Pete the Vet's Podcast
Episodes
Puppy farms, Chocolate poisoning and more: weekly vet podcast
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, we discuss puppy farms and online advertising of pets, the risk of dogs being poisoned by chocolate over Easter, and the backg...
Podcast: the impact of the Ukraine crisis on animals
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Pete discusses the ways that the crisis in Ukraine is having adverse effects on animals.
Podcast: the Norwegian ban on breeding Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
04 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's been made illegal to breed British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels on animal welfare grounds in Norway. To hear more about this, list...
Podcast: asthma in dogs and cats
04 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My weekly podcast from East Coast FM this week featured the common problems of asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats and dogs
Podcast: Hamsters introducing COVID into Hong Kong?
04 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In news from Hong Kong, hamsters were blamed for the introduction of COVID from overseas. This podcast goes on to discuss the background to how COVID ...
When dogs swallow objects that cause a blockage
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dogs are prone to chewing - and swallowing - objects that then become lodged in the stomach or intestines. Listen here to find out about this common c...
The Pet Innovation Summit in Boston: what's new in the pet world?
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pete is just back from the Pet Innovation Summit in Boston, USA, where he learned about the latest happenings at the cutting edge of newness in the pe...
Podcast: is your pet overweight or obese?
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pet obesity is an increasingly common problem, shortening the life of many dogs and cats, and adversely impacting on their quality of life. Listen to ...
Why it's bad to get a puppy as a Christmas present
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Pete explains the reasons why it's a mistake to get a puppy as a Christmas present
Fireworks tips for pet owners
31 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this short discussion, Pete discusses steps to take to ensure that your pets stay comfortable and safe when there are fireworks going on outside
Helping dogs in the post-COVID era
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This short podcast discusses the issues that have arisen at this time when COVID lockdowns are over and people are returning to work, leaving their pe...
What to do when your cute pup has become a problematic adolescent?
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this interview, Pete discusses the options when a puppy has grown into a tough-to-manage young adult dog.
Sniffer dogs now being used to screen arrivals for Covid in Helsinki airport
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, Pete discusses the latest development sniffer dogs from Helsinki airport, where they are being used with 100% accuracy to scre...
Coming out of Covid lockdown with our pets
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As the world adapts to changes to heading back to work after staying at home due to Covid-19, it's a time of change for our pets. This week's podcast ...
What to do with your pet if you are sick with COVID-19
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A brief snippet explaining what to do with your pet if you are sick with COVID19
Coronavirus and pets
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast, recorded on 4th March, explains the basic facts of Coronavirus and pets. The context is that this was before the virus had become to dom...
Dog breeds and their health problems
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many dog breeds have specific issues relating to their particular breed: this year, the overall winner at Crufts was a Dachshund, a breed which has a ...
Podcast: the hectic life of farm vets in spring, plus cherry eye in dogs
29 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's short podcast, Pete discusses the hectic schedule of farm vets, caused by the fact that most cattle and sheep give birth during the spr...
From human citizenship issues to dog socialisation problems
06 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Pete the vet is Scottish - but has been living in Ireland for nearly thirty years now. The separation of the UK - including Scotland- from the EU mea...
January is dog-dumping month in Ireland
08 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week's podcast covers three topics: the seasonal dumping of unwanted pet dogs into animal rescue centres in Ireland, the issue of animal hoarding...
Podcast: Pete the Vet's "Pet Subjects" book. A Christmas present idea for animal lovers
10 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Veterinarian Pete Wedderburn has written a book about his life as a vet in practice: you can buy this book on his website at www.petethevet.com. This ...
A dog is for life: 2019 campaign by Dogs Trust
07 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The message of this podcast is to think very carefully before taking on a pet: it is a decision for the entire lifetime of the animal, which means loo...
October themes: #BlackDogAppreciationDay and #StopTober
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Black dogs spend longer than lighter-coloured dogs in animal rescue centres, and there's no good reason for this. #BlackDogAppreciationDay is an effor...
Animals and people are good for each other: find out how in this podcast
13 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dog ownership causes people to take significantly more exercise, and it improves people's moods. Also, what will happen to pet travel after Brexit.
How humans have changed dogs over the centuries
13 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dogs have been domesticated by humans over thousands of years. To find out how this has happened, and what complications have arisen as humans have be...
Update from Brayvet for clients, then harvest mite discussion: weekly podcast
23 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast starts with a public service announcement for Brayvet clients (my own vet clinic) and then goes on to discuss Harvest Mites and how they ...
The dangers of heat stress and dehydration to dogs in summer
31 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dogs lose heat by panting, so when the environmental temperature is high, dogs overheat far more quickly, and they easily become dehydrated. Listen to...
The buzz of triathlons for people, and the dangers of heat stress to pets
21 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, Pete talks first about his love of doing triathlons, and he then discusses the dangers of heat stress to dogs.
Are you genetically predisposed to love dogs?
28 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Research from Sweden has proven that the inclination to like dogs is primarily caused by nature, rather than nurture. In other words, if you like dogs...
Dogs get stressed if their humans are stressed: here's how we know
10 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A recent study from Sweden has shown that dogs get stressed in ways that parallel the stress felt by their owners. This is the first time that trans-s...
Can toxic summertime plants harm dogs?
28 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dogs are prone to eating anything that they feel like eating, and that means that sometimes they eat substances that can do them harm. And since many ...
Chocolate and dogs: a dangerous combination at Easter
19 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and at Easter, there's so much chocolate around that it is common for dogs to eat a toxic amount. To learn more about ...
Should the sale of dogs online be banned in Ireland?
10 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Irish government is talking about banning the sale of dogs online. Is this a realistic option? Or are there other measures that should be used fir...
St Patrick may have driven the snakes from Ireland, but they are back. Podcast from Pete the Vet
18 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On St Patrick's Day weekend, snakes come to mind. St Patrick may have ensured that Ireland is snake-free, but snakes are back. They're a popular pet t...
Podcast: the changing gender balance of the veterinary world
14 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, recorded on International Women's Day, Pete discusses the changing gender balance of the veterinary profession, with the trend for mo...
How to handle over-enthusiastic dogs and wriggly, even angry, cats.
18 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Humans have to work with pets, to keep them under control. Whether it's a dog straining at the leash, or a cat objecting to having a blood sample bein...
Buying a winter coat for dogs - is it worth doing in cold weather?
04 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need to get a coat for your dog in winter? And if so, what type of coat is best? Listen to this podcast to find out more.
Insect based pet food: an eco-friendly, animal-welfare friendly alternative? Podcast
21 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Globally, pets consume around 20 per cent of the world’s meat and fish, and this is set to grow further with the trend for feeding human grade meat ...
Looking after a pet's body after death: podcast
21 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What are you going to do with your pet's remains when they die? Listen to this podcast to find out the various options, including aspects like incorpo...
Obesity causes pets to have shorter lives
21 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Two thirds of our pets are overweight or obese, and this seriously affects their quality and length of life. Obesity is a chronic state of inflammatio...
Anna Wedderburn talks about working in India and Leprosy
15 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Anna Wedderburn talking on Spirit Radio about her experience working in a hospital in southern India from 2017 to 2018, with the Mission to End Lepros...
How the companionship of animals can help humans, plus new controls on the sale of dogs in pet shops
12 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The companionship of animals brings many benefits to humans: listen to this short podcast to find out more. Also, what's going on with the sale of dog...
Cherishing pets at Christmas: a practical approach. Podcast from Pete the Vet
22 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
From Christmas presents to Christmas dinner: what should people be doing for their pets this year?
The importance of socialising kittens: Pete the Vet Podcast
03 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Kittens need to be well socialised so that they grow up to be calm, friendly pets. To find out more about this, listen to this podcast.
How to help pets during fireworks season
23 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
At this time of year, fireworks cause many dogs (and cats) to get upset because they are afraid of the sights, sounds and smells. Listen to this podca...
How to wash your dog
26 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever wash your dog or cat? This is one of the routine parts of pet care which many people wonder about. How often should a pet be washed? What ...
Loss of trust in pet vaccines: the history of why this has happened
10 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Some pet owners have lost their trust in vaccinations, and as a consequence, they are refusing to have their pets vaccinated according to their vets' ...
New puppy selling regulations in the UK: what does it mean for Ireland?
27 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Puppy farms tend to produce pups that grow up to be adult dogs with behavioural problems, and the UK has been very progressive in tackling these issue...
From bees to animal cruelty in Ireland: Pete the Vet Podcast
22 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
After a brief mention of "bee rescue", this week's talk focusses on the truth about animal cruelty legislation and enforcement in Ireland.
The perils of poorly bred pedigree cats: Pete the Vet podcast from East Coast FM
13 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Pedigree cats need to be bred with care, choosing only healthy individuals without extreme conformation (such as flat faces or odd-shaped ears), and h...
A story of an injured swan: podcast from Pete the Vet on East Coast FM
13 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A swan in a local harbour was attacked by a dog and badly injured. To find out what happened, listen to this podcast.
Overheating dogs again!
18 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Every summer dogs die in cars, whether parked or being driven by the owner. So everyone, please be very very careful. Listen to the podcast to find ou...
Is a raw meat diet better for itchy dogs?
18 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie suffers from itchy skin: this podcast discusses food allergy, and in particular the possible benefits of a raw meat diet for dogs that are itch...
Caring For Pets In A Heatwave - Pete the Vet on Spirit Radio
10 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
During this long hot summer, it's more important than ever to care for your pets carefully to make sure that they stay safe and comfortable.
Urgent reminder from Gardai: NEVER LEAVE DOGS IN CARS OR VANS IN HOT WEATHER
09 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this warm weather, it is NEVER ok to leave a dog in a vehicle. At the Groove Festival in Bray last weekend, a dog had to be removed from the back o...
Keeping pets safe in hot weather & the issue of dog breeds in movies
02 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Heatstroke is a big risk to dogs and owners need to be aware of how to keep their pets cool. And Pugs, like all flat faced dogs are more prone to this...
Spaying and neutering: why is it so important?
04 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This is SpayAware week in Ireland, highlighting the importance of spaying and neutering dogs and cats for health reasons as well as for population con...
How can vets help to deal with the issue of antibiotic resistance? Podcast from Pete the Vet
21 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to human health. The veterinary profession uses antibiotics as much as the human medical profession. So how ...
Irish vets speak out about brachycephalic dogs
21 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
At their annual conference this weekend, Irish pet vets urged members of the public to “think twice” before buying a flat faced dog like a pug, bu...
From alpacas to emotional support animals being transported
21 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Pete talks about alpacas, as well as emotional support animals being transported in airlines
David, Alistair and Susan: Calling pets by human names.
21 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Spot, Rover, Tibbles and Pickles may be traditional pet names, but these days people are calling their pets by human names. This podcast considers why...
Chocolate poisoning in dogs
21 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Six out of ten vets have to treat dogs for chocolate poisoning over Easter. This podcast explains why chocolate is so bad for dogs.
Emotional support animals: what are they? Pete the Vet Podcast from East Coast FM
26 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Emotional support animals have been in the news recently, after a hamster and peacock were refused permission to bring their pets onto aeroplanes.
Pete the Vet podcast: diabetes in dogs & cats.
26 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Diabetes mellitus is a common problem in dogs and cats: to find out more about it, listen to this podcast
Can dogs and cats be vegetarian or vegan?
10 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Many people have chosen to be vegan for the month for January, taking part in Veganuary. Some pet owners would like their pets to be vegan too, but is...
Christmas treats for dogs - from Pawsecco and Bottom-sniffer craft beer to genuinely useful dog toys
18 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Considering Christmas presents for your pets? What sort of indulgences are appropriate and which are just a bit of fun? To find out more, listen to th...
Keeping pets visible on dark evenings
16 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
From reflective collars to illuminated leads: there are different ways of making pets more visible in the winter months. Listen to this podcast to fin...
Fear of fireworks in pets 2017
16 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Fireworks come out every year at different times - from Halloween to Guy Fawkes to New Year. Many animals are terrified of these noisy, bright creatio...
Puppy-eyes - when dogs plead with their owners.
16 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Why do dogs use their facial expressions to plead with their owners? Listen to this podcast to find out more.
Pet-pourris: from pets in disaster zones to humans taking sick leave to care for pets
27 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In disaster zones, human life is at risk and unfortunately, animals also suffer. In this podcast, we discuss this topic, as well as moving on to discu...
Pete the Vet on South East Radio: Halloween tips
27 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this month's interview on South East Radio, Pete discusses some tips on pet care for Halloween and for pets that are sensitive to fireworks sounds.
Pete Wedderburn from GoreyBrayVet on South East Radio
06 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Pete Wedderburn from GoreyBrayVet has recently started to do a once monthly phone-in radio vet slot on South East Radio based in Wexford. This is the ...
Does it make sense to bring dogs to work? Pete the Vet weekly podcast
27 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week on East Coast FM, Pete talks about the benefits - and challenges - of bringing dogs in to the work place.
Pete the Vet weekly podcast: How will Brexit trade deals affect food standards in the UK?
01 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
"Even the farmers in the UK are worried" New trade deals with the USA and South America risk a two-tier food supply in the UK: cheap imported meat and...
Pete the Vet discusses the latest stray dog statistics in his weekly podcast
27 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Irish stray dog statistics were published last week: on East Coast FM this week, Pete discussed these, explaining how the system for stray dogs wo...
Parvovirus hasn't gone away: is your dog protected?
03 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Parvovirus was a major issue twenty years ago, but pet owners are less worried about it these days because it's not seen so often. The problem is that...
Bring Your Dog to Work Day - podcast
24 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, we discuss Bring Your Dog To Work Day, mentioning the health and social benefits from dogs. From low blood pressure, to improv...
Lungworm: an update from a vet in practice
24 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
When I was recording my weekly podcast at East Coast FM this week, a listener texted in to say that their dog was taking an unhealthy interest in slug...
Lungworm: is your dog at risk and how can you protect them?
19 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Lungworm is an emerging parasite, with prevention of this disease now being an important part of pet care. To find out more about it, listen to this p...
Pete the Vet talks about the stories in his new book on Talk Radio Europe
09 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Veterinarian Pete Wedderburn has written a collection of stories of intriguing, amusing and interesting cases from his life as a vet in companion anim...
Pete the Vet Podcast: swans being abused, plus the problem of ticks
07 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, Pete the Vet starts by discussing a recent incident in the Irish newspapers where a man was seen to pounce on a swan, grabbing...
Cancer in pets: Pete the Vet podcast
26 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Pete discusses the broad topic of cancer in pets, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and other possibilities. The import...
Chocolate poisoning in dogs and lily poisoning in cats: podcast from Pete the Vet
26 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, Pete the Vet explains the background to chocolate poisoning: why does it happen, how much chocolate is dangerous, and what sho...
Pete the Vet discussed his new book, Pet Subjects, on East Coast FM
14 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, Pete introduces his new book Pet Subjects, and outlines some of the interesting and strange cases whose stories have been incl...
Microchips have been compulsory for a year now, in Ireland and the UK
14 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, recorded at the start of April 2017, the issue of compulsory microchips is discussed.
Two animal welfare issues: the greyhound industry and pedigree dogs.
14 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Pete discusses the recent RTE Prime Time segment which investigates the greyhound industry in Ireland. He goes on to talk about the p...
Fat bergs: what are they and why are they dangerous to dogs. Pete the Vet Podcast
22 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Fat bergs have been in the news after washing up on Irish beaches. To find out more about what these are, and how they can be dangerous to dogs, liste...
Pete the Vet Podcast: it's time to have your say on puppy farms in Ireland
13 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Puppy farms are regulated by the law in Ireland, and this is currently open for public consultation. Listen to this podcast to find out more.
Human-pig hybrids: a step too far. Pete the Vet's weekly podcast
04 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists have spiced human DNA into the genome of pig embryos, tweaking the immunoreactivity of the pig's livers so that they are not rejected when ...
The end of a pet's life: deciding when, & looking after their body afterwards. Pete the Vet Podcast
26 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week on East Coast FM, Pete discusses the complicated issue of deciding when to euthanase a pet, and the then goes on to explain about the variou...
How do you speak to your dog? Is it for you, or for them? Pete the Vet on East Coast FM
17 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Recent research has helped us to understand why we speak to animals in "funny" voices, and how much difference it makes to the animals when we do this...
The importance of educating children about animal welfare: weekly podcast from Pete the Vet
09 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week's podcast discusses pet first aid, education of children about animal care, and finally, the serious issue of dog theft
Why seal pups need to be rescued from Ireland's beaches
01 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Pete the Vet discusses seal rescue in Ireland, describing a recent case where he was involved with the rescue of an injured seal pup on a local beach
Podcast: when should dogs with heart murmurs start treatment? Plus pet theft and TB in wildlife
10 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week on East Coast FM, Pete discusses the recent research which has led to a new recommendation in the early treatment of heart disease. He also ...
The story of Sissi, the cat who was shot. Keep your pets indoors in the hours of darkness
31 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, Pete discusses the story of Sissi, a cat who was deliberately shot with a high velocity rifle. Pete describes how this may hav...
Why is my dog dragging her bottom along the ground?
26 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Many people want to know why their dog is dragging its bottom along the ground - so-called sledging or scooting. This podcast discusses this topic, ex...
Pete the Vet discusses yet another dog attack in the UK
14 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tragically, a baby was killed in the UK by a dog, and a young boy was severely injured. In this podcast, Pete discusses the issues behind these dog at...
Pete the Vet talks about the James Herriot centenary
02 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, Pete discusses the legacy of James Herriot, the well known veterinary author from the Yorkshire Dales who would be 100 on 4th ...
Kennel Cough: what is it, and which animals need to be vaccinated?
20 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Kennel Cough is one of those "optional" vaccines, but what is the disease, and which pets need to be protected against it? Listen to Pete the Vet's po...
Pete the Vet on the latest situation regarding greyhound racing
09 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Greyhound racing is under pressure globally and has just been banned in New South Wales. In this podcast, Pete the Vet discusses the situation in Irel...