Paws and Effect

Chickens are prey animals which means they're built to hide illness. A sick hen instinctively acts normal for as long as she possibly can, because in the wild, looking weak gets you killed. So by the time you notice something's wrong, she may have been unwell for days, and you may have very little time left to help her. That's the hard truth at the heart of this episode. Carra sits dow...

A loop of wire, tied to a branch, in a patch of bush near a town you might live near. Anything that walks through it, a duiker, a bushpig, a bird, sometimes a leopard, occasionally someone's dog, is caught, and the wire doesn't let go. Cheap, silent, and everywhere. Conservationists call snares the silent killers. Our guest walks that bush and pulls them out. On a bad day, his team finds dozens; t...

Your dog growls when you touch his back. Your cat starts weeing outside the litter box. Your older dog paces at night and stops greeting you at the door. It’s easy to call these things stubbornness, spite, aggression, or just old age. Often, they’re something else entirely, a pet in pain, unwell, or frightened, telling you the only way it can. Veterinary behaviourist Dr Megan Petroff joins me to u...

You’ve wrestled a cat into a carrier. You’ve chased a dog around the house with the nail clippers. Now imagine having to give a monkey a daily injection, or getting a tiger to walk up and present its shoulder for one. Zookeepers do it every day. Not by force, they can’t force an animal that size, but by teaching it to take part willingly. And the same thing works on the cat under your bed. Carra s...

You’ve cut the treats. You’re walking them more. They still haven’t lost weight, so you assume you’re doing something wrong. You’re probably not. Dr Ernie Ward has spent over twenty years on pet obesity, and his message is blunt: this was never simply about feeding less and exercising more. It’s biological, it’s medical, and “try harder” is why most weight-loss plans fail. In this episode: Why “fe...

Your old dog is slowing down. Sleeping more. Taking the stairs carefully. He’s just getting old, right? Maybe. Or maybe he’s in pain, and “he’s just getting old” is one of those pet myths that sounds completely reasonable, right up until it costs your pet something. Vet Cat Henstridge joins us to take apart the pet advice that sounds sensible but isn’t, the stuff you’ve half-believed for years: “B...

She trained to deliver babies. She ended up delivering goats, treating zebras, and running one of the busiest mixed animal clinics around, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. In this candid episode, veterinarian and practice owner Dr Christine Staten shares the unconventional path from aspiring obstetrician to veterinary clinic owner, and what it actually takes to build a veterinary business f...

Dog pulling, biting, lunging, or just flat-out not listening? In this raw and honest episode, dog trainer Tom Davis tears down the myths keeping owners and their dogs stuck. Tom exposes why so many “hopeless” and reactive cases land at his door after training failed elsewhere, and reveals the uncomfortable truth: the real breakdown is usually in the human–dog relationship, not the dog. He doesn’t...

Most veterinarians graduate knowing how to save lives. Almost none of them graduate knowing how to manage money, price their services without guilt, or build a business they can actually exit one day. In this episode, financial advisors Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett, from Florida Veterinary Advisors, get honest about the financial realities of veterinary medicine, the guilt, the misconceptions, the bur...

In this fascinating episode, I was privileged to talk about my favourite topic: cats! Together, Mikel Delgado, author of Play With Your Cat, and I explored the mysterious world of cat behaviour. Discover why cats can be so perplexing, how their subtle body language differs from dogs', and the emotions they really feel, including love, grief, and anxiety. The conversation explores what makes ca...

Join us for an informative episode with Adam Wickens, the creator behind Wickens Wicked Reptiles, one of YouTube’s largest reptile education platforms. In this episode, Adam shares the must-know facts for anyone considering a bearded dragon, exposes the common myths and mistakes new owners make, and explains the fine line between keeping your reptile alive and helping it truly thrive. Discover: Wh...

What happens when a chance pet store encounter transforms not only your life but an entire online community’s understanding of rabbits? In this deeply personal and insight-packed episode, Lorelei Carlson, creator of beloved rabbit care content and champion for responsible pet ownership, shares her extraordinary journey. From adopting her first rabbit, Lennon, on a whim during a low point in her li...

Reptile expert and passionate conservationist Lance Jeffery joins us for an eye-opening, heartfelt conversation about shaking up wildlife education and animal care in South Africa. From wild tales of zoo life and international animal rescue, to the dream of inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders, including nurturing the next generation of Steve Irwins, Lance shares his journey, insi...

Step into the unpredictable world of emergency veterinary medicine with Brooke Schampers, a vet who has taken social media by storm by sharing the raw, unfiltered realities of her high-stakes career. In this candid conversation, Brooke pulls back the curtain on what really happens after hours: from pattern recognition and life-saving split-second decisions to the emotional and physical toll of nig...

Are you thinking about bringing a companion bird into your home? In this eye-opening episode, I sat down with avian expert Sophie Barnett (also known as Bird Nerd Sophie) to discuss what life with birds is REALLY like. From fascinating insights into their behaviour, communication, and emotional needs to the behind-the-scenes realities of companion bird care, this episode covers it all. Discover wh...

How dangerous are snake bites for your pets? What should you really do if your dog or cat meets a snake? In this episode, Dr Carla Evans and I have a wonderful and informative chat about the world of snake bites, busting myths, sharing jaw-dropping facts, and offering real-world advice for pet owners and animal lovers alike. From dramatic emergency vet cases to the hidden benefits of snake venom i...

Ever wondered what it takes to keep a pet lizard happy, healthy, and thriving? Then join me for an exceptional and insightful conversation with Richard Boynton, the owner of Creatures and Critters, as we explore the vibrant and often misunderstood world of reptile pets. In this episode, Richard Boynton shares his lifelong passion for animals, explains the importance of responsible pet ownership, a...

What really happens behind the scenes in the world of emergency vet care? In this episode, emergency veterinarian and educator Dr Brianna Tobin joins us to share the highs and lows of working on the front lines of animal medicine. Our conversation centred on the adrenaline-fuelled shifts, the camaraderie and critical importance of teamwork, and how trust and communication can make or break a high-...

Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Dr. Caitlin Venniker, veterinarian and author of the much-celebrated memoir “Unleashed.” In this episode, Caity and I spoke about the realities behind the veterinary profession, balancing heartache, hope, and we shared plenty of laughs! Caity shares the story behind writing her book, her journey through vet school, the emotional highs and lo...

What does it truly take to rescue and care for endangered elephants? In this heartfelt episode, I was joined by Nigel Mason, founder of Mason Elephant Park in Bali, for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of elephant conservation and ethical wildlife tourism. Discover the incredible story behind the park’s creation, from battling deforestation and government apathy to a daring cross-isl...

Worried about birds of prey threatening your pets or backyard chickens? This episode of Paws and Effect is all about the facts (and myths!) about raptors like crowned eagles, black sparrowhawks, and owls living alongside our pets. Join me as I chat with Tammy Caine of FreeMe Wildlife about: Which birds of prey really pose a risk to pets and chickens (hint: it’s not as many as you think!) Why these...

Join us for a refreshing and practical conversation with holistic veterinarian Dr. Emily Roth! In this episode, Dr. Roth and I discuss the world of integrative veterinary medicine, sharing how treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, Chinese herbs, and nutrition can revolutionise pet health, mobility, and comfort. Discover how Dr. Roth blends Eastern and Western therapies for large and smal...

Thinking your dog will instantly become your baby’s best friend? Think again! In this eye-opening episode, Dr Carra sits down with dog trainer and educator Dominika Knossalla-Pado to talk about the realities of introducing babies and toddlers to family dogs. Dominika shares her own personal story, twins, a dog with unexpected reactions, and the challenges she faced, and explains why “dog bites com...

This week, join me and Wade Whitehead, CEO of FreeMe Wildlife, for an exciting conversation about the world of wildlife rehabilitation and human-wildlife conflict in South Africa. Discover the unique, science-based approach FreeMe Wildlife uses to restore wild animals to their natural environments, covering everything from animal behaviour, ethical considerations, and mistakes made in wildlife reh...

When the word “surgery” comes up, pet owners often picture scary risks, high costs, and worst-case scenarios. But what REALLY happens when your pet needs an operation? In this episode, Dr. Emma Brown of Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital joins me to dispel fears and unpack every step, from the initial consultation to recovery after surgery. You’ll get insider insights on: How vets assess risks and tail...