Helping Your Dog Thrive Through Change with Nikki

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark is joined by Emanuel, founder of Treat Therapeutics, to explore the powerful connection between your pet’s gut health and allergies. From itchy skin and ear infections to digestive upsets, many common allergy symptoms in dogs and cats can be traced back to imbalances in the gut microbiome.Emanuel explains how the diversity of bacteria in the gut plays a vital role in regulating the immune system and why diet and environment are such key factors. The discussion covers how highly processed, carbohydrate-heavy foods can disrupt the microbiome, while fresh, natural diets help restore balance and reduce inflammation.Listeners will learn how supporting gut health can ease allergy symptoms, improve digestion, and boost overall wellbeing. Practical advice includes recognising early warning signs of imbalance, choosing the right diet to encourage a healthier microbiome, and understanding how targeted nutrition can transform the way pets feel inside and out.This episode is essential for pet owners dealing with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or recurring skin problems and offers science-led solutions for supporting long-term health and happiness.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark Scott sits down with Dr. Conor Brady to tackle the growing issue of pet obesity. Studies show that 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are overweight or obese, yet many owners don’t realise the serious health risks associated with excess weight. Dr. Brady explains that obesity in pets leads to chronic inflammation, joint problems, reduced lifespan, and increased veterinary costs.They discuss why the pet health sector has struggled to address obesity effectively, highlighting that unlike human healthcare systems, there is little financial incentive for companies to reduce obesity rates in pets. They also critique the common veterinary approach of recommending high-carbohydrate diets like kibble, despite research showing that increasing protein and reducing carbohydrates supports safe and sustainable weight loss.Dr. Brady emphasises the benefits of feeding pets whole, natural foods that are easier to digest than ultra-processed, chemically preserved options. Raw feeding is discussed as a closer-to-nature approach that naturally reduces carbohydrate intake and helps maintain a healthy weight. Practical tips for owners include aiming for a lean body condition where ribs can be felt but not necessarily seen, incorporating hydrotherapy or acupuncture for older or recovering dogs, and avoiding high-fibre “light” kibbles—particularly for brachycephalic breeds—due to links with panting and bloat.This episode is essential listening for pet owners looking to support healthy weight management, improve their pet’s overall wellbeing, and prevent obesity-related illnesses. Learn actionable strategies to help your dog or cat achieve a happy, healthy, and active lifestyle.

On this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark from Bella+Duke chats with feline behaviour expert Jude about why cats hunt, pounce, and display predatory behaviours—even when well-fed. Discover how indoor and outdoor environments, play, enrichment, and diet influence feline instincts, and learn practical strategies to redirect hunting behaviours safely. Jude also explains the importance of respecting your cat’s natural instincts while providing mental stimulation, interactive play, and appropriate outlets for energy. A must-listen for cat owners looking to deepen their understanding of feline behaviour and create happier, more confident cats.

Mark from Bella+Duke sits down with Emmanuel, founder of Treat, to explore how the gut microbiome affects pet health, allergies, and overall wellbeing on For Pet’s Sake. Emmanuel shares his journey studying the gut bacteria in dogs, and how tweaking diets based on microbiome testing helped his dog recover from severe allergies. Learn how gut health influences digestion, behaviour, immunity, and chronic conditions, and why a varied, fresh diet supports a thriving microbiome. This episode also highlights the importance of environmental exposure, minimizing antibiotics, and participating in microbiome studies to advance pet science. Perfect for dog and cat owners looking to understand gut health, prevent allergies, and optimise their pet’s wellbeing naturally.

Dental disease affects up to 85% of dogs and cats over three years old, yet many owners underestimate its impact on overall health. In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark from Bella+Duke speaks with Emanuel, CEO and founder of Treat Therapeutics, about the oral microbiome in pets. Emanuel explores how diet, saliva quality, age, and breed influence dental health, and why daily brushing and a nutritious, fresh diet are key to preventing periodontitis. Discover the link between oral health and systemic diseases like cardiovascular, kidney, and liver issues, and learn how oral probiotics and whole-body wellness strategies can support your pet. This episode is essential for pet owners seeking to improve dental hygiene, boost immunity, and ensure long-term wellbeing for their four-legged companions.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark from Bella+Duke talks to Charlotte, head of clinical administration at Wormcount, about parasite prevention, faecal testing, and why targeted deworming is better than blanket treatment. Learn how to spot signs of worm infestations, why chemical dewormers don’t provide long-term protection, and how PCR testing is revolutionizing parasite detection for pets. Charlotte also discusses zoonotic risks, the environmental impact of over-deworming, and the importance of routine testing for dogs of different lifestyles. If you’re a pet owner looking to safeguard your dog’s health, prevent resistant parasites, and understand modern parasite management, this episode is packed with essential insights.

Join Mark from Bella+Duke on For Pet’s Sake as he chats with Holly, Chief Science Officer at Animal Biome, about the fascinating world of the gut microbiome in dogs and cats. Holly explains how gut bacteria, fungi, and viruses influence digestion, immunity, and even mental health in pets. Discover the impact of diet—raw, fresh, or kibble—on gut microbiome composition, and learn why stomach acid and fibre intake are crucial for pet wellness. Holly also shares how Animal Biome’s testing services can provide personalized recommendations to balance your pet’s gut health, improve immunity, and prevent disease. This episode is perfect for pet owners who want to understand how diet, environment, and microbiome health are interconnected for thriving dogs and cats.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, brought to you by Bella+Duke, expert dog behaviourist Nikki from Positive Step Dog Training explains how to support your dog through life’s changes. From moving house and introducing new family members to coping with loss, pets are deeply sensitive to human stress and shifts in routine. Nikki shares practical tips to help dogs adapt, including gradual introductions, creating safe spaces, building positive associations, and maintaining consistent routines. Learn how to recognize signs of stress in pets—like appetite changes, vocalization, restlessness, and poor sleep—and how mental stimulation, sniffing, and exercise can ease anxiety. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting their dog to feel secure, happy, and confident during transitions.

In this episode, Mark Scott is joined by Dr. Conor Brady to tackle a growing issue affecting our four-legged friends – obesity. With over half of cats and dogs now overweight or obese, they explore what a healthy body shape really looks like and why those extra pounds can seriously impact your pet’s health and lifespan. From the pitfalls of processed pet food to the power of a species-appropriate raw diet, this episode is packed with practical advice. You’ll learn how to assess your pet’s body condition, the role of movement (think hydrotherapy and acupuncture!), and simple ways to make better feeding choices – all to help your best friend live a longer, happier life.

Description:In this episode, we’re joined by Emmanuel, co-founder of Treat, to explore the fundamentals of the gut microbiome - and why it matters for both humans and pets. Emmanuel shares his unique journey from biomedical engineering into the world of microbiome research and explains how dogs may hold the key to understanding human health.We dive deep into the role of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in our gut, the impact of diet and lifestyle, and how raw feeding could potentially reduce allergies in pets. Emmanuel also highlights fascinating insights into how the microbiome affects behaviour, chronic disease, and even skin health.Whether you're a pet parent, science nerd, or just curious about how the gut works—this episode is packed with practical insights and big ideas.Topics Covered:What is the gut microbiome, and why is it crucial?Similarities between human and canine microbiomesDogs as models for studying human diseaseThe impact of diet and antibiotics on the microbiomeWhy diversity and bioavailability matter in pet foodThe gut-brain connection: behaviour, mood, and moreRaw feeding and its potential benefits for petsEarly warning signs of microbiome imbalanceKey Takeaways:The gut microbiome plays a major role in digestion, immunity, behaviour, and overall health.Processed diets and modern lifestyles contribute to chronic disease in both humans and pets.A diverse and balanced diet supports a healthier gut ecosystem.Raw feeding may reduce allergies and support skin and coat health.Rotating food types can improve microbial diversity.Good gut health starts with quality, bioavailable ingredients.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Background03:01 – The Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Health09:00 – Canine Microbiome as a Model for Human Diseases13:18 – Understanding the Microbiome19:32 – The Importance of Research22:15 – Addressing Chronic Diseases25:01 – Why Diet Diversity Matters27:14 – The Gut–Skin Connection31:19 – Signs of Microbiome Imbalance37:15 – What Bioavailability Really Means41:50 – Gut Health & Allergy Reduction