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Pete the Vet

@petethevet.bsky.social
255 followers 826 following 86 posts

I'm a companion animal veterinarian with a mission to talk about pets and pet health, sharing information via PeteTheVet.com website, newspapers,television & radio. #XDissenter

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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Losing a pet leaves a profound emotional void. 🐾 Pet bereavement isn't "silly"—it's the loss of unconditional love and daily routine. Learn how to navigate pet grief, memorials, and ways to help healing: 👇Blog post and podcast here: www.petethevet.com/death_of_a_p...
petethevet.com
Why the death of a pet hurts so much, and how it can be helped - Pete the Vet
Why does the death of a pet hurt so much? Pete the Vet explores pet bereavement, the reality of disenfranchised grief, euthanasia, and meaningful healing rituals.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The impact of pet insurance on veterinary bills petewedderburn.substack.com/p/the-impact...
petewedderburn.substack.com
The impact of pet insurance on veterinary bills
Pet insurance is meant to make veterinary care affordable, but what about the long term impact?
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Why are vet bills rising? 🐾 It's partly just the impact of cost-of-living inflation, but there are many other factors, including the VAT on pet care as a "luxury." Read my breakdown on veterinary costs here and listen to the podcast: www.petethevet.com/why-are-vete...
petethevet.com
Why are veterinary bills so high? - Pete the Vet
Why are veterinary bills so expensive? Pete the Vet discusses the high costs of modern diagnostic technology, the VAT penalty on vet fees and pet medications, and the reasons why corporate ownership o...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
After thirty years in Irish media—from print columns and broadcast TV to social feeds—the landscape has shifted once again. Stepping back into partial clinical retirement, I'm moving on to Substack for some long-form writing instead. www.petethevet.com/petethevetsu...
petethevet.com
My latest outlet: a Substack page to share information - Pete the Vet
After thirty years in Irish media—from print columns and broadcast TV to social feeds—the landscape has shifted once again. Stepping back into partial clinical retirement, I'm trading the frenetic ene...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
How has the human-pet bond changed over the last 40 years? 🐾 Animals teach us mindfulness, loyalty, and connection in a busy digital world. Read my reflections on veterinary life and pet care: 👇 www.petethevet.com/human-animal...
petethevet.com
The Human-Animal Bond: Lessons from 40 Years in Veterinary Practice - Pete the Vet
I was recently interviewed by Killian O'Keefe of Ruby Reese Pet Care  and the human-animal bond featured strongly, as this has been one of the most important
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Are dogs legally required to be on a lead in Ireland? 🐕 Irish law requires "effectual control." Learn what this means for recall, restricted breeds, and owner liability in public spaces: www.petethevet.com/dogs_being_k...
petethevet.com
The Irish law on dogs being kept on leads - Pete the Vet
What is the law about dogs being kept on leads in Ireland? Pete the Vet explains "effectual control," restricted breed rules, and legal responsibilities for pet owners.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Is your dog constantly licking their paw or scratching their ears after a walk in the grass? 🌾 Seasonal allergies in pets manifest through itchy skin, red ears, and paw chewing. Check out my guide on post-walk pollen care & treatments: 👇 www.petethevet.com/protecting-y...
petethevet.com
Protecting Your Pets During Allergy Season: A Veterinary Guide - Pete the Vet
Is your dog or cat scratching uncontrollably? Pete the Vet breaks down the symptoms of an allergy to pollens in pets.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Heading to a local lake with your dog? ☀️ Watch out for toxic Blue-Green Algae! Warm, stagnant water can harbor cyanobacteria that trigger rapid seizures and collapse. Learn how to spot the signs and protect your pet: 👇 www.petethevet.com/blue-green-a...
petethevet.com
The Hidden Summer Danger in Irish Lakes: Protecting Your Dog from Blue-Green Algae - Pete the Vet
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.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Thinking of getting a puppy? 🐶 Summer is the absolute best time for house training and socialisation! Check out my guide on rescue adoption, ethical breeding, and puppy farm red flags to avoid: 👇 www.petethevet.com/summer-puppy...
petethevet.com
Why Summer is the Best Time to Adopt a Puppy (And How to Do It Ethically) - Pete the Vet
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.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Planning a summer holiday? ☀️ Boarding kennels & pet sitters book out fast! Learn how to navigate EU pet passports, trial runs with new minders, and understanding post-boarding dog behavior. 👇 petethevet.com/holiday-care... #PeteTheVet #PetTravel #DogMinders #PetPassport
petethevet.com
Tips from the Pete the Vet on holiday care for dogs - Pete the Vet
Planning a summer trip? Pete the Vet shares essential tips on holiday care for dogs, including boarding kennels, pet sitters, travel passports, and helping your dog recover from post-holiday stress.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
19 years in triathlon and I’m firmly a "completer" not a "contender." 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️ My Two Provinces race report involves swimming extra distance, losing my bike in T1, getting a drafting penalty, and a post-race paella recovery. Read the full recap: www.petethevet.com/twoprovinces...
petethevet.com
My Two Provinces Triathlon: Older, Slower, but Still Claiming the Paella - Pete the Vet
Pete the Vet recaps his Two Provinces Triathlon 2026: his navigation fails, a drafting penalty, pre-race delusions, and why Two Provinces remains Ireland's best race
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
It has taken six months to write about this, but now here is the final chapter of my beloved dog Finzi's life. At 13, a pancreatic tumour meant making the hardest call an owner can make. Choosing peace over pain at home was the kindest choice for her. ❤️ www.petethevet.com/farewellfinz...
petethevet.com
Farewell to Pete the Vet's beloved dog Finzi: the end of a good life, lived to the full - Pete the Vet
Veterinarian Pete Wedderburn shares the quiet, peaceful story of saying goodbye to his beloved 13-year-old rescue dog, Finzi, and choosing comfort over pain.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The debate on domestic cats and wildlife is fiercely polarized. 🐱 But extreme indoor bans overlook 5,500 years of history (and vital rodent control) in Ireland. If your cat is a hunter, here are simple, practical steps you can take to protect local birds: www.petethevet.com/cats_and_wil...
petethevet.com
Finding Balance: The Polarizing Debate on Cats and Wildlife - Pete the Vet
Is it time to restrict domestic cats to protect Irish wildlife? Pete the Vet weighs in on the polarized debate about cats and wildlife, sharing tips to curb hunting behaviour. He also offers seasonal ...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Pet emergency at 3 AM? 🐾 The way out-of-hours vet care works has completely evolved. Learn how to quickly access Dublin's 24/7 emergency clinics, plus the real science behind dog emotions and midnight cat behavior! 👇https://www.petethevet.com/emergencyvetcare/
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Think it's the perfect afternoon for a long dog walk? ☀️ Exercise in hot weather is the #1 cause of heatstroke in dogs. Learn how to spot the signs, what to do in an emergency, and how to keep vet costs manageable. 👇https://www.petethevet.com/summer-pet-safety/
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Finding out that a pet is pregnant can be a shock! 🐾 From mastering nutrition and tracking body temperatures to giving new mums plenty of space, managing pet pregnancies is a 24/7 job. Check out my latest blog post for essential vet advice: petethevet.com/petpregnanci... #PeteTheVet #PetCare
petethevet.com
The Reality of Pet Pregnancies: What You Need to Know - Pete the Vet
Learn how to safely manage pet pregnancies with expert veterinary advice on nutrition, labor signs, newborn care, and essential early socialization tips.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I've written a piece in the The Telegraph today about how to get the best value from your vet and from pet insurance. You can read it here www.telegraph.co.uk/family/pets/... I am going online in the comments section below that article on the Telegraph site between 1 and 2pm today
telegraph.co.uk
Eight ways to get better value from your dog’s vet and pet insurance
Our experienced veterinary surgeon reveals the questions owners should ask to save money while ensuring their dogs receive excellent care
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
The start of my 19th triathlon season. "I leapt onto my bike like an elderly cowboy heaving himself onto a horse that was, at best, trotting..." I've written a short race report about my first race of the triathlon season, in Clonmel last Sunday. www.petethevet.com/clonmeltriat...
petethevet.com
The "Smell the Races" (and feel the River) Start to my 19th Triathlon Season - Pete the Vet
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...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Chocolate and lilies aren't just Easter holiday hazards—they are serious risks to our pets every single day of the year. Check out my latest blog post and podcast interview for essential advice on managing these year-round threats to your dogs and cats: www.petethevet.com/chocolatelil...
petethevet.com
Chocolate toxicity in dogs and lily poisoning in cats - a year-round threat - Pete the Vet
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 li...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
I've started a new weekly vet spot on Spirit radio - you can listen here www.spiritradio.ie/podcast/pete...
spiritradio.ie
Pete the Vet answers your questions – Spirit Radio
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Is the "annual pet booster" a thing of the past? Modern veterinary medicine is shifting from blanket protocols to Individualized Risk Assessment. My latest guide explains why your pet's lifestyle (and geography!) should dictate their vaccine schedule. www.petethevet.com/petvaccinati...
petethevet.com
Does Your Pet Need Annual Boosters? A Vet’s Guide to Personalized Vaccinations - Pete the Vet
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 soci...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
From CT scans to brain surgery, pet care now rivals human medicine—but at what cost? I’ve written on the CMA’s review of vet profession here: www.petethevet.com/the-evolutio... #VetTwitter #CMA #PetCare #UKBusiness #AnimalWelfare
petethevet.com
The evolution of the veterinary profession in the UK - and Ireland - Pete the Vet
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 o...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
My 10 min podcast this week is on choosing holiday care for your pet. You've booked your perfect itinerary. Then you look at the dog. Suddenly, your dream getaway feels like a betrayal. But it doesn't have to be a choice between your holiday and their happiness. www.petethevet.com/how-to-choos...
petethevet.com
How to Choose the Best Holiday Care for Your Pets: A Stress-Free Guide - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Dog breeds with innate poor health continue to be popular. With Crufts last week, and the St Patrick's Day dog show today in Dublin, pedigree dogs are under the spotlight. Read my latest blog post and listen to my short podcast here www.petethevet.com/breeding-for...
petethevet.com
Breeding for Health, Not Just Looks: A Vet’s Perspective - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Paws and petals: make sure your home and garden are safe for your dogs and cats. Listen to my podcast on this topic here: www.petethevet.com/avoiding-gar...
petethevet.com
How to avoid garden hazards for pets: 10 min podcast - Pete the Vet
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)
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Pet tech: how technology can help pet health. 10 min podcast. www.petethevet.com/pet-tech-how...
petethevet.com
Pet tech: how technology can help pet health. 10 min podcast. - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
This week's podcast discusses a common and often unrecognised risk: getting too close together when taking photos of pets and people. www.petethevet.com/riskspetspeo...
petethevet.com
Risks of taking photos of pets and people close together - ten min podcast - Pete the Vet
Avoid taking risks when taking photos of pets and people close together
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
This week's 10 min podcast and blog post features a discussion on how to help pets stay calm and comfortable in storms. See here for more www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: helping pets cope with stormy weather - Pete the Vet
Keeping Your animal family Calm: Helping Pets Through Irish Storms With the wind rattling the windows and the rain coming down in sheets, it’s not just us
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
In this week's blog post and podcast, learn about dog cloning and dog poop DNA profiling, as well as a discussion about dogs in the same house not getting on... For more, see here www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: cloning dogs, DNA testing dog poops and other bits & pieces - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Over 100 swans call Bray Harbour home, but staying safe in an urban environment is a challenge. 🦢 Listen to my latest podcast on the issues affecting our local swan colony and how you can help www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca... #Bray #Wicklow #WildlifeConservation
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: update on the swan sanctuary in my local town, Bray, Co Wicklow - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Read my blog post and listen to my short podcast on the serious issue of puppy farming and dog export to UK and Europe www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: illegal farming and export of puppies from Ireland - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
I was on the Anton Savage Show on Newstalk talking about how to protect pets from harm in cold weather. Listen to the interview here www.newstalk.com/.../how-to-p.... Keep warm, everyone! And a very Happy New Year to you all.
newstalk.com
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
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. Listen at the following link: www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: A Vet’s Guide to a Stress-Free Christmas - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Ozempic type injections being developed for overweight pets? I was asked about this on Newstalk's Sean Moncrieff Show. You can hear the discussion & read a few facts about this here www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast from Newstalk: obesity injections for dogs? - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Canine Cognitive Disorder (CCD) or dog Alzheimers is very common as our pets grow old. I've written a short piece on this to accompany my recent chat on Newstalk about this important condition. See here for more www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast - dementia in dogs - Pete the Vet
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), often referred to as "dog Alzheimer's," is a prevalent and progressive neurobehavioral syndrome affecting senior and
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Pancreatitis is a common enough cause of vomiting in dogs. Diagnosis has become more accurate in recent years & this was a timely update #LondonVetShow #LVS25
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Feline diabetes (which is common) no longer needs injections of insulin for control. This new treatment works in a different way & is great for needle-averse cats & owners #LVS25 #LondonVetShow
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
AI is the buzz theme at #LondonVetShow. Main function: listening in to the conversation between vet & pet owner then creating detailed clinical notes that summarize what's going on with the pet. How would you all feel about this happening at your local vet?
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
I'm at #LondonVetShow #LVS25 for the next 2 days. It's important to keep up to date ( it's now 40 years since I qualified). This first lecture is a great example of why I need to be here!
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
When is it ethical to put clothes on pets? Listen to this short podcast to find out! www.petethevet.com/10-minute-po...
petethevet.com
10 minute podcast: is it ethical to put clothing on pets? - Pete the Vet
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.
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
I've been speaking on the radio about the need for a new way of classifying pet theft in Ireland: they are so much more than just "property". You can listen to my Newstalk interview here www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: why pet theft should be classified differently to property theft - Pete the Vet
The Irish Government should introduce harsher sentences for pet theft, in order to better reflect the emotional distress of having a pet stolen. Pet theft
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
I’ve been busy talking about fear of fireworks in pets this week, over at Newstalk as well on my local radio station, East Coast FM. See here www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig... for Newstalk or here for the local radio version www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
newstalk.com
How to protect your pets during halloween? | Newstalk
With Halloween next week, you may have heard of an increase in fireworks and bangers in your area...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
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, how to help a dog terrified of going up stairs, and a cat that’s started howling at night. www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: heat stroke in hot weather, ear disease and swimming, a dog terrified of stairs and a cat howling at night - Pete the Vet
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, how
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
I've had a summer break from posting podcasts, so here is the first of a few this week catching up on answers to pet queries www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
In this week’s ten minute 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 (a St Bernard). www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: conjunctivitis in dogs, a cat attacking visitors, a high energy dog in an apartment & how much to feed a giant breed dog - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Topics in this weeks 10 min podcast include excessive panting in dogs to high blood pressure to the risks of eating slugs and snails. Also, different ways to get cats to hunt less often, and taking on a pet rabbit (or better again, a pair of pet rabbits). www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: pet queries, from panting to high blood pressure to eating slugs - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
I'm on the road to #lanesborough for the @two_provinces_triathlon today. My T-shirt carries a message for my friend and rival: doctors are so serious while vets just wanna have fun. See you out there, Dr Dan. It's going to be a great race in fabulous sunny conditions! #triathlon #partyanimal
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
The triathlon season is well underway. I am a slow starter this year: my first race is happening in just over a week, in Co Longford - @twoprovincestri. It's a really enjoyable race, and there are still spaces if anyone else would like to compete. www.petethevet.com/why-i-keep-r...
petethevet.com
Why I keep returning to the Two Provinces Triathlon - Pete the Vet
Two provinces triathlon is coming up on saturday 12th july My favourite triathlon is coming up: the Two Provinces Triathlon, Lanesboro, County Longford. I
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
This podcast explains how to identify ticks in pets, how to remove them safely, and best of all, how to prevent them completely. I also discuss lameness in a listener's dog, and I touch on the topic of raw food as a source of nutrition for pets. www.petethevet.com/10-min-podca...
petethevet.com
10 min podcast: preventing and treating ticks in pets, lameness in dogs, plus raw feeding pets - Pete the Vet
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
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Pete the Vet @petethevet.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
I took part in an interesting discussion on Newstalk's Lunchtime Live yesterday: are pets to blame for the falling human birthrate in Ireland today? Are people choosing pets over children? To listen, see here www.newstalk.com/news/are-pet...
newstalk.com
Are pets to blame for the falling birthrate?
Are pets to blame for the falling birthrate? Birthrates across the western world are falling - ...
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