Explore every episode of the podcast Pete the Vet's Podcast

Join host Killian and Pete the Vet on Ruby Rees Tuesday Talks as they explore the profound, evolving relationship between humans and their pets. Pete reflects on 40 years of veterinary practice, sharing how our companion animals act as everyday models of mindfulness and why veterinary care has transformed into modern, contextual medicine. From common misconceptions around tail wagging to navigating pet loss and veterinary costs, learn how understanding your pet's perspective brings simplicity and balance to life.

The Irish law on dogs being kept on leads by Pete Wedderburn

Protect your dog from toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) this summer. Pete the Vet explains symptoms, immediate action steps, and how to spot toxic water.

Thinking of getting a dog? Pete the Vet explains why summer is the best season for puppy training, the benefits of rescue adoption, and how to spot puppy farm red flags.

Planning a summer trip? Pete the Vet shares essential tips on boarding kennels, pet sitters, travel passports, and helping your dog recover from post-holiday stress.

Is it time to restrict domestic cats to protect Irish wildlife? Pete the Vet weighs in on the polarized debate, shares tips to curb hunting behavior, and offers seasonal advice for garden hedgehogs.

Pete the Vet marks 35 years of practicing in Bray by sharing how emergency veterinary care has evolved since 1991. Discover how the industry shifted from grueling on-call rotas to 24-hour dedicated emergency clinics across the Dublin area. Pete also dives into fascinating new MRI research on whether dogs truly sense human emotions and feel jealousy, provides essential advice for owners dealing with late-night cat "toe attacks," and shares a bizarre cautionary tale about an exotic beach-dwelling parasite.

With warm weather finally hitting the country, senior veterinarian Pete Wedderburn ddogsiscusses essential summer pet safety. Learn how dogs actually cool themselves down, why walking your dog on a sunny afternoon can trigger life-threatening heatstroke, and what to do in an emergency. Plus, Pete answers listener questions about veterinary costs, out-of-hours care, and how to access affordable treatment through charity clinics and pet health plans.

In this podcast, discover essential advice on navigating pet pregnancies, from critical antenatal vet care and nutrition tips to the importance of early socialization for a healthy litter.

Expert vet Pete Wedderburn discusses safety tips, explaining why common treats like chocolate and common flowers like beautiful lilies can be life-threatening to our dogs and cats.

In response to the Competition and Markets Authority report on the UK veterinary profession, I did an interview for BBC Radio Scotland: they sent me this audio file of my responses to their questions so it sounds one-sided (only my voice) but the recording does highlight the points I wanted to make.

It may seem like our cats and dogs do little else but snooze, but there is quite a lot going on behind those twitching whiskers and paddling paws. Understanding their sleep patterns is essential for any dedicated pet owner. This week's podcast helps to explain what's going on.

What’s the best way to handle pet care during the holidays? Between professional sitters and specialized boarding, the options are more varied than ever. Here is how to choose the one that fits your pet’s personality—and your budget.

New data shows that over 25% of UK dogs are bred with physical traits—like flat faces or shortened legs—that limit their ability to simply breathe and move freely. It’s time we prioritize function over fashion. Listen to this podcast to find out more

Gardens are meant to be places for playing and relaxing. Make sure that your garden is safe for your pets. This short podcast highlights the main hazards for dogs and cats.

Technology is helping us monitor pet health, spotting illnesses before they are serious. Listen here to find out how.

This week, we discuss dental disease in dogs and cats. Tooth brushing or dental chews? What's the best way to care for your pet's teeth?

I joined Emmet Oliver on Newstalk's Weekend Show to answer a range of listeners' questions, including indoor-only cats, choosing a new dog, the perennial flea problem and more.

People love posting photos of their pets online, but sometimes, there are risks in posing with your face close to your pet. Listen here for more.

Animals can be very stressed in stormy weather. This short discussion outliines the main issues, and what can be done to make it easier for our pets

In this week's podcast, we discuss cloning dogs, DNA testing dog poops, rescuing dogs across Ireland, and finally, a listener's query about her two dogs having arguments.

There are over a hundred swans living in the harbour of my home town, in Bray, County Wicklow. Local volunteers have establised a team that monitors this "Swan Sanctuary". This short podcast provides an update on issues affecting these much-loved birds.

The issue of illegal farming and export of puppies from Ireland to the UK and Europe is an ongoing issue which is discussed in this short podcast

This week's short podcast talks about what to do if your pets gets into trouble this Christmas, and how to avoid the most common problems.

When is it OK to dress pets in clothes? When it's for their health, safety and comfort. Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Halloween is a difficult time for many pets, with fear of fireworks causing much distress. This short podcasts highlights what you can do to keep your pets safe and happy.

This week, we discuss how to choose the perfect pet dog for your particular situation. I am a fan of rescue dogs: no need to feed the pedigree breeding market. Pedigree dogs do come up for rescue sometimes, so it is important to understand the pros and cons of different types of animals.

If you're getting a new dog, please avoid buying from puppy farmers. Thousands of dogs need to be adopted every year, and this should be everyone's first choice.

In this short podcast, recorded on a hot day in mid August, we discuss heat stroke in dogs in hot weather, the link between ear disease and swimming and how to help a dog terrified of going up stairs, a cat that's started howling at night.

In this week's podcast: we discuss conjunctivitis in dogs, a cat attacking visitors, a high energy dog in an apartment & how much to feed a giant breed dog (St Bernard)

This week, we talk about dogs stressed after boarding kennels, dogs licking their paws all the time and dogs suffering from senile dementia

This week, we discuss a range of pet queries, from excessive panting to high blood pressure to the risks of eating slugs and snails to parasite control in cats that eat small prey.

This week, a number of common pet questions were discussed, submitted by listeners to Declan Meehan's Morning Show on East Coast FM

This week, we discuss a range of common pet questions submitted by listeners to East Coast FM's Morning Show with Declan Meehan

Ticks are common in summertime in Ireland. This podcast explains how to identify ticks, how to remove them safely, and best of all, how to prevent them completely.

In this week's short podcast, we discuss a dog with a rare type of haemophilia, plus we discuss other topics briefly, including the summer itch in pets, plus queries from listeners.

The summertime is the best time to take on a new puppy. To find out the reason for this, and to check on what's involved in bringing a new animal into your life, listen here.

Lungworm is an increasingly common parasite in dogs, and it can have a lethal impact. To find out more, and to check what you need to do to protect your pet, listen here.

This week, we discussed the fact that we are heading into peak flea and tick season. What should pet owners do to protect their pets, while also making sure that they do not harm the environment (insects and birds) in any way?

After my visit to the BSAVA vet congress, I heard about a proposed medication to make pets live longer. To hear my take on this, listen in!

As summer approaches, many people plan to take their pets with them on trips to the UK and Europe. This short podcast explains what you need to do to prepare for this.

In this week's podcast, I discuss the use of alternative or complementary treatments for animals. What's the evidence behind them, and how should they fit in with conventional veterinary care for pets?

Most animal rescue groups are occasionally faced with the challenge of an animal needing medical or surgical treatment with a high price tag. Today we discuss one such case, under the care of the ISPCA.

It's common for dogs to be seen wandering the streets, with no owner in sight. What should you do if you see such an animal?

In this short podcast, we discuss the current thinking on pets experiencing emotions.

Today is 1st February 2025, the day when the ban on XL Bullies comes into force in Ireland. I have recorded a short podcast on this topic, along with East Coast FM, and while this was done 10 days ago, it's still relevant.

Pets need dental care, just like humans, but this is often misunderstood. This short podcast explains why it's so important, and what should be done at home to ensure that pets have optimal dental health.

This week, we talk about what you can do to keep your pretty safe and comfortable in cold weather

This week's podcast opens with some chat about Christmas preparation for pets, and then we talk about how Temple Grandin is helping to promote a scheme to make visiting vets more enjoyable for dogs and cats

A new global veterinary initiative aims to focus more on understanding animal behaviour as a way of learning more about their needs.