The Consult Room

In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by Cat Henstridge, better known online as Cat the Vet, to unpack one of the most confusing areas of pet care: nutrition.

From raw and grain-free diets to vegan and insect-based foods, we explore how pet owners can separate facts from fads in an industry filled with marketing, misinformation, and social media noise. Cat shares her insights as one of the UK’s most trusted veterinary voices online, tackling myths head-on and highlighting what really matters when it comes to feeding our pets well.

Together, we discuss the science behind balanced diets, the rise of pet obesity, the ethics of feeding trends, and how vets can communicate more openly about nutrition without fear of backlash.

In This Episode:

• Why pet food myths spread so easily online

• The truth about raw, grain-free, and vegan diets

• How marketing and “fear-based” ads influence pet owners

• The importance of complete and balanced nutrition

• Why affordability and access must be part of the nutrition debate

• What to look for on pet food packaging

• How to spot misinformation on social media

Key Takeaways:

• Nutrition is a science - not a trend

• Fear-based marketing undermines trust in vets

• Complete and balanced diets can be found at all price points

• Social media has amplified myths about “natural” and “premium” feeding

• Vets need to be braver and more open when talking about pet diets

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In this episode of The Consult Room, I sit down with Alison Thomas, Head of Veterinary Standards at Blue Cross, to ask a challenging question, are we over treating our pets?

As the cost of living rises, many owners are finding it harder to afford veterinary care. At the same time, vets face increasing pressure to offer every test and treatment, even when the benefits aren’t always clear. Alison shares her insights from decades of experience in both private and charity practice, explaining why sometimes “doing less” can actually mean delivering better welfare.

We explore the concept of pragmatic veterinary care - an approach that’s realistic, affordable, and welfare-first, and discuss how communication, confidence, and compassion can bridge the gap between clinical excellence and everyday practicality.

In This Episode:

• What pragmatic veterinary care really means
• Why the cost of care is driving an access crisis
• How to balance “gold standard” treatment with welfare-focused care
• The rise of defensive medicine in the profession
• The impact of pet owners’ expectations on clinical decisions
• Why confidence and experience shape better judgement
• Practical tips for affordable pet health care
  

Key Takeaways:

• Pragmatic care isn’t low quality - it’s high welfare and realistic
• Over-treatment can reduce welfare as much as under-treatment
• Communication and trust are key to managing expectations
• Vets need confidence to say “enough” - not everything needs testing
• Vaccination, diet, and prevention remain the best investments in care
  

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In this special Q&A edition of The Consult Room, I’m joined by my producer and veterinary nurse, Annie Clark, as we answer your pet health questions; from itchy paws to tear stains, insurance dilemmas to grief, and everything in between.

Every year at Crufts and across social media, I’m sent hundreds of questions from pet owners, so in this episode, we’re dedicating the mic to you - our listeners.

From behaviour and wellness to end-of-life care and first-time ownership, it’s an honest look at the real questions pet guardians ask.

In This Episode:

• Why dogs obsessively lick their paws
• How to support a cat through grief after losing a companion
• Nail trimming at home - what to do (and what not to!)
• Tear staining in Chihuahuas and other breeds
• When it’s time to say goodbye - assessing quality of life
• The truth about rising pet insurance costs
• What to expect when your female dog hasn’t had her first season
• Tips for first-time dog guardians working from home
• And… who do I love the most - Rodney or my husband?

Key Takeaways:

• Always rule out medical causes before assuming a behavioural issue
• Grieving pets need time and stable routines to adjust
• Nail clipping confidence starts with early handling and calm training
• Tear stains are often anatomical, not always treatable
• Quality of life decisions should be guided by mobility, appetite, and engagement
• Insurance costs rise with age - plan early, save, or shop wisely
• Dogs thrive on structure, even when you work from home

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This episode of The Consult Room asks a pressing question: Is the UK heading for a veterinary care crisis?

I’m joined by Dannii Thorington-Neve, Head of Veterinary Strategy at Blue Cross, who leads the charity’s Veterinary Care Fund. Launched in 2023 with just 23 practices, the fund now has over 1,700 practices signed up nationwide - a clear sign that more and more pet owners are struggling to afford veterinary care.

Together, we explore what this growth tells us about the UK right now, how poverty and the rising cost of living are shaping pet ownership, and what it means for the future of veterinary healthcare. Along the way, we share stories from pet owners whose lives have been transformed by the fund, and we discuss the bigger systemic questions around affordability, transparency, and the role of charities in bridging the gap.

This is a conversation about the realities of modern pet care, the tough choices facing families, and the need for new ways of thinking to keep pets and people together.

In This Episode:

• What the rapid growth of the Veterinary Care Fund tells us about UK society

• Why more pet owners are delaying or avoiding vet visits due to cost

• Stories from owners whose pets have benefitted from the fund

• How charities like Blue Cross are working alongside private practices

• The wider systemic issues in veterinary pricing and accessibility

  
  

Key Takeaways:

• The UK is facing a growing veterinary care crisis

• The Veterinary Care Fund has expanded from 23 to over 1,700 practices in two years

• Many owners are struggling to afford essential treatment for their pets

• Collaboration between charity and private sectors is essential for solutions

• Rising costs and lack of transparency are fuelling inequality in pet ownership

• Access to affordable care is fundamental to animal welfare

Resources & Links:

We’ve all heard it: “One dog year equals seven human years.” But it’s wrong - and in this episode of The Consult Room, I explain why.

From the rapid aging dogs experience in their early years, to the role of breed, size, genetics, and even new anti-aging research, this episode explores what really determines a dog’s lifespan. Most importantly, it’s about how knowing your dog’s true biological age can help you give them the best care at every stage of life.

In This Episode:

• Why the 7-to-1 rule doesn’t work
• How dogs age differently depending on size and breed
• The science of epigenetic clocks and aging
• The extraordinary cases of Bluey and Bobie
• Why weight management is the single biggest factor in longevity
• What senior dogs need compared to younger dogs

Key Takeaways:

• Dogs age rapidly in their early years, then more slowly
• Small breeds often live far longer than giant breeds
• Genetics and environment both shape lifespan
• Knowing your dog’s life stage helps tailor their care
• Healthy weight = healthier, longer life

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