Emergency Vet Care

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Annie Dowell-Caffrey, Community Education and Engagement Officer at The Muzzle Movement, to talk openly about muzzles and the stigma that still surrounds them.Annie shares the story behind The Muzzle Movement, from a small Instagram community to a worldwide business, and explains the many reasons a dog may wear a muzzle - from scavenging and over-exuberant play to veterinary visits, travel and breed-specific legislation. She covers what to look for in a well-fitting muzzle, including pant space, anatomy and ease of cleaning, and why some muzzle styles raise real welfare concerns.The conversation also walks through how to introduce a muzzle positively, step by step, why a muzzle should never be used to push a dog beyond their comfort zone, and why a muzzled dog is often a sign of a responsible, proactive guardian.A thoughtful, practical listen for anyone who has ever wondered about muzzles.Websites & Social MediaThe Muzzle MovementWebsite: themuzzlemovement.comInstagram: @the.muzzle.movementRuby ReeseWebsite: ruby-reese.ieInstagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ieWebsite: dognutrition.ieInstagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Hannah and Molly, registered veterinary nurses and managers at Village Vets Ashbourne, for a genuinely eye-opening conversation about emergency and critical care for pets.Hannah and Molly explain how out-of-hours veterinary care is structured in Ireland and walk through the wide range of cases they see - from road traffic accidents and toxin ingestion to wasp stings, drug ingestion and post-operative complications. They share a detailed breakdown of the household and seasonal hazards that most commonly bring pets through their doors, including chocolate, xylitol, lilies, grapes, rat poison, human medication and even raw dough.The conversation covers what to do - and what not to do - in an emergency, why making a pet vomit at home is not always appropriate, and how the team approaches triage from the first phone call. Hannah and Molly also address common myths around vaccines, grapes and chocolate, and make a strong case for taking out pet insurance from day one.A must-listen episode for every pet owner.This episode is sponsored by Village Vets, caring for pets across Ireland since 1980. Find out more at villagevets.ie.Websites & Social MediaVillage Vets Ashbourne (24-hour emergency hospital)Website: villagevets.ie/clinics/ashbourne-vetsInstagram: @villagevetsashbourneVillage VetsWebsite: villagevets.ieInstagram: @villagevets.irelandRuby ReeseWebsite: ruby-reese.ieInstagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ieWebsite: dognutrition.ieInstagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian sits down with Glen Patten, founder of Pawprints Cremation, for a gentle and genuinely important conversation about a topic that does not get nearly enough attention.Glen shares how a combination of personal loss, a gap in the market and a deep love for animals led him to establish Ireland's first individual pet cremation service in 2011. He walks through the full process - from collection and traceability to the return of ashes - and explains the rigorous licensing and inspection requirements that govern the service. The conversation also covers the wide range of keepsakes available, from paw prints and nose prints to jewellery containing ashes, and why even planning ahead while a pet is still alive can make an enormous difference when the time comes.Glen shares some remarkable stories from over a decade of supporting families - including rushing to complete a cremation for a family visiting from the UK who could not leave Ireland without their pet - and offers practical advice on what to look for when choosing a cremation provider.A quietly powerful listen for any dog owner.Websites & Social MediaPawprints CremationWebsite: pawprintscremation.ieInstagram: @pawprintscremationRuby ReeseWebsite: ruby-reese.ieInstagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ieWebsite: dognutrition.ieInstagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Sorcha Delargy, lead vet and practice partner at Village Vets Raheny, for a practical and reassuring conversation about fear free veterinary care.Sorcha explains what the fear free approach actually means - caring for animals in the least stressful way possible while still delivering excellent medicine - and why it is a win for pets, owners and vets alike. She walks through the signs of stress and anxiety to look out for in dogs and cats, what owners can do at home and on the day to help, and how her team approaches consultations differently to build trust and keep animals calm.The conversation also covers the importance of starting positive vet experiences from puppyhood, how fear free becomes even more important as dogs age, and why a fear free approach never means avoiding necessary treatment - just delivering it in a more thoughtful and planned way.A genuinely helpful episode for anyone who has ever felt anxious about bringing their pet to the vet.This episode is sponsored by Village Vets, caring for pets across Ireland since 1980. Find out more at villagevets.ie.Websites & Social MediaVillage VetsWebsite: villagevets.ieInstagram: @villagevets.ireland @villagevetsrahenyRuby ReeseWebsite: ruby-reese.ieInstagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ieWebsite: dognutrition.ieInstagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is rejoined by Suzi Walsh, animal behaviourist and founder of dogbehaviour.ie, for a wide-ranging and genuinely enjoyable conversation about the importance of play for dogs.Suzi unpacks what play actually means - and why it looks different for every dog depending on breed, age, history and personality. She explains how play supports brain development, emotional regulation and bonding, and what the science tells us about what happens in the brain during play. The conversation covers solo play, interspecies play, and the often underestimated value of playing directly with your own dog.Suzi also addresses some of the biggest misconceptions around play - including the myth that dogs should want to play with every dog they meet, the problems with over-relying on fetch, and why a tired dog is not always a happy one. She shares how play features in her behaviour modification work and why mixing up activities - particularly those that involve sniffing and problem-solving - is so important for mental wellbeing.A warm, practical and thought-provoking listen for every dog owner.Websites & Social MediaSuzi Walsh - dogbehaviour.ie Website: dogbehaviour.ie Instagram: @dogbehaviour.ieRuby Reese Website: ruby-reese.ie Instagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ie Website: dognutrition.ie Instagram: @dognutrition.ieReferences:Affenzeller, N., Palme, R. & Zulch, H. (2017). Playful activity post-learning improves training performance in Labrador Retriever dogs. Physiology & Behavior.Beerda, B. et al. (1997). Manifestations of chronic and acute stress in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.Beerda, B. et al. (1998). Behavioural, saliva cortisol and heart rate responses to different types of stimuli in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.Horváth, Z. et al. (2008). Affiliative and disciplinary behaviour of human handlers during play with their dog affects cortisol concentrations in opposite directions. Hormones and Behavior.Miller, S. L. et al. (2022). The importance of evaluating positive welfare characteristics and temperament in working therapy dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.Rooney, N. J. & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2003). Links between play and dominance and attachment dimensions of dog–human relationships. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.Rossi, A. et al. (2018). Hormonal correlates of exploratory and play-soliciting behavior in domestic dogs. Frontiers in Psychology.Shiverdecker, M. D., Schiml, P. A. & Hennessy, M. B. (2013). Human interaction moderates plasma cortisol and behavioral responses of dogs to shelter housing. Physiology & Behavior.Sipple, N. et al. (2021). Intraspecific and interspecific attachment between cohabitant dogs and human caregivers. Integrative and Comparative Biology.Chmelíková, E. et al. (2020). Salivary cortisol as a marker of acute stress in dogs: a review. Domestic Animal Endocrinology. Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Neil O'Sullivan, Veterinary Surgeon at Village Vets Cloyne, for an eye-opening conversation about soft tissue surgery and orthopaedics in dogs.Neil explains the key differences between the two disciplines, what recovery looks like for each, and why post-operative care at home plays such a crucial role in the success of any procedure. He shares practical advice on spotting the early signs of pain or reduced mobility, when to call the vet, and how to tell the difference between a minor issue and something that needs prompt attention.The conversation also covers cruciate ligament injuries, developmental conditions such as hip dysplasia and OCD, breed predispositions to joint problems, and how weight management and age-appropriate exercise can make a real difference - particularly in large and giant breed puppies. Neil also addresses some common myths around surgery and offers a thoughtful takeaway for every dog owner.This episode is sponsored by Village Vets, caring for pets across Ireland since 1980. Find out more at villagevets.ie. And if you are interested in their Pet Health Plan you can find out more at https://www.villagevets.ie/pet-health-planWebsites & Social MediaVillage Vets Website: villagevets.ie Instagram: @villagevets.irelandRuby Reese Website: ruby-reese.ie Instagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ie Website: dognutrition.ie Instagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Pete Wedderburn - widely known as Pete the Vet - veterinary surgeon at Village Vets in Bray and one of Ireland's most recognisable voices in animal welfare and pet care.Pete shares his remarkable journey from vet school in Edinburgh to working in Africa, travelling the world, and eventually settling in Ireland - where he has been practising for over 35 years. He reflects on how the human-pet relationship has changed dramatically over that time, and what that means for veterinary care today.The conversation covers common misconceptions around pet behaviour, exotic animals and vet costs, the importance of pet insurance, and why animals are such powerful models of mindfulness. Pete also shares what drew him to media work, the philosophy behind always saying yes to opportunities, and introduces his own wonderful cast of dogs, cats and hens.This episode is sponsored by Village Vets, caring for pets across Ireland since 1980. Find out more at villagevets.ie. And if you are interested in their Pet Health Plan you can find out more at https://www.villagevets.ie/pet-health-plan Websites & Social MediaPete the Vet Website: petethevet.com Instagram: @pete.wedderburnVillage Vets Website: villagevets.ie Instagram: @villagevets.irelandRuby Reese Website: ruby-reese.ie Instagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ie Website: dognutrition.ie Instagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined in the studio by Chris O'Keeffe, dog nutritionist and co-founder of dognutrition.ie, for a practical guide to decoding dog food labels.Chris explains why the front of a packet is largely marketing, and why the ingredients list on the back is where the real information lies. He walks through how ingredients are ordered by weight in their pre-dried state - and why this can be misleading - before breaking down the difference between terms like chicken, poultry and meat derivatives, and what ingredient splitting really means.The conversation also covers regulated terms such as organic, complete, complementary and life stage claims, contrasted with unregulated buzzwords like natural, holistic, premium and grain free. Chris shares the red flags he looks out for as a nutritionist, the most common mistakes dog owners make when reading labels, and what he would like to see changed in pet food regulation.An essential listen for anyone who wants to make more confident choices at the pet food aisle.Want to learn more? Use the discount code Podcast30 to save 30 on our canine nutrition course at ruby-reese.ie.Websites & Social MediaRuby ReeseWebsite: ruby-reese.ieInstagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ieWebsite: dognutrition.ieInstagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.Chapter List00:16 Introduction and episode overview01:26 Welcome to Chris O'Keeffe, dog nutritionist and co-founder of dognutrition.ie01:40 Why the front of the packet is just marketing03:03 The ingredients list - the most important part of any label03:37 How ingredients are ordered by weight04:16 How ingredients lists can be misleading05:39 The mixing bowl stage and water weight explained07:16 Why fresh and natural do not always mean what we think07:50 The case for dry matter labelling09:56 When percentages have to be declared10:24 Dog nutrition course mention and discount code11:37 Chicken, poultry and meat derivatives - what is the difference?13:20 Vague ingredient terms and food intolerances14:15 Does a longer or shorter ingredients list mean better quality?15:44 Ingredient splitting explained17:32 FEDIAF, AAFCO and what certifications actually mean18:38 Complete and balanced - what it really means20:28 Complete versus complementary for raw feeders21:13 Regulated versus unregulated buzzwords23:57 Grain free - what it does and does not tell you25:40 Fillers, byproducts and other unregulated terms28:16 The biggest label reading mistakes dog owners make29:44 Red flags to look out for on pet food packaging32:21 What Chris would change about pet food labelling33:07 Closing thoughts

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Claire O'Donnell, veterinary physiotherapist and owner of the Canine Clinic in Cork, for a deep dive into clinical hydrotherapy for dogs.Claire explains how hydrotherapy differs from ordinary swimming, breaking down the properties of water - buoyancy, resistance, hydrostatic pressure and warmth - that make it such a powerful rehabilitation environment. She covers the most common conditions she treats, from cruciate repairs and hip dysplasia to spinal conditions, soft tissue injuries, weight management and age-related mobility issues, and walks through what a typical session looks like from start to finish.The conversation also explores the growing case for preventative care, the parallels between human and canine rehabilitation, and how hydrotherapy can sometimes help dogs avoid surgery altogether - as it did for Killian's own dog, Ruby.A practical and eye-opening episode for any dog guardian curious about what hydrotherapy really involves.Websites & Social MediaThe Canine Clinic Website: thecanineclinic.com Instagram: @thecanineclinicandspaRuby Reese Website: ruby-reese.ie Instagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ie Website: dognutrition.ie Instagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.Chapter List00:00 Introduction and summer update 03:55 Welcome back to Claire O'Donnell of the Canine Clinic 04:11 Guest introduction - physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and the therapeutic dog spa 05:03 What is clinical hydrotherapy and how does it differ from swimming? 08:14 The properties of water that make it an effective rehabilitation environment 11:02 Growing awareness of canine physiotherapy and hydrotherapy 12:14 The parallels between human and canine rehabilitation 14:24 The most common conditions treated with hydrotherapy 18:12 Hydrotherapy for senior dogs and weight management cases 18:50 The value of pre-operative hydrotherapy 19:45 Ruby's story - avoiding knee surgery through hydrotherapy 23:07 What a typical hydrotherapy session looks like from start to finish 30:21 Electrotherapies - laser and pulsed electromagnetic therapy 32:34 Common misconceptions about hydrotherapy 34:50 Hydrotherapy as strength and conditioning, not just rehabilitation 35:20 Closing thoughts and thank you

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian sits down with Claire O'Donnell of the Canine Clinic in Cork and Alex Daly, co-founders of supplement company Truffle Hound, to explore the world of functional mushrooms for dogs.Claire and Alex explain how their backgrounds in veterinary physiotherapy and human naturopathy led them to spot a gap in the canine supplement market, and how that inspired Truffle Hound. They break down what makes functional mushrooms different from culinary varieties, the bioactive compounds involved, and the specific benefits of mushrooms like reishi (liver support), lion's mane (cognitive and gut health) and turkey tail (immune support).The conversation also touches on the wider shift towards preventative, holistic care in the dog world, the parallels between human and canine wellness, and why it's so important for dog guardians to look beyond flashy packaging and check what's actually in their supplements.A thoughtful, practical discussion for anyone interested in natural approaches to canine wellbeing.The Truffle Hound products are also available in our online shop: https://ruby-reese.ie/search?q=truffelhound Websites & Social MediaTruffle HoundWebsite: trufflehound.ieInstagram: @trufflehoundcoRuby ReeseWebsite: ruby-reese.ieInstagram: @rubyreeseofficialdognutrition.ieWebsite: dognutrition.ieInstagram: @dognutrition.iePlease Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.Chapter00:00 Introduction and podcast update03:00 Welcome to Claire and Alex from Truffle Hound03:13 Guest introductions: veterinary physiotherapy and human naturopathy backgrounds04:14 The gap in the market and the idea behind Truffle Hound08:00 The story behind the Truffle Hound name09:47 What are functional mushrooms and how do they differ from culinary mushrooms?12:17 Common misconceptions about mushrooms14:00 Mushrooms in pharmaceutical history14:39 Truffle Hound's product range and key mushrooms (reishi, lion's mane, turkey tail)18:42 Canine nutrition course - special listener offer19:25 The shift towards proactive, preventative dog care22:21 Parallels between human and canine wellness24:03 Joint health and early intervention in younger dogs25:43 Frustration with poor-quality supplements on the market26:42 Reading ingredient labels and avoiding marketing fillers30:27 Working with veterinary nutritionists to develop the range31:18 Closing thoughts and where to find Truffle Hound