Pet Chat

Science & Ideas

About

Animal behaviour specialists and vets talk about pets and answer questions from listeners.

Episodes

  • Early signs of pet illness - 13 May 2026

    Dr Kimberley Earl addresses common pet health concerns, detailing issues such as a cat urinating around the house, a Chihuahua's sore gums, a Golden Retriever's aversion to water, and an elderly Cavoodle experiencing falls while on diureti…

  • Blood transfusions and slippery floors - 05 May 2026

    In this episode of Pet Chat, Cheryl and David address listener questions, focusing on the topic of assistance dogs traveling on airplanes.

  • Shedding - 29 April 2026

    This episode of Pet Chat features Cheryl and David answering listener questions about canine ear discomfort, canary nutrition, a Dachshund

  • Remembering ANZAC animals - 22 April 2026

    The Pet Chat episode from April 22, 2026, addresses a listener

  • Toys - 15 April 2026

    On this episode of Pet Chat, hosts Cheryl and Fiona address listener questions regarding a dog's snapping behavior when handled and explore the causes behind dogs eating dirt.

  • Chocolate - 08 April 2026

    Dr David Tabrett addresses owner concerns regarding a senior dog's hearing loss, a dog experiencing anxiety and rapid breathing, and strategies for a cat's transition to a more compact living space.

  • Easter - 01 April 2026

    This Pet Chat episode focuses on Easter traditions and clarifies that chocolate is not suitable for dogs.

  • Dogs and sticks - 25 March 2026

    In this episode of Pet Chat, Dr Earl addresses several pet health concerns. Topics include a Dachshund's suckling behaviour, a Ragdoll cat experiencing hematuria, a Whippet diagnosed with colitis, and strategies for managing comfort for a…

  • Indoor mites - 18 March 2026

    This episode of Pet Chat features experts discussing common pet issues, including dog anxiety and a male cat's spraying behavior.

  • The danger of cane toads - 11 March 2026

    This episode of Pet Chat covers the dangers associated with cane toads. Pet experts also address listener questions regarding fungal infections in dogs and gastrointestinal issues in an elderly cat, particularly after a diagnosis of idiopa…

  • Pros and cons with dogs and balls - 04 March 2026

    This episode of Pet Chat features pet experts addressing claw care for two large Ridgebacks and the health concerns of a 20-year-old cat experiencing kidney problems.

  • Obestiy in pets - 25 February 2026

    The Pet Chat episode from February 25, 2026, covers antibiotics for kennel cough, a Cavoodle's licking behavior, and joint health concerns for an older dog, as discussed by a pet expert.

  • Bee stings and geriatric vestibular syndrome - 18 February 2026

    This episode of Pet Chat covers geriatric vestibular syndrome in dogs and bee stings. Pet experts also address listener questions about a dog with appetite loss, anal abscesses, and aggression between male and female cats.

  • Obscure heart disease - 11 February 2026

    This episode of Pet Chat features experts answering viewer questions on various pet health and behavior topics, including a dog's back tooth, fussy eating habits, a mini French bulldog experiencing tremors, and a cattledog exhibiting hiber…

  • Dental health and the rule of three - 04 February 2026

    Cheryl Shaw explains how to manage a new pet joining the family. The podcast also addresses listener questions about pet health concerns such as ear issues, excessive licking, and coat loss.

  • Be careful with dogs around fireworks - 17 December 2025

    Cheryl Shaw shares advice on holiday activities and pet safety, with a focus on precautions for dogs during fireworks.

  • Pet Safety - 10 December 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat features Cheryl Shaw discussing pet safety during the Christmas season. Dr. Kimberly Earl also answers listener questions.

  • Cats with urinary blockage - 03 December 2025

    Dr. David Tabrett discusses urinary blockage in cats, pets eating grass, fluid in cat lungs, managing outdoor cats, and a Cavoodle's behavior in the sun.

  • Summer safety for pets - 26 November 2025

    Dr Kimberley Earl addresses common pet health issues, including a kitten with diarrhea, a dog with itchy skin, a cat with kidney disease, and a pet dingo experiencing nasal and mouth discharge.

  • Human-Animal Relationship Awarness - 12 November 2025

    Dr Kimberley Earl addresses listener questions on an Italian Greyhound consuming garden matter, the positive effects of dogs on mental well-being, and the development of fear and anxiety in a Cavoodle.

  • Fluids for pets - 05 November 2025

    On Pet Chat, Dr David Tabrett addresses various pet owner questions. Topics include a dog urinating on concrete, a puppy consuming gravel, sibling dogs breeding, toileting problems in a Mini Foxie, and feeding challenges with a young Ameri…

  • Yawn - 29 October 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat features Cheryl discussing canine yawning, followed by Dr. Fiona addressing listener questions.

  • Make a Dog's Day - 22 October 2025

    Dr Fiona Giblin joins Pet Chat to explain the process of adopting a dog. The episode also addresses listener queries regarding spots on Maltese Terriers and a Groodle puppy experiencing a broken tooth.

  • Pets for apartments and snakes - 15 October 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat covers various pet health concerns, including digestive and skin issues in dogs and cats, medication adherence for a Siamese cat, and respiratory problems in a pet dingo.

  • Ticks and obese pets - 08 October 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat features Dr Kimberley Earl discussing common pet health concerns. Topics include the adoption of a three-legged dog, administering allergy remedies to a Shih Tzu, diagnosing health problems in chickens, and the use…

  • Pet ownership in Australia - 01 October 2025

    Dr Kimberley Earl covers common pet ownership issues in Australia, such as expenses, specific pet behaviors like digging and animal interactions, and the efficacy of tick treatments.

  • Who is on the big screen - 24 September 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat features Cheryl discussing how dogs interact with television and Dr. Fiona explaining details about ticks.

  • Sunbaking Pets - 17 September 2025

    This Pet Chat episode explores the reasons behind dogs' sunbaking habits and discusses the shortcomings of Doctor AI.

  • Can't Smile without you - 10 September 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat, titled "Can't Smile Without You," discusses smiling with dogs.

  • Human medications with pets - 03 September 2025

    On the Pet Chat show, Dr Earl reviewed the potential dangers of administering human medications to pets. The discussion focused on the risks associated with such practices.

  • The originals - 27 August 2025

    In this episode of Pet Chat, Cheryl Shaw and Dr David Tabrett address listener questions about various pet behaviors and health concerns, including a pug's scratching, a mini dachshund's excessive barking, a puppy's car anxiety, aggressive…

  • Using music to relax your pets - 20 August 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat features Dr. Fiona Giblin addressing listener questions. Topics include bacteria in dogs, a dog with a strong odor, and observations about a 12-week-old pup enjoying piano music.

  • Leptospirosis - 13 August 2025

    On Pet Chat, Cheryl Shaw and Dr Fiona Giblin discuss pet care and Leptospirosis. The episode also includes calls from listeners.

  • Diabetes - 30 July 2025

    Dr Fiona Giblin addresses listener questions regarding a pet rabbit with myxomatosis symptoms, a German Spitz that eats only chicken, and the dangers of vaping for cats.

  • Patting dogs and eyes - 23 July 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat addresses various pet care questions. Hosts Cheryl Shaw and Dr Kimberley Earl cover topics such as feeding prawns to cats, trimming a dog's nails, dealing with sleep and watery eyes in dogs, ensuring an older dog's…

  • Glaucoma - 16 July 2025

    Dr. David Tabrett discusses glaucoma and its effects on dogs' eyes. This episode of Pet Chat aired on July 16, 2025.

  • Don't look in their eyes - 09 July 2025

    On Pet Chat, Cheryl Shaw and David Tabrett address listener questions concerning various pet behaviors and health issues. Topics include a dachshund's rock-eating habit, stray dog behavior, and multiple cat-related concerns.

  • Heart - 02 July 2025

    Dr Kimberley Earl joined Pet Chat to discuss heart issues in dogs and answer questions from listeners.

  • Signs of bites from ticks and snakes - 25 June 2025

    On Pet Chat, Dr Fiona Biblin discusses pet health, answering questions about potential tick and snake bites, a boar’s low libido, a shih tzu’s digging, a staffy’s eating and drinking issues, and diabetes in pets.

  • Urinary tract infections - 18 June 2025

    Pet Chat features Dr Kimberley Earl answering listener questions on various pet health and behavior topics. This episode addresses urinary issues in dogs and grooming needs for guinea pigs.

  • Grooming - 11 June 2025

    In this episode, Dr Fiona Giblin and Cheryl Shaw address listener questions on pet grooming and behavior. Topics include skin irritation in a pekinese, a ragdoll cat's vocalizations, and a cat avoiding its litter tray.

  • Pets feel the cold - 04 June 2025

    On Pet Chat, Dr David Tabrett addresses viewer questions regarding a Hungarian Vizsla's sensitivity to cold, a Mini Dachshund experiencing vomiting, and a Shih Tzu's issue with compulsive licking.

  • Weight loss in pets - 28 May 2025

    Dr Kimberley Earl addresses listener questions on pet weight management, covering topics like a bloated chihuahua, puppy dietary adjustments, toy poodle feeding, and a young dog's unusual barking.

  • Dogs in the rain - 21 May 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat features Cheryl Shaw and Dr David Tabrett addressing listener questions about dog health concerns, such as calcium supplements, skin rashes, behavioral changes, and scratching.

  • Mushrooms and pets - 14 May 2025

    Dr Fiona Giblin addresses listener questions on pet care, including feeding a puppy and rescue dog with dental issues, a cat's eye discharge, a dog's yeast infection, grain-free diets, and coat color changes.

  • National Pet Week - 07 May 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat covers National Pet Week with Dr. Kimberley Earl addressing listener questions on managing an incontinent dog, appropriate playtime for young unvaccinated puppies, unusual licking behavior in labradors, and the eff…

  • It's raining cats and dogs - 30 April 2025

    Dr. David Tabrett appeared on Pet Chat on April 30, 2025, to discuss stray animal management. The episode included listener calls about a cat's urination problems, a puppy's car anxiety, and a kelpie's distress around a new infant.

  • Zoom - 23 April 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat discusses the phenomenon of "zoomies" in dogs and provides guidance on keeping pets' teeth clean.

  • Easter Chocolate - 16 April 2025

    The Pet Chat episode from April 16, 2025, discusses the serious risks associated with pets ingesting chocolate. Pet owners can learn about the dangers to keep their animals safe.

  • Hazard warning - 09 April 2025

    This episode of Pet Chat features Dr David Tabrett and Cheryl Shawl addressing listener questions on tick hazards, the right age to switch pups to adult food, ideal dog breeding seasons, and appropriate kibble and protein balances for dogs.