Dr Sam Gaines on Firework Season from 2022

With firework now upon us, we bring you our chat with Dr Sam Gaines of the RSPCA from 2022 about how you can start preparing your dog now to deal with fireworks that now start at Halloween, through Bonfire Night, Dwali, Christmas and New Year by learning to see the signs of stress in your dog and to create a safe space for them. Anna and Sam also talk about the progress (or lack there of) of various animal welfare bills currently in Parliament, the increase in dog biting, and a new media campaign to add more breeds to the list of Dangerous Dogs.For more information go to the RSPCA website.If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content. For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

We’re joined by Chloe White (RVN BVNA Certsan ) discussing National Black Cat Day! We unpick all the myth and folklore surrounding these mystic cats , not least why black cats remain in rescue longer than any other coat colour! Discussing Chloe’s role at with Antinol, we chat about the fact that arthritis affects between 60 and 70 percent of all cats. The problem with cats is that they’re so good at disguising pain.  Chloe discusses why Antinol’s Green Lipped Mussel is a supplement that provides a solution . As a new concept offering very clever minimally processed Green Lipped Mussel as an oil, encapsulated in gelatine as an easy ‘tablet’ to offer both cats and dogs. As a broad spectrum high potency Omega 3 , containing both DHA and EPA, its 100% ‘species appropriate’ and bio-available to cats and dogs. Apart from helping with joints and mobility, Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that regulates the immune system, promotes a healthy skin and coat, and fuels bright cognition.Antinol website and InstragramFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

What is the difference between fear and anxiety?This week Anna discusses this with author and animal behaviourist Zazie Todd on the release of her third book called BARK. Add this to her own book shelves along side Zazie’s critically acclaimed books Wag and Purr (see previous episodes).In Bark, Zazie decodes the latest science on fear and anxiety, bearing in mind that 75% of all dogs express some form of anxiety through their life stages including: biting, resource guarding, shyness or aggressive barking.Bark is divided into sections weaving in commentary from leading behavioural experts, a clear explanation of classical conditioning along with true anecdotes from leading lights/experts on their own experiences.Highlighting that fear and anxiety in dogs is not uncommon, and even accomplished trainers have also experienced issues that should be seen as a journey together, turning situations around using positive training methods.Discussing why understanding dogs reactions and why every dog is an individual, Zazie explains why to work slowly, at your dog’s pace, and never to be afraid of going back a few steps as you work with your dog through their life stages.Order your copy of Bark hereFollow Zazie on Instagram For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

Dr Dan O’ Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at Royal Veterinary College, joins us to discuss the latest research from VetCompass on comparing three ‘designer’ cross breeds namely the Cavapoo, Cockapoo and the Labradoodle on whether they are healthier than their ‘pure bred’ parts. Revealing to some surprise that these three mixes are indeed no healthier than their pedigree parents, we chat about bias, stigma and trends that influence dog owners.  We discuss the shift in dog ownership towards these new ‘breeds’, in the wake of much discussion on the health limiting over-exaggerated features of some pedigrees that has caused a shadow to fall across all purebreds. Dr Dan is passionate about ‘Innate Health’ which simply means dogs should be able to express themselves as dogs being able to breathe, run, and communicate as a dog is meant to! We discuss the work that Vet Compass is doing to paint a picture, a Demo-graph, on all aspects of modern post-pandemic dogs and their owners, including husbandry, which is coming soon! For more information visit their website or InstagramFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

We’re joined by Dr Paul Koudounaris talking about his book ‘Faithful until Death’. As a first in terms of investigating Pet Cemeteries all around the world, Paul admits this was a labour of love of 11 years. Revealing the history of pet ownership as in the late Victorian era industrialisation meant more folk moved into cities, creating a new kind of pet husbandry, which included giving them a ’good’ death. Paul explores Cemeteries, and tombs from as far afield as Thailand, across Europe, in the UK and across the USA. We chat about the ridiculous thought that animals do not have souls, as an illogical concept of theology.  We talk about the resistance to burying pets in churchyards, and the people who helped make change with setting up/ building dedicated pet cemeteries. As a massive animal lover, Paul became a pet bereavement councillor for several years as well as tracking down the author of iconic poem : The Rainbow Bridge, and in revealing one of the greatest mysteries, of the Paris Pet Cemetery called Le Cimitières des Chiens in Paris where the iconic canine film legend,  RIn Tin Tin,  is said to be buried. We chat about Tawny the ex circus lion who lived in Beverley Hills and rests in the cemetery in LA, and more! The book takes you on an emotional journey, through which there's comfort in how many have grieved their pets, for a loss that is means losing apart of oneself, and how Pet Cemeteries set in history our love for all animals.  As the late Queen famously said: “Grief is the price of Love.” Faithful Until Death is published by Thames & Hudson or you can buy it hereFollow Paul on Instagram For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

We’re joined by Microbiologist, Dr Carol Hughes, and Rachel Down, the founder of Boil and Broth, to discuss the ground breaking research project called the Biome Broth study. As a world first, the aim is to put Bone Broth to the test to see if adding this age old remedy to dogs’ diets will enhance their microbiome. With 29 dogs taking part, none of whom had had broth before, and on taking this powerful food for only four weeks, their biomes were tested again, and in all cases a remarkable improvement has been seen in this short time-frame. Notably the microbiomes as tested by Dr Carol at Aberystwyth University revealed the cases restoring to a natural balance with bad bacteria strains being reduced, and the good bacteria strains being enhance, along with an increase in the microbial diversity. The project aims to discover more about how Bone Broth interacts with the biome’s bacteria, helping to restore its natural ecosystem, which is responsible for 80 per cent of the immune system. Funds are needed to delve deeper,  focus on a project around cats, even discover what is the magic ingredient of Bone Broth or simply a combination of all its natural assets! So we discuss the Prize Draw crowd funder which hopes to raise funds for further research along with awareness and education as to the health benefits of Bone Broth as a superfood. There’s a chance to win some amazing prizes including ‘free consultancy’ with Anna on achieving overall wellness.PRIZE DRAW pledge for more research Find out more about Dr Carol Hughes here and Boil and Broth hereFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

We’re joined by Pen Farthing is an ex Royal Marine Commando who founded the charity Nowzad to help dogs and cats in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. We chat about the amazing work the charity achieved in sterilising dogs and cats and the vaccinating programs against rabies. Also in re-uniting soldiers across the world with their beloved dog or cat they’d befriended during their tour of duty. Not only that but offering education at a local level about dogs, and helping women realise their dreams in becoming vet nurses and vets at their centre in Nowzad. In August 2021 when the allied forces pulled out of Afghanistan leaving it under Taliban control, Pen set out on a mission to help bring as many people and animals to the UK . He discusses this landmark moment in history, how he refused to abandon his charity’s staff or the rescue animals. And Operation Ark was born. We chat about how the fallout being branded him as a villain, who valued ‘pets over people’ - when nothing was further from the truth! We talk about his book Operation Ark, the cathartic effect of documenting what actually happened, which we discuss in detail. Along with what Pen is working on now in Ukraine and in Afghanistan.Order your copy of Operation Ark here and follow on Instagram @nawzadrescue and @penfarthingBattersea's InstagramFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

This week Anna returns to Battersea to visit the cats at Battersea’s London HQ as the second in our double bill raising awareness for Wear Blue For Rescue at a time when the charity is at capacity for its cat residents.  Chatting to JoAnna Puzzo , Cat Behaviourist and Training Manager  to find out more about the growing number of abandoned cats in the Charity’s care, how they’re rehabilitated with behavioural and veterinary care. Particularly as Battersea  is currently at capacity with the most abandoned, gifted and stray cats ever! With a look inside their new cat facility where the residents have amazing cabins, pods or studios packed with every aspect of enrichment. Rehabilitating up to 145 cats across the Charity’s three sites at any one time, JoAnna explains that she’s never surprised by the range of feline personalities.  As a massive cat lover herself we discuss many of the cat traits that are still to be defined by science! In so much as cats are considered about 10,000 years behind dogs in their domestication. We talk about how cats decided to domesticate themselves! And about how the Charity matches cats to their forever homes, ensuring a match that is ‘forever’ and being aware of the fact that every cat is an individual. Even to how the cats at Battersea get named and about how people can apply to become a Battersea volunteer.  #WearBlueforRescueSupport Battersea's Wear Blue for Rescue to show your love for rescue animals, everywhere. ​ Because together, we're all in, for them. Battersea.org.uk/wearblueforrescue #WearBlueforRescueBattersea's InstagramFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]

Celebrating Wear Blue for Rescue month at Battersea, Anna spent a morning at the London HQ to record a double bill! In this part one we’re talking to Lucy Stratton, the Dog Team Leader at Battersea. We have the pleasure of meeting Bil,l a 10 month old mix breed found abandoned, and now looking for his forever home. Lucy reiterates Battersea’s matching process, similar to a dating app that ensure that you and your prospective pooch are a match made in heaven for the best chances of a long happy life together. We discuss how every dog is an individual and how training and rehabilitation programs differ. With some dogs better suited to a more rural environment in either Battersea’s Brand's Hatch or Windsor facilities. With abandonment at record levels, Lucy explains how heart breaking it is if owners are forced, through no fault of their own, but down to circumstance, to handover their dogs. The team offer emotional support without any judgement and if the owners want can receive updates.We chat about Wear Blue for Rescue and how this annual campaign goes to highlight that rescues make the best pets, especially as the selection process should ensure a perfect fit. For animals and humans alike, Battersea's Wear Blue for Rescue offers plenty of ways for everyone to get involved and show their love for rescue. Buy an item featuring the Rescue symbol from our online shop, or sign-up for a free pin badge or pet tag for you or your pet to proudly display wherever you go. If you prefer to get active, sign-up for Walk for Rescue, Battersea’s dog walking challenge, and raise vital funds with your furry friend by your side. Alternatively, rally your friends, family or colleagues and raise funds your way, no matter how big or small, with every penny making a huge difference to the lives of rescue dogs and cats, everywhere.​​We discuss how adopting a rescue has so many benefits for the humans involved too - not least in the process that is so rewarding at a time when dogs are considered to be in crisis.We chat about how over Battersea’s 160 years, over three million dogs have been successfully re-homed. Their aim is to continue this legacy at the recently refurbished and expanded London HQ that benefits from special rooms that mirror a home environment for de-sensitisation, lovely gardens and exercise zones planted with dog friendly herbs for extra interest. And the message that no dog is ever turned away and they can stay as long as it takes to find them the perfect forever home. Support Battersea's Wear Blue for Rescue to show your love for rescue animals, everywhere. ​ Because together, we're all in, for them. Battersea.org.uk/wearblueforrescue #WearBlueforRescueBattersea's InstagramFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: [email protected]