Anna's Blog

This week Anna is joined by PDSA Vet Sean Wensley chatting about his book Through A Vet’s Eyes. As a candid exploration of how we live with animals in the modern world, Sean explains why we mustn’t lose touch with nature and all animals in the natural world.

They offer stark contrast to our farm animals and pets being kept in captivity. We discuss the importance to understand the Five Domains: Nutrition, Behaviour,  Physical health, the Environment, and the Mental Health of all animals. In the wild animals these domains are provided naturally through survival, but Sean argues we can all do better to ensure the well-being of all animals in our care.

When you consider that 10% of Britain’s pooches spend Christmas Day at the emergency vets, it's proof that the festive season can be very stressful on many levels.

Dogs don’t know it’s Christmas, although they certainly know something is happening. That’s in part due to us getting so worked up about the presents, the cards, the decorations, the Christmas tree, the lights, all the food and of course the visitors.

As the market booms in humans for collagen (and for good reason) it's important to understand that just as it depletes in us as we age, the same is true in our dogs. Not only 100% natural, the Collar-gen is species appropriate and easily absorbed through the gut.

As a very important structural protein abundant in all our cells, it helps with mobility, skin & coat and digestion. The success of Collar-gen since its launch earlier this year is testament to its efficacy, vouched for by Anna’s dogs Prudence and Mr Binks.

This week Anna welcomes back Dr Amit Patel and his famous Guide Dog, Kika. We chat about a new programme on Cbeebies called Dog Squad which is all about teaching children just how amazing dogs are in helping their owners. For Dr Amit, Kika is his eyes.

There are four other superhero dogs featured: Tinks, Sylvie, Meagaidh and Diesel. They all have amazing jobs! We chat about how the TV show also aims to break down preconceptions on disabilities, and explain why dogs can help people live independent lives.

This week Anna is joined by Animal Communicator and Holistic Healer, Lisa Tully. We chat about how Lisa who worked in the pharmaceutical sector for years before becoming disheartened, and looking for health solutions that resonated with her.

We chat about how a trip to Mongolia and a course in Shamanism changed her pathway forever, releasing some deeper energetic force. Her aim to help pet parents and their animals overcome trauma, holding onto stress, and achieve balance mentally and emotionally.

With firework season coming up Anna welcomes back Dr Sam Gaines of the RSPCA to chat about how you can start preparing your dog now to deal with fireworks that now start at Holloween, through Bonfire Night, Dwali, Christmas and New Year by learning to see the signs of stress in your dog and to create a safe space for them.

Anna and Sam also talk about the progress (or lack there of) of various animal welfare bills currently in Parliament, the increase in dog biting, and a new media campaign to add more breeds to the list of Dangerous Dogs.

This week Anna is joined by Jo Boughton-White, Managing Director of Dorwest Herbs. Visiting their HQ in Dorchester, the Dorwest team show Anna around the facility, and chat about how their award winning range of Herbal supplements are produced.

Conscious of the very best practice with quality ingredients, the supplements are made to pharmaceutical standards. We chat about the history of the company, now run by Jo as the third generation of this family business. Looking back at press cuttings from as far back as the 1950’s , Anna and Jo discuss why the heritage of Dorwest is so significant as they move into their 75th year!