Pete Wedderburn

Pete the Vet's Podcast

Science EN ↓ 398 episodes

I am a veterinary surgeon with a passion for communicating my love of my work through writing, radio, television and the internet. My mission is to use the media to act as an advocate on behalf of animals. I work in a busy 5 vet practice in Bray, Co Wicklow, Ireland, but I spend 50% of my working week on media work. I've been broadcasting a weekly "vet spot" on my local radio station, East Coast FM, for the past thirty years, and I'm delighted, through Soundcloud, to now make this weekly animal-related discussion available globally as a podcast.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.petethevet.com

Author

Pete Wedderburn

Category

Science

Podcast website

www.petethevet.com

Latest episode

Sep 18, 2026

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Episodes

The emotional turmoil around the death of a pet 18.09.2026

Why does losing a pet hurt so much? Pete the Vet explores pet bereavement, the reality of disenfranchised grief, the process of euthanasia, and ways to set up meaningful healing rituals.

Why are veterinary bills so high? 08.09.2026

Why are veterinary bills so high? by Pete Wedderburn

Pete the Vet with host Killian on Ruby Rees Tuesday Talks 21.08.2026

Join host Killian and Pete the Vet on Ruby Rees Tuesday Talks as they explore the profound, evolving relationship between humans and their pets. Pete reflects on 40 years of veterinary practice, sharing how our companion animals act as everyday models of mindfulness and why veterinary care has transformed into modern, contextual medicine. From common misconceptions around tail wagging to navigatin...

The Irish law on dogs being kept on leads 18.08.2026

The Irish law on dogs being kept on leads by Pete Wedderburn

The risk from blue-green algae to dogs 29.07.2026

Protect your dog from toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) this summer. Pete the Vet explains symptoms, immediate action steps, and how to spot toxic water.

Why Summer is the Best Time to Adopt a Puppy (And How to Do It Ethically) 24.07.2026

Thinking of getting a dog? Pete the Vet explains why summer is the best season for puppy training, the benefits of rescue adoption, and how to spot puppy farm red flags.

Tips from the vet on holiday care for dogs 23.07.2026

Planning a summer trip? Pete the Vet shares essential tips on boarding kennels, pet sitters, travel passports, and helping your dog recover from post-holiday stress.

The Polarizing Debate on Cats and Wildlife 09.07.2026

Is it time to restrict domestic cats to protect Irish wildlife? Pete the Vet weighs in on the polarized debate, shares tips to curb hunting behavior, and offers seasonal advice for garden hedgehogs.

Vets After Hours & Understanding Pet Emotions with Pete the Vet 01.07.2026

Pete the Vet marks 35 years of practicing in Bray by sharing how emergency veterinary care has evolved since 1991. Discover how the industry shifted from grueling on-call rotas to 24-hour dedicated emergency clinics across the Dublin area. Pete also dives into fascinating new MRI research on whether dogs truly sense human emotions and feel jealousy, provides essential advice for owners dealing wit...

Hot Weather Hazards: How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer 24.06.2026

With warm weather finally hitting the country, senior veterinarian Pete Wedderburn ddogsiscusses essential summer pet safety. Learn how dogs actually cool themselves down, why walking your dog on a sunny afternoon can trigger life-threatening heatstroke, and what to do in an emergency. Plus, Pete answers listener questions about veterinary costs, out-of-hours care, and how to access affordable tre...

The Reality of Pet Pregnancies: What You Need to Know 23.06.2026

In this podcast, discover essential advice on navigating pet pregnancies, from critical antenatal vet care and nutrition tips to the importance of early socialization for a healthy litter.

Chocolate toxicity in dogs - a year-round threat 07.05.2026

Expert vet Pete Wedderburn discusses safety tips, explaining why common treats like chocolate and common flowers like beautiful lilies can be life-threatening to our dogs and cats.

The evolution of the veterinary profession in the UK 25.03.2026

In response to the Competition and Markets Authority report on the UK veterinary profession, I did an interview for BBC Radio Scotland: they sent me this audio file of my responses to their questions so it sounds one-sided (only my voice) but the recording does highlight the points I wanted to make.

The Science of Slumber: Decoding Your Pet’s Sleep Habits 24.03.2026

It may seem like our cats and dogs do little else but snooze, but there is quite a lot going on behind those twitching whiskers and paddling paws. Understanding their sleep patterns is essential for any dedicated pet owner. This week's podcast helps to explain what's going on.

How to Choose the Best Holiday Care for Your Pets: A Stress-Free Guide 24.03.2026

What’s the best way to handle pet care during the holidays? Between professional sitters and specialized boarding, the options are more varied than ever. Here is how to choose the one that fits your pet’s personality—and your budget.

Breeding for Health, Not Just Looks: A Vet’s Perspective 10.03.2026

New data shows that over 25% of UK dogs are bred with physical traits—like flat faces or shortened legs—that limit their ability to simply breathe and move freely. It’s time we prioritize function over fashion. Listen to this podcast to find out more

Garden hazards for pets: 10 min podcast 09.03.2026

Gardens are meant to be places for playing and relaxing. Make sure that your garden is safe for your pets. This short podcast highlights the main hazards for dogs and cats.

Pets and tech: how the digital era helps pet health. 10 min podcast. 16.02.2026

Technology is helping us monitor pet health, spotting illnesses before they are serious. Listen here to find out how.

Caring for your pet's teeth: 10 min podcast 15.02.2026

This week, we discuss dental disease in dogs and cats. Tooth brushing or dental chews? What's the best way to care for your pet's teeth?

Pete the Vet answering listeners' questions on Newstalk 15.02.2026

I joined Emmet Oliver on Newstalk's Weekend Show to answer a range of listeners' questions, including indoor-only cats, choosing a new dog, the perennial flea problem and more.

10 min podcast: the risks of taking photos of pets and people together 11.02.2026

People love posting photos of their pets online, but sometimes, there are risks in posing with your face close to your pet. Listen here for more.

10 min podcast: helping pets cope in stormy weather 03.02.2026

Animals can be very stressed in stormy weather. This short discussion outliines the main issues, and what can be done to make it easier for our pets

10 min podcast: cloning dogs, DNA testing dog poops and other bits & pieces 26.01.2026

In this week's podcast, we discuss cloning dogs, DNA testing dog poops, rescuing dogs across Ireland, and finally, a listener's query about her two dogs having arguments.

10 min podcast: update on the swan sanctuary in my local town, Bray 19.01.2026

There are over a hundred swans living in the harbour of my home town, in Bray, County Wicklow. Local volunteers have establised a team that monitors this "Swan Sanctuary". This short podcast provides an update on issues affecting these much-loved birds.

10 min podcast: illegal puppy farming and export from Ireland to UK and Europe 18.01.2026

The issue of illegal farming and export of puppies from Ireland to the UK and Europe is an ongoing issue which is discussed in this short podcast

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