A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

Latest Episodes:

The English Toy Terrier Mar 05, 2023

Show notes

This week we’re joined by Jonny Nagler who is passionate about the English Toy Terrier (ETT) and his ETT, Milo, is Mr Binks' cousin. With Crufts now just a few days away, we talk about the ETT as one of 34 native breeds that are deemed ‘vulnerable’. This means they are technically rarer than the giant Panda. The Kennel Club helps a lot in raising awareness for these breeds as they define our British history with dogs as defined in so much fine art from the Victorian era when enthusiasts began creating many breeds for a specific purpose. Many are terriers who would have helped keep our homes and back yards rat free in an age without sewers. We chat about the ETT that is the 8th most endangered of these breeds. With only 64 puppies born last year it's a figure in stark contrast to Britain’s most popular dog - the Labrador, with over 50,000 puppies born last year. There’s a lot of limited views on breeds with most new pandemic pet parents opting for designer cross breeds. Often the more unlikely the mix, the more ‘caché’ they are! We chat about what’s lined up for the ETT this year at Crufts, not least on the Pets As Therapy stand where Jonny and Milo will be supporting during the show. Jonny and Milo (a registered PATS dog) have gone the extra mile in this capacity to bring a little joy to those in need.

Follow them 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

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

Dr Nick Thompson Feb 26, 2023

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Dr Nick Thompson, known as the Holistic Vet. We chat about vaccines, but also about minimising chemicals in your home. Science proves that indoor environments can be 100 times more toxic than outdoors. With this in mind Dr Nick talks about his experience using ‘probiotic therapy’. We chat about his experience with his own dogs in terms of Dental Care and with Dog Dental Month upcoming, it's a timely reminder that tooth brushing is not always the full proof answer in dogs or indeed humans. This why diet plays a major role. Dr Nick has long championed feeding a raw balanced and complete diet and we chat about why keeping your dog’s mouth full of good bacteria, rather than creating a sterile environment created by sterile diets, is so easy yet important! Biscuit kibble gets stuck in dogs gums, and tiny particles remain overtime to create a pro-inflammatory reaction and gum disease. Conversely, feeding raw fuels the digestive system, the microbiome, and creates an environment in the mouth for good bacteria to flourish and counter any bad bacteria, which helps keep disease at bay. This coupled with regular treatment with Ingenious Probiotics’ Dental Spray has Dr Nick’s thumb’s up. Similarly for dogs fed on kibble diets especially adding some Collar-gen will replenish what is missing from a sterile biscuit diet. Collagen depletes in all mammals with age, and as a structural protein is essential for strong bones, and healthy soft tissue, including teeth and gums.

Nick's Website

Nick's 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

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

Joe Flanagan on Pro-biotics Feb 19, 2023

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by CEO of Ingenious Probiotics about what represents an explosion in the science of healthy bacteria. We discuss probiotics in an external environment rather than an internal one. Based on our knowledge, albeit recent and expanding, we understand the vital role of probiotics as balancing bacteria in our microbiome. Joe discusses how we can use probiotics as a cleaning product to kill pathogens indoors with out adding chemicals. Too many chemicals in the home environment can make your indoor environment 100 times more toxic than outdoors. The issue with dogs is that the explore the world nose first, and sadly overtime many chemicals used in the home leach / off gas very toxic ‘endocrine disruptors’ that can play havoc at a cellular level. Choosing a more natural option to work symbiotically with nature can also be used to clean ears, remove tear stains, and clean teeth. Joe talks about the range of products from shampoos to sprays for the coat. Thinking about how the enzymes also work we discuss how the the probiotics actually work to keep good bacteria in the environment and react accordingly to the pathogens in the environment. As an emerging science , this episode clarifies we’ve just begun to scratch the surface of probiotics in the context of us having lived in a very sterile world.

For more information click here 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

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

The Legendary Dr Jean Dodds Feb 12, 2023

Show notes

This week we’re joined by the legend that is Dr Jean Dodds talking about vaccines. As one of the pioneers to research the duration of immunity (DOI) of modern vaccines, Dr Jean has led the way for the WSAVA (The World Small Animal Veterinary Association) to recommend Titre Testing over annual boosters. Having studied how the DOI of initial puppy shots can last a minimum of three years, if not a life time, Dr Jean believes in #TestBeforeYouTreat and that’s for annual vaccines as well as wormers. A Titre tests picks up the serological immunity that your dog has developed against the core diseases: Parvo, Distemper and Hepatitis, and helps pet guardians manage their dog’s immunisation rather than over vaccinate. For over five decades Dr Jean has noted the side effects of many vaccines, not least from the ingredients or adjuvants that are added including Mercury. We chat about the difference between active vaccines and non-active vaccines, and the possible side effects from the latter, and what you can do to minimise the risks. We chat about the best time to vaccinate your puppy, and we also discuss Hemopet the blood bank Dr Jean founded in 1986 where bloods for Thyroid assessments are sent globally. In 2015 Dr Jean published the best selling book Canine Nutrigenomics - foods to heal your dog naturally. We also talk about environmental stressors and the food chain too!

For more information click here

Follow on Twitter

Jean's book

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

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

Andrew Hale Feb 05, 2023

Show notes

This week we’re joined by Andrew Hale. As a certified dog behaviourist, one of the founders of the UK Dog Charter and much more, he runs his practice in south Devon called Dog Certified Care. We chat about how his human psychology degree and work in practice for people inspired helping owners and their dogs. Without ‘humanisation’ Andrew talks about why we must factor the emotional experience into training and behaviour, indeed life itself. With so much science highlighting emotional intelligence in all animals, especially dogs, Andrew’s view is about ensuring dogs are kept safe but allowed free expression. And seeing learning as an interaction, building a relationship rather than exclusively on operant conditioning. It goes without saying we discuss why lifestyle, experience, accommodation must be factored into the choice of dog. How stress causes disease, and why humans can be emotional contagions. We chat about a natural remedy helping balancing the modern life stressors with calmer dogs, calmer people and a more harmonious relationship.

Andrew's website

Find out more about Pet Remedy here

Instagram: @petremedyofficial

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

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

Rachel Bean RVN Jan 29, 2023

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Rachel Bean RVN - qualified veterinary nurse. Apart from being an amazing ‘dog person', Rachel is the creator of the iPET Network's canine first aid qualification. We chat about this and about common accidents, like how to offer the first line of care for cut paws, insect stings, and with more serious situations like possible bloat or for dogs that might be choking. Rachel chats about her dogs too, and about her work with rescues in India and Thailand. Her message is about how by staying calm and being informed, you could help save your dog’s life. Rachel is also the Manchester co-ordinator for the Street Paws charity, and co-founder of Vet on Set, which ensures the welfare of animals on TV and film productions.

Instagram: @rachelbeanrvn

Website: rachelbean.co.uk

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.

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

Morag Sutherland of the Raw Feeding Vet Society Jan 22, 2023

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Vet Nurse and Behaviourist, Morag Sutherland. Apart from boasting a long career as an in-practice vet nurse, Morag is one of the founders of the Raw Feeding Vet Society (RFVS). Not only passionate about feeding animals as nature intended, Morag as clinical experience highlighting how dogs thrive on a balanced, complete species appropriate diet comprising a lot meat as natural born carnivores. Morag discusses in a balanced way why forward thinking Vets, Vet Nurses, Wellness experts, and Natural Care practitioners have become members of the RFVS to champion natural feeding, raise awareness, and counter common misnomers, whilst endorsing safe raw feeding, especially through a new initiative called RawSafe. Morag also chats about her training and behaviour services called Gelert Behaviour Training, which follows the principles outlined by the UK Charter and embraces the latest science on emotional pain and stress as well as how nutrition affects behaviour and much more.

Find out more about RFVS and Gelertbehaviour

Instagram @rfvs.info

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.

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

Top Dog Film Festival with Rosie Fuller Jan 15, 2023

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Rosie Fuller of the Top Dog Film Festival UK Tour. Created in Australia, it brings a selection of independent short films into an immersive cinema experience that is dedicated to highlighting the amazing capacity of dogs to impact on and enrich our lives. Available to watch for a limited three day period from January 20th, the films take us on an around the world starting in Greenland where we see how modern lifestyles and modern technology are affecting the future of sled dogs - once synonymous with this landscape. The underlying theme is about truly understanding why dogs are not accessories or status symbols. Why dogs really love to ‘work’ ,have a purpose as part of a family. And why this helps you get the best out of your dog, building trust, communication and respect. One film takes us inside a prison looking at an innovative scheme where a rescue centre called Happy Dogs places dogs to live and be cared for by prison inmates. Perhaps the most telling of the films, highlighting the impact these dogs have on their carers, in their rehabilitation. Another looks at the wonder of training to create a doggy dancing team, to the bond between farmers and their sheepdogs, without which they wouldn’t be able to farm!! This new collection of films will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with man’s best friend all over again

The Top Dog Film Festival is produced by the team behind the Banff Mountain Film Festival in the UK and Ireland, and is running as part of their Winter Series of virtual events.

Get your tickets here
For more information follow them on Instagram and Facebook

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.

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

Mike Dower of Jai Dog Jan 08, 2023

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Mike Dower, founder of Jai Dog Rescue in Thailand. Talking about why he left a busy career in London five years ago to set up a rehabilitation centre helping street dogs in Thailand, his passion for these dogs shines through. We talk about why Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is so inspired by Jai Dog and its sanctuary, it has invested in a five year initiative and financial collaboration called: CNVR - Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release scheme. Offering vet care to those injured mainly in road accidents, the charity also re-habilitates those that have small injuries before re-releasing them neutered and healthy to the streets. Thailand being a Buddhist country means cruelty and abuse are not common, but Jai Dog aims to educate with outreach projects to involve communities with the dogs. Jai Dog rehabilitates those dogs injured in road accidents, sadly making up 60% of the dogs treated in their care. And for many of these tripod dogs, Mike explains how they remain at the sanctuary for life. We chat about cultural differences, particularly surrounding euthanasia and about the dedicated team looking after the 91 dogs currently living at the sanctuary. The aim is for dogs to find their forever home both overseas and in Thailand. As a charity, Jai Dog is very fussy about potential adopters, but if you’re interested, don’t be shy to apply. The charity also has on-going costs for food, medication, flea and tick preventatives, enrichment toys and so much more.

Please don’t hesitate to follow the links below to donate at jaidogrescue.org or follow on Instagram and Facebook

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.

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

A Dog's Life Archive: The Forever Dog Jan 01, 2023

Show notes

Happy New Year from A Dog's Life. To start the year Anna brings you our most popular episode to date. Dr Karen and Rodney Habib joined Anna in 2021 to talk about their New York Times best selling book, The Forever Dog.

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.

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