A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

Anna Webb, Mike Hanson
A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

Dogs. They’re companions, guardians, and much much more – they complete us. And they just might save us from ourselves. Anna Webb explores all levels of modern dog ownership and brings to life why every dog is extraordinary. She speaks to scientists and experts - people who have and are changing our understanding of dogs - on everything from emotional intelligence to nutrition to behaviour, delving deep into subjects like homeopathy, telepathic communication and the pet food scandal. It's thought provoking, alternative, and not a little subversive. Cover photo by @Gruffpawtraits

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Pet Blood Bank

    Vet and Clinical Supervisor, Lara Howe, at Pet Blood Bank joins us to chat about this life saving charity. Founded in 2007, Pet Blood Bank is a charity that offers a blood bank service for dogs who run very similarly to the human blood service. Owners bring their dogs along to donate blood at one of their many sessions across the UK. The blood is then processed and stored ready to be sent out to vets when they need it. Every donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs. Before Pet Blood Bank, vets would have to find a donor themselves, often in the middle of the night and with a very sick patient waiting. Setting up Pet Blood Bank means that vets now have immediate access to blood when they need it. We chat about which dogs make great donors, their necessary age, weight, the procedure, the number of times they can give blood in a year.We chat about the different blood types and why there is a demand for the less common negative blood type which belongs to only 30% of dogs. Just as giving blood for humans this is positive experience, and one that’s rewarded with treats, bandanas to become a fun experience. Pet Blood Bank operates nationally and is always looking for more donors! For more information go to their website For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    35 min
  2. OCT 20

    Zazie Todd Returns

    What is the difference between fear and anxiety? This week Anna discusses this with author and animal behaviourist Zazie Todd on the release of her third book called BARK. Add this to her own book shelves along side Zazie’s critically acclaimed books Wag and Purr (see previous episodes). In Bark, Zazie decodes the latest science on fear and anxiety, bearing in mind that 75% of all dogs express some form of anxiety through their life stages including: biting, resource guarding, shyness or aggressive barking. Bark is divided into sections weaving in commentary from leading behavioural experts, a clear explanation of classical conditioning along with true anecdotes from leading lights/experts on their own experiences. Highlighting that fear and anxiety in dogs is not uncommon, and even accomplished trainers have also experienced issues that should be seen as a journey together, turning situations around using positive training methods. Discussing why understanding dogs reactions and why every dog is an individual, Zazie explains why to work slowly, at your dog’s pace, and never to be afraid of going back a few steps as you work with your dog through their life stages. Order your copy of Bark here Follow Zazie on Instagram For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    57 min
  3. OCT 6

    Paul Koudounaris

    We’re joined by Dr Paul Koudounaris talking about his book ‘Faithful until Death’. As a first in terms of investigating Pet Cemeteries all around the world, Paul admits this was a labour of love of 11 years. Revealing the history of pet ownership as in the late Victorian era industrialisation meant more folk moved into cities, creating a new kind of pet husbandry, which included giving them a ’good’ death. Paul explores Cemeteries, and tombs from as far afield as Thailand, across Europe, in the UK and across the USA. We chat about the ridiculous thought that animals do not have souls, as an illogical concept of theology.  We talk about the resistance to burying pets in churchyards, and the people who helped make change with setting up/ building dedicated pet cemeteries. As a massive animal lover, Paul became a pet bereavement councillor for several years as well as tracking down the author of iconic poem : The Rainbow Bridge, and in revealing one of the greatest mysteries, of the Paris Pet Cemetery called Le Cimitières des Chiens in Paris where the iconic canine film legend,  RIn Tin Tin,  is said to be buried. We chat about Tawny the ex circus lion who lived in Beverley Hills and rests in the cemetery in LA, and more! The book takes you on an emotional journey, through which there's comfort in how many have grieved their pets, for a loss that is means losing apart of oneself, and how Pet Cemeteries set in history our love for all animals.  As the late Queen famously said: “Grief is the price of Love.” Faithful Until Death is published by Thames & Hudson or you can buy it here Follow Paul on Instagram For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    1h 18m
  4. SEP 29

    Bone Broth and the Microbiome

    We’re joined by Microbiologist, Dr Carol Hughes, and Rachel Down, the founder of Boil and Broth, to discuss the ground breaking research project called the Biome Broth study. As a world first, the aim is to put Bone Broth to the test to see if adding this age old remedy to dogs’ diets will enhance their microbiome. With 29 dogs taking part, none of whom had had broth before, and on taking this powerful food for only four weeks, their biomes were tested again, and in all cases a remarkable improvement has been seen in this short time-frame. Notably the microbiomes as tested by Dr Carol at Aberystwyth University revealed the cases restoring to a natural balance with bad bacteria strains being reduced, and the good bacteria strains being enhance, along with an increase in the microbial diversity. The project aims to discover more about how Bone Broth interacts with the biome’s bacteria, helping to restore its natural ecosystem, which is responsible for 80 per cent of the immune system. Funds are needed to delve deeper,  focus on a project around cats, even discover what is the magic ingredient of Bone Broth or simply a combination of all its natural assets! So we discuss the Prize Draw crowd funder which hopes to raise funds for further research along with awareness and education as to the health benefits of Bone Broth as a superfood. There’s a chance to win some amazing prizes including ‘free consultancy’ with Anna on achieving overall wellness. PRIZE DRAW pledge for more research Find out more about Dr Carol Hughes here and Boil and Broth here For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    45 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Dogs. They’re companions, guardians, and much much more – they complete us. And they just might save us from ourselves. Anna Webb explores all levels of modern dog ownership and brings to life why every dog is extraordinary. She speaks to scientists and experts - people who have and are changing our understanding of dogs - on everything from emotional intelligence to nutrition to behaviour, delving deep into subjects like homeopathy, telepathic communication and the pet food scandal. It's thought provoking, alternative, and not a little subversive. Cover photo by @Gruffpawtraits

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