Paws and Effect

Dr Carra Walters
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Paws and Effect, the ultimate Podcast for pet lovers and veterinarians alike! Join renowned veterinarian Dr Carra as they explore the captivating world of pets. With expert knowledge and a passion for animals, Dr Carra brings engaging content, interviews with veterinary professionals, and valuable insights. From expert veterinary advice to tips on pet-life balance, Paws and Effect is your go-to podcast. Subscribe now and join our vibrant community dedicated to celebrating the bond we share with our furry friends and the impact of pets on your mental health.

  1. 2d ago

    Your Chicken Is Sick Before She Looks Sick | Nikki Husted

    Chickens are prey animals which means they're built to hide illness. A sick hen instinctively acts normal for as long as she possibly can, because in the wild, looking weak gets you killed. So by the time you notice something's wrong, she may have been unwell for days, and you may have very little time left to help her. That's the hard truth at the heart of this episode. Carra sits down with poultry expert Nikki Husted, author of newly released A Healthy Home Flock, on how to spot trouble early, when your birds are working hard to hide it. In this episode: The subtle behaviour changes that are your real early warning systemWhy observing your flock daily is the single best thing you can doThe truth about homemade feed, quarantine and introducing new birdsThe first-aid essentials every keeper should have before they need them Connect with Dr Carra: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ Connect with Nikki Husted: Linktree: https://beacons.ai/purelychickens Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PurelyChickens/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelychickens/ Website: https://purelychickens.com/ Podcast Production: This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/ THIS EPISODES SPONSORS: Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za Just For Pets: Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/ FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and we'll get in touch with you. Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this. ------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Identifying chicken health issues 03:12 Monitoring chicken behaviour and egg-laying 06:48 Checking chicken droppings for health 11:35 Adopting and quarantining new chickens 16:10 Risks of homemade chicken feed 19:35 Tracking my chickens' info 21:53 Identifying chicken health issues 23:58 Checking chickens for leg injuries 28:04 Checking for chicken crop issues 31:50 Home remedies for egg-bound hens 37:14 Administering Fluids to Chicken 39:08 Chickens: Essential first aid kit 44:27 Importance of finding chicken vets 45:26 Caring for chickens as pets 48:41 Podcast interview gratitude

  2. Sep 22

    Inside South Africa's Snaring Crisis

    A loop of wire, tied to a branch, in a patch of bush near a town you might live near. Anything that walks through it, a duiker, a bushpig, a bird, sometimes a leopard, occasionally someone's dog, is caught, and the wire doesn't let go. Cheap, silent, and everywhere. Conservationists call snares the silent killers. Our guest walks that bush and pulls them out. On a bad day, his team finds dozens; they've found eighty in a single day. He's asked to stay anonymous, and once you hear who's on the other side of this work, you'll understand exactly why. This is poaching most people never picture: not helicopters and rhino horn, but a quiet, industrial-scale slaughter happening close to home. We talk about what snares do, why the problem is growing, the real risk of the work, and what you can actually do about it. Connect with Dr Carra: Website: https://drcarra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ Connect with Snare Aware: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snareaware/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snareaware/ Podcast Production: This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/ THIS EPISODES SPONSORS: Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za Just For Pets: Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/ FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and we'll get in touch with you. Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 Snaring in ancient and modern times 10:27 Spotting signs of poaching activity 12:31 Understanding Poaching Snares and Adaptations 19:55 SPCA education program involvement 26:46 Responding to lost pet alerts 30:09 Difficulties in animal rescue work 33:42 Training for wildlife rescue 38:55 Illegal hunting with dogs in KZN 43:26 Finding snares near childhood home 51:29 Keeping Pets Safe from Wildlife 58:46 Identifying poachers by snare signatures 01:01:41 Joining the volunteer group 01:05:31 Dreaming of full-time commitment

  3. Sep 8

    When ‘Bad Behaviour’ Is Actually a Medical Problem

    Your dog growls when you touch his back. Your cat starts weeing outside the litter box. Your older dog paces at night and stops greeting you at the door. It’s easy to call these things stubbornness, spite, aggression, or just old age. Often, they’re something else entirely, a pet in pain, unwell, or frightened, telling you the only way it can. Veterinary behaviourist Dr Megan Petroff joins me to untangle one of the hardest questions in pet care: when a behaviour change is medical, when it’s behavioural, and when it’s both, and how to tell the difference before you try to correct it. In this episode: •⁠  ⁠Real behaviour changes that turned out to signal serious illness •⁠  ⁠Why “he’s just getting old” can be a dangerous assumption •⁠  ⁠How to tell pain, fear and illness apart •⁠  ⁠The truth about behaviour medication, beyond “last resort” and “quick fix” •⁠  ⁠When to push for more testing, and how to raise it with your vet Dr Megan Petroff is a veterinary behaviourist with residency training in clinical behavioural medicine. Subscribe! Connect with Dr Carra: Website: https://drcarra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ Connect with Dr Megan Petroff: Instagram: @longIslandbehavior Facebook: facebook.com/p/Veterinary-Behavior-with-Dr-Megan-Petroff TikTok: @LongIslandBehavior Website: goldcoastcvc.com/veterinarians/megan-petroff Podcast Production: This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/ THIS EPISODES SPONSORS: Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za Just For Pets: Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/ FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za, and we'll get in touch with you. Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 00:00 Intro 00:24 Using medication for dog behavior disorders 04:58 Limited use of veterinary medications 07:50 Importance of follow-up in treatment 10:58 Identifying dog behavior changes 16:16 Identifying arthritis in aging dogs 18:14 Recording concerns for vet consultation 21:05 Identifying signs of dog illness 24:32 Cat’s Tumor and Treatment Journey 31:25 House training and punishment issues 33:15 Cat’s elimination issues and diagnosis 38:35 Treating Anxiety to Improve GI Health 42:03 Choosing the right behavior specialist 46:18 Managing behavioral disorders in pets 47:08 Addressing dog behavioral issues 51:21 Veterinary behavior care on social media

  4. Aug 25

    Nail Clippers, Carriers and Eye Drops Without the Fight!

    You’ve wrestled a cat into a carrier. You’ve chased a dog around the house with the nail clippers. Now imagine having to give a monkey a daily injection, or getting a tiger to walk up and present its shoulder for one. Zookeepers do it every day. Not by force, they can’t force an animal that size, but by teaching it to take part willingly. And the same thing works on the cat under your bed. Carra sits down with Nicky Plaskitt, who spent over twenty years training zoo and aquarium animals to cooperate in their own care. In this episode: ⁠Why your pet isn’t being difficult, and what the resistance is actually telling youThe two-minute exercise you can start tonightHow to stop the carrier being a warning signWhat to do when there’s no time to train, and the care can’t wait Connect with Dr Carra: Website: https://drcarra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ Connect with Nicky Plaskitt: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickyshapingbehaviour Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shapingbehaviour/ Website: http://shapingbehaviour.com/ Podcast Production: This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed on-site at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/ THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za Just For Pets: Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/ FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za, and we'll get in touch with you. Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this. ------------------------------------------------------ 00:00 Challenges of Daily Animal Injections 03:14 Training a pet for insulin injections 08:02 Communicating with animals during training 11:33 Understanding Animal Behavior 13:39 Training animals with positive reinforcement 17:59 Training pets with treats 20:25 Teaching animals target training 24:53 Teaching animals to wait 30:04 Optimizing pet training environment 32:22 Observing animal behavior signals 35:31 Training dogs in new environments 37:28 Emergency care for uncooperative animals 40:51 Building trust with animals 47:19 Deciding on pet care routines 49:09 Discussing pet medication challenges 55:14 Training Techniques and Qualifications 57:53 Observing animal behavior cues 59:58 Animal care expertise discussion

  5. Aug 11

    Your Pet’s Weight Isn’t a Willpower Problem

    You’ve cut the treats. You’re walking them more. They still haven’t lost weight, so you assume you’re doing something wrong. You’re probably not. Dr Ernie Ward has spent over twenty years on pet obesity, and his message is blunt: this was never simply about feeding less and exercising more. It’s biological, it’s medical, and “try harder” is why most weight-loss plans fail. In this episode: Why “feed less, exercise more” doesn’t work for most petsThe at-home check that tells you more than the scale ever willWhat excess weight is quietly doing to joints, and the link to diabetes⁠Why treats aren’t the enemy, and how to keep them in the planThe one change this week that makes the biggest difference Dr Ernie Ward founded the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. This conversation will change how you think about your pet’s weight, and take the guilt out of it. Connect with Dr Carra: Website: https://drcarra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ Connect with Dr Ernie Ward: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drernieward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drernieward/ Website: https://www.drernieward.com/ Free Tools mentioned in this episode: http://petobesityprevention.org/ & http://worldpetobesity.org/ Podcast Production: This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed on-site at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/ THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za Just For Pets: Just For Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/ FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za, and we'll get in touch with you. Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

  6. Jul 28

    “He’s Just Getting Old” — And Other ‘Reasonable’ Pet Myths | Cat the Vet

    Your old dog is slowing down. Sleeping more. Taking the stairs carefully. He’s just getting old, right? Maybe. Or maybe he’s in pain, and “he’s just getting old” is one of those pet myths that sounds completely reasonable, right up until it costs your pet something. Vet Cat Henstridge joins us to take apart the pet advice that sounds sensible but isn’t, the stuff you’ve half-believed for years: “Bad breath is normal in dogs and cats”, what it’s actually telling you“He’s still eating, so he can’t be in pain”, why that’s not trueThe “natural remedy” trend that’s landing dogs at the emergency vetAre vets really paid off by “Big Kibble”? Cat answers straightHow to tell good pet advice from dangerous advice, before you act on it Cat the Vet is a practising vet and one of the most trusted voices in UK pet care. This one will change how you read your feed. Connect with Dr Carra: Website: https://drcarra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ Connect with Cat Henstridge: Instagram: @cat_the_vet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cat-henstridge Podcast Production: This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/ THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za Just For Pets: Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/ FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za, and we'll get in touch with you. Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

  7. Jul 14

    From Your Cat to a Cow: Dr Christine Staten on Running a Mixed Animal Practice

    She trained to deliver babies. She ended up delivering goats, treating zebras, and running one of the busiest mixed animal clinics around, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. In this candid episode, veterinarian and practice owner Dr Christine Staten shares the unconventional path from aspiring obstetrician to veterinary clinic owner, and what it actually takes to build a veterinary business from scratch. She’s honest about the parts most people don’t talk about: the weight of practice ownership, imposter syndrome, and how she protects work-life balance in a profession known for burnout. Key topics: The leap from obstetrics dreams to large animal medicineWhat no one tells you about owning a veterinary practiceTreating the unusual patients, from goats to zebrasImposter syndrome and protecting your wellbeing in vet medBuilding and leading a team that lasts Whether you’re dreaming of owning a clinic, leading a team, or you just love the animals behind the medicine, Dr Staten offers a refreshingly hopeful take on where the veterinary profession is heading, and the flexibility, community, and passion that make it worth it. SPONSOR: Ultra Pet Check out Ultra Pets' new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/ Connect with Dr Carra: Website: https://drcarra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ Connect with Dr Christine Staten: Instagram: @dr.christinestaten LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-christine-staten Podcast Production: This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/ THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za Just For Pets: Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/ FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za, and we'll get in touch with you. Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

  8. Jul 7

    Your Dog Isn’t the Problem: Tom Davis on What Really Breaks Training

    Dog pulling, biting, lunging, or just flat-out not listening? In this raw and honest episode, dog trainer Tom Davis tears down the myths keeping owners and their dogs stuck. Tom exposes why so many “hopeless” and reactive cases land at his door after training failed elsewhere, and reveals the uncomfortable truth: the real breakdown is usually in the human–dog relationship, not the dog. He doesn’t sugarcoat it. Tom explains why “balanced training”, using clear boundaries and accountability, not just treats and praise, transforms dogs that “positive only” methods leave behind. He unpacks what socialisation actually means (hint: it isn’t letting your puppy greet every dog in sight), why neutrality beats excitement, and when avoiding a trigger quietly makes things worse instead of better. Then Tom says the part most trainers won’t: the industry’s egos and tribal warfare are costing dogs their lives. Owners get pushed toward one rigid ideology, the dog doesn’t improve, and the leash gets handed to a shelter. His message cuts through it, no dog is beyond help, but the help you choose matters more than you think. Whether you’ve got a new puppy or a serious behavioural case you’re on the brink of giving up on, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew and show you how to become the leader your dog actually needs. Key topics: Why most trainers fail difficult and reactive dogs, and what to do insteadThe pitfalls of trend-driven training (and why “positive only” might not be so positive)What “socialisation” really means, and why neutrality mattersAvoidance vs. real behavioural change: when to face triggers head-onHow to pick the right dog trainer for your situationThe hope, and the responsibility, every owner needs to hear Like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered expert insights into dog behaviour and training. SPONSOR: Ultra Pet Check out Ultra Pets' new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/premium-recipe-adult/ Connect with Dr Carra: Website: https://drcarra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ Connect with Tom Davis: Instagram: instagram.com/tomdavis YouTube: youtube.com/user/AmericasCanineED Podcast Production: This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/ THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Ultra Pet:This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za Just For Pets:Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/ FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za, and we'll get in touch with you. Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

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About

Welcome to Paws and Effect, the ultimate Podcast for pet lovers and veterinarians alike! Join renowned veterinarian Dr Carra as they explore the captivating world of pets. With expert knowledge and a passion for animals, Dr Carra brings engaging content, interviews with veterinary professionals, and valuable insights. From expert veterinary advice to tips on pet-life balance, Paws and Effect is your go-to podcast. Subscribe now and join our vibrant community dedicated to celebrating the bond we share with our furry friends and the impact of pets on your mental health.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Carra Walters
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    176
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr Carra Walters
  • Show Website
    Paws and Effect

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