Many people love to walk their dogs more often in the cooler months and interestingly enough the grass is often longer in autumn than summer! But for some dogs that longer grass, and more importantly their seeds, can be not only painful but life threatening in the worst cases.

Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia say's they've seen a recent increase in claims for grass seeds and wants to warn all pet owners to be aware of the issue.

Is the problem the 'female boxer, spayed with chronic cough'? Or is the problem the family that can't get a good nights sleep because the dog sleeps inside and is coughing all night? What are vets really solving?

'Colourful' - 'Outspoken' certainly 'Experienced'... are just some of the words to describe Dr James Harris OAM. Dr James has been a practicing veterinarian for more than 56 years in several countries and in this short informal chat at the inaugural Sydney Zoobiquity Conference, he explains his frustration at what is NOT being taught to veterinarians and human medicos alike!

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Given we’re all so chronically time-poor we've started selecting shorter podcast stories for you each week plus a video which can also be seen on www.vettalktv.com/podcasts

In fact this weeks video about 'DJ' the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is proving extremely popular on Facebook and if you want to share it with your clients and colleagues via your own FB page, website or newsletter... feel free to ‘share the love’ of animals. There is a 'Share' button on every story page.

Meantime... THIS WEEK'S PODCAST STORY!
* How Fat Cats Push Our Buttons - Dr Jonathan Bowen

Does your cat know what buttons to push when it comes to 'dinnertime?' They're masters at it aren't they?... sadly to their own dietary detriment it seems.

Latest estimates suggest more than half the cat population is overweight with many bordering on obese…but why?

British behaviourist Dr Jon Bowen has the answer!

Does your cat know what buttons to push when it comes to 'dinnertime?'



They're masters at it aren't they?... sadly to their own dietary detriment it seems.

Latest estimates suggest more than half the cat population is overweight with many bordering on obese…but why?

In this edited podcast British behaviourist Dr Jon Bowen has the answer, which he revealed to stunned attendees at an AVA (Australian Veterinary Association) Conference…

This Week...
@ 00'37" - Household Hazards For Pets - Dr Sarah Goldsmid
@ 02'30" - Why Do Cats Like Boxes? - Dr Anne Fawcett
@ 07'23" - Why Did My Cat Get Asthma? - Nadia Crighton
@ 13'43" - Having Fun With Anal Glands - Dr Jo Sillince

Cats are interesting creatures. Some love to cuddle, get in your way and are happy to be seen in open spaces. While others are very shy and depend on having somewhere to 'hide' or at least stay out of harms way.

Dr Anne Fawcett - the brilliant blogger on www.smallanimaltalk.com explains WHY cats who have an environment filled with boxes of all shapes and sizes, do better than those who don't.

Cats cough for a number of reasons - often it's 'just a hairball' usually caused by excessive grooming.

But how would you know if it was something more dangerous - like asthma? Former DOGSLife Magazine editor Nadia Crighton has had cats (and dogs) for many years and reveals how she discovered not only that her cat had asthma but HOW she got it and more!

This week...
@ 00'37" - Biggest Losers Become Biggest Winners - Rebecca Hagney
@ 05' 47" - What On Earth Is Zoonosis? - Dr David Jenkins
@ 09' 20" - HEY YOU!!!.. Pick Up Yer Poo! - Nadia Crighton
@ 14' 42 - Basic Rabbit Care - Dr Ellen Rasidi, ARH

Got a rabbit?... Exotics Intern at Sydney's Animal Referral Hospital Dr Ellen Rasidi loves them and has some good advice for all rabbit owners or if you are new to the world of rabbits and thinking of getting some, this story is for you!.

We say 'some' because most animals love to be with other animals too - especially rabbits!

Ok - here’s a trick question for you… what weighs roughly 1 thousand 500 hundred tonnes and is produced each and every day around Australia? Hint – it’s not gold, more’s the pity.

It’s dog poo!!!

And while those of you listening to VETtalk right now, who are dog owners, would never dream of turning a blind eye to your pet’s daily deposits… unfortunately there are some owners who still do the wrong thing… and that’s putting the future of offleash parks at risk.

We’re joined on the line by Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia…