The Consult Room

• How Old Is Your Dog in Human Years? Why the 7-Year Rule Is Wrong.

  We’ve all heard it: “One dog year equals seven human years.” But it’s wrong - and in this episode of The Consult Room, I explain why.From the rapid aging dogs experience in their early years, to the role of breed, size, genetics, and even new anti-aging research, this episode explores what really determines a dog’s lifespan. Most importantly, it’s about how knowing your dog’s true biological age can help you give them the best care at every stage of life.In This Episode:Why the 7-to-1 rule doesn’t workHow dogs age differently depending on size and breedThe science of epigenetic clocks and agingThe extraordinary cases of Bluey and BobieWhy weight management is the single biggest factor in longevityWhat senior dogs need compared to younger dogsKey Takeaways:Dogs age rapidly in their early years, then more slowlySmall breeds often live far longer than giant breedsGenetics and environment both shape lifespanKnowing your dog’s life stage helps tailor their careHealthy weight = healthier, longer lifeResources and More Info:🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more advice and resources📊 Learn more about Loyal’s research into canine longevity: http://loyalfordogs.com🐾 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet for daily insights and updates🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

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• Do We Love Our Pets Too Much? The Hidden Cost of the Pet Parent Era

  Do we love our pets too much, and could it be harming them?In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore the dramatic shift in how we view our pets - from animals that fit into family life to “fur babies” at the heart of it. We’ll look at the benefits of closer bonds, but also the hidden welfare risks when pets are treated like humans.From the rise of “pet parents” to why I now call myself a “guardian,” this episode is about finding a balance between love and species-specific care.In This Episode:How pet ownership has changed over timeThe welfare risks of over-humanising petsWhy anthropomorphism can lead to behavioural problemsThe role of language in shaping owner attitudesWhy “guardian” might be the healthiest mindset for pets and peopleKey Takeaways:Pets are not property — but they’re not children eitherAnthropomorphism can compromise both physical and behavioural healthWords matter: they shape how we think about and care for animalsResources & Links🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet health advice and resources📊 Read the UK survey from Purina: Purina Pet Ownership Survey📚 Learn more from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute: https://habri.org/🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for daily insights and updates🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

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• Poo Talk: Is Fibre the Secret to Your Pet’s Health?

  In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by Ronan Fitzgerald, a veterinary technical advisor with a specialist interest in nutrition. We’re talking all things fibre, and why it might just be one of the most underrated tools in pet health.From the differences between soluble, insoluble, and fermentable fibre to the growing science of the gut microbiome, we explore how fibre supports digestion, immunity, weight management, and even behavioural health. We also look at how fibre interacts with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, and why quality and gradual introduction are key when choosing a supplement.Whether you're a vet, a pet owner, or just fibre-curious, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of why gut health really matters, and how a scoop of fibre might make all the difference.In This Episode:How fibre works in the body, and why it’s not one-size-fits-allWhy fermentable fibre supports beneficial gut bacteriaThe role of fibre in managing diarrhoea, anal glands and weightDifferences between dog and cat fibre requirementsWhat to look for when choosing a fibre supplementKey Takeaways:Fibre plays a vital role in digestive and overall healthPrebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics all support gut balanceCats have different needs and tolerate fibre differently to dogsNot all fibre is equal! Source, solubility and fermentability matterSupplementation should be gradual to avoid digestive upsetResources & Links:Learn more at Protexin VeterinaryFor pet health support, visit theconsultroom.co.ukFollow @‌DrPaulTheVet for more episodes and updates💬 Got a question about fibre or pet nutrition? Drop it in the comments or tag me on social media.📲 If you enjoyed the episode, follow and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast.

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• The Dog Who Changed Everything: The Remarkable Story of Jade and Jules

  This episode of The Consult Room is a story of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary bond between a vet student and her assistance dog.I’m joined by Jade, a veterinary student living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that caused her to collapse without warning, forcing her to leave vet school and putting her dreams on hold. That is, until she met Jules, an alert assistance dog trained by Medical Detection Dogs.Jules gives Jade minutes of warning before an episode strikes, allowing her to stay safe. Since being matched with him, Jade hasn’t had a single injury or hospital admission. Together, they’ve returned to vet school, and Jade is pursuing her dream again - with Jules at her side every step of the way.This is an inspiring conversation about the life-changing power of support animals, the impact of invisible illness, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when everything feels impossible.In This Episode:Living with undiagnosed POTS and the struggle to be heardThe toll of repeated injuries and social isolationHow Jules predicts fainting episodes—and how he communicates themThe impact of assistance dogs on mental health and independenceReturning to vet school and rebuilding a life with purposeKey Takeaways:POTS can be life-limiting, especially when resistant to treatmentJules has given Jade not just safety, but her confidence and freedom backMedical alert dogs are trained to respond to an individual's unique scent patternsVeterinary students with disabilities face hidden challenges - but also break barriersAnimals aren’t just companions - they can be lifelinesResources & Links:Learn more about Medical Detection Dogs: medicaldetectiondogs.org.ukFor mental health support, visit VetlifeFollow @‌DrPaulTheVet for more episodes and updates💬 Has a pet changed your life in an unexpected way? Share your story in the comments or tag me on social media.📲 Don’t forget to follow and leave a review—it helps more people discover these important conversations.

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• Is Job Security Over in Veterinary Medicine? Redundancy and Its Impact on Animal Care

  Redundancy has never really been part of the veterinary conversation - until now.In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by veterinary nurse Annie Clark, who shares her deeply personal experience of being made redundant. We talk about the emotional toll, the changing realities of job security in our sector, and what these shifts could mean for animal care, team wellbeing, and the future of the profession.I also offer my own reflections on the broader landscape, from workforce shortages to financial pressures, and explore how we can better support colleagues going through this difficult process.In This Episode:Annie's first-hand account of being made redundantWhy redundancies feel so foreign — and painful — in veterinary careHow job cuts affect team morale, patient care and mental healthThe rise of corporate cost-cutting and what it means for job stabilityWhy open communication and support systems are more important than everKey Takeaways:Redundancies are becoming more common across the veterinary professionExperienced team members are being lost, and not always replacedThe emotional fallout affects both those who leave and those who stayFinancially driven decisions may undermine long-term care qualityThere are support systems out there - and it’s vital to use themResources Mentioned:Vetlife – Mental health support for the veterinary communityACAS – Guidance on employee rights and redundancyBVU – British Veterinary Union – Advice and representation for veterinary staff💬 Have redundancies affected your team? Let us know in the comments or tag @‌DrPaulTheVet to share your experience.

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