Pete the Vet's Podcast

The evolution of the veterinary profession in the UK

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In response to the Competition and Markets Authority report on the UK veterinary profession, I did an interview for BBC Radio Scotland: they sent me t...

The Science of Slumber: Decoding Your Pet’s Sleep Habits

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It may seem like our cats and dogs do little else but snooze, but there is quite a lot going on behind those twitching whiskers and paddling paws. Und...

How to Choose the Best Holiday Care for Your Pets: A Stress-Free Guide

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the best way to handle pet care during the holidays? Between professional sitters and specialized boarding, the options are more varied than ...

Breeding for Health, Not Just Looks: A Vet’s Perspective

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New data shows that over 25% of UK dogs are bred with physical traits—like flat faces or shortened legs—that limit their ability to simply breathe...

Garden hazards for pets: 10 min podcast

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gardens are meant to be places for playing and relaxing. Make sure that your garden is safe for your pets. This short podcast highlights the main haz...

Pets and tech: how the digital era helps pet health. 10 min podcast.

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Technology is helping us monitor pet health, spotting illnesses before they are serious. Listen here to find out how.

Caring for your pet's teeth: 10 min podcast

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss dental disease in dogs and cats. Tooth brushing or dental chews? What's the best way to care for your pet's teeth?

Pete the Vet answering listeners' questions on Newstalk

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I joined Emmet Oliver on Newstalk's Weekend Show to answer a range of listeners' questions, including indoor-only cats, choosing a new dog, the pere...

10 min podcast: the risks of taking photos of pets and people together

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

People love posting photos of their pets online, but sometimes, there are risks in posing with your face close to your pet. Listen here for more.

10 min podcast: helping pets cope in stormy weather

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Animals can be very stressed in stormy weather. This short discussion outliines the main issues, and what can be done to make it easier for our pets

10 min podcast: cloning dogs, DNA testing dog poops and other bits & pieces

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast, we discuss cloning dogs, DNA testing dog poops, rescuing dogs across Ireland, and finally, a listener's query about her two do...

10 min podcast: update on the swan sanctuary in my local town, Bray

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There are over a hundred swans living in the harbour of my home town, in Bray, County Wicklow. Local volunteers have establised a team that monitors ...

10 min podcast: illegal puppy farming and export from Ireland to UK and Europe

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The issue of illegal farming and export of puppies from Ireland to the UK and Europe is an ongoing issue which is discussed in this short podcast

10 min podcast: Christmas tips for pets from a vet

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's short podcast talks about what to do if your pets gets into trouble this Christmas, and how to avoid the most common problems.

10 minute podcast: is it ethical to put clothing on pets?

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When is it OK to dress pets in clothes? When it's for their health, safety and comfort. Listen to the podcast to find out more.

10 min podcast and more: How to protect your pets during Halloween

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Halloween is a difficult time for many pets, with fear of fireworks causing much distress. This short podcasts highlights what you can do to keep your...

10 min podcast - Choosing the right dog for your home and family

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss how to choose the perfect pet dog for your particular situation. I am a fan of rescue dogs: no need to feed the pedigree breedin...

Why it makes sense to "adopt, don't shop" when getting a dog

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're getting a new dog, please avoid buying from puppy farmers. Thousands of dogs need to be adopted every year, and this should be everyone's fi...

10 min podcast: heat stroke in hot weather, ear disease and swimming, a dog terrified of stairs, a cat howling at night

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, recorded on a hot day in mid August, we discuss heat stroke in dogs in hot weather, the link between ear disease and swimming ...

10 min podcast: conjunctivitis, a cat attacking visitors, a high energy dog in an apartment & how much to feed a giant breed dog

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast: we discuss conjunctivitis in dogs, a cat attacking visitors, a high energy dog in an apartment & how much to feed a giant bre...

10 min podcast: dogs stressed after kennels, dogs licking paws & doggy dementia

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we talk about dogs stressed after boarding kennels, dogs licking their paws all the time and dogs suffering from senile dementia

10 min podcast: pet queries, from panting to high blood pressure to eating slugs

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss a range of pet queries, from excessive panting to high blood pressure to the risks of eating slugs and snails to parasite contro...

10 min podcast: listeners' queries, from nervous terriers to yowling cats to the "one dog or two dog" question

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, a number of common pet questions were discussed, submitted by listeners to Declan Meehan's Morning Show on East Coast FM

10 min podcast: listeners' queries, from nervous terriers to yowling cats to the "one dog or two dog" question

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss a range of common pet questions submitted by listeners to East Coast FM's Morning Show with Declan Meehan

10 min podcast: preventing and treating ticks in pets

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ticks are common in summertime in Ireland. This podcast explains how to identify ticks, how to remove them safely, and best of all, how to prevent the...

10 min podcast: haemophilia in dogs plus listeners' queries

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's short podcast, we discuss a dog with a rare type of haemophilia, plus we discuss other topics briefly, including the summer itch in pet...

10 min podcast: the basics of life with a new puppy

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The summertime is the best time to take on a new puppy. To find out the reason for this, and to check on what's involved in bringing a new animal into...

10 min podcast: update on lungworm in dogs

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lungworm is an increasingly common parasite in dogs, and it can have a lethal impact. To find out more, and to check what you need to do to protect yo...

10 min podcast: the pros and cons of flea control for pets

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discussed the fact that we are heading into peak flea and tick season. What should pet owners do to protect their pets, while also makin...

10 min podcast: How to make your pet live a longer life

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After my visit to the BSAVA vet congress, I heard about a proposed medication to make pets live longer. To hear my take on this, listen in!

10 min podcast - taking pets to the UK

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As summer approaches, many people plan to take their pets with them on trips to the UK and Europe. This short podcast explains what you need to do to ...

10 minute podcast: alternative treatments for pets

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast, I discuss the use of alternative or complementary treatments for animals. What's the evidence behind them, and how should they...

10 min podcast: what to do if you see a wandering dog

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's common for dogs to be seen wandering the streets, with no owner in sight. What should you do if you see such an animal?

10 min podcast: an appeal to raise funds for an injured rescue dog

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most animal rescue groups are occasionally faced with the challenge of an animal needing medical or surgical treatment with a high price tag. Today we...

10 minute podcast: pets and emotions - what are they feeling?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, we discuss the current thinking on pets experiencing emotions.

10 min podcast: dental care in pets

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pets need dental care, just like humans, but this is often misunderstood. This short podcast explains why it's so important, and what should be done a...

10 min podcast: update on XL Bully ban in Ireland

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today is 1st February 2025, the day when the ban on XL Bullies comes into force in Ireland. I have recorded a short podcast on this topic, along with ...

10 minute podcast: pets in cold weather

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we talk about what you can do to keep your pretty safe and comfortable in cold weather

10 min podcast: Christmas prep for pets & the great Temple Grandin

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast opens with some chat about Christmas preparation for pets, and then we talk about how Temple Grandin is helping to promote a schem...

10 min podcast: understanding pets by observing their behaviour

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new global veterinary initiative aims to focus more on understanding animal behaviour as a way of learning more about their needs.

10 min podcast: my uncle John, the animal rights hero

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My uncle John was passionate about animal rights. He was a vegan from the age of fifty, and he dedicated the rest of his life to improving the lives o...

10 min podcast: a manifesto for animals in the Irish general election

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the election in Ireland coming up later this week, this is a good time to discuss animal welfare. Do you know what your preferred candidate plans...

10 min podcast: helping overweight pets avoid obesity

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's common for pets to carry too much weight without their owners realising. This podcast explains how to identify this, and how to stop the weight g...

10 min podcast: the use of local anaesthetics in pets

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Local anaesthetics are widely used in veterinary surgery to allow painful procedures to happen while an animal is conscious. This is a brief summary o...

10 min podcast: how pets are affected by daylight savings clock changes

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we talk about the way that pets adapt to the changes in time when the clocks adapt to daylight saving time.

10 min podcast: the ISPCA & the changing world of modern veterinary care

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's short podcast discusses life in a busy vet clinic. The ups and downs can be far more intense and demanding than most people realise. This ...

10 min podcast: fireworks and pets

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This time of year is difficult for many pets, due to their high sensitivity to unexpected loud noises. Listen to this short podcast to learn how to he...

10 min podcast: how dog brains are different to human brains

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The differences between dog brains and human brains are well established, and they explain many of the differences between dog behaviour and human beh...

10 min podcast: the danger of grass seeds to pets

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Grass seeds are small sharp objects that can be hazardous to pets. Listen here to find out more...

10 min podcast: more on the XL Bully ban

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The ban on XL Bully dogs comes into effect on 1st October 2024. This short radio interview goes over, again, the reasons why Pete feels that a far mor...

10 min podcast: differences between cats and dogs

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cats are very different from dogs, and this short podcast discusses some of those differences.

10 min podcast: penguins are in the news

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Penguins have been making international news. This short podcast describes how I used to work with the penguins at Edinburgh Zoo, when I was a student...

10 min podcast: poisoning in pets

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Poisoning is a common issue for pets: this short podcast discusses three typical cases that I have seen at my vet clinic in the past couple of months.

10 min podcast: how to stop cats from hunting

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cats have a strong drive to hunt birds, but many owners would prefer that they don't do this. This short podcast discusses how hunting behaviour can b...

Another podcast about taking pets on holiday

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another short discussion about the dos and don'ts of taking pets on holiday with you, including travelling overseas

10 min podcast: why Spayaware is important

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The first Spayaware event was held in 2002, when over twenty thousand unwanted dogs were euthanased in Ireland's dog pounds. Twenty years later, in 20...

10 min podcast: scooting and sledging in dogs

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scooting and sledging are common behaviours in dogs. Listen here to find out why they do it and what to do to help them

10 min podcast: new WSAVA guidelines on spaying and neutering pets

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has just issued new guidelines on spaying and neutering. As the ISPCA Spayaware campaign is launched for...

10 min podcast on Lost Dogs

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every day in most towns in Ireland, dogs are reported wandering the streets on their own. This short podcast looks into the "lost dog" phenomenon, and...

10 minute podcast: how to solve the dangerous dog issue in Ireland

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After the shocking death of a young woman in Limerick last week, and another incident involving a dog attack in Cork, there has been much discussion a...

10 minute podcast: summer gastric upsets in dogs

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the summer months, many dogs suffer from gastrointestinal upsets (vomiting and diarrhoea), both mild and serious. Why is this so common, and what s...

10 min podcast: why greyhounds deserve to be treated like other dogs

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Greyhounds are no different to other dogs, and they deserve to be treated as such. Two examples are first, when considering keeping one as a pet, and ...

10 minute podcast: how long do cats live for?

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recent research is finding out more about the lifespans of different types of cats. To find out more, listen in.

10 minute podcast: skin growths in elderly dogs

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's short podcast discusses skin tumours in older dogs: these are common, and they are usually harmless. Listen in to find out more!

10 minute podcast: why tick control is important in dogs and cats

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This short podcast discusses how ticks become more common in the early summer, and what can be done to control them effectively in pets.

BSAVA congress: what I learned

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The BSAVA congress is one of the biggest pet vet gatherings in the world: here's a short review of some of the discussions and learnings

Using inhaled medications to treat dogs and cats

06 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Inhaled medication - as used by humans with asthma - are sometimes used to treat dogs and cats with nasal and lung disease. This short podcast explain...

Update on spaying and castration from Pete the Vet

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spaying and neutering pets is important to control excessive populations of dogs and cats, but it's important to carry out an individual assessment of...

The ban on XL Bully Dogs in the UK - a podcast

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the UK, it is now illegal to own an XL Bully dog if you have not applied for a certificate of exemption for your pet. This short podcast outlines t...

Pete The Vet - musings on animal cruelty in Ireland

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This short podcast is a from a short radio interview on Spirit radio. We discuss the surge in dogs being abandoned and surrendered to animal rescues, ...

Old age and dementia in dogs and cats

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dementia is a common problem in older pets: listen to this ten minute podcast to learn more about what happens, and what can be done to help.

Christmas gifts for pets

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From dog and cat toys to pet cams and more, this short podcast discusses pet related Christmas gifts

Animals waking at night, from cats miaowing to dogs barking. What can be done to stop them?

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We all need a good night's sleep. So what should we do when our pets wake us up in the early hours? How can we get them to stop? Listen to the podcast...

From feral cats to foster rescues

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast starts with a question from a listener about feral kittens, moving on to a discussion about how foster rescue charities work (with...

XL Bully Dogs: what is the best way to tackle this issue?

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview, Pete explains why the XL Bully ban in the UK is destined for disaster, and he talks about different ways of dealing with the seriou...

Therapy cats instead of therapy dogs? Why not?

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the USA, therapy cats are being used like dogs to visit people in hospitals. This podcasts discusses the pros and cons of this idea.

World Animal Week 2023

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

World Animal Week is a time to remember the animals in our lives. Listen to find out more about what the ISPCA is doing to help animals in Ireland

Pete the Vet and the ISPCA Cycle Away From Cruelty

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The ISPCA is having a Cycle Away From Cruelty event on Saturday 7th October. Listen in to find out more

Podcast: the latest stray dog statistics in Ireland

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This six minute podcast discusses the latest stray dog control statistics from Ireland.

Triathlons

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After discussing the tragedy around the Ironman event in Cork, Pete went on to discuss puppy farms in Ireland. Two contrasting topics. Plenty to say a...

Podcast: killing cats in NZ and TNR in Ireland

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In New Zealand, a school set up a competition to reduce the local feral cat population by asking children to shoot cats dead. After a huge outcry, thi...

Podcast: New rules coming on controlling dogs in Ireland

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An inter-departmental working group has just made a submission to Cabinet with suggestions for improving the control of dogs, including forty new dog ...

The surge in unwanted dogs in Ireland

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Irish dog pounds and rescue centres are overloaded with unwanted dogs, either abandoned or surrendered by their owners. To find out more about this, l...

How technology has improved the diagnosis of pets' illnesses

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The diagnostic ability of vets has improved dramatically in the past twenty years, using a range of high tech equipment. Owners often do not realise t...

Stories from a vet clinic: the dog that swallowed a stone

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's vet spot, we discussed a recent case from my clinic, when a dog needed an operation to remove a stone that had accidentally been swallo...

Podcast: how to deal with the aftermath of dog attacks on children

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the wake of the dreadful attack on a child in Wexford this week, here's a discussion about how we handle dog attacks in Irish society, and how, per...

The live animal crib debate, plus do animals dream?

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's 15 minute podcast, after an initial chat about phones (a shared interest of myself and Declan Meehan, the interviewer), we discussed th...

Podcast: Halloween tips to keep pets happy and safe

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview from Spirit Radio, I discuss issues for pets at this time of year, including how to keep them calm and relaxed when there are firewo...

Vegan or insect-based dog food as an alternative to meat

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast discusses feeding vegetarian or vegan food to pets, as well as using insect-based pet food as an alternative to meat-based pet foo...

Podcast: International Dog Day and Pups in the Park

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast, we highlight the fact that today is International Dog Day, and discuss the plight of dogs in Ireland in 2022. We also highly t...

Nutritional supplements: does your pet really need something extra?

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nutritional supplements are given to around 20% of pets every day. But are they really necessary? Listen to this ten minute podcast to find out more.

Podcast: helping dogs cope in the heat (plus how small dogs make men more appealing)

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast starts with a light piece about some recent research which shows that a man is more appealing to women if he is accompanied by a s...

Parvovirus - an ongoing threat to unvaccinated dogs

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a new outbreak of Parvovirus in the Dublin area, dog owners have been warned to keep their pets up to date with their vaccinations to ensure tha...

Surge in dog bite compensation claims in Ireland

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If a dog bites a person, the dog's owner is usually legally liable for damages, and sometimes they may be covered for this by insurance (either pet in...

Helping pets cope with the summer heat

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Pete discusses the common summer problem of heatstroke in pets: how can it be prevented, and what to do if your pet is affected?

Podcast: animal welfare in Ireland

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I was delighted to be interviewed by Andrea Hayes, who I have worked with previously in a television series called Animal A&E. Andrea is pa...

Pugs and health: podcast following new UK report

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new report highlights that pugs are 54 times more likely to suffer from breathing issues compared to other types of dog. The report authors say that...

Podcast: The planned swan-trapping bridge in Bray

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In my home town of Bray, Co Wicklow, a new bridge over a local river has been proposed. The design includes a screen of vertical cables that will crea...

Podcast: 600 pets from Ukraine arriving in Ireland

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Over 600 pets have been imported into Ireland in recent weeks as companions for refugees from Ukraine. To hear more about the details of how this is b...

Podcast: the essentials of chocolate poisoning in dogs

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this 5 minute podcast, Pete outlines the essentials behind the serious issue of chocolate poisoning in dogs. This is especially important at Easter...