Paws and Effect

Managing diabetes in pets doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this eye-opening episode of the Paws in Effect podcast, I sit down with Professor Patty Lathan, a leading veterinary endocrinologist, to unravel the complexities of diabetes in dogs and cats. Together, we bust myths, explain what true diabetic success looks like (spoiler: it’s NOT textbook perfection), and share practical, compassiona...

Imagine hearing your vet say the word “MRI” for your pet, anxiety, questions, and worry rush in. But what if advanced imaging didn’t just mean stress and expense, but gave hope and answers that could save lives? In this eye-opening episode I am joined by leading specialist Dr. Martin de Scally from Hilton Veterinary Hospital to demystify the world of advanced veterinary imaging. Together, we discu...

Confused by conflicting advice online about your pet’s health? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this episode, Dr Carra sits down with Dr Sylvalyn Hammond (aka The Honest Vet) to tackle the whirlwind of pet health misinformation flooding the internet. From raw food diets and vaccine myths to trendy “miracle cures,” Dr Hammond shares real stories from her experiences in practice, revealing just how...

Ever wondered why your cat scratches the furniture, ignores expensive toys, or overgrooms? Are you struggling with a cat that seems bored, stressed, or even aggressive, despite your best intentions? In this informative episode, I sit down with Stephanie Merlin, certified cat behaviour specialist and the creator behind The Fulfilled Feline, to debunk common cat myths and offer real, science-backed...

Is your pet hiding painful dental disease? Most owners, and even some vets, miss the signs until it’s too late. In this compelling episode of Paws and Effect, I chat candidly with veterinary dental expert Morten Hinge to uncover the hidden realities behind your pet’s dental health. In this episode we discover: Why pets can still eat and look happy despite severe oral pain (and why that’s the bigge...

Step into the high-stakes world of veterinary emergency medicine where chaos, emotion, and unexpected moments of laughter collide. In this episode, Dr Carra sits down with ER veterinary technician and viral content creator Geoffrey van Zjil, for an unfiltered, honest look at life in the emergency room. Discover what REALLY walks through those ER doors, what pet owners get wrong about emergencies,...

Ever wondered why your lovable dog barks at the gate, ignores your calls, or suddenly acts out? Join us for a truly eye-opening episode as we welcome the inspiring Dr Aileen Pypers, BVSc, veterinarian, behaviour consultant, and owner of Pets at Play Behaviour Consultancy in the Cape. Dr Pypers blends veterinary science and a passion for empowering owners, bringing a fresh perspective that proves “...

Step inside the captivating, and slightly mysterious, realm of exotic pets with this week’s guest, Justin Visagie, reptile enthusiast and expert from Ultimate Exotics in Durban, South Africa! With boundless energy and deep knowledge, Justin is here to shatter the myths, embrace the intrigue, and show us just how thrilling (and rewarding!) reptile ownership can be. In this episode, Justin uncovers:...

Step into the fascinating, and often misunderstood, world of veterinary neurology with this essential episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast. We’re privileged to welcome Dr Ane Uriarte, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery, whose expertise spans continents and clinics alike. Veterinary neurology is a rare and highly specialised discipline, shrouded in complexity and...

Join us for the last of our festive season episodes as we welcome back Dr Nic Stirk, much-loved local vet. Together with me, Dr Stirk brings a wealth of practical advice and real-life stories straight from the clinic floor. In this unmissable episode, Dr Stirk unpacks: Why accidents and trauma cases spike during the holiday season The “iceberg effect” of puncture wounds and why even tiny injuries...

Get ready for a festive deep-dive into holiday pet safety! Dr Nic Stirk, founder of Watercrest Vets and veterinary dynamo joins us again as we continue our festive season series. In this fun, insightful episode, Dr Stirk and I unpack the festive season’s most common pet emergencies and answer the burning question: What’s really risky for our pets when the holiday treats start to flow? Why pancreat...

Get ready for a sizzling episode because this week, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome back Dr Nic Stirk (BVSc), who joins me for an action-packed festive season collab. Dr Stirk brings a wealth of know-how and sparkle to our summer pet care survival guide! In this lively and informative episode, Dr Nic Stirk reveals: Life-saving tips to prevent and treat heatstroke in dogs (learn which breeds...

Curious about adding another cat to your family? This week on the Paws & Effect Podcast, we’re delighted to welcome the fabulous Tabitha Kucera, RVT, CCBC, KPA-CTP, an acclaimed feline behaviour consultant, veterinary technician, and certified cat (and human!) whisperer! In this must-watch episode, Tabitha spills the beans on: The truth behind common multi-cat myths (is your cat really “lonely...

The festive season is around the corner and every cat parent wants their sweet kitty to have the best care while they’re off making merry! On this episode of Paws & Effect Podcast, we welcome the wonderful Sister Zoe from Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital, home of the Hillcrest Luxury Cattery. With her years of experience making feline holiday stays as cuddly and stress-free as possible, Sister Zo...

Meet Dr Charles Dyer, Board-Certified Periodontist and President of the Dental Coalition for Conservation! This week on the Paws & Effect Podcast, we dive into the thrilling world where dentistry meets wildlife conservation. Dr Dyer joins us with boundless enthusiasm, sharing: Eye-opening insights on why dental care is vital for exotic animals in zoos and sanctuaries His inspiring journey from...

Ready for big belly laughs and real pet talk? This week, the Paws & Effect Podcast brings you an irresistible dose of veterinary humour and heart as we welcome the ever-entertaining Dr Nico du Preez (BVSc), the creator behind the beloved “Zoomies” online platform! Join us for an episode brimming with light-hearted stories, behind-the-scenes veterinary confessions, and those hilarious ‘did-they...

Ready to raise a happy, well-behaved puppy? Join us for a fun, yet informative, episode of Paws & Effect Podcast with the vibrant Tammy Da Silva, an expert in positive dog training and founder of Upper Highway Puppy Group. In this action-packed episode, Tammy reveals the essential foundation behind every great puppy: puppy school that teaches for life, not just play! Tune in for: Tammy’s journ...

We recently had the privilege of having Jennifer Lyons, Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care (BTS), join us from Utah for this adrenaline-packed episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast! Jennifer shares her expert insights on what to do when pet emergencies strike, how to spot the warning signs, and reveals what really goes on behind the scenes in the ER and ICU. In this...

Get ready for a candid, hilarious, and inspiring journey into the world of veterinary medicine with our special guests, the Vet Bros! In this episode, we’re buzzing to welcome Malongo (veterinary graduate), Chris (final-year vet student), Tommy (second-year vet student), and a shout-out to Elliot, the fourth Vet Bro who was unable to join us. These trailblazing mates from the University of Queensl...

Is your dog doing the cha-cha on the carpet? Is your cat channeling its inner contortionist for a scratching session at 3am? You’re not alone! This week on the Paws & Effect Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Amaury Briand, Board-Certified Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology at Advisia, near Paris, and yes, he’s seen more itchy pets than you’ve had hot dinners! In this fabulously informati...

In this powerful episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast, we welcome the courageous Heather Ashcroft, RVN, veterinary nurse, writer, and mental health advocate, who bravely shares her own story of miscarriage and loss on the job. Veterinary professionals are known for their resilience, but behind the masks and stethoscopes, too many are silently enduring heartbreak and grief. With the intense pre...

Get ready for the ultimate feline health episode! We’re so excited to have Dr. Petra Černá, internationally renowned feline medicine specialist and the much-loved “Crazy Cat Vet”, on the Paws & Effect Podcast. Dr. Černá brings not just expertise, but genuine passion (and plenty of cat stories) as she shares practical advice for caring for ageing cats. In this lively episode, Dr. Černá reveals:...

Ever wondered how to raise the healthiest, happiest birds and exotic pets? Join us on this week’s episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast as we welcome the remarkable Dr Tittu Abraham, Director at Bird x Avian and Exotic Pet Specialty Hospital in India, and a leading voice in avian and exotic veterinary medicine. Dr Abraham brings a burst of energy and expert insight into the world of birds, rept...

This week we’re delighted to welcome the inspiring Dr Skylar Duck, DVM, a passionate Emergency Veterinarian and content creator making waves in veterinary medicine, both online and in the ER. In this refreshingly honest episode, Dr Duck shares: The real reasons behind essential vet recommendations, spaying, vaccinations, and parvo prevention How her early experiences as the daughter of a vet shape...

In this week’s episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast, we’d like to welcome Dr Tilana Botha, BVSc, Veterinary Advisor at Royal Canin South Africa! In this episode we’re exploring the somewhat controversial topic of prescription diets for pets. Discover the science (and magic!) behind veterinary nutrition, from combating allergies and skin issues to supporting pets with chronic kidney disease. Dr...