A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

Latest Episodes:

A Year Since Anna Lost Gremlin Jun 09, 2024

Show notes

In loving memory of Gremlin, who Anna lost a year ago, we replay one of our favourite shows: Anna's chat with Dr Zazie Todd - CompanionAnimal Psychology - talking about her book Purr. In our conversation on cats , the lack of science on their behaviour (compared to dogs), she recount several hilarious anecdotes on Gremlin, which will make you realise why she named him Gremlin, the lengths he went for to help Molly when she was poorly, and why Gremlin was quite a cat for someone’s first feline! He is so missed, but we hope is he is reunited with Molly across that rainbow bridge.

Zazie's website
Instagram: @ZazieTodd
Twitter: @CompAnimalPsych

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

K9 Wildlife Project Jun 02, 2024

Show notes

We joined by elite dog trainer Rory Hennebry and Film Director Paul Webster discussing the new documentary called Canine.

Nominated by the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival, Canine follows a Malinois called AK becoming trained as a conservation canine to help fight the battle against poachers in Namibia.

The rise in the ruthless poaching and targeting the Black Rhino for its horns - makes them one of the most endangered species on the planet.

The Black Market value for the rhino horn has driven huge massacre, and dogs like AK being trained by the charity K9 Wildlife Project are making a massive difference on the front line to track and apprehend the poaching criminals.

The documentary follows AK from a puppy with a difference with his trainer Rory to the frontline and the critical transfer to his new handler, and the environment.

Canine - the documentary raises awareness for the need to train up more conservation dogs to help us conserve endangered species.

Canine is a labour of love designed to help bring in funds for further work across different countries, saving different species!

Visit the website for K9 and for the film
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Dogs Die In Hot Cars May 26, 2024

Show notes

We’re joined by Anna Ewers-Clark, lead Vet at The Blue Cross, chatting about the dangers of the hot weather. Every season has its pros and cons for dogs, and in Summer the extra daylight hours give us more time to walk your dog, but it's also a time when a walk in the park can turn into a vet emergency. We discuss why dogs overheat so easily, and what signs owners should be aware of to spot in time to prevent an urgent trip to the vets. We discuss why young and older dogs are more susceptible. Why the flat faced breeds find the heat very difficult, and why darker coated dogs absorb the rays faster than paler coated dogs. And all the tips to keep your home and garden cool and the fun games to play indoors and out when it's hot. Not forgetting how to ensure smooth, cool travel for dogs in the car, and why you should never leave a dog in a stationary vehicle even in the shade on a hot day.

Visit the Blue Cross website and Instagram

Click here to take part in the Biome Broth study and follow on Instagram.

Biome4Pets

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

The Wonders of Bone Broth May 19, 2024

Show notes

We’re joined by Rachel Down of Boil & Broth talking about how her journey discovering the huge health benefits of Bone Broth. Following a dead end road on courses of antibiotics, which seemed to make her worse, it was discovering the power of nutrition, especially bone broth that led to her transformation to being slimline, and in full vibrant health. By researching how between 70-80 per cent of immune system resides in our gut lining, suddenly Rachel had the ‘eureka’ moment.

Wanting to spread the word on the nutritional values of bone broth to help restore the microbiome that can become damaged by an onslaught of medication, vaccinations, poor diet, and a host of other environmental factors, Rachel launched a company dedicated to delivering bone broth to your door. Beginning with traditional liquid broth, before logistics including transport, freezer space gave her the idea of de-hydrate it. Offering a super concentrated, untainted ‘de-hydrated’ bone broth that could be posted through a letterbox, and stored with minimal cupboard space that was simple to re-hydrate, it wasn’t long before dog (and cat) owning customers were asking if they could have some for their pets.

Anna is a HUGE fan of bone broth understanding its health benefits to dogs, but she knows what a long process it is to make from scratch and with Rachel’s research to prove that the nutritional values of her de-hydrated broth remains the same as a a liquid broth, she's begun taking it herself! We chat about these benefits from being great for preventative care of joints, its packed with the structural protein collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin and as an isotonic drink being full of minerals including magnesium, and sodium so that Bone Broth enables faster hydration at a cellular level than water alone.

Announcing the Biome Broth Study asking: ‘Could adding Bone Broth help my dog’s gut microbiome’? Boil & Broth has teamed up with Anna Webb and Microbiologist and Microbiome researcher, Dr Carol Hughes, at the Biome4Pets company, a huge fan of bone broth herself as a way to enhance the microbiome’s bacteria diversity. The Biome Broth study is open to all dogs, (who have never taken bone broth before) to take part in a research project to discover how the diversity of the biome -particularly with both the Bifidobacteria and Verrucomicrobia bacteria (both very valuable strains) are known to be enhanced by bone broth.

To get involved follow the links below, its represents a chance to have your dog’s biome tested before and after four weeks adding bone broth to your dog’s diet. It's also chance to receive a discounted wellness package from Anna and much more!

There’s also a special discount on Boil & Broth for all listeners - using the code AnnaWebb15

Click here to take part in the study and follow on Instagram.

Biome4Pets

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Paul Drayton May 12, 2024

Show notes

We’re joined by Actor, Author and Animal lover, Paul Drayton, talking about his love of dogs that was inspired by a Westie as a child. Drawn to animals he has owned horses, cows and even peacocks on his farm. We chat about his passion for Irish Setters and why they will always be apart of his heart. We talk about rescuing as being morally mandatory, and why Paul is a firm believer of spaying and neutering to minimise the dog population. We chat about the responsibility dogs really are, and the sad fact that rescues are now brimful down to the pandemic boom. Paul chats about his farm animals too and why he’s passionate about his pygmy goats. We touch on why dogs impact on our lives and the devastation in knowing that dogs just don’t live long enough. Happily divorced Paul stresses how life is about chapters and moving forwards, which with his pack of dogs by his side he’s in a good place to write his book which will explain about how a sweet boy from Sunderland turned into a former alcoholic.

Follow on Instagram

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Roolo - The Enrichment Revolution May 05, 2024

Show notes

When In a bid to find the perfect enrichment toy for their own dogs, the team @Play9 invented their own!

I’m chatting to Lee Bridges and John Allard about the Enrichment Revolution, and particularly on interactive toys as a major part of this enrichment awareness.

Inspired by a pencil eraser in the design phases to create the Roolo that’s very clever its ‘a shape of constant width’, which is naturally occurring, but very rare!

This shape and its tactile material that’s 100% eco only takes the smallest movement from the dog, and the Roolo gets working, revolving and spinning to release the tasty treats.

Providing a toy to occupy your pooch, break up the day, bust any boredom, and use for their mental and physical dexterity. It can also be used as a slow feeder with its 100% eco material that sets it apart as both ethical and non -toxic.

We chat about why its good for shapes and sizes cleverly allowing a great interactive experience Designed for modern life, and optimising indoor training opportunities, and fun, its size means it's too big to roll under most sofas!

Enrichment is key to dog's emotional wellness, especially in helping to combat brain fog, and the onset of ‘doggy dementia’. Tried and tested by both Mr Binks and Prudence, the Roolo gets the Paws up!!!

Lucky listeners have a chance to get 10% off using the code DOGSLIFE10

Go to Play9.co.uk to order yours and follow on Instagram

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Barry Stebbing Apr 28, 2024

Show notes

We’re joined by Artist and Author, Barry Stebbing, who is talking about his first novel, Cedric - Footprints in the Sand. Based on a true story and inspired by Sir Edwin Landseer’s iconic paining of a black and white Newfoundland dog housed in the Tate in London, Barry brings the unknown back story of a Newfoundland named Bob - renamed as Cedric in this captivating book, which fuses fact and fiction to bring the painting to life. Capturing the life in the Victorian era as so different from ours, yet with similarities highlighting the human condition, with the constant of dogs as featuring in our lives as man’s best friend. Cedric - Footprints in the Sand is a tribute to a very brave dog that saved 23 people from drowning in an age when traveling by sea inevitably caused ship wrecks and huge loss of life. Barry lets his imagination flow with fictitious almost Dickensian characters that become real, with their lives shaped by this unsung hero, Cedric and his immense bravery until the very end.

Buy the book here and for more information go to Barry's website or follow on Instagram

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Dr Dan O'Neill Apr 21, 2024

Show notes

We’re joined by Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor for Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-founding ICECDogs member. We’re chatting about the ICECDogs - the International Collaborative on Extreme Conformations in Dogs. Particularly discussing the recently published position paper, the aim of which is to help owners to recognise good innate health in dogs. The paper was heavily informed by research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). The first of its kind, it provides a guide for animal caregivers, and the wider public, to identify healthy natural physical characteristics in dogs and to predict and assess potential health and welfare based on body shape. This will help anyone who cares about dogs to understand how likely a dog is to suffer from negative impacts resulting from an extreme conformation. Dr Dan explains that no dog owner ever wants an unhealthy dog, but the huge popularity of dogs with extreme conformations suggests that many owners have not fully grasped the link between body shape and quality of life for dogs. The aim to raise awareness at all levels - owners, prospective owners, breeders, and underline that dogs should be dogs, and not click bait on social media.

Find out more :

The full ICECDogs paper, can be accessed here

More information about the UK’s Brachycephalic Working Group, can be found here

More information about the RVC’s VetCompass research, can be found here

And on Instagram

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Dr Lise Hansen on vaccines Apr 14, 2024

Show notes

We’re joined by Dr Lise Hansen who returns to chat about her award winning book: “The Complete Book of Cat & Dog Health” and why this book provides clear accessible advice for owners to understand the four main areas of pet care: Diet, Vaccinations, Parasite control, and Neutering. We’re also chatting about the new Vaccination guidelines just announced by the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association). As a step forward in further highlighting the role of Titre Tests as a tool to manage your dog’s immunity, rather than simply over vaccinating. And deciding when is the right time to give puppy shots for a lifetime of immunity.

Order LIse's book here (it is currently out of stock but will be returning shortly!) and follow on Instagram

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

The Natural Dog Expo 2024 Apr 07, 2024

Show notes

Where do you go to find out more about health and longevity for your dog?

I’m chatting to Pet Industry Nutrition consultant, Caroline Griffiths, who is the founder of the Natural Dog Expo.

Discussing why Caroline’s track record of delivering events that helps empower pet owners / guardians to help transfer their human health values to their dogs.

And why I’m excited to host this year’s event with an impressive line -up of world class speakers!

Whether owners/guardians have been ‘burnt’ in the past perhaps by over medication, the long-terms effects of an overly processed sterile diet, or by discovering too late that dogs’ do not need annual booster vaccinations.

Ultimately the Natural Dog Expo offers a community of like-minded people, driven by their passion for health, overall wellness and longevity.

Its aim is to help people navigate the sector highlighting why natural solutions work, where to look, what their dog needs and who to trust.

The conference delegates attend in real life including Dr Brendan Clarke, Dr Carol Hughes, Dr Adele Fitzpatrick BSc MRCVS and internationally acclaimed clinical canine Herbalist, Rita Hogan.

Plus 10 online sessions are also included in the delegate package with leaders in their field, including:

Vince the Vet
Dr Pat White
Dr Tom Lonsdale BVetMed, MRCVS,
Dr Sue Armstrong, MA VetMB VetMFHom CertIAVH MRCVS RsHom

Get your tickets here and use the discount code Mydogwantsmethere to get £20 off your ticket price.

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com