The Consult Room

In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore a headline-grabbing idea that’s raising big questions in veterinary medicine - the possibility of an Ozempic-style appetite suppressant for dogs.With around half of dogs in the UK now overweight or obese, researchers are trialling a slow-release implant designed to suppress appetite and support weight loss. At first glance, it sounds like a potential breakthrough. But obesity in dogs is largely a human-created problem, and that raises important ethical, welfare, and responsibility questions.I unpack the science behind GLP-1 implants, the potential benefits for certain dogs, and the concerns vets need to think about carefully - from masking early signs of illness to shifting responsibility away from diet, exercise, and lifestyle.This episode isn’t about rejecting innovation. It’s about asking whether medical solutions should support better care, or replace it?In This Episode:Why dog obesity is one of the biggest welfare challenges todayHow appetite-suppressing implants workThe real causes of pet obesityEthical concerns around medical shortcutsWhy exercise matters beyond weight lossCould appetite suppression mask early disease?Where drugs fit - and where they don’tKey Takeaways:Dogs don’t feed themselves - obesity is a human responsibilityWeight-loss drugs may help some dogs, but won’t fix the root problemExercise is a legal and welfare requirement, not optionalAppetite is a vital clinical warning signEducation, portion control, and lifestyle change remain essentialResources and More Info:🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more episodes and evidence-based advice🐾 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet for insights and discussion🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by Cat Henstridge, better known online as Cat the Vet, to unpack one of the most confusing areas of pet care: nutrition.From raw and grain-free diets to vegan and insect-based foods, we explore how pet owners can separate facts from fads in an industry filled with marketing, misinformation, and social media noise. Cat shares her insights as one of the UK’s most trusted veterinary voices online, tackling myths head-on and highlighting what really matters when it comes to feeding our pets well.Together, we discuss the science behind balanced diets, the rise of pet obesity, the ethics of feeding trends, and how vets can communicate more openly about nutrition without fear of backlash.In This Episode:Why pet food myths spread so easily onlineThe truth about raw, grain-free, and vegan dietsHow marketing and “fear-based” ads influence pet ownersThe importance of complete and balanced nutritionWhy affordability and access must be part of the nutrition debateWhat to look for on pet food packagingHow to spot misinformation on social mediaKey Takeaways:Nutrition is a science - not a trendFear-based marketing undermines trust in vetsComplete and balanced diets can be found at all price pointsSocial media has amplified myths about “natural” and “premium” feedingVets need to be braver and more open when talking about pet dietsResources and More Info:🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet health advice and podcast episodes🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for expert insights and updates📱 Follow @CatTheVet for myth-busting pet content📚 Learn more about pet nutrition at wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? FollowThe Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The Consult Room, I sit down with Alison Thomas, Head of Veterinary Standards at Blue Cross, to ask a challenging question, are we over treating our pets?As the cost of living rises, many owners are finding it harder to afford veterinary care. At the same time, vets face increasing pressure to offer every test and treatment, even when the benefits aren’t always clear. Alison shares her insights from decades of experience in both private and charity practice, explaining why sometimes “doing less” can actually mean delivering better welfare.We explore the concept of pragmatic veterinary care - an approach that’s realistic, affordable, and welfare-first, and discuss how communication, confidence, and compassion can bridge the gap between clinical excellence and everyday practicality.In This Episode:What pragmatic veterinary care really meansWhy the cost of care is driving an access crisisHow to balance “gold standard” treatment with welfare-focused careThe rise of defensive medicine in the professionThe impact of pet owners’ expectations on clinical decisionsWhy confidence and experience shape better judgementPractical tips for affordable pet health careKey Takeaways:Pragmatic care isn’t low quality - it’s high welfare and realisticOver-treatment can reduce welfare as much as under-treatmentCommunication and trust are key to managing expectationsVets need confidence to say “enough” - not everything needs testingVaccination, diet, and prevention remain the best investments in careResources and More Info: 🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet care insights and episodes 🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for behind-the-scenes content 📚 Learn more about Blue Cross and their work at bluecross.org.uk 🎧 Listen to Alison’s recommended author, Atul Gawande, for inspiring insights on medicine and ethics🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

In this special Q&A edition of The Consult Room, I’m joined by my producer and veterinary nurse, Annie Clark, as we answer your pet health questions; from itchy paws to tear stains, insurance dilemmas to grief, and everything in between.Every year at Crufts and across social media, I’m sent hundreds of questions from pet owners, so in this episode, we’re dedicating the mic to you - our listeners.From behaviour and wellness to end-of-life care and first-time ownership, it’s an honest look at the real questions pet guardians ask.In This Episode:Why dogs obsessively lick their pawsHow to support a cat through grief after losing a companionNail trimming at home - what to do (and what not to!)Tear staining in Chihuahuas and other breedsWhen it’s time to say goodbye - assessing quality of lifeThe truth about rising pet insurance costsWhat to expect when your female dog hasn’t had her first seasonTips for first-time dog guardians working from homeAnd… who do I love the most - Rodney or my husband?Key Takeaways:Always rule out medical causes before assuming a behavioural issueGrieving pets need time and stable routines to adjustNail clipping confidence starts with early handling and calm trainingTear stains are often anatomical, not always treatableQuality of life decisions should be guided by mobility, appetite, and engagementInsurance costs rise with age - plan early, save, or shop wiselyDogs thrive on structure, even when you work from homeResources and More Info:🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more advice and episodes🐾 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet for behind-the-scenes updates and Q&A calls📚 Book recommendation: How Animals Grieve by Barbara J. King🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode of The Consult Room asks a pressing question: Is the UK heading for a veterinary care crisis?I’m joined by Dannii Thorington-Neve, Head of Veterinary Strategy at Blue Cross, who leads the charity’s Veterinary Care Fund. Launched in 2023 with just 23 practices, the fund now has over 1,700 practices signed up nationwide - a clear sign that more and more pet owners are struggling to afford veterinary care.Together, we explore what this growth tells us about the UK right now, how poverty and the rising cost of living are shaping pet ownership, and what it means for the future of veterinary healthcare. Along the way, we share stories from pet owners whose lives have been transformed by the fund, and we discuss the bigger systemic questions around affordability, transparency, and the role of charities in bridging the gap.This is a conversation about the realities of modern pet care, the tough choices facing families, and the need for new ways of thinking to keep pets and people together.In This Episode:What the rapid growth of the Veterinary Care Fund tells us about UK societyWhy more pet owners are delaying or avoiding vet visits due to costStories from owners whose pets have benefitted from the fundHow charities like Blue Cross are working alongside private practicesThe wider systemic issues in veterinary pricing and accessibilityKey Takeaways:The UK is facing a growing veterinary care crisisThe Veterinary Care Fund has expanded from 23 to over 1,700 practices in two yearsMany owners are struggling to afford essential treatment for their petsCollaboration between charity and private sectors is essential for solutionsRising costs and lack of transparency are fuelling inequality in pet ownershipAccess to affordable care is fundamental to animal welfareResources & Links:Learn more about the Blue Cross Veterinary Care Fund: ⁠bluecross.org.uk⁠For support with pet costs and advice: Blue Cross Support Services⁠Follow ⁠@DrPaulTheVet⁠ for more episodes and updates💬 Do you think pet ownership is becoming a privilege only for the wealthy? Share your thoughts 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.