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 means
• Why the cost of care is driving an access crisis
• How to balance “gold standard” treatment with welfare-focused care
• The rise of defensive medicine in the profession
• The impact of pet owners’ expectations on clinical decisions
• Why confidence and experience shape better judgement
• Practical tips for affordable pet health care
  

Key Takeaways:

• Pragmatic care isn’t low quality - it’s high welfare and realistic
• Over-treatment can reduce welfare as much as under-treatment
• Communication and trust are key to managing expectations
• Vets need confidence to say “enough” - not everything needs testing
• Vaccination, diet, and prevention remain the best investments in care
  

Resources 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 paws
• How to support a cat through grief after losing a companion
• Nail trimming at home - what to do (and what not to!)
• Tear staining in Chihuahuas and other breeds
• When it’s time to say goodbye - assessing quality of life
• The truth about rising pet insurance costs
• What to expect when your female dog hasn’t had her first season
• Tips for first-time dog guardians working from home
• And… who do I love the most - Rodney or my husband?

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Key Takeaways:

• Always rule out medical causes before assuming a behavioural issue
• Grieving pets need time and stable routines to adjust
• Nail clipping confidence starts with early handling and calm training
• Tear stains are often anatomical, not always treatable
• Quality of life decisions should be guided by mobility, appetite, and engagement
• Insurance costs rise with age - plan early, save, or shop wisely
• Dogs thrive on structure, even when you work from home

Resources 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 society

• Why more pet owners are delaying or avoiding vet visits due to cost

• Stories from owners whose pets have benefitted from the fund

• How charities like Blue Cross are working alongside private practices

• The wider systemic issues in veterinary pricing and accessibility

  
  

Key Takeaways:

• The UK is facing a growing veterinary care crisis

• The Veterinary Care Fund has expanded from 23 to over 1,700 practices in two years

• Many owners are struggling to afford essential treatment for their pets

• Collaboration between charity and private sectors is essential for solutions

• Rising costs and lack of transparency are fuelling inequality in pet ownership

• Access to affordable care is fundamental to animal welfare

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Blue Cross Veterinary Care Fund: ⁠bluecross.org.uk⁠

• For support with pet costs and advice: Blue Cross Support Services⁠

• Follow ⁠@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.

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 work
• How dogs age differently depending on size and breed
• The science of epigenetic clocks and aging
• The extraordinary cases of Bluey and Bobie
• Why weight management is the single biggest factor in longevity
• What senior dogs need compared to younger dogs

Key Takeaways:

• Dogs age rapidly in their early years, then more slowly
• Small breeds often live far longer than giant breeds
• Genetics and environment both shape lifespan
• Knowing your dog’s life stage helps tailor their care
• Healthy weight = healthier, longer life

Resources 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.

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 time
• The welfare risks of over-humanising pets
• Why anthropomorphism can lead to behavioural problems
• The role of language in shaping owner attitudes
• Why “guardian” might be the healthiest mindset for pets and people

Key Takeaways:

• Pets are not property — but they’re not children either
• Anthropomorphism can compromise both physical and behavioural health

• Words matter: they shape how we think about and care for animals

Resources & 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.

• 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-all
  • Why fermentable fibre supports beneficial gut bacteria
  • The role of fibre in managing diarrhoea, anal glands and weight
  • Differences between dog and cat fibre requirements
  • What to look for when choosing a fibre supplement

  
  

  Key Takeaways:

  • Fibre plays a vital role in digestive and overall health
  • Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics all support gut balance
  • Cats have different needs and tolerate fibre differently to dogs
  • Not all fibre is equal! Source, solubility and fermentability matter
  • Supplementation should be gradual to avoid digestive upset

  
  

  Resources & Links:

  • Learn more at Protexin Veterinary
  • For pet health support, visit theconsultroom.co.uk
  • Follow @‌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.

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 heard
• The toll of repeated injuries and social isolation
• How Jules predicts fainting episodes—and how he communicates them
• The impact of assistance dogs on mental health and independence
• Returning to vet school and rebuilding a life with purpose

Key Takeaways:

• POTS can be life-limiting, especially when resistant to treatment
• Jules has given Jade not just safety, but her confidence and freedom back
• Medical alert dogs are trained to respond to an individual's unique scent patterns
• Veterinary students with disabilities face hidden challenges - but also break barriers
• Animals aren’t just companions - they can be lifelines

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Medical Detection Dogs: medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk
• For mental health support, visit Vetlife
• Follow @‌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.

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 redundant
• Why redundancies feel so foreign — and painful — in veterinary care
• How job cuts affect team morale, patient care and mental health
• The rise of corporate cost-cutting and what it means for job stability
• Why open communication and support systems are more important than ever

Key Takeaways:

• Redundancies are becoming more common across the veterinary profession
• Experienced team members are being lost, and not always replaced
• The emotional fallout affects both those who leave and those who stay
• Financially driven decisions may undermine long-term care quality
• There are support systems out there - and it’s vital to use them

Resources Mentioned:

• Vetlife – Mental health support for the veterinary community

• ACAS – Guidance on employee rights and redundancy

• BVU – 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.