Paws and Effect

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...

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 “...