Pete the Vet

Chocolate toxicity in dogs and lily poisoning in cats The “Smell the Races” (and feel the River) Start to my 19th Triathlon Season– a year-round threat

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Wed, 13 May 2026 21:17:17 +0000

Nineteen years into the sport, I’ve realized that I need two things to keep me moving: a group of fellow lunatics and a coach I pay to nag me. Essentially, I use the threat of public humiliation as my primary fitness motivator.

From 5:30 AM bathroom karaoke sessions to a downstream swim that felt more like a "conveyor belt of ice," the first race of the year in Clonmel was a reminder of why we do this. I may have been beaten by a rival who crossed the line behind me, but as the euphoria kicked in on the run, I remembered how lucky we all are to be "triathlon idiots."

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Chocolate toxicity in dogs and lily poisoning in cats (and feel the River) Start to my 19th Triathlon Season– a year-round threat

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:54:16 +0000

Whether it's a hidden stash of treats or a beautiful bouquet, common household items can quickly cause a poisoning emergency for our pets. In this interview, Pete the Vet explains why chocolate and lilies remain serious, year-round threats to dogs and cats, and provides the essential steps every owner needs to take when every minute counts.

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Pete the Vet answers pet questions on Spirit Radio

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:36:10 +0000

Catch the latest pet health advice from Pete the Vet’s weekly slot on Spirit Radio. This episode covers pet questions, springtime hazards, listener Q&A, and essential preventative care tips to keep your pets happy and healthy. Read the summary and listen to the podcast here.

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Does Your Pet Need Annual Boosters? A Vet’s Guide to Personalized Vaccinations

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:31:26 +0000

Veterinary expert Pete Wedderburn discusses the shift toward individualized risk assessment in pet vaccinations. Learn the difference between core and non-core vaccines, and how your dog or cat’s social life and geography dictate their unique health plan.

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The Science of Slumber: Decoding Your Pet’s Sleep Habits

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:56:26 +0000

our pets need a staggering amount of rest, with puppies requiring up to 20 hours and adults needing between 12 and 16 hours of shut-eye daily. While they spend about 10% of that time in REM sleep—often "paddling" as they dream—senior pets can become quite restless due to cognitive dysfunction or dementia. To ensure everyone gets a decent night's sleep, one might consider a heated bed, a gentle nightlight for disoriented older animals, or a strict evening routine to signal that the house is finally shutting down

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The evolution of the veterinary profession in the UK – and Ireland

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:51:07 +0000

The UK veterinary profession is under the spotlight following the CMA’s final report on competition and rising costs. From new caps on prescription fees to mandatory transparency regarding corporate ownership, the landscape of pet care is shifting. Explore the key changes—including the move toward "contextual care"—and listen to my full interview with Radio Scotland on what this means for vets and pet owners alike.

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How to Choose the Best Holiday Care for Your Pets: A Stress-Free Guide

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:45:36 +0000

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are dreaming of our next getaway. However, for pet owners, the excitement of travel often comes with a side of “traveller’s guilt.” We worry about how our furry family members will cope while we are away. In a recent podcast, Pete the Vet shared some insightful advice on how to navigate this process, emphasizing that while it’s emotionally difficult for owners, pets are remarkably adaptable. The Emotional Gap: Humans vs. Pets when it’s holiday time Pete points out that a major part of the stress is human-centric. We tend to view our pets as “little humans” and project our own anxieties onto them. However, dogs primarily live in the moment. As long as they have a stable environment, good food, and attention from humans, they generally adapt well to new situations. Top Tips for a Seamless Transition to holiday care To ensure your pet is well-cared for and your mind is at ease, consider these expert recommendations: Plan Well in Advance: The best boarding facilities often book up six months ahead, especially for peak times like Easter or summer. Don’t leave it until the last minute! Do Your Research: Choose a facility or sitter based on solid reviews and, if possible, personal recommendations. The Trial Run: If you are planning a long […]

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Breeding for Health, Not Just Looks: A Vet’s Perspective

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:01:43 +0000

Breeding for good health should be the focus for dog breeders producing puppies for sale. Yet dogs with innate poor health continue to be popular. As a vet in clinical practice, I see the daily reality of extreme conformation, with some dogs having physical traits so exaggerated they upset a dog’s ability to live a normal life. When a body shape prevents easy breathing or natural movement, it isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it is a welfare issue. And it’s wrong for us to turn the other way when this is happening. This week’s podcast covers this topic in more detail, if you wish to listen to more on this. Recent data from the RVC VetCompass programme, Dogs Trust, and the Royal Kennel Club reveals a sobering statistic: over 25% of UK dogs are suspected to be living with at least one form of extreme conformation. The Scale of the Issue that can be solved by careful breeding By analyzing millions of clinical records, research from Vet Compass has shown that a quarter of the UK canine population has been bred for traits that compromise their innate health. It’s very likely that similar statistics apply to the Irish dog population. The primary culprits include: Brachycephaly: Flat faces and shortened muzzles that obstruct airways. Chondrodystrophy: Excessively shortened legs out of proportion […]

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How to avoid garden hazards for pets: 10 min podcast

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:03:24 +0000

Gardens are meant to be places for playing and relaxing. Make sure that your garden is safe for your pets. This short podcast (link at the foot of this page) highlights the main hazards for dogs and cats. Pet proof your garden today Check your landscaping and plant pots for these common toxic plants. Lilies: Highly toxic to cats (even the pollen). Sago Palms: Extremely toxic to dogs; all parts are dangerous. Azaleas/Rhododendrons: Can cause cardiovascular collapse. Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs: The highest toxin concentration is in the bulb itself. Cocoa Bean Mulch: Contains theobromine; swap for shredded bark or cedar. Wild Mushrooms: Remove any “LBJs” (Little Brown Jobs) that pop up after rain. make gardening a positive experience for you and your pets Read my previous article about how to have fun creating a natural space for you and your dogs and cats. And don’t forget to include wildlife space: a bug hotel is a great way to do this. Look out for this upcoming event sharing more information about wildlife in your garden.

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Pet tech: how technology can help pet health. 10 min podcast.

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:12:52 +0000

Technology is helping us monitor pet health, spotting illnesses before they are serious. Listen to podcast below or read on to find out how. From “Good Boy” to “Data Point”: Is Pet Tech the New Vet Assistant? As a veterinarian, the hardest part of my job has always been that my patients can’t talk. For decades, we’ve relied on a pet owner’s “gut feeling” to catch illness. But in 2026, the “silent patient” finally has a voice. Pet tech has evolved far beyond simple GPS trackers and step counters. We are now entering the era of Predictive Wellness, where data catches disease weeks before a physical symptom appears. The 3 Pillars of 2026 Pet Tech Biometric Wearables: Devices like the Minitailz or PetPace now monitor Resting Respiratory Rate (RRR) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV). These are the “early warning systems” for heart failure and chronic stress. Smart Home Ecosystems: AI-enabled litter boxes and water fountains (like Litter-Robot or Petlibro) track precisely how much a pet drinks or eliminates. A 20% spike in thirst is often the first sign of kidney disease or diabetes. Behavioral AI: Advanced sensors can now differentiate between a “scratch” and a “lick.” If your dog’s licking increases by 40%, you’ll know they have an allergy flare-up before they even develop a “hot spot.” When to Call […]

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Your Dog’s Body Language & Taking Great Selfies: 10 minute podcast

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:55:27 +0000

Understanding your dog's body language when taking a selfie results in great photos - you want a happy relaxed dog, not a worried or stressed one.

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10 min podcast: helping pets cope with stormy weather

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:48:04 +0000

Keeping Your animal family Calm: Helping Pets Through Stormy Weather With the wind rattling the windows and the rain coming down in sheets, it’s not just us humans who feel a bit on edge. As a vet, I often hear from worried pet owners during Ireland’s stormy spells, asking how they can help their furry friends cope with the “howls and whines” of the weather. For more on how to help, listen to the podcast or read on… Stormy weather doesn’t just bring noise; it brings changes in air pressure that many animals are far more sensitive to than we are. This can lead to extreme anxiety, spooking even the most relaxed dogs. Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Storm Based on our recent chat on the podcast, here are the core ways you can support your pet when the weather turns: Create a “Den”: Find a sheltered, quiet spot—like a cupboard under the stairs or a utility room—where your pet can feel safe. Use Your Scent: Place some of your old, worn clothing in their den; your familiar scent acts as a natural “calmative” for them. Routine for Small Dogs: While medium-coated breeds like Labradors or Collies handle the wet well, little dogs like Chihuahuas or miniature Dachshunds feel the cold and wet much more acutely. For them, rain gear […]

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10 min podcast: cloning dogs, DNA testing dog poops and other bits & pieces

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:25:00 +0000

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. To listen to the podcast, click on the link at the foot of this page. 1) Cloning Canines: A Look at the Ethics The ability to clone dogs has moved from the realm of science fiction to a tangible, albeit expensive, reality. For those of us who care deeply about animals, the advances in canine cloning technology spark a complex discussion, not just of scientific achievement, but of profound ethical considerations. On the one hand, the appeal is clear. For many, a beloved pet is family, and the thought of an exact genetic replica offers a powerful emotional draw, a chance to extend a cherished bond. Cloning can also serve scientific research, potentially aiding in the study of genetic diseases and conservation efforts for endangered canids. However, the ethical questions are numerous and weighty. Are we creating life solely to alleviate human grief, commodifying animals in the process? The cloned dog is genetically identical, but will it truly be the “same” pet, possessing the same personality and experiences? Environment and upbringing play a massive role in shaping an animal’s temperament. Furthermore, the welfare of the animals involved in the cloning process is a […]

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10 min podcast: update on the swan sanctuary in my local town, Bray, Co Wicklow

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:16:13 +0000

local volunteers care about the beautiful white birds in our harbour If you’ve spent a morning walking the Bray Promenade, you’ve likely seen them—the drift of white feathers bobbing near the harbour mouth. With over a hundred mute swans calling our harbour home, Bray has become an accidental, yet vital, urban refuge. As a local vet with an interest in caring for local animals, I’ve watched this population closely. What might look like a picturesque postcard to a tourist is, in reality, a complex ecosystem that requires constant vigilance. Why Bray? The Harbour as a Sanctuary Swans are highly territorial creatures, yet the Bray colony is unique for its density. The harbor provides a rare combination of shelter from the Irish Sea’s swells and a consistent (though sometimes problematic) food source. However, a population this size in an urban environment faces modern challenges: Water Quality: Runoff and marine debris can affect the health of the birds. Dietary Misconceptions: The classic “bread-feeding” habit, while well-intentioned, potentially leading to “Angel Wing” deformity and malnutrition. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Entanglement in fishing lines and disturbances from off-leash dogs remain the primary causes of injury. The Power of Community: The Volunteer Monitoring Team What truly sets Bray apart isn’t just the birds, but the people who protect them. The local volunteer monitoring team has evolved from […]

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10 min podcast: illegal farming and export of puppies from Ireland

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 20:57:23 +0000

The issue of puppy farming in Ireland continues to be a serious welfare concern. This 10 minute podcast discusses the main issues involved. Click on the link at the foot of this page for more information, or read on for more. There is a huge problem with the illegal production and export of puppies from Ireland, primarily to the UK and mainland Europe. This isn’t just about backyard breeders; it’s a sophisticated, cruel industry driven by profit, with devastating consequences for the animals involved. The demand for popular breeds, often fueled by online advertising and impulsive purchases, creates a lucrative market for unscrupulous individuals. These operators, often referred to as “puppy farmers,” prioritize quantity over welfare, leading to appalling conditions for breeding dogs and their offspring. What does this illegal trade look like? Puppy Farms: These are often hidden, unlicensed facilities where dogs are kept in overcrowded, unsanitary environments. Breeding bitches are treated as production machines, often bred repeatedly with little recovery time, leading to severe health issues and psychological distress. Lack of Veterinary Care: Puppies born into this trade often receive no veterinary attention, vaccinations, or parasite control. This not only puts their own health at risk but also poses a significant biosecurity threat, potentially introducing diseases to other countries. False Documentation: To circumvent regulations and facilitate export, illegal […]

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10 min podcast on Newstalk: problems for pets in cold weather

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:52:18 +0000

I was on the Anton Savage Show on Newstalk in recent days, talking about how to protect pets from harm in cold weather. Listen Here Keep warm, everyone! And a very Happy New Year to you all.

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10 min podcast: A Vet’s Guide to a Stress-Free Christmas

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:32:49 +0000

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 at this time of year. Christmas should be about relaxation, not emergency vet visits. To keep your pets safe and your holiday uninterrupted, follow these three simple rules. 1. Avoid the Holiday Crisis Most Christmas emergencies are preventable. Your local vet will be on an emergency-only schedule, so keep these hazards in mind: Physical Hazards: New decorations, tangled tinsel, and twinkling light cables are irresistible to curious pets. Monitor how your pet interacts with new items; if they look like chew toys, move them out of reach. The Chocolate Thief: The real danger isn’t the odd treat; it’s the stolen box. Dogs can smell chocolate through wrapping paper. My own dog, Kiko, once raided a box of Milk Tray from the table and required an emergency injection to induce vomiting. Don’t wait if your pet indulges—get them to the vet immediately so the toxins can be cleared before they are absorbed. Toxicity Cheat Sheet: Chocolate: Dark chocolate is the most dangerous. For a small (5kg) dog, just 50g (half a bar) can be fatal. For an instant opinion of the risk, check out this chocolate toxicity calculator but if in doubt, always contact the emergency vet. […]

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10 min podcast from Newstalk: obesity injections for dogs?

pete@brayvet.com (Pete Wedderburn) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:59:04 +0000

There was a recent article in the Guardian newspaper about Ozempic type injections being developed for overweight pets. I was asked to comment on this on Newstalk’s Moncrieff Show recently. Listen Here The idea of using weight reduction injections, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists like the active ingredient in Ozempic (semaglutide), for dogs has generated significant public interest but remains an unapproved and highly debated topic in veterinary medicine. 1. Current Status: Unapproved and Risky Not Approved: Ozempic (semaglutide) is NOT currently approved for use in dogs or any other companion animal. Its safety, long-term efficacy, and appropriate veterinary dosage are unknown Off-Label Danger: Administering the human version of Ozempic to a dog is dangerous. Pets metabolize drugs differently, and there have been documented cases of accidental ingestion or injection leading to severe side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potentially life-threatening hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Research is Developing: The veterinary biopharma industry is actively researching and trialing animal-specific GLP-1 analogues (often referred to colloquially as “Ozempup”). These future products aim to mimic the appetite-suppressing effects of human drugs but are being developed in forms like subcutaneous implants for controlled release, not weekly injections of the human drug. These are still in clinical trials (e.g., OKV-119). 2. Primary Veterinary Concerns Diagnosis and Causality: Obesity is often a symptom of underlying […]

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