Explore every episode of the podcast The Independent Vet with Dr. Beth Barrett
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| How To Help Your Pets Live Longer: Healthy Habits From Day One | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:34:38 | |
Welcome to the very first episode of The Independent Vet, the podcast that helps you give your fuzzy family the best life possible. In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett—veterinarian and owner of Barrett Veterinary Practice—answers one of the most common questions new pet parents ask: "What do I need to know when bringing home a new puppy or kitten?" Dr. Beth shares what matters most in those first few weeks, including:
Whether this is your first pet or your fifth, you'll walk away with practical advice and peace of mind. Resources Mentioned:
About Dr. Beth Barrett: Dr. Beth is the founder and owner of Barrett Veterinary Practice in Rocky View, Alberta. She brings years of hands-on experience, warmth, and real-world knowledge to help you care for your pets with confidence. She specializes in dogs, cats, horses—and yes, even goats. About the Show: The Independent Vet is a bi-weekly podcast about pets, people, and veterinary practice. Hosted by Michael Dargie, each episode features the expertise of Dr. Beth Barrett and is designed to help you make informed, compassionate decisions for the animals in your life. | |||
| What's The Best Diet For My Pet? | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:40:49 | |
Episode Summary If you've ever stood in the pet food aisle feeling completely overwhelmed by the options—grain-free, raw, organic, life-stage formulas, food that costs more than your own groceries—this episode is for you. Dr. Beth Barrett breaks down the fundamentals of pet nutrition across dogs, cats, horses, and even goats, sharing science-based guidance on what "well nourished" actually looks like for each species. From the critical role of macronutrients and micronutrients to why cats absolutely cannot be vegan, Dr. Beth demystifies nutrition with practical, no-nonsense advice. She tackles the big questions pet parents ask every day: Is expensive food actually better? What are "fillers" really? And why is your vet always recommending omega-3 supplements? This episode is a must-listen for any pet parent who wants to cut through the marketing noise and make informed choices about what goes into their pet's bowl. Episode StructureSegment Timestamp Content Intro 00:00–01:16 Michael welcomes listeners, introduces Dr. Beth, and frames the big question: What's the best diet for my pet? Section 1: Nutrition Fundamentals 01:16–09:30 Macronutrients vs. micronutrients, life-stage feeding, large breed considerations, and why "all life stages" labels make vets cringe. Section 2: Species Deep Dive 09:30–27:30 Dogs as omnivores, cats as obligate carnivores (and why they can't be vegan), horses as nomadic trickle feeders, and goats as browsers. Plus: the cost question and the microbiome connection. Myth or Muzzle 27:30–28:55 Myth tested: "Cats can be vegetarian or vegan if you supplement properly." Verdict: MYTH — and a dangerous one. Listener Corner 28:55–33:00 Question: "My dog is always hungry and begging for food. Should I feed them more?" Dr. Beth discusses body condition scoring, the Labrador hunger gene, and hyperthyroidism in cats. Dr. Beth's Passion Points 33:00–38:30 Body condition scoring for every visit, omega-3 supplementation (EPA/DHA), and the truth about coconut oil. Outro 38:30–39:15 Michael wraps up with thanks, teaser for upcoming episodes, and CTA. Key Takeaways Nutrition Basics
MYTH: "Cats can be vegetarian or vegan if you supplement properly." VERDICT: MYTH — and a dangerous one. Cats are obligate carnivores who cannot produce their own taurine. Simply supplementing a vegan diet with taurine doesn't provide all the benefits of a meat-based diet. As Dr. Beth puts it: "You're fighting genetics. You're fighting who they are." Feed your cat meat—it's non-negotiable. Listener CornerQ: "My dog is always hungry and begging for food. Should I feed them more?" Dr. Beth's answer: It depends on their body condition. If your dog is underweight, yes—they need more calories. But appetite is not the same as need. Many dogs beg out of habit or emotion, not hunger. Start by learning to do a body condition score (your vet can teach you). If your dog is at a healthy weight, look at feeding strategies like slow feeders and structured mealtimes rather than increasing portions. Fun fact: Up to 25% of Labradors carry a genetic mutation that turns off their satiety signals. These dogs literally never feel full. If you suspect this, talk to your vet about low-calorie-density foods. And for cat owners: if your older cat suddenly becomes insatiably hungry, especially if they're losing weight, ask your vet to check their thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats and creates a "metabolic fire" that drives constant hunger. Resources & Links
"Appetite is not the same as need." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Cats cannot be vegans. They cannot be vegetarian. If that's your interest, that's great—but don't layer that into your cat's diet." — Dr. Beth Barrett "If I can keep animals lean, they live longer lives. And that's what I'm about." — Dr. Beth Barrett "You will spend less money on every single disease category if your animal is in a lean body condition." — Dr. Beth Barrett | |||
| Puppy & Kitten 101: What Every New Pet Parent Needs To Know | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:41:34 | |
In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett lays out the essentials every new puppy or kitten guardian should know. Whether you've just brought home a wiggly eight-week-old pup or a curious little kitten, those first few months matter more than most people realize. Dr. Barrett begins with the basics: what's normal, what's not, and why early veterinary visits are about far more than vaccines. She explains how foundational care in the first year sets the stage for a lifetime of health. From parasite prevention and vaccination schedules to nutrition and behavioural development, she breaks down what can feel overwhelming into practical, manageable steps. A key theme throughout the conversation is prevention. Many common health issues in adult dogs and cats can be traced back to missed opportunities in early life. Dr. Barrett talks about the importance of proper socialization in puppies, safe exposure to new environments, and how positive early experiences shape temperament. For kittens, she addresses litter training, scratching behaviour, and the need for enrichment—especially for indoor cats. Nutrition also plays a central role. Dr. Barrett discusses how to choose an appropriate diet, what to look for on labels, and why growth-stage feeding is different from adult maintenance feeding. She cautions against overfeeding and explains how early weight gain can create long-term health challenges. Spaying and neutering are covered with nuance. Dr. Barrett outlines the medical benefits, behavioural considerations, and the timing conversation that every pet parent should have with their veterinarian. Perhaps most reassuring is her emphasis on partnership. Veterinary care isn't just about treating illness—it's about building a relationship. She encourages pet owners to ask questions, bring up concerns early, and see their vet as a guide rather than someone you visit only when something goes wrong. For anyone navigating life with a new puppy or kitten, this episode offers clarity, calm, and confidence. The early days are full of excitement—and a little chaos—but with the right information, they can also be the beginning of a long, healthy life together. PULL QUOTES "The first year of your puppy or kitten's life sets the tone for everything that follows." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Prevention is always easier—and kinder—than treatment." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Socialization isn't just about meeting other dogs. It's about helping your puppy feel safe in the world." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Your veterinarian should be your partner, not just the person you see when something goes wrong." — Dr. Beth Barrett EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00,000] Welcome to Puppies & Kittens 101 | What new pet parents can expect in the first year LINKS FROM EPISODE
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| Equine Nutrition Demystified | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:43:07 | |
Horse nutrition can feel complicated. Grain, hay, supplements, fiber, protein … it's easy to get overwhelmed trying to do the best for your horse. In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett breaks down the fundamentals of equine nutrition so horse owners can make confident, practical feeding decisions. From why fiber is the foundation of a horse's diet to common feeding mistakes and supplement myths, this conversation brings clarity to what horses actually need to stay healthy. Whether you're caring for a performance horse, a pasture companion, or your child's pony, this episode will help you better understand what belongs in the feed bucket—and what doesn't. In This EpisodeDr. Beth explains:
1. Horses are designed to eat fibre first 2. More grain isn't always better 3. Small, consistent meals matter 4. Supplements aren't always necessary 5. Every horse is different Feeding decisions impact everything from digestion and energy levels to long-term health. Understanding the basics of equine nutrition can help prevent common problems like colic, obesity, and metabolic disorders. About Dr. Beth BarrettDr. Beth Barrett is a veterinarian and the owner of Barrett Veterinary Practice, where she focuses on helping animals live healthier, happier lives. Through The Independent Vet podcast, she shares practical veterinary insights to help pet and animal owners make informed care decisions. Feed & Nutrition Brands Mentioned in This EpisodeDuring the conversation, Dr. Beth referenced a few products and resources horse owners may want to explore when building a balanced feeding program. Mad Barn – Omneity® Ration Balancer Kentucky Equine Research – EO-3™ United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) Bulk Barn
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| Fleas, Ticks & Parasites: What You Need to Know in Alberta | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:40:22 | |
Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM — Barrett Veterinary Practice Host: Michael Dargie Runtime: ~40 minutes Spring has arrived in Alberta — and so has tick season. In this episode, host Michael Dargie gets the full picture from Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM, on the creepy crawly world of fleas, ticks, and parasites that every Alberta pet owner needs to understand. Triggered by a listener letter from a panicked dog owner who found a tick after the season's first warm walk, Michael and Dr. Beth break down exactly what these parasites are, how they find your pets, what diseases they carry, and — most importantly — how to stop them. Dr. Beth brings her signature warmth and candour to a topic she openly admits she "hated in vet school" but takes very seriously. From the surprising fact that ticks are already active above +4°C in Alberta, to the 95/5 rule for flea infestations, to why you should never use a lighter on an attached tick — this episode is packed with practical, science-based guidance you won't want to miss as the weather warms up. Timestamps Time Segment 0:00 Intro & disclaimer 0:34 Michael welcomes listeners & introduces Dr. Beth Barrett 1:20 The listener letter — a tick on the back of the neck after the first warm walk of spring 2:13 SECTION 1: Ticks — The Basics 2:13 Why ticks are no longer just a summer problem in Alberta 2:53 Tick territory is expanding northward at 35–55 km per year 4:08 How ticks find your pets: the behaviour called "questing" 5:39 Where to check your dog (behind the ears, groin, eyebrows on Goldens) 7:32 SECTION 2: What Ticks Actually Do — Diseases & Dangers 7:32 Why blood loss usually isn't the biggest concern — it's the saliva 8:35 Tick-borne diseases transmitted through anticoagulant saliva 9:59 Horses and moose getting hundreds of ticks — how it causes anemia 13:22 How to properly remove a tick (and what NOT to do — no Vaseline, no lighters!) 15:29 Why ripping a tick off can make disease transmission worse 16:35 Tick paralysis from the Rocky Mountain wood tick — an Alberta-specific danger 17:43 SECTION 3: Fleas in Alberta 17:43 Is Alberta too cold for fleas? Mostly… but not entirely 19:29 Alberta's most common flea species — it's a wildlife flea, not the cat flea 21:47 The 95/5 rule — the flea you see is only 5% of the problem 23:18 Spotting fleas on cats: flea dirt and the wet paper test 24:05 Fleas on horses and goats 26:13 SECTION 4: Prevention & Treatment 26:13 Treating fleas requires a minimum of four months of medication 28:15 Why over-the-counter flea collars and topicals are less effective 29:50 Dr. Beth recommends prescription-only products — safer and more effective 30:04 A new injectable tick prevention that provides 12 months of protection 31:13 Do natural remedies work? Essential oils, diatomaceous earth, garlic 32:24 MYTH OR MUZZLE: "If my pet isn't scratching, they don't have fleas" 33:53 ASK DR. BETH: "I found a tick on my dog. Do I need to go to the vet?" 34:45 The eTick.ca program — free tick species identification 36:46 Tick paralysis in more detail — the Rocky Mountain wood tick's neurotoxin 38:38 Outro & Dr. Beth's new injectable recommendation Key Takeaways Ticks
"If my pet isn't scratching, they don't have fleas." MUZZLE — This is a myth. Cats are expert groomers and often remove adult fleas before you'd ever notice any scratching. You can have a significant flea problem in your home without your cat showing obvious signs. Dogs can also carry fleas without scratching — though dogs that develop flea allergy dermatitis will scratch intensely. Check for flea dirt regularly, especially if your pet has been around wildlife. Ask Dr. Beth"I found a tick on my dog and removed it. How do I know if it transmitted anything? Do I need to take him to the vet?" First, save the tick in a zip-lock bag or small container. Then photograph it and upload it to eTick.ca — a free Canadian program that identifies the species and tells you whether it's capable of transmitting disease. Species matters enormously: not all ticks carry Lyme disease. Watch your dog closely over the next 3–4 weeks for: lethargy, loss of appetite, sore or swollen joints, fever, weakness in the hind end, or a target-shaped red area at the bite site. The longer the tick was attached, the greater the risk of disease transmission. If you're unsure how long it had been on, or if you're having trouble removing it, get your dog seen by your vet. And if you ever see sudden weakness starting in the back legs of an otherwise healthy dog — even if you didn't spot a tick — do a thorough check. Tick paralysis from the Rocky Mountain wood tick is curable if caught quickly. Resources & LinksBarrett Veterinary Practice Dr. Beth Barrett's practice — for tick and flea prevention products, parasite screenings, and all things pet health.
Tick Identification & Surveillance
Additional Alberta Resources
Dental Health in Pets Think "dog breath" is just part of owning a dog? Think again. Dr. Beth breaks down what's actually going on inside your pet's mouth, why dental disease is one of the most overlooked health issues in cats and dogs, and what you can do at home — and at the clinic — to keep those teeth clean. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet. | |||