Paws and Effect

Join us this week as we explore how to make veterinary visits stress-free for your feline friends. We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Simon Dommett, a Veterinary Partner at Midlands Veterinary Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This Veterinary practice holds the distinction of being the first in Africa to achieve Gold Certification as a Cat Friendly Clinic from the International Society of Fe...

It’s another episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast! This week I’m joined by the esteemed Dr Christian, a zoological medicine resident from the University of Florida ( https://www.instagram.com/dr.christiandvm ). In this episode we take a thrilling look into the world of exotic pet ownership! Dr Christian and I chat about the long-term commitment and resources that some exotic pets require, and...

In this episode we are joined by expert guest Dr Derisha Reddy. Together, we explore crucial aspects of pet maternity and we give valuable insights for pet owners and enthusiasts. Highlights of the discussion include: Understanding post-birth behaviours in mother dogs, such as umbilical cord care and placenta consumption. The importance of minimal interference during the birthing process to reduce...

In this episode, "Senior Pets and How Regular Vet Visits Catch Hidden Problems." we have Dr Amanda joining us - a dedicated veterinarian from Ohio, USA who specialises in senior pet care. We discuss the following topics and more in todays episode: The importance of having regular vet visits in catching hidden problems in our ageing pets The signs of dementia in senior pets The tough deci...

Losing a pet is heartbreaking, but guiding our children through this painful journey can be even more challenging. In this Paws & Effect episode, life and business coach Sarah Rogers joins me to share her personal story of losing her beloved dog, Harry, and how she helped her kids cope. We explore age-appropriate communication, involving children in the grieving process, and modelling healthy...

Dr. Carra meets the renowned "Dogfather," Graeme Hall who is known for his exceptional skills in dog training and behaviour management, Graeme shares insights drawn from his vast experience and his popular show on CBS Reality, “Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly” https://www.youtube.com/@DogsBehavingVeryBadly . With a new season launching soon in South Africa, there's never been a better tim...

In this episode, we welcome back Dr Pieter Hanekom from Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital ( https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ ) and we will be diving into the complex but manageable world of diabetes in pets. We'll discuss what diabetes mellitus is, the surprising fact that pets can indeed suffer from this condition, and the noticeable symptoms like excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss despite...

This compassionate and informative episode aims to provide pet owners and professionals with the knowledge, practical advice, and emotional support needed when facing end-of-life decisions for pets. Sr Kat and Dr Carra encourage bravery and a focus on what is truly in the best interest of our beloved animal companions. Sr Kat is a dedicated pet healthcare advocate from Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic...

I join Dr. Nic to explore a range of topics from acute and chronic skin issues to the importance of preventing ear infections and hot spots. They dive into the effects of cortisone, managing allergies, and the role of organic fruit and veg in promoting pet health. You'll also hear tips on protecting pets from UV light, the best practices for flea and tick prevention, and why it's crucial t...

Managing your pet's pain is a journey that requires understanding, patience, and the right professional guidance. In this episode, we sit down with the knowledgeable and compassionate Dr Emma Brown, from Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital ( https://hillcrestvets.co.za ), to delve into one of the most critical aspects of pet care: managing pain in our beloved pets. Dr Emma Brown brings her wealth of...

We're diving deep into the world of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in our beloved pets with Dr. Nicky Hogan. In this episode, we'll explore the significance of baseline blood work, early detection, and the importance of comprehensive health assessments. Dr. Hogan will shed light on the often-hidden symptoms of CKD, discuss its irreversible nature, and share practical tips on diet management...

Dr Reddy, an experienced veterinarian, specialises in diagnosing and treating digestive issues in pets. With a focus on common problems like vomiting, she helps identify causes such as dietary changes or ingestion of irritants. Dr Reddy's expertise ensures pets receive the best care, preventing issues from becoming serious and guiding owners towards maintaining their pets' health and well-...

In this episode we are joined by our special guest, Daniel Stewart - a popular animal behaviourist, to delve into the critical topic of bite prevention and living safely with our furry friends. We’ll explore why dogs bite, addressing common triggers like fear, pain, or reactionary responses, and discuss the physical signs that can help us understand a dog's emotional state. We'll debunk my...

We're setting out to demystify one of the most pressing issues in the veterinary profession—financial challenges and fees. We're fortunate to have Dr Megan Wassung with us, the passionate and insightful owner of Vet on Main in Kloof, South Africa. Together, we'll delve into the realities of running a veterinary clinic, from small profit margins and high operational costs to the seasona...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined again by our friend of the show, Dr Nic Stirk from (Watercrest Vets) (https://watercrestvet.co.za/), as we explore the many facets of feeding our furry friends raw food. Have you ever wondered if raw food diets are truly beneficial for your pets? Or maybe you're concerned about issues like nutritional balance, pathogen risks, and those alarming st...

As always, I'm your host, Dr Carra, and today I'm thrilled to be joined by the extraordinary Dr Katie Edmonds, a veterinarian and pet lover who brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion on pet scams. Together, we discuss avoiding fraudulent pet transactions and we also share our personal experiences—both the heartwarming successes and the heartbreaking ones. 🐶🐱 Dr Katie shares her h...

Welcome to this special episode of the "Paws & Effect Podcast." Today, we have a special treat for you as Dr. Carra, who usually hosts our show, steps into the guest seat for the very first time. Listen in as we turn the tables and get to know the heart and mind behind this podcast. In this episode, our previous guest Matthew interviews Dr. Carra, delving into her vibrant career in v...

This Episode is made possible by Ultra Pet, South Africa's very own Ultra Pet premium pet food. Discover Ultra’s Pet SuperWoof Large Puppy, the essential nutrition solution tailored for your growing large breed pup! Packed with high-quality protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, this formula supports healthy digestion, strong bones, a shiny coat, and more. Give your puppy the best start with...

In this episode, we're focusing on the best practices for feeding, the importance of exercise, and the often overlooked aspect of portion control with Sr Kat from Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic . Whether you're dealing with a puppy needing careful weight management for healthy development or a senior pet that’s slightly overweight, you're sure to find valuable advice. Plus, we’ll discuss...

Is your pet greedy or needy? Building on our previous discussions about the alarming statistics and causes of pet overeating, I explore practical strategies to help your pets maintain a healthy diet. We’ll cover everything from portion control and the importance of a feeding schedule to psychological strategies to address overeating. Plus, we have some exciting product recommendations and special...

More than 50% of pets in South Africa are overweight or obese, leading to serious health issues. This episode will offer insights into identifying overeating in pets, distinguishing between physiological and psychological hunger, and understanding the factors contributing to this worrying trend. Additionally, we'll explore practical strategies to prevent overeating and promote a healthier life...

In this episode, we delve into the challenges of managing seizures and epilepsy in pets. Our special guest, Dr. Pieter Hanekom from Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital (https://hillcrestvets.co.za/) uncovers the complexities of managing seizures in our furry friends. Seizures can be a frightening experience for both pets and their owners. But with the right knowledge and support, managing this condition...

This Episode is made possible by Ultra Pet, South Africa's very own Ultra Pet premium pet food. Is your cat overweight? Extra weight can harm your cat's health, increasing the risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Ultra Pets Metabo-lite diet food is expertly formulated for weight management while maintaining lean muscle mass. It contains lean fresh meat for protein. Ideally, i...

This Episode is made possible by Ultra Pet, South Africa's very own Ultra Pet premium pet food. Discover Ultra Pet SuperWoof Large Puppy, the essential nutrition solution tailored for your growing large breed pup! Packed with high-quality protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this formula supports healthy digestion, strong bones, a shiny coat, and more. Give your puppy the best start with Ul...

We discuss a serious and potentially fatal condition affecting our feline companions, particularly our male cats, the case of urinary obstruction or blockage. Urinary obstruction are quite common in male cats and can quickly turn into an emergency. Today, we're discussing how you can spot the warning signs like straining in the litter box or not urinating at all, which need immediate attention...