In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, Dr Carra is thrilled to be joined again by her friend, Dr Nic Stirk from (Watercrest Vets), as they explore the many facts of pet raw food diets.

A common question for pet owners is if raw food diets are truly beneficial for your pets? Or maybe you are concerned about issues like nutritional balance, pathogen risks, and those alarming stories about bacteria contamination? Dr Carra and Dr Nic give you expert insights and real science to help you make informed decisions for your pets.

What you'll Discover:

• Safety Protocols: Learn how reputable pet food companies ensure the safety and quality of their products through stringent controls and protocols.
• Nutritional Balance: Understand the importance of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients in a well-rounded pet diet, especially for those with specific health needs.
• Raw Food Risks: The potential dangers of raw food diets, from bacteria to the lack of regulatory oversight in homemade diets.
• Cost Concerns: The significant cost differences between raw food and commercial kibble diets.
• Protein Digestibility: Cooking can increase protein digestibility and absorption, contrary to the raw food trend.
• Environmental Contamination: Learn about the risks of bacteria shedding and environmental contamination associated with handling raw pet food.
• Antibiotic Resistance: There is growing concern over antibiotic resistance and how it impacts both pet and human health.
• Healthy Alternatives: Tips for cooking fresh food safely at home and consulting with animal nutritionists to create balanced, tailored diets for your pets.

Find Dr Nic Stirk here:

Facebook: watercrestvet
Instagram: @WatercrestVet
Website: www.watercrestvet.co.za

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: www.hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode, your host Dr Carra, is joined by the extraordinary Dr Katie Edmonds, a veterinarian and pet lover who brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on pet scams. They discuss avoiding fraudulent pet transactions and share their personal experiences, both the heartwarming successes and the heartbreaking ones.

Dr Katie shares her harrowing experience of being scammed while trying to buy a Bengal kitten online, shedding light on the scammers’ manipulative tactics and the emotional turmoil that followed. Dr Carra shares her own experience when seeking a Rottweiler puppy and the unforeseen health issues that arose.

In this episode, the two cover important topics such as:
🔹 Red flags and warning signs of pet scams, including emotional manipulation and false promises.
🔹 The significance of thorough research and open communication with reputable breeder groups.
🔹 How trusting your instincts can help you avoid high-pressure tactics from unethical breeders.
🔹 The benefits of using video calls to verify breeders and their facilities.
🔹 Lessons learned from missed red flags and how they can protect you in the future.
🔹 Positive outcomes and the joys of adopting rescue pets, including purebred puppies from rescue organisations.
🔹 Specific breed-related rescues and the importance of prior research before adopting.

The goal of this episode is not only a guide to help you navigate the murky waters of pet purchasing but also a heartfelt conversation aimed at sparing others from the pain of being scammed. If you've ever felt embarrassed, heartbroken, or scared after a scam, know that you are not alone. Reach out for support, and let's stand together against these deceptive practices.

Tune in, subscribe, and join the growing community of pet care enthusiasts.

You can find Dr Carra here:

Facebook: rclultrapetvet
Instagram: @ultrapetvet
Website: www.drcarra.com

You can find Dr Katie here:

Instagram: @dr_katie_edmonds

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Welcome to another touching episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast, where we dive into the heartwarming world of therapy dogs and the incredible impact they have on humans in need.

In this episode, Dr. Carra and has the absolute pleasure of speaking with Pam and her lovable therapy dog, Frankie.

Pam, from the remarkable organization Angel Paws, joins us to unravel the differences between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and the heroes of our show, therapy dogs. With a background steeped in compassion and a commitment to community, Pam shares her journey and the milestones reached with nearly 40 therapy dog teams enriching lives across KZN, from Hilton to Zinkwazi.

At Angel Paws, voluntary work is the cornerstone of their mission as they rely on generous sponsorships and donations for equipment and other vital expenses, ensuring that the magic their dogs bring to frail and dementia units in Durban and beyond continues to thrive. You'll be captivated by stories of dogs intuitively connecting with individuals, providing comfort in often the most challenging times, and sometimes even selecting the visits they partake in, making each interaction genuine and joyous.

Acknowledging the tangible benefits that therapy dogs offer in healthcare settings, we take a closer look at the protocols Angel Paws follows to keep their canine companions in top condition for hospital visits. Be it assisting professionals like physiotherapists, psychologists, and educators or reducing the fear of dogs among children and adults – their impact is undeniable.

For anyone looking to catch a glimpse of these canine angels at work or lend support, visit Angel Paws at their website linked below. Your support can make a world of difference. Tune in to learn, be inspired, and find out how you can join the cause. It's an episode that promises to tug at your heartstrings and leave you in awe of the power of paws and their healing effect.

GET IN CONTACT WITH ANGEL PAWS:

Website:⁠ https://angelpawstherapydogs.org.za
Email: ⁠angelpawssa2@gmail.com⁠
Telephone: ⁠073 527 2085⁠
Instagram and Facebook

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

JustForPets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Are you inolved with pets and have interesting information or a story to tell us?
Email Dr Carra at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and she'll get in touch with you.