Call the Vet - an insider's guide to dog and cat health

Are you worried about what goes into your pet’s food bowl? Overwhelmed by conflicting advice online about kibble, raw, and fresh diets? In this episode, we unravel the truth behind ultra-processed pet food—cutting through the marketing buzzwords, viral social media claims, and heated arguments. Discover what “ultra-processed” really means, whether kibble lives up to its bad reputation, and how you can confidently choose the best diet for your furry family member. Tune in for evidence-based insights and practical tips that will help you make the healthiest, safest, and most realistic choices for your pet—without the guilt trip. Don’t miss this honest, myth-busting conversation every pet owner needs to hear! Then dive into more detail at https://ourpetshealth.com/info/ultraprocessed-kibble Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Are you worried about your young pet's health? Confused by all the advice swirling online about kibble, vaccines, and vet care? In this eye-opening episode of "Call the Vet," Dr. Alex shares some tough love about the three biggest causes of poor health in young pets—issues often overlooked until it's too late. Learn how to spot weight problems, tackle dental disease before it leads to pain, and what no one tells you about breed-related risks. Armed with practical tips and expert insights, you’ll feel empowered to give your furry friend their healthiest, happiest life. Hit play and discover how you can prevent problems before they begin! Dive into more detail over in the show notes Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Is your dog struggling with epileptic seizures? Wondering about the best treatment options to help them live a full and happy life? In this episode of the Call the Vet podcast, Dr. Alex breaks down everything you need to know about seizure treatments—from trusted medications like phenobarbitone and Pexion, to alternative therapies including medium-chain fatty acids, omega-3s, and CBD oil. Discover which options may work best for your dog, learn about side effects, costs, and practical tips for managing epilepsy, and find out how most dogs with epilepsy can still enjoy a fantastic quality of life. For more information check out the show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-seizure-treatment Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Making medical decisions for your pet isn’t always straightforward—especially when budgets, emotions, and complex treatment options all collide. In this episode, Dr. Alex breaks down how to think clearly and confidently about recommended blood tests, long-term medications, and the tough choices that come with chronic conditions like arthritis, allergies, and more. You’ll learn how vets use monitoring tests, when they genuinely influence treatment decisions, and when it might be reasonable to delay or decline certain diagnostics. We explore risk tolerance, affordability, and how to prioritise what’s essential for your pet’s wellbeing without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. Most importantly, you’ll gain practical questions to ask your vet so you can make fully informed decisions that work for your pet, your situation, and your budget. If you’re struggling with a difficult care decision or just want a clearer framework to follow, be sure to check out the Treatment Decision Toolkit . It includes step-by-step guidance, videos, and an interactive pet-health decision wizard to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more confident. Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

What happens when your beloved pet gets diagnosed with cancer? In this episode of the Call the Vet podcast, Dr. Alex sits down with board-certified veterinary oncologist Dr. Nicole Leibman for a candid, myth-busting conversation about cancer in our furry family members. From the most common warning signs and why early detection matters, to breakthroughs in treatment (including cutting-edge immunotherapies!), Dr. Nicole shares insider expertise and heartwarming stories from her work in New York City. Whether you’re worried about a lump on your pet, curious about chemotherapy side effects in animals (hint: it’s not like in humans!), or just want to understand how specialists and general vets work together, this episode is packed with practical insights and empathy. Plus, you'll hear about a revolutionary in-home nursing service that's changing the way pet care is delivered. If you love your pets and want the best for them—don’t miss this heartfelt and eye-opening chat! Dive deeper into the topic over in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/pet-cancer Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😮 Just because we can do more tests or treatments for our pets, doesn’t mean we should —sometimes doing everything isn’t the best choice for their quality of life! 🐾 Recently, my own cat Molly faced a life-threatening illness, forcing me to ask the same tough questions I ask clients every day: • Diagnose first! Without accurate diagnosis, you risk the wrong treatment and a poor prognosis. • Ask if additional tests will really change your treatment plan—or simply add expense and stress. • Weigh every treatment option from “gold standard” to practical compromises, considering outcomes, costs, and the impact on daily life. • Always balance the risks and benefits, including the stress of medications, procedures, and hospital visits. • Remember: what’s right for one family or pet may not be right for another—your gut feeling matters, too! 💡 The real takeaway? Making decisions for your sick pet isn’t just about medicine—it’s about honestly weighing options, understanding what will improve (or hinder) their quality of life, and recognizing when doing less might actually be the kinder choice. Check out the decision making toolkit here Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🚨 Did you know there’s NO national blood bank for pets? When a dog or cat needs a life-saving transfusion, it’s down to local donor animals—often the pets of clinic staff or friends—to save the day! 1️⃣ The most common reason pets need transfusions is rat bait poisoning, stopping blood from clotting and causing deadly internal bleeding. 2️⃣ Severe anemia from immune disease or parasites is another top cause requiring urgent intervention. 3️⃣ Trauma from accidents or fights can lead to catastrophic blood loss, making rapid transfusions essential. 4️⃣ Most vet clinics rely on a “call list” of animal donors—meaning if you have a healthy, calm dog between 1-8 years old and over 25kg, your pet could literally save lives! 5️⃣ Unlike humans, dogs can safely receive a single unmatched transfusion, while cats need a perfect blood type match—making donations even more precious. 💡 The biggest takeaway? Every donor counts. In an emergency, having pet blood available can mean the difference between life and death. Talking to your local clinic about joining their donor list might be the most important thing you ever do for a pet in need. 💭 Would you consider having your dog or cat become a blood donor? Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Can you believe that one common dog disease is misdiagnosed 50% of the time! So then, how can we trust the accuracy of a diagnosis if our beloved pets are suffering? 1️⃣ Sensitivity and specificity are crucial in diagnostic tests but often involve a trade-off. A highly sensitive test reduces false negatives, while a highly specific one cuts down false positives. 2️⃣ Misdiagnosis can result from running inappropriate tests, lack of funds, incorrect history interpretation, and limited vet knowledge. 3️⃣ Skin allergies, heart failure, mild lameness, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism are frequently misdiagnosed in dogs, often leading to unnecessary treatments. 4️⃣ The case of hypothyroidism reveals up to fifty-nine percent of dogs diagnosed might not actually need treatment according to recent studies. 💡Understanding the complexities of diagnostic accuracy and the factors contributing to misdiagnosis can save you thousands and spare your pet unnecessary discomfort. Knowing the challenges can ensure you ask the right questions and give your pet the information and tools they need to ensure your pet receives the best care possible. Dive into more details in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-misdiagnosis Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🛑 Is Your Pet's Pain Relief Doing More Harm Than Good? 🧑‍⚕️In this compelling episode of the Call the Vet podcast, veterinarian Dr. Alex Avery uncovers the painkiller side effect that no one is talking about — and it’s not what you’d expect! 🤯 From busting myths about medication risks to highlighting the dangers of inaction, this episode is a must-listen for every pet parent. Join us as we explore: The real risks vs. perceived dangers of pet painkillers 🐾 The hidden consequences of untreated arthritis and chronic pain 😿 Why anecdotal internet stories might be misleading you 🌐 A veterinarian’s candid insights after 18 years in practice 🩺 Hit play to ensure you’re making the best, informed decisions for your furry family members. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow the Call the Vet podcast for more expert advice on optimizing your pet’s health and happiness! 🐶❤️🐱 Tune in now—your pet’s well-being might just depend on it! 🎧✨ Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😡 The cost of a new veterinary drug for hypertension in cats is skyrocketing by 1200%, and it's not even a new active ingredient! 1️⃣ Amlodipine, a drug we've used safely and effectively for years, is now also available in a veterinary-specific version—but at what cost? 2️⃣ The new version costs $94 a month for a standard-sized cat, whereas the human equivalent only costs $27 for a four-month supply. 3️⃣ Veterinary professionals are legally bound to use these more expensive animal versions due to prescribing regulations, without considering cost. 4️⃣ This isn't a lone example; similar price hikes exist for other drugs like furosemide and clomipramine, increasing costs by 400% or more. 5️⃣ The lack of affordable options could price many pet parents out of the ability to treat their pets' chronic conditions, which is simply unacceptable. 💡 Understanding these industry practices can help you navigate your pet's healthcare choices more informedly. It's crucial that we, as pet parents, advocate for fair pricing and transparency in the medications our pets need 🐱 Find out more in the show notes at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/new-pet-drugs Jump into episode #162 to find out the other ways the pet healthcare industry is broken Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

This is one of the most common diseases to affect middle-aged and elderly cats. Is your furry friend losing weight despite a ravenous appetite? Are they jittery, with a coat that's lost its shine? They might be battling hyperthyroidism! And because untreated hyperthyroidism in cats can lead to severe consequences like sudden blindness or heart failure, recognizing the early signs is crucial. In this episode you'll learn how early detection and proper care can make all the difference. We'll unravel the 4 main options available when it comes to treating this disease, and how monitoring post treatment plays an important role. 💡Recognizing and treating hyperthyroidism early can ensure your feline friend enjoys a long, healthy life. By knowing the symptoms and treatment options, you can make informed decisions that best suit your cat’s needs 🐱 Find out more over in the full show notes at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/hyperthyroid-cat Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🔍 "The improvement in pet health care may not be the best thing for you and your pet." What?! Before you get the wrong idea, let me explain what's behind this statement. 1️⃣ First off, veterinary advancements like Apoquel and Cytopoint for itchy dogs are amazing but come with higher costs—sometimes prohibitively so for many pet parents. 2️⃣ Consider cruciate ligament disease: while TPLO surgeries have outshined older methods like lateral sutures, the cost difference can be staggering. 3️⃣ Oncology advancements have significantly improved, but at a huge financial burden with relatively smaller life expectancy gains for pets. 4️⃣ Overall, the low-hanging fruit in veterinary medicine is gone, leaving behind improvements that are costlier and less impactful. 5️⃣ Reflect on your own circumstances. Is spending thousands for an additional month or two with your pet worth it for you? 💡The key takeaway here is to balance the benefits and costs of advanced veterinary treatments with your pet's quality of life and your financial situation. Not all interventions, even the latest and greatest, guarantee what you would consider significant benefits. Head over to the full show notes to learn more - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/diminishing-returns Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Are you tired of shelling out big bucks for your pet's medications while knowing their human counterparts cost a fraction? Tune in to this eye-opening episode where Dr. Alex Avery exposes the secrets of the pharmaceutical industry, reveals how stringent regulations handcuff your vet's prescribing options, and offers savvy tips to save on your furry friend's medical bills. 🐶💊🐱 From the shocking reality of the 'prescribing cascade' to legal minefields that could land your vet in hot water, we're pulling back the curtain on a topic every pet parent needs to know. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a new fur parent, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss. 📢 **Highlights:** - The dramatic price hikes in pet-specific medications - Why your vet's options are more limited than you think - Five actionable steps to get the best value on pet meds Don't let high medication costs catch you off guard. Discover the secrets and save! 🌟 We took the notes for you at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/cheaper-pet-meds Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Deciding the best age to spay your dog can be a pivotal choice in ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet. With various factors to consider, such as breed size, potential health risks, and behavioral benefits, understanding when to spay your dog can significantly influence their overall well-being. This guide aims to provide you with insightful information and expert recommendations to help you determine the optimal timing for spaying, supported by veterinary expertise and current research. By choosing the right time to spay, you can help prevent serious health issues and enhance your dog's quality of life. For full details head over to the show notes at - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/when-to-spay-a-female-dog Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😲 Are you concerned about the rising costs of vet care? You're not alone and this episode dives deep into the issues plaguing the pet health care space, affecting your pets, you, and those within the veterinary industry. It's easy to vilify veterinary professionals as money grabbing (and many do) but the truth is very different - Did you know that in the last 12 months, 25% of veterinary staff in the UK received absolutely NO pay raise? The preconception that vets are "only in it for the money" couldn't be more misplaced! 📉 Yet this is on the back of record vet bill rises. We're facing serious global challenges in pet healthcare: - Inflation is skyrocketing, yet vet pay isn't keeping up, making it tougher for veterinary professionals worldwide. - Costs are on the rise, not just for pet owners but for the clinics too, due to increased prices for drugs and necessary medical equipment. - There's a trend of corporatization where shareholder returns are driving business decisions and the staff in your clinic may have zero say in pricing and service provisions. 🧐 Importantly, we need to consider the advanced level of care provided today compared to decades ago. Practices now are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to offer the best care, which significantly drives up the costs. But is this also part of the problem? This episode covers so much more, and while I don't claim to have all the answers these topics are vital for you to be aware of so we can work towards a future that works for everyone. Learn more over in the show notes at: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/broken-pet-healthcare Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🐾 "Elbow dysplasia in young dogs can start affecting them not just when they're old, but potentially very early in their life!" 🐶 🩺 Today on Call the Vet, we dive deep into managing chronic conditions like elbow dysplasia and arthritis: 1️⃣ Multimodal approach is key—combining dietary changes, weight management, and environmental modifications to tackle the issue comprehensively. 2️⃣ Therapeutic diets and supplements (especially omega-3 fatty acids) can significantly enhance comfort. 3️⃣ Regular, gentle exercise and use of ramps can prevent worsening of the condition. 4️⃣ Complementary therapies like hydrotherapy and physiotherapy are crucial for maintaining joint mobility and muscle mass. 💡 Early intervention plays a pivotal role in managing conditions like elbow dysplasia effectively. Starting treatment when symptoms are mild can drastically improve quality of life. This proactive approach can decrease the need for continuous medication and help manage pain more effectively. For some dogs, surgery may be an option, and this episode also covers what you need to know if you think this may be the path for you and your dog. Check out all the info and dive into all the related topics over in the full show notes : https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-elbow-dysplasia Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Increasing age can bring increasing health complexity and in this episode, we unpack a complex listener-submitted scenario about a 14-year-old Chihuahua battling congestive heart failure and mysterious seizures. This episode is packed with invaluable insights, from understanding heart murmurs to dissecting the causes behind seizures in older dogs, with insights for all pet parents with older animals. 🚨 Did you know? A heart murmur isn’t always an indicator of overt heart failure in dogs! 🐶 1️⃣ Dr. Alex explains that a heart murmur simply indicates turbulent blood flow, which could be due to a leaky valve but doesn't necessarily mean that heart failure is present. 2️⃣ Seizures in older dogs are rarely due to epilepsy; the causes are often much more complex, ranging from organ disease to brain lesions. 3️⃣ Monitoring a pet’s sleeping respiratory rate at home can be a simple yet effective way to gauge heart health over time. 4️⃣ Diagnostic steps include full blood testing, urine testing, X-rays, and possibly an echocardiogram or MRI to pinpoint the exact health issues. Dive into further resources in the full show notes : https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-heart-failure-and-seizures Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😱 Don't gamble with your pet's life. When it comes to your furry friend's surgery, knowing the risks is crucial for their safety! 🩺 Surgery may not be just routine - from a tiny risk of 0.01% for neutering procedures (that's 1 death for every 10,000 surgeries) through to a 16% death rate for the sickest of patients, the risk really does vary hugely by individual. 🏥 Several measures can increase safety: from pre-surgery blood tests, weight management, to advanced monitoring equipment - these are vital! 💡 The takeaway? Proactive health management & choosing a vet with the right skills & equipment is a game-changer. It not only reduces risk but ensures peace of mind. 💬 Have you ever delayed a surgery for your pet due to fear of anesthesia risks? What could have eased your worries? Share your thoughts! Dive into everything you need to know and more over in the show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/pet-surgery-safety Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🐾 Get ready to tackle this itchy pet mystery with Dr. Alex answering a question sent in by listener Trish that addresses some really key pet-care pearls. From narrowing down the potential causes of any problem, the importance of making a proper diagnosis, through to when to seek the input from your veterinarian. This episode has something for every pet parent! Check out The Dog Allergy Summit here - https://ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit And the full show notes here - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/multiple-itchy-dogs Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🐾 Did you know that it used to be common for veterinarians to withhold pain relief for pets with joint injuries or wounds? The thinking was that this was needed to prevent them from overusing the injured area and causing more harm 😱 Some vets and owners still advocate for this approach. In my latest podcast episode, I dive deep into this shocking practice and why it's time for this outdated thinking to be left in the past. Join me as I discuss the impact of pain on a pet's well-being and the importance of appropriate pain management. I highlight the negative effects of pain on healing, the body, and the human-animal bond, and why it's crucial to prioritize pain relief whenever pain is present. While some may have reservations about using pain medication, I emphasize the various options in our arsenal for managing pain, promoting a multimodal approach for the best outcomes. My big takeaway is that we owe it to our pets to ensure they not only have a great chance of recovery but also remain comfortable throughout their healing journey. Find out more in the show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/no-pain-relief 🐶 Are you aware of the impact of pain on your pet's overall well-being? What are your thoughts on the use of pain medication for pets? Let's start a conversation and ensure our furry family members receive the care they deserve. #PetHealth #AnimalWellbeing #VeterinaryCare #DogPainManagement #PetPainRelief Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review