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:
Key Takeaways:
Resources and More Info:
🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more advice and episodes
🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for behind-the-scenes updates and Q&A calls
📚 Book recommendation: How Animals Grieve by Barbara J. King
🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.
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:
Key Takeaways:
Resources & Links:
Learn more about the Blue Cross Veterinary Care Fund: bluecross.org.uk
For support with pet costs and advice: Blue Cross Support Services
Follow @DrPaulTheVet for more episodes and updates
💬 Do you think pet ownership is becoming a privilege only for the wealthy? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media.
📲 Don’t forget to follow and leave a review, it helps more people discover these important conversations.
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:
Key Takeaways:
Resources and More Info:
🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more advice and resources
📊 Learn more about Loyal’s research into canine longevity: http://loyalfordogs.com
🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for daily insights and updates
🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.
Do we love our pets too much, and could it be harming them?
In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore the dramatic shift in how we view our pets - from animals that fit into family life to “fur babies” at the heart of it.
We’ll look at the benefits of closer bonds, but also the hidden welfare risks when pets are treated like humans.
From the rise of “pet parents” to why I now call myself a “guardian,” this episode is about finding a balance between love and species-specific care.
In This Episode:
Key Takeaways:
Resources & Links
🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet health advice and resources
📊 Read the UK survey from Purina: Purina Pet Ownership Survey
📚 Learn more from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute: https://habri.org/
🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for daily insights and updates
🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by Ronan Fitzgerald, a veterinary technical advisor with a specialist interest in nutrition. We’re talking all things fibre, and why it might just be one of the most underrated tools in pet health.
From the differences between soluble, insoluble, and fermentable fibre to the growing science of the gut microbiome, we explore how fibre supports digestion, immunity, weight management, and even behavioural health. We also look at how fibre interacts with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, and why quality and gradual introduction are key when choosing a supplement.
Whether you're a vet, a pet owner, or just fibre-curious, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of why gut health really matters, and how a scoop of fibre might make all the difference.
In This Episode:
Key Takeaways:
Resources & Links:
💬 Got a question about fibre or pet nutrition? Drop it in the comments or tag me on social media.
📲 If you enjoyed the episode, follow and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast.
This episode of The Consult Room is a story of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary bond between a vet student and her assistance dog.
I’m joined by Jade, a veterinary student living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that caused her to collapse without warning, forcing her to leave vet school and putting her dreams on hold. That is, until she met Jules, an alert assistance dog trained by Medical Detection Dogs.
Jules gives Jade minutes of warning before an episode strikes, allowing her to stay safe. Since being matched with him, Jade hasn’t had a single injury or hospital admission.
Together, they’ve returned to vet school, and Jade is pursuing her dream again - with Jules at her side every step of the way.
This is an inspiring conversation about the life-changing power of support animals, the impact of invisible illness, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when everything feels impossible.
In This Episode:
Key Takeaways:
Resources & Links:
💬 Has a pet changed your life in an unexpected way? Share your story in the comments or tag me on social media.
📲 Don’t forget to follow and leave a review—it helps more people discover these important conversations.
Redundancy has never really been part of the veterinary conversation - until now.
In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by veterinary nurse Annie Clark, who shares her deeply personal experience of being made redundant. We talk about the emotional toll, the changing realities of job security in our sector, and what these shifts could mean for animal care, team wellbeing, and the future of the profession.
I also offer my own reflections on the broader landscape, from workforce shortages to financial pressures, and explore how we can better support colleagues going through this difficult process.
In This Episode:
Key Takeaways:
Resources Mentioned:
Vetlife – Mental health support for the veterinary community
ACAS – Guidance on employee rights and redundancy
BVU – British Veterinary Union – Advice and representation for veterinary staff
💬 Have redundancies affected your team? Let us know in the comments or tag @DrPaulTheVet to share your experience.
Dog bites are on the rise in the UK and many owners have no idea their dog could land them on the wrong side of the law.
In this episode of The Consult Room, I speak with Gemma Taylor, an experienced animal welfare expert from Blue Cross. We explore what’s really behind the increase in dog bite incidents, the complex laws that apply, and what every dog owner should know to keep their dog (and the public) safe.
Gemma also shares insights from the Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDoC), a police-referred programme that is changing the way we educate owners—and reducing reoffending rates to zero.
Whether you're a new dog owner or a lifelong pet parent, this is an essential listen.
In This Episode:
Key Takeaways:
Resources and More Info:
🎙️ Enjoyed the episode?
Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.
💬 Got questions or stories about dog ownership? Share them in the comments or tag me on social media
It’s collaboration time and this time, Dr. Paul Manktelow is in the hot seat.
In this special episode, Paul joins Chris Watling for the launch of the Meet the Animal People podcast. Together, they explore Paul’s personal journey through the veterinary world, from a childhood fascination with wildlife, through the challenges of vet school, to a career that spans clinical practice, charity leadership, and media work.
They also reflect on communication, mental health, diversity in the veterinary profession, and how staying connected to a personal mission can make all the difference.
In This Episode, We Explore:
Why early work experiences (even outside of veterinary practice) build critical communication skills
The importance of diversity and inclusion in the veterinary sector
How separating personal identity from your job can support mental health
Why charity work offers a different kind of fulfilment for veterinary professionals
Changing dynamics in pet ownership and access to veterinary care
Key Takeaways:
Communication with pet owners is as important as clinical skill
Diversity in the veterinary profession is improving, but more work is needed
Mental health challenges are real and creating work-life boundaries matters
Charity roles can amplify impact by supporting communities and animal welfare
Failure is part of growth and resilience comes from embracing setbacks
Related Links and Resources:
Find the full episode on Meet the Animal People here:
Connect with Dr. Paul Manktelow on social media: @DrPaulTheVet
Visit the website for blogs and insights: theconsultroom.co.uk
Engage With Us:
💬 What part of Paul's journey resonated most with you? We would love to hear your thoughts.
📲 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for more insights and check out Chris Watling’s Meet the Animal People podcast for more inspiring conversations from the world of animal care.
🎙️ Thank you for tuning in. Please follow and leave a review. It really helps others discover these important conversations.
The Assisted Dying Bill is currently under debate in UK Parliament, with strong public support but also deep ethical concerns. But one profession has been left out of the discussion - veterinary surgeons.
As someone who has performed euthanasia countless times, I ask: Should vets have a voice in this debate?
In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore:
The key provisions of the Assisted Dying Bill and its potential impact.
How euthanasia decisions in veterinary medicine differ from human assisted dying.
Why quality of life plays a central role in veterinary end-of-life care—but not in the current human model.
The emotional burden of euthanasia—on vets, doctors, and families.
Whether vets’ expertise in assessing suffering could offer valuable insights into this complex debate.
This is a sensitive, thought-provoking discussion about life, death, and dignity—through the lens of a profession that makes these decisions every day.
💡 Takeaways:
The Assisted Dying Bill proposes medical assistance for terminally ill adults.
Public support remains strong, with 75% in favour.
Unlike human medicine, veterinary euthanasia is based on suffering and quality of life, not just terminal illness.
Ethical concerns include coercion, emotional burden on doctors, and patient autonomy.
Vets have extensive experience in assessing pain, suffering, and end-of-life decisions.
The veterinary profession has not been consulted in the Assisted Dying Bill discussions.
🔗 Related Links and Resources:
📲 Engage With Us:
💬 What’s your take on the Assisted Dying Bill? Should vets have a say in this debate? Let me know in the comments.
📲 Follow @DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favorite platform to stay updated on future episodes.
🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.
You’ll find all relevant links in the show notes.
If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review—it really helps others discover the podcast.
For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @DrPaulTheVet or visit theconsultroom.co.uk.
In this episode of The Consult Room, we explore the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into the rising costs of veterinary care across the UK. Join me as I break down the complex issues facing the sector, from corporate consolidation and price transparency to the financial strain on pet owners.
Drawing on over two decades of experience in the charity veterinary sector, I discuss the implications for pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal welfare. From skyrocketing vet fees and pet insurance premiums to media portrayals of the profession, this conversation delves into the root causes of the affordability crisis and potential solutions that the CMA’s report may offer.
💡 Takeaways:
The CMA’s investigation aims to address rising vet care costs.
Corporate consolidation has drastically changed the veterinary landscape.
Pet owners face rising vet fees and insurance premiums, creating financial stress.
Pricing transparency could empower pet owners to make informed decisions.
Media coverage has contributed to misconceptions about vet costs and services.
Many veterinary professionals face burnout due to industry pressures.
Delayed veterinary visits caused by financial concerns can worsen pet health.
The CMA’s report may lead to significant reforms in pricing and competition.
🔗 Related Links and Resources:
Competition and Markets Authority: Official Investigation Announcement
British Veterinary Association’s Response to the CMA Inquiry
📲 Engage With Us:
💬 What’s your take on the CMA investigation? Join the conversation on social media—let me know your thoughts and experiences.
📲 Follow @DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favourite platform to stay updated on future episodes.
🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.
You’ll find all relevant links to this conversation in the show notes.
If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review—it really helps others discover the podcast.
For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @DrPaulTheVet or check out my website at theconsultroom.co.uk.
In this episode of The Consult Room, Dr. Paul Manktelow is joined by Dr. Stuart Halperin, a leading expert in stem cell therapy for dogs. Together, they discuss the rising prevalence of arthritis in dogs, including why even young dogs can develop this painful condition.
Dr. Halperin explains how stem cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment, is providing new hope by not just masking symptoms but potentially reversing the damage caused by arthritis.
Listeners can expect to hear about:
Tune in to learn how stem cell therapy is not only changing the treatment of arthritis in dogs but also paving the way for future advancements in veterinary medicine.
For more information and resources, visit www.theconsultroom.co.uk.
In this thought-provoking episode of The Consult Room, we explore the contentious XL Bully ban that has stirred considerable debate across the veterinary and animal welfare sectors. With the legislation now in effect, making it illegal to own, breed, rehome, or sell an XL Bully without specific exemptions, the repercussions are vast and varied. This episode aims to dissect the emotional and practical implications of the ban and how it has impacted the veterinary sector.
In this episode, we discuss: Introduction to the Ban: Understanding the reasons behind the swift introduction of the XL Bully ban, including public safety concerns and the legislative response to high-profile dog attacks. Personal Experience and Perspective: Insights from a veterinary charity sector leader on the emotional weight and complex outcomes of breed-specific legislation. Impact on the Veterinary Sector:
The surge in caseloads and the logistical hurdles facing veterinary clinics.
Ethical quandaries over euthanizing healthy animals and the veterinarian's role in legislation enforcement. Operational challenges, including staff shortages and resource allocation in response to the ban. Emotional Toll and Mental Health: The psychological impact on veterinarians tasked with euthanizing healthy animals, the distress of pet owners, and available support networks. The Consult Room is a space that celebrate pets and people, offering professional insights and pet support to a wide audience of pet-lovers, pet owners and veterinary professionals. Visit us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at Hello@theconsultroom.co.uk for more information and support.
Is the veterinary profession in the depths of a mental health crisis? With media headlines highlighting industry burnout, dropout and suicide, it would appear so! But what’s the truth behind these headlines and do they help - or harm?
In this series 3 podcast from The Consult Room, Dr Paul Manktelow seeks to find answers and share support, alongside veterinary expert Rosie Allister, esteemed lecturer, international speaker and published author, who has dedicated over 10 years on this very issue.
Listen and learn more about:
What’s behind concerns about mental health in the veterinary industry?
The specific harm that negative narratives can cause to already-stressed veterinary professionals.
External influences which have had a huge impact on all veterinary practice - including Brexit, Covid, Corporate takeover and the massive surge in pet ownership.
Why negative narratives have a cause-and-effect when it comes to low numbers in recruitment and retention.
Why the unrealistic expectations and lack of understanding from some pet owners' and baseless, vindictive complaints contribute to stress - and even suicide.
The awful impact of ‘vet-bashing’ and online abuse - and how this affects all veterinary professionals.
The statistics around suicide in the profession and the importance of striking a balance in what we talk about - and how we talk about it.
The podcast also shares where to find help as Rosie shares more information about the charity Vetlife and how this is literally a lifeline for veterinary professionals.
And pet owners can get involved and help too! We’re a compassionate profession which puts pets first, so please help us by showing some compassion for our colleagues.
The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people, offering professional insights and pet support to a wide audience of pet-lovers, pet owners and veterinary professionals. Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at Hello@theconsultroom.co.uk
In this series 3 episode from The Consult Room podcast, Dr Paul Manktelow is joined by Dr Jane Ladlow, specialist veterinary surgeon and Director of Research at Cambridge University. In this in-depth discussion, they lift the lid on the controversy surrounding flat-faced dogs - those bulldog breeds that conversely top the tables as most popular but also the most unhealthy.
With a shared concern and love of the breeds, listen and learn as Paul and Jane delve deeper into:
The health issues which haunt these breeds.
The research, diagnostic and assessment tools that have helped breeders start to breed better bulldogs and vets to better monitor them.
How problems may not all be down to irresponsible breeding, but also the irresponsible influence of social media.
Why it is that dog owners can’t resist these breeds.
What you should do if you are currently considering buying a bulldog breed.
The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people, offering professional insights and pet support to a wide audience of pet-lovers, pet owners and veterinary professionals. Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at Hello@theconsultroom.co.uk
