is the whole reason prevention matters even when everything seems fine.

Ask Dr. Beth (23:29)

The question: "My dog's a total city dog. We walk on leash, and he's never caught a rodent in his life. Do I really need to deworm for this?"

Dr. Beth's answer, in short: it comes down to lifestyle.

• A genuinely low-exposure dog — leash-walked, no off-leash parks, no interest in rodents or rolling in things — really is lower risk, and may not need deworming as often.
• But off-leash parks change the math. Those are exactly where coyotes roam, and where up to 60% of them can carry the parasite. Dr. Beth is a fan of off-leash time and would never tell you to skip it — she'd tell you to match your deworming plan to it.
• The real answer is a conversation with your own vet, who knows your dog, your area, and your routine better than any rule of thumb.

Michael's takeaway: You don't need to panic. You need a poop bag, clean hands, a deworming plan that fits your dog's life, and a vet who can help you build that exact plan.

Key Takeaways

• It's rare, and it's highly preventable. The goal of this episode isn't alarm — it's a plan. A few simple habits keep the risk very low.
• The parasite is microscopic. Unlike the rice-grain tapeworm segments you might spot near a cat's tail, these are only a few millimetres long and effectively invisible. You'll never see them.
• Coyotes and foxes are the natural hosts; rodents are the middle step. The adult worm lives harmlessly in wild canids, which shed eggs in their feces. Mice and voles eat the eggs, and the larval form sets up in the rodent's liver — where a coyote eats it and the cycle repeats.
• The problem is the wrong host. Dogs can pick it up, people can too, and it settles in the liver as a slow-growing, tumour-like mass. Cats appear to be spared — reassuring news for cat owners.
• In people it's a slow build — five to fifteen years. By the time it's found (often incidentally, on a scan for something else), it can require lifelong daily medication and sometimes repeated surgery. Serious, but slow, and avoidable.
• Alberta is now a hotspot. A more aggressive European strain has established here. On air, Dr. Beth noted more than 20 human cases in Alberta since 2013 and more than 30 dog cases since 2009 — a sharp change from the decades when North American cases were 50 years apart.
• Deworming is the core defence — but only praziquantel works. The clinic uses Interceptor Plus, which contains it. Pet-store dewormers without praziquantel won't kill this parasite, and neither will garlic or cayenne.
• Match the schedule to the dog. Acreage dogs, off-leash-park regulars, poop-rollers, and mouse-eaters are the monthly candidates. Genuinely low-exposure city dogs may not need it as often — decide with your vet.
• Hygiene does a lot of the work. Wash your hands, keep your dog clean, and pick up poop promptly with a bag or gloves so eggs never get a chance to travel from fur to hand to mouth.
• Set a reminder. Even Dr. Beth relies on the clinic's reminders — the same way she'd never get her snow tires off without one. Life gets away from us; a recurring calendar note is the ticket.

Resources Mentioned

• Barrett Veterinary Practice — barrettvet.ca · 403.860.5763 · [email protected] · @barrettveterinarypractice
• Interceptor Plus — the prescription monthly dewormer Dr. Beth uses and now recommends for at-risk dogs; it contains praziquantel, the drug that kills this tapeworm. Ask your vet whether it's right for your dog.
• Parasite prevention in Alberta — links to provincial guidance on Echinococcus multilocularis and deworming are in the show notes. (Web links pending — see producer flags.)

Connect with The Independent Vet

• Website: barrettvet.ca
• Instagram: @barrettveterinarypractice
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 403.860.5763

Got a question for Dr. Beth? Send it in — it might be featured in a future Ask Dr. Beth segment.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet.

Season 1 · Episode 10 Run time: 44:44 Minutes Host: Michael Dargie Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM

Michael has been a cat person his whole life, and for most of it he assumed cats basically ran themselves. Food in the bowl, litter in the box, sunbeam for napping, everyone's happy.

Turns out that under the sleepy little loaf is a tiny tiger — an animal hardwired to spend its day stalking, climbing, and pouncing. And when that brain has nothing to do, it finds its own entertainment.

In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett makes the case that mental fitness isn't a luxury add-on to cat ownership. It's medicine. A high percentage of the cats she sees in the clinic come in for behavioural reasons, and most of those behaviours trace directly back to a hunting instinct with nowhere to go. Some of those cats never make it home — urinary marking is one of the leading behavioural reasons cats are surrendered to shelters.

The good news: the fix is rarely expensive, and often free.

Dr. Beth and Michael cover why "just setting a bowl of food down" does cats a disservice, how to read the behaviours that boredom quietly causes, and how to build a cat's world upward instead of outward. They get into catios, harness walks, why you should never leave a cat tethered outside, the litter box formula (cats plus one, in different rooms), why water belongs away from food, and a study on feline arthritis that changed how Dr. Beth thinks about weight.

And along the way: Snack Hunter, a mouse in a recording studio, six birds down a chimney, and a cat named Steve who learned to operate a touch-activated kitchen tap.

Chapters & Timestamps Time Segment 00:00 Cold open & disclaimer 00:34 Welcome — the tiny tiger asleep on the keyboard 02:36 Section 1: Why a safe, fed, warm cat still needs a job 02:49 Having everything handed to you is not a recipe for happiness 03:56 The world's greatest hunter — and the bowl that takes the job away 04:46 "Snack Hunter": Michael's freeze-dried salmon scatter 05:35 Why so many feline vet visits are behavioural, not medical 05:54 What boredom actually looks like 06:03 Destructive scratching (and why scratching is hunting maintenance) 06:47 Overgrooming, bald bellies, and stress dermatitis 07:50 Urinary issues and marking — the biggest one 08:28 Play aggression: the pet that turns into a bite 09:52 Overeating, counter surfing, and the 3 a.m. yell 10:47 The hard part: cats surrendered and euthanized over litter box issues 11:09 Charlie, Mabel, and the puzzle feeder Charlie cracked first 13:10 A mouse in the recording studio 14:21 Why hunting play looks cruel — and isn't 16:30 Section 2: Build up, not out 16:32 Never punish a cat for being a cat (six birds, one open flue) 17:41 The vertical world: cat trees, wall steps, window shelves, bird TV 20:21 Small home? The walls are real estate 20:58 Vertical space in multi-cat homes: exits, height, and keeping the peace 21:48 Section 3: The outdoors, safely 21:53 Catios and the Alberta predator problem — coyotes, bobcats, raptors 22:39 The CE talk: outdoor access reduces behavioural problems 23:02 Harness walks, and the client who walks his Bengals 23:58 Michael's tunnel system (and the birdbath maze) 26:08 Never leave a cat tethered outside 26:50 Breakaway collars and AirTags 27:04 Feeding, litter, and water: the three big levers 27:33 Litter box math: cats plus one, different rooms, different litters 28:31 Food puzzles — the feeder, the ice cube tray, the empty pop bottle 31:01 The arthritis study, and why lean cats matter 33:13 Water away from food; running water; Steve and the touch tap 36:11 It doesn't have to be complicated 37:22 Myth or Muzzle? 38:19 Ask Dr. Beth — "My cat turns into a maniac at 3 a.m." 39:46 Rotate the environment; don't just keep adding to it 40:39 Michael's takeaways 42:05 Enriched cats sleep on your knees 44:00 Outro Myth or Muzzle? (37:22)

The claim: "Cats are independent loners. They entertain themselves and don't really need our involvement."

Verdict: MUZZLE IT.

Dr. Beth: cats can be independent, but they have complex social needs. Even a cat who has no interest in sitting on your lap still needs enrichment, engagement, and stimulation to live a good cat life. You don't turn a cat loose in your house and consider the job done.

Ask Dr. Beth (38:19)

The question: "My cat turns into a maniac at night — sprinting around, yelling, knocking things off the dresser at 3 a.m. We're exhausted. How do we make it stop?"

Dr. Beth's answer, in short: That behaviour isn't defiance. It's a request.

• Close the bedroom door. Simple, immediate, and legitimate. You're allowed to sleep.
• Use a timed or randomized feeder. Small portions dispensed on a schedule (or at random intervals) give a cat something to anticipate and something to do while you're asleep.
• Leave out self-play options. Toys they can work at alone, food-dispensing or otherwise.
• Consider a cat wheel. Some cats absolutely love them. You will hear it at 2 a.m. This is the trade.
• Read the behaviour correctly. A cat doing this is looking for stimulation. The 3 a.m. sprint is the symptom, not the problem.

Michael's addition: Don't just add enrichment — move it. Cats get complacent. Shift the cat tree, relocate the wheel, change the route. Outdoors, a cat's environment changes constantly. Indoors, you have to do that for them.

Key Takeaways

1. Your cat isn't lazy or spiteful. Your cat is a hunter without a job. Hunting provides food, exercise, mental engagement, and social behaviour all at once. Removing it and replacing it with a bowl removes all four.
2. Boredom shows up as medicine, not just mischief. Destructive scratching, overgrooming and bald patches, inappropriate urination and marking, play aggression, overeating, counter surfing, and 3 a.m. chaos all trace back to unmet hunting behaviour.
3. Urinary issues are the one that costs cats their lives. They're among the most common behavioural reasons cats are brought to clinics — and surrendered to shelters. Environmental modification is often the fix.
4. Build up, not out. A small apartment becomes a large territory when you use the walls. Cat trees, wall-mounted steps, shelving under windows. Give them legal climbing surfaces and the curtains get a break.
5. In multi-cat homes, vertical space is conflict management. Height and escape routes let cats who love each other on Monday avoid each other on Tuesday.
6. Outdoor access reduces behavioural problems — but do it safely. Catios, harness training, and window perches all expand a cat's world. Never leave a cat tethered outside unattended: predators, loose dogs, and strangulation are all real. Breakaway collars only.
7. Make food a job. Food puzzles, scatter feeding ("Snack Hunter"), an ice cube tray smeared with canned food, an empty pop bottle with holes punched in it. Cats fed from puzzles show measurable health improvements — and free options work.
8. Litter box math: number of cats, plus one. Two cats, three boxes. Three cats, four boxes. In different locations. Experiment with litter types — two cats in one house may want two different substrates.
9. Water goes away from the food. Cats generally prefer their water separated from their food bowl, and many prefer it running. In the wild, you eat where you kill and drink where the water moves.
10. Lean cats are healthier cats. Feline arthritis is far more common than most owners realize, and extra weight on a light, agile skeleton is the aggravating factor. Making a cat work for food is one of the best weight tools you have.
11. Rotate, don't accumulate. A static enriched environment eventually becomes a boring one.
12. Enrichment is a two-way street. As Dr. Beth put it: we want animals in our lives because they enrich ours. Enrich theirs, and it's win-win.

Resources Mentioned

• Barrett Veterinary Practice — barrettvet.ca · 403.860.5763 · [email protected]
• Food puzzles for cats — the behavioural study Dr. Beth references, plus a site with simple and homemade food puzzle designs (http://foodpuzzlesforcats.com/)
• "MEMO" enrichment program — the university-developed environmental enrichment resource Dr. Beth mentions (https://indoorpet.osu.edu/veterinarians/environmental-enrichment-resources-and-references)
• The gravity-style puzzle feeder — the inexpensive feeder Ala from the clinic found, that Dr. Beth then bought for her own cats (product link pending — see flags)

DIY, free, and works:

• Empty pop bottle, holes punched, filled with dry food
• Ice cube tray with canned food smeared into the compartments
• Scatter feeding a small portion of treats around the house — the "Snack Hunter"

Connect with The Independent Vet

Website: barrettvet.ca Instagram: @barrettveterinarypractice Email: [email protected] Phone: 403.860.5763

Got a question for Dr. Beth? Send it in—it might be featured in a future Ask Dr. Beth segment.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet.

Season 1 · Episode 09 Run time: ~1 hour 2 minutes Host: Michael Dargie Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM

Summer is one of the best seasons for making memories with your pets—but it can also be one of the most dangerous.

In this episode of The Independent Vet, Michael Dargie sits down with Dr. Beth Barrett to discuss the hidden hazards that arrive with warmer weather and how pet owners can keep their furry family members safe. From heat stroke and wildfire smoke to blue-green algae, ticks, foxtails, and fireworks, Dr. Beth shares practical advice every pet owner should know before heading outdoors.

You'll learn how to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness, which pets are most at risk, and what to do when a summer adventure takes an unexpected turn. Whether you're planning hikes, lake trips, backyard barbecues, or simply enjoying longer days outside, this episode is packed with tips that could help prevent a veterinary emergency.

Because summer should be remembered for the fun—not for an urgent trip to the vet.

In This Episode

• Why heat-related illness can become life-threatening faster than most pet owners realize
• The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Which breeds and types of pets are most vulnerable during hot weather
• How wildfire smoke affects pets and when it's safest to stay indoors
• The dangers of blue-green algae in lakes, ponds, and stagnant water
• What foxtails are and why veterinarians worry about them
• Tick prevention, tick removal, and emerging tick risks in Alberta
• Fireworks, thunderstorms, and helping anxious pets feel safe
• Summer hiking and travel tips for dogs and their humans
• When to seek veterinary care immediately

Episode Chapters

Time

Segment

00:00

Cold open & show intro

00:45

Why summer can be dangerous for pets

04:10

Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke

09:15

High-risk breeds and vulnerable pets

13:40

Wildfire smoke and air quality concerns

17:30

Water safety and blue-green algae

22:05

Foxtails and hidden outdoor hazards

25:50

Tick prevention and removal

29:20

Fireworks, storms, and pet anxiety

32:10

Myth or Muzzle?

33:15

Ask Dr. Beth

34:30

Outro

Key Takeaways Heat stroke is a true emergency.

Unlike humans, dogs and cats have limited ways to cool themselves. Once body temperature rises too high, organ damage can occur quickly. Early recognition and intervention are critical.

Not all pets handle heat equally.

Flat-faced breeds, overweight pets, senior animals, and highly active dogs are at significantly greater risk of heat-related illness and require extra caution during hot weather.

Water isn't always safe.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that cause severe illness or death in pets. If water looks suspicious, it's safest to keep your dog out entirely.

Outdoor adventures come with hidden risks.

Foxtails, ticks, hot pavement, and dehydration are all common summer hazards that can turn a fun outing into a medical emergency.

Smoke affects pets too.

Wildfire smoke can irritate airways and worsen existing respiratory conditions. On poor air quality days, outdoor activity should be limited.

Prevention is always easier than treatment.

A little planning—bringing water, avoiding peak heat, checking for ticks, and creating a safe indoor space during fireworks—can prevent many summertime emergencies.

Myth or Muzzle?

MYTH: "If my dog wants to keep playing, they're probably fine."

Beth's Take: Absolutely not. Dogs often push through discomfort because they're excited, focused, or trying to keep up with their owners. By the time many dogs show obvious signs of heat distress, they're already in trouble. It's up to owners to recognize the risk and call for breaks before the dog does.

Ask Dr. Beth

Listener Question: "How hot is too hot to walk my dog?"

Short Answer: It depends on the dog, humidity, sunlight, and activity level—but a good rule is to avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Always test pavement with your hand, bring water, and watch closely for signs of overheating. Early morning and evening walks are often the safest choice during summer.

Resources & Mentions

• Barrett Veterinary Practice: https://barrettvet.ca
• Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA): https://abvma.ca/
• Blue-Green Algae Information — Government of Alberta: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/bga.aspx
• Tick Prevention & Parasite Control Resources: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/lyme-pamphlet.html
• Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Updates: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-smoke-information

Summer Safety Checklist

Before heading out with your pet this summer:

✓ Fresh water available at all times ✓ Access to shade and cool resting areas ✓ Tick prevention up to date ✓ Avoid midday heat and hot pavement ✓ Watch for blue-green algae near water ✓ Check ears, paws, and fur after hikes ✓ Create a safe indoor space during fireworks ✓ Know the signs of heat stroke

Connect with The Independent Vet

Website: barrettvet.ca Instagram: @barrettveterinarypractice Email: [email protected] Phone: 403.860.5763

Got a question for Dr. Beth? Send it in—it might be featured in a future Ask Dr. Beth segment.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet.

Season 1 · Episode 08 Run time: ~35 minutes Host: Michael Dargie Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM

Episode Description

Ever wonder who all those people are at your vet clinic — and what they each actually do? In this special "Behind the Barn" episode, Michael pulls back the curtain at Barrett Veterinary Practice with Dr. Beth Barrett to introduce the full team that cares for your pets.

From Tammy at the front desk to the Registered Veterinary Technologists who run anesthesia, x-rays and lab work, to the tech assistants who keep everything flowing — Beth shares why veterinary medicine is a team sport, how she hires for personality fit using the "Colors" framework, and what she's actually doing in the four pillars of her own role. Plus a sneak peek at the AI tools transforming how Barrett documents care, and a few stories you won't find on the website (yes, including the house-trained baby goats).

If you've ever wondered why you're seeing three or four different people during one appointment, this is the episode that explains why that's a very good sign.

In This Episode

• Who you actually meet at a vet visit — and why a "team of four" is the goal
• The difference between RVTs, tech assistants, and veterinarians (and why Beth doesn't call any of them "her assistant")
• The "Colours" personality framework Beth uses to build her team
• The four legal pillars of what a veterinarian actually does
• How AI-powered appointment recording is improving discharge summaries
• Why Beth says she's "always hiring" the right person

Episode Chapters Time Segment 00:00 Cold open & show intro 00:33 Welcome — "Today we're going behind the barn" 01:55 Section 1 — Meet Tammy: the face of the practice 04:40 Section 2 — RVTs: the backbone of Barrett 13:18 Section 3 — Tech assistants: the essential support crew 16:30 From volunteer to tech: Ayla's story 18:25 Hiring with the "Colors" personality framework 21:00 What the vet actually does: the four pillars 22:30 Tech sidebar — AI-powered discharge summaries 27:00 Building a team of A-players 31:35 Myth or Muzzle? 32:05 Ask Dr. Beth 33:00 Outro + hiring CTA Key Takeaways

1. Vet medicine is a team sport. Seeing three or four people during one appointment isn't a red flag — it's a sign the clinic is running efficiently and putting the right person on the right job.
2. RVTs are highly trained, regulated professionals. Registered Veterinary Technologists in Alberta are licensed under the same body as veterinarians (ABVMA). They handle anesthesia, dentistry support, x-rays, lab work, nursing care, triage, and a huge share of client education.
3. The vet's role is narrower than most people think. Legally, the veterinarian owns four pillars — diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan, prescriptions, and surgery. Everything else flows through the team.
4. Hire for fit, not just skill. Beth uses the Colors personality framework to match people to roles they'll thrive in — and looks for "A-players" who match the clinic's culture of warmth, humour, and getting things done.
5. Technology should serve the team. Barrett was an early-adopter clinic in Alberta, and Beth now uses an AI appointment recorder to generate accurate, complete discharge summaries — catching the small details that handwriting and end-of-day typing inevitably miss.

Myth or Muzzle?

MYTH: "Everyone in scrubs at the vet clinic is basically a vet's assistant."

Beth's take: they're all part of the team, but they're not assistants to the vet. If anything, the relationship runs the other way — Beth sees herself as more of a tech's assistant on a lot of procedures. Everyone fills a different role, and each role has its own training, scope, and value.

Ask Dr. Beth

Listener Question: "Why do I sometimes see three or four people during one appointment? Is something wrong with my pet?"

Short answer: no — and you should actually be glad you're seeing three or four people. Each team member is doing what they do best (billing, nail trims, history-taking, diagnosis, discharge). Seeing only the vet would be slower, less thorough, and frankly less warm. The team approach is what makes the appointment work.

Resources & Mentions

• Barrett Veterinary Practice — barrettvet.ca
• The "Colors" personality assessment — the framework Beth uses for hiring and team-building
• Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) — the licensing body for both veterinarians and RVTs in Alberta
• Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA) — the support association for Alberta RVTs
• AI appointment-recording tools — Beth's clinic adopted one for discharge summaries; Michael now uses a Plaud device for his own meetings
• Steve Jobs (quoted): "A small team of A-players will run circles around a large team of B-players."

Now Hiring at Barrett

LEARN MORE HERE

Heard something in this episode and thought, "I'd love to work somewhere like that"? Barrett Veterinary Practice is hiring right now. Visit barrettvet.ca for the latest postings, or call 403.860.5763 to start a conversation.

Connect with The Independent Vet

• Website: barrettvet.ca
• Instagram: @barrettveterinarypractice
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 403.860.5763

Got a question for Dr. Beth? Send it in — it might land in a future "Ask Dr. Beth" segment.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet.

Spay, Neuter, or Wait?

The Independent Vet — Season 1, Episode 7 Released May 6, 2026

Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM Host: Michael Dargie Runtime: 38:15

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Independent Vet, host Michael Dargie sits down with Dr. Beth Barrett of Barrett Veterinary Practice to unpack one of the most common—and most debated—questions in pet care: when should you spay or neuter your pet?

What starts as a seemingly simple topic quickly becomes a thoughtful conversation about hormones, health, behaviour, breed differences, and responsible pet ownership. Dr. Beth explains why spaying and neutering have long been recommended to help prevent unwanted litters, while also exploring newer research that shows timing matters—especially for certain dog breeds.

From growth plates and orthopedic health to cancer risks, urinary incontinence, aggression myths, and options like vasectomy or ovary-sparing spays, this episode reminds pet owners that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your pet's species, breed, size, lifestyle, and health risks—and it should always involve a real conversation with your veterinarian.

Quotables

"Spaying and neutering is not just 'fixing' a problem. It's way more complicated than that." — Dr. Beth Barrett

"Hormones are not just used for reproductive purposes. Hormones have a lot of function in our bodies." — Dr. Beth Barrett

"Testosterone is very involved in orthopedic health and closure of growth plates." — Dr. Beth Barrett

"It is not one size fits all." — Dr. Beth Barrett

"If your head is spinning just a little, I think that's the right reaction. This topic deserves more than just a one-line answer." — Michael Dargie

"An educated client is a better client." — Dr. Beth Barrett

"You've got to respect those chemicals." — Dr. Beth Barrett

Key Moments

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction Michael introduces the topic of spaying, neutering, and waiting—and admits he once thought the answer was simple.

01:07 – What Spay and Neuter Actually Mean Dr. Beth explains the basic goal: preventing pregnancy, while noting there are different surgical options for both males and females.

02:34 – Why Spaying and Neutering Became the Default The conversation explores overpopulation, shelter medicine, unwanted litters, and why prevention remains an important goal.

04:28 – Why "Fixing" Isn't the Whole Story Dr. Beth explains why she avoids the word "fixing" and why removing reproductive organs can affect more than reproduction.

05:40 – The Role of Hormones Estrogen and testosterone are discussed as powerful hormones that influence metabolism, growth, behaviour, orthopedic health, and more.

08:30 – Why Timing Depends on the Pet Dr. Beth highlights research showing that breed, size, and species all matter when deciding when to spay or neuter.

09:55 – Orthopedic Health and Growth Plates The episode dives into ACL/CCL injuries, growth plate closure, and why early spay/neuter can affect body structure in some dogs.

13:19 – Cancer Risks and Breed Differences Dr. Beth explains how spaying and neutering may reduce some cancer risks while increasing others in certain breeds.

16:34 – Behaviour, Anxiety, and Aggression Myths The discussion challenges the assumption that spaying or neutering automatically improves aggression or temperament.

18:03 – Urinary Incontinence in Spayed Dogs Dr. Beth explains the link between estrogen and bladder control, especially in older spayed female dogs.

19:48 – What About Cats? Cats are discussed separately, including population control, intact male behaviour, and the current limitations of research.

23:52 – Older Pets and Pyometra Risk Dr. Beth explains why intact older female dogs and cats can be at risk for pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening uterine condition.

26:09 – Vasectomy, Ovary-Sparing Spay, and Other Options The conversation covers alternatives to traditional spay and neuter procedures, including vasectomy and ovary-sparing spays.

34:18 – Myth or Muzzle Myth: "Female dogs or cats should have one litter before being spayed." Dr. Beth gives this one a clear myth.

35:31 – Mailbag: Biscuit the Golden Retriever A listener asks when to spay a seven-month-old Golden Retriever. Dr. Beth explains why she would likely wait until growth plates are closed.

36:39 – Final Takeaway The episode wraps with the reminder that timing depends on the individual pet—and a good conversation with your vet is key.

About Dr. Beth Barrett

Dr. Beth Barrett is a veterinarian and clinic owner at Barrett Veterinary Practice in Alberta. She's passionate about helping pet owners make informed, practical decisions that improve the quality and longevity of their animals' lives.

Resources

Barrett Veterinary Practice: https://barrettvet.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrettveterinarypractice/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrettveterinarypractice UC Davis breed-specific spay/neuter guidelines: https://www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/when-should-you-neuter-or-spay-your-dog

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet.

Yes, your pets need to brush too.

Bad breath might seem like a small thing—but it's often your pet's way of telling you something more is going on.

In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Dr. Beth Barrett to talk about dental health—one of the most overlooked parts of caring for your pet. What starts in the mouth doesn't stay there. Dental disease can quietly impact your pet's heart, kidneys, and overall quality of life.

Dr. Beth walks through what's really happening beneath the surface, why dental issues are so common, and how small, manageable steps at home can make a big difference over time.

Because when your pet is feeling their best, you can see it in everything they do—from tail wags to mealtime excitement.

What You'll Learn

• What dental disease actually looks like in pets (and why it's more common than you might think)

• Why "just bad breath" deserves a closer look

• How oral health connects to the heart, kidneys, and overall wellness

• What we're really checking for during a dental exam

• Simple, realistic ways to care for your pet's teeth—no wrestling required

• Why starting early can help your pet stay healthier, longer

Key Moments

• A closer look at why dental health is often missed

• How problems in the mouth can affect the rest of the body

• The subtle signs your pet may be showing at home

• What happens during a dental check at the clinic

• Why prevention is one of the kindest things you can do for your pet

Quotes

• "Bad breath is a red flag. That's a shot across the bow."

• "Dental health has huge impacts… especially on cardiac and kidney health."

• "I see animals' lives shortened because we didn't take care of their teeth earlier."

• "It's one of the best things we can do for animals in practice."

Why This Matters

Dental disease is one of the most common — and preventable — health issues in pets.

This conversation reframes it from a cosmetic concern to a serious health issue. Taking action early doesn't just mean fresher breath — it can mean a longer, healthier life for your pet.

About Dr. Beth Barrett

Dr. Beth Barrett is a veterinarian and clinic owner at Barrett Veterinary Practice in Alberta. She's passionate about helping pet owners make informed, practical decisions that improve the quality and longevity of their animals' lives.

Resources

Barrett Veterinary Practice: https://barrettvet.ca

Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM — Barrett Veterinary Practice Host: Michael Dargie Runtime: ~40 minutes

Spring has arrived in Alberta — and so has tick season. In this episode, host Michael Dargie gets the full picture from Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM, on the creepy crawly world of fleas, ticks, and parasites that every Alberta pet owner needs to understand.

Triggered by a listener letter from a panicked dog owner who found a tick after the season's first warm walk, Michael and Dr. Beth break down exactly what these parasites are, how they find your pets, what diseases they carry, and — most importantly — how to stop them. Dr. Beth brings her signature warmth and candour to a topic she openly admits she "hated in vet school" but takes very seriously.

From the surprising fact that ticks are already active above +4°C in Alberta, to the 95/5 rule for flea infestations, to why you should never use a lighter on an attached tick — this episode is packed with practical, science-based guidance you won't want to miss as the weather warms up.

Timestamps Time Segment 0:00 Intro & disclaimer 0:34 Michael welcomes listeners & introduces Dr. Beth Barrett 1:20 The listener letter — a tick on the back of the neck after the first warm walk of spring 2:13 SECTION 1: Ticks — The Basics 2:13 Why ticks are no longer just a summer problem in Alberta 2:53 Tick territory is expanding northward at 35–55 km per year 4:08 How ticks find your pets: the behaviour called "questing" 5:39 Where to check your dog (behind the ears, groin, eyebrows on Goldens) 7:32 SECTION 2: What Ticks Actually Do — Diseases & Dangers 7:32 Why blood loss usually isn't the biggest concern — it's the saliva 8:35 Tick-borne diseases transmitted through anticoagulant saliva 9:59 Horses and moose getting hundreds of ticks — how it causes anemia 13:22 How to properly remove a tick (and what NOT to do — no Vaseline, no lighters!) 15:29 Why ripping a tick off can make disease transmission worse 16:35 Tick paralysis from the Rocky Mountain wood tick — an Alberta-specific danger 17:43 SECTION 3: Fleas in Alberta 17:43 Is Alberta too cold for fleas? Mostly… but not entirely 19:29 Alberta's most common flea species — it's a wildlife flea, not the cat flea 21:47 The 95/5 rule — the flea you see is only 5% of the problem 23:18 Spotting fleas on cats: flea dirt and the wet paper test 24:05 Fleas on horses and goats 26:13 SECTION 4: Prevention & Treatment 26:13 Treating fleas requires a minimum of four months of medication 28:15 Why over-the-counter flea collars and topicals are less effective 29:50 Dr. Beth recommends prescription-only products — safer and more effective 30:04 A new injectable tick prevention that provides 12 months of protection 31:13 Do natural remedies work? Essential oils, diatomaceous earth, garlic 32:24 MYTH OR MUZZLE: "If my pet isn't scratching, they don't have fleas" 33:53 ASK DR. BETH: "I found a tick on my dog. Do I need to go to the vet?" 34:45 The eTick.ca program — free tick species identification 36:46 Tick paralysis in more detail — the Rocky Mountain wood tick's neurotoxin 38:38 Outro & Dr. Beth's new injectable recommendation Key Takeaways Ticks

• Ticks become active at temperatures as low as +4°C — tick season in Alberta now starts in early spring, not just summer.
• Tick populations in North America are moving northward at approximately 35–55 km per year. Areas in Alberta that never had ticks now do.
• Ticks don't jump — they "quest": clinging to grass or leaves with their back legs, arms outstretched, waiting for a warm body to brush past.
• Check your dog behind the ears, around the groin, under the armpits, and on the eyebrows (a surprisingly popular spot on Golden Retrievers).
• A tick grows up to 100 times its original size as it feeds — from a few millimetres to the size of a grape.
• The real danger is in the tick's saliva, which can transmit tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease.
• The Rocky Mountain wood tick, found in Alberta, carries a neurotoxin in its saliva that can cause tick paralysis — starting at the dog's back end and moving forward. Removing the tick within 24–48 hours typically leads to a full recovery.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

• Use a proper tick removal tool — a small fork-like device that slides under the tick and gently encourages it to back out.
• Do NOT use Vaseline, a lighter, heat, or twist the tick. These methods can cause the tick to regurgitate its stomach contents into your pet, increasing disease transmission risk.
• Do NOT pop the body off — if the head remains embedded, it can cause infection and inflammation.
• Once removed, save the tick in a zip-lock bag and photograph it. Upload the photo to eTick.ca for free species identification.

Fleas

• Alberta is too cold for the common cat flea. The most common fleas here are wildlife fleas — primarily from coyotes, foxes, and skunks.
• The 95/5 rule: 95% of a flea's life cycle is spent off the host — in your carpets, bedding, and as eggs waiting to hatch. The adults you can see are only 5% of the problem.
• Finding one flea means there could be 20 more in your home environment at various life stages.
• Treating a flea infestation requires a minimum of four months of prevention medication, plus environmental treatment at home.
• Cats are fastidious groomers and may not scratch visibly — check for "flea dirt" (dark brown specks that turn red when wet) using a fine-tooth flea comb.
• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a real condition — some dogs develop an intense allergic reaction to flea bites.

Prevention & Treatment

• Over-the-counter flea collars and topicals containing pyrethrins and permethrin are generally less effective and carry more toxicity risk — especially for cats.
• Prescription-only flea and tick products from your vet are safer, more effective, and use newer drug categories.
• A new injectable tick prevention is now available in Alberta that provides 12 months of protection — ideal for dogs that are difficult to medicate monthly.
• Natural remedies (essential oils, diatomaceous earth, garlic) are not proven to be reliably effective. Essential oils in particular can be toxic to cats.

Myth or Muzzle?

"If my pet isn't scratching, they don't have fleas."

MUZZLE — This is a myth.

Cats are expert groomers and often remove adult fleas before you'd ever notice any scratching. You can have a significant flea problem in your home without your cat showing obvious signs. Dogs can also carry fleas without scratching — though dogs that develop flea allergy dermatitis will scratch intensely. Check for flea dirt regularly, especially if your pet has been around wildlife.

Ask Dr. Beth

"I found a tick on my dog and removed it. How do I know if it transmitted anything? Do I need to take him to the vet?"

First, save the tick in a zip-lock bag or small container. Then photograph it and upload it to eTick.ca — a free Canadian program that identifies the species and tells you whether it's capable of transmitting disease. Species matters enormously: not all ticks carry Lyme disease.

Watch your dog closely over the next 3–4 weeks for: lethargy, loss of appetite, sore or swollen joints, fever, weakness in the hind end, or a target-shaped red area at the bite site.

The longer the tick was attached, the greater the risk of disease transmission. If you're unsure how long it had been on, or if you're having trouble removing it, get your dog seen by your vet.

And if you ever see sudden weakness starting in the back legs of an otherwise healthy dog — even if you didn't spot a tick — do a thorough check. Tick paralysis from the Rocky Mountain wood tick is curable if caught quickly.

Resources & Links

Barrett Veterinary Practice Dr. Beth Barrett's practice — for tick and flea prevention products, parasite screenings, and all things pet health.

• 🌐 barrettvet.ca
• 📞 403.860.5763
• ✉️ [email protected]
• 📸 @barrettveterinarypractice

Tick Identification & Surveillance

• eTick.ca — Canada's free tick identification program. Photograph a tick, upload it, and receive species ID and disease risk guidance. Dr. Beth's first recommendation after finding a tick on your pet.
• Alberta Lyme Disease & Tick Surveillance Program — Alberta's submit-a-tick program, tick removal guidance, and annual surveillance data.
• Alberta Passive Tick Surveillance Dashboard — Interactive, annually updated data on tick activity and geographic distribution across Alberta.
• Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance in Canada — The Public Health Agency of Canada's national dashboard.

Additional Alberta Resources

• Alberta Animal Health Source — Ticks in Alberta — Plain-language guide to tick risks and prevention for Alberta pet owners.
• Alberta SPCA — Ticks & Fleas — Guidance on protecting your pets from external parasites.
• Ticks on Companion Animals in Alberta — Annual surveillance reports from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

Coming Up Next

Dental Health in Pets

Think "dog breath" is just part of owning a dog? Think again. Dr. Beth breaks down what's actually going on inside your pet's mouth, why dental disease is one of the most overlooked health issues in cats and dogs, and what you can do at home — and at the clinic — to keep those teeth clean.

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet.

Horse nutrition can feel complicated.

Grain, hay, supplements, fiber, protein … it's easy to get overwhelmed trying to do the best for your horse.

In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett breaks down the fundamentals of equine nutrition so horse owners can make confident, practical feeding decisions. From why fiber is the foundation of a horse's diet to common feeding mistakes and supplement myths, this conversation brings clarity to what horses actually need to stay healthy.

Whether you're caring for a performance horse, a pasture companion, or your child's pony, this episode will help you better understand what belongs in the feed bucket—and what doesn't.

In This Episode

Dr. Beth explains:

• Why fiber is the cornerstone of equine nutrition

• The important role hay and forage play in digestive health

• How the equine digestive system works and why it matters when feeding

• When horses actually need grain or concentrates

• Common feeding mistakes horse owners make

• The truth about supplements and whether they're necessary

• How to evaluate your horse's body condition and diet

• Practical tips for creating a balanced feeding routine

Key Takeaways

1. Horses are designed to eat fibre firstA horse's digestive system is built to process forage throughout the day. High-quality hay or pasture should form the majority of their diet.

2. More grain isn't always betterMany horses get more concentrates than they actually need, which can create digestive issues and metabolic problems.

3. Small, consistent meals matterHorses naturally graze throughout the day. Feeding large meals infrequently can disrupt digestion.

4. Supplements aren't always necessaryMany horses receiving balanced feed and good forage don't need additional supplements.

5. Every horse is differentAge, workload, health conditions, and metabolism all influence the right feeding plan.

Why This Matters

Feeding decisions impact everything from digestion and energy levels to long-term health. Understanding the basics of equine nutrition can help prevent common problems like colic, obesity, and metabolic disorders.

About Dr. Beth Barrett

Dr. Beth Barrett is a veterinarian and the owner of Barrett Veterinary Practice, where she focuses on helping animals live healthier, happier lives. Through The Independent Vet podcast, she shares practical veterinary insights to help pet and animal owners make informed care decisions.

Feed & Nutrition Brands Mentioned in This Episode

During the conversation, Dr. Beth referenced a few products and resources horse owners may want to explore when building a balanced feeding program.

Mad Barn – Omneity® Ration BalancerA vitamin and mineral supplement designed to fill nutritional gaps in forage-based diets and help balance a horse's overall nutrition.https://madbarn.ca/product/omneity/

Kentucky Equine Research – EO-3™An omega-3 supplement that provides DHA and EPA from fish oil to help improve the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in a horse's diet and support overall health.https://ker.com/hoof-coat/eo-3/

United Farmers of Alberta (UFA)A common place for horse owners to purchase farm supplies, including bulk salt often used in horse diets. https://ufa.com

Bulk BarnAnother place Dr. Beth mentioned where plain salt can often be purchased inexpensively. https://www.bulkbarn.ca

LINKS FROM EPISODE

• Barrett Veterinary Practice (https://barrettvet.ca)
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Vaccine Guidelines (https://www.aaha.org)
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) (https://www.canadianveterinarians.net)
• ASPCA Pet Care Resources (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care)

In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett lays out the essentials every new puppy or kitten guardian should know. Whether you've just brought home a wiggly eight-week-old pup or a curious little kitten, those first few months matter more than most people realize.

Dr. Barrett begins with the basics: what's normal, what's not, and why early veterinary visits are about far more than vaccines. She explains how foundational care in the first year sets the stage for a lifetime of health. From parasite prevention and vaccination schedules to nutrition and behavioural development, she breaks down what can feel overwhelming into practical, manageable steps.

A key theme throughout the conversation is prevention. Many common health issues in adult dogs and cats can be traced back to missed opportunities in early life. Dr. Barrett talks about the importance of proper socialization in puppies, safe exposure to new environments, and how positive early experiences shape temperament. For kittens, she addresses litter training, scratching behaviour, and the need for enrichment—especially for indoor cats.

Nutrition also plays a central role. Dr. Barrett discusses how to choose an appropriate diet, what to look for on labels, and why growth-stage feeding is different from adult maintenance feeding. She cautions against overfeeding and explains how early weight gain can create long-term health challenges.

Spaying and neutering are covered with nuance. Dr. Barrett outlines the medical benefits, behavioural considerations, and the timing conversation that every pet parent should have with their veterinarian.

Perhaps most reassuring is her emphasis on partnership. Veterinary care isn't just about treating illness—it's about building a relationship. She encourages pet owners to ask questions, bring up concerns early, and see their vet as a guide rather than someone you visit only when something goes wrong.

For anyone navigating life with a new puppy or kitten, this episode offers clarity, calm, and confidence. The early days are full of excitement—and a little chaos—but with the right information, they can also be the beginning of a long, healthy life together.

PULL QUOTES "The first year of your puppy or kitten's life sets the tone for everything that follows." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Prevention is always easier—and kinder—than treatment." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Socialization isn't just about meeting other dogs. It's about helping your puppy feel safe in the world." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Your veterinarian should be your partner, not just the person you see when something goes wrong." — Dr. Beth Barrett EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00,000] Welcome to Puppies & Kittens 101 | What new pet parents can expect in the first year [02:15,000] First Vet Visit | Why early exams are about more than vaccinations [05:40,000] Vaccine Schedules Explained | Core vaccines and timing [09:10,000] Parasite Prevention | Fleas, ticks, worms and why prevention matters [13:25,000] Nutrition Basics | How to choose the right food for growth [18:50,000] Avoiding Early Obesity | Portion control and healthy growth [22:30,000] Puppy Socialization | Building confidence through safe exposure [27:45,000] Kitten Behaviour | Litter training, scratching and enrichment [32:10,000] Spay & Neuter Decisions | Timing and long-term health considerations [38:00,000] Building a Vet Partnership | Communication and proactive care

LINKS FROM EPISODE

• Barrett Veterinary Practice (https://barrettvet.ca)

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Vaccine Guidelines (https://www.aaha.org)

• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) (https://www.canadianveterinarians.net)

• ASPCA Pet Care Resources (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care)