Episodes

  • A Modern Animal Ep.9 - Dr Dani Hoolahan

    A Modern Animal Ep.9 - Dr Dani Hoolahan
    Feb 1 2023

    Scratching the surface of skin & coat conditions

    The skin is the largest organ of the body and carries out many important functions, including serving as a barrier between the animal and the environment.

    The general condition of a pet's skin and coat is a good indication of their overall health and unfortunately skin conditions are also very common amongst pets.

    We are therefore very excited to be talking to leading Australian Veterinary Dermatologist Dr Dani Hoolahan to learn more about the skin and coat of our pets.

    In this practical episode, Gabe (who is flying solo as Dr. Mike is finishing a well-deserved holiday) will discuss key tips to care for, manage and treat the skin and coat of your pet. Specifically they will cover:

    • The common skin conditions and issues seen in practice by Vet dermatologists
    • How to recognise a healthy skin and coat (and an abnormal skin and coat)
    • How to diagnose and treat certain skin conditions 
    • The connection between skin disease and ear related conditions
    • Diet recommendations for skin and coat health
    • The different types of skin allergies and how to diagnose them
    • The do's and don't of shampooing and washing dogs
    • Specific skin conditions in cats
    • Top tips for dogs and cats parents

     

    If you notice a certain level of licking, scratching or chewing with your pet, it is probably abnormal - Dr Dani Hoolahan 

     

    ABOUT OUR GUEST - DR DANI HOOLAHAN :

    • BSc
    • BVMS
    • ACVD Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist

    Dr Dani graduated from Murdoch University in 2007 with honours. She worked in busy, small animal general practices both in Sydney, Australia and Portland, Oregon before completing a dermatology internship in Perth, Western Australia and then moving to the University of California, Davis to join the dermatology service at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital as a resident.


    She completed her residency in 2013 and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in the same year. She has worked in busy dermatology referral practice since 2014 and is the founder of the Veterinary Dermatology Clinic.
    She is also currently the Chief Veterinary Officer for PetSure (one of the largest Pet Insurance in Australia).


    Dani is a proud Pet Parent to Spike, Daisy and Oliver (a trio of Labradors) Lola (a French Bulldog), Ghost (a Lykoi kitten), Hobbes (a domestic shorthair cat), and Fuzzy (a domestic medium hair cat). The fur family keep getting bigger !

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    To get in contact with Dr Dani Hoolahan or one of her specialist team members, you can visit the website of her Veterinary Dermatology Clinic - they have clinics throughout NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS.

    https://vetdermclinic.com.au 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    40 mins
  • A Modern Animal Ep.8 - Dr Neal Loh

    A Modern Animal Ep.8 - Dr Neal Loh
    Oct 19 2022

    Learning about Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)

    Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) may seem like a foreign concept to most pet parents, especially in the Western world. But in fact, it is a medical system that has been used for thousand of years to treat animals from common ailments.

    To understand more about this fascinating modality we are joined today by Integrative Veterinarian and TCVM practitioner Dr. Neal Loh.

    In this episode, Gabe and Dr Mike will uncover the tools a TCVM practitioner uses to diagnose and treat their patients. More specifically, they will discuss:

    • How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) translates to animals
    • What brought Neal to Veterinary Medicine and now TCVM
    • The typical cases Dr Loh sees and treats & the importance of the pet parent relationship
    • The role and place of TCVM onside conventional / western medicine
    • Nutrition and food therapies
    • The use of TCVM to relieve stress & anxiety
    • The future of TCVM in Australia and around the world

     

    It's what TCVM is all about - we just want to find balance in pets - Dr. Neal Loh, Integrative Veterinarian

     

    ABOUT OUR GUEST - DR NEAL LOH:

    • BSc BVMS, CVA, CVCH, CVFT
    • Integrative Veterinarian
    • Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist,
    • Chinese Herbalist,
    • Food Therapist
    • Director of Holistic Pet Vet
    • Co-Founder of Holistic Pet Health

    Dr. Neal Loh graduated from Murdoch University (Perth, Western Australia) as a veterinarian and has worked in various clinics & hospitals prior to starting his own holistic practice – Holistic Pet Vet. Neal is also a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Food Therapist after obtaining his post graduate qualifications from Chi University (Florida, USA).

    Neal is one of the rare few integrative veterinarians who specialises in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) in Australia. He utilises the synergistic effects of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine as well as nutrition to improve the health and quality of life in companion pets. Empowered with the knowledge from both Western conventional science & Eastern traditional medicine, he is able to best address root causes and achieve sustained desired results from his patients. He sees patients with a wide array of issues such as musculoskeletal ailments, endocrine pathologies, seizures, allergies as well as cancer. He has special interest in canine and feline gut related disorders.

    Besides consulting, Neal dedicates his time to continuing education, expanding and deepening his horizon on integrative therapies in veterinary medicine. He is also currently an adjunct guest lecturer at the veterinary nursing college in Perth. In 2020, Neal co-founded Holistic Pet Health with his wife Jeri, where they are dedicated to providing healthy and natural treats, meal toppers, plus a range of essential oil blends for various needs. Work aside, Neal is a father to three young children where they make sure he gets no other free time. As a family they enjoy spending time outdoors hiking.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    To get in contact with Dr Loh you can visit his website Holistic Pet Vet:

    https://www.holitreats.com.au/holistic-pet-vet

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • A Modern Animal Ep.7 - Chris O'Neil

    A Modern Animal Ep.7 - Chris O'Neil
    Aug 2 2022

     Decoding the cat / human relationship

    Cats are ofter misunderstood and often treated as "little dogs". It was time for Dr.Mike and Gabe to dig deeper into some feline topics and decode the world of our feline companions.

    In today's episode of A Modern Animal we are delighted to be joined by Chris O'Neil, a passionate and experienced cat behaviourist and founder of the cat behaviour solutions online platform - Catology.

    Together, they explore how to answer the needs of cats and keep them happy and well balanced. More specifically, they investigate:

    • How Chris got into the feline space and became a cat behaviourist
    • The top 5 cat issues experienced by cat owners
    • The cat / human dynamic
    • How to best manage change with cats
    • Cat diets and correlations with behaviours
    • How to setup the right environment for cats to thrive

     

    "With cats it is less about training and more about creating the right environment" Chris O'Neil, Cat Behaviourist & Founder of Catology

     

    ABOUT OUR GUEST - CHRIS O'NEIL:

    Chris is a cat behaviourist and the founder of Catology – Cat Behaviour Solutions. Like most people who end up working with animals, he grew up with a household full of them. And from a young age he aspired to be a veterinarian. In high school, he approached his local vet and asked if he could join in on consultations and see how things were done. Amazingly, they accepted, and Chris attended twice a week after school for many months, until he was offered a job maintaining their cattery and looking after the cats.

    Fast forward many years, Chris unfortunately didn’t become a veterinarian, and instead spent most of his adult career in the corporate world. During this time, he and his partner at the time fostered several kitten litters and adopted three cats of their own (the ‘triplets’). As the triplets were growing up, typical aggressive behavioural issues began to emerge. Chris spent countless hours researching cat behaviour and “fixes” for these issues. Eventually, with lots of trial and error, and some patience, the triplets were living back in harmony. Chris realised that if they are having these issues, many others must be too. During his time working at the vet surgery, he saw many cats being medicated and even euthanised for similar behaviours. He now realises that these "bad" behaviours can be changed. Chris went on to complete a Diploma of Animal Behaviour Science and Technology, specialising in Felines, through the highly-regarded Companion Animal Sciences Institute.

    Since then, he decided to leave the corporate world and pursue his passion helping other cat guardians live peacefully and harmoniously with their cats. When Chris isn’t helping individual cat owners all around the world, he loves to write educational materials, teaching owners how to keep their cats happy, healthy and fulfilled. He has authored a popular eBook “It’s Not Your Cat, It’s You!”, manages an online club “Club Catology”, and authors two regular newsletters, “The Daily Meow” and “Confessions of a Cat Behaviourist”.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Chris has developed plenty of great resources for cat parents.

    More about Catology - cat behaviour solutions:

    https://www.catology.com.au/

    Chris's eBook - it's not your cat, it's you:

    https://catology.lpages.co/its-not-your-cat-its-you-aus1

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    49 mins
  • A Modern Animal Ep.6 - Dr Stephen Rose

    A Modern Animal Ep.6 - Dr Stephen Rose
    Jun 15 2022

    The world of Pet Insurance

    Joining us today on A Modern Animal is Dr. Stephen Rose, an experienced veterinarian of 20 years and the CEO of Trupanion Australia, a leading pet insurance provider.

    Tune in as Stephen gives a balanced view of the pet insurance industry and takes Gabe and Dr Mike through the ins and outs of taking up pet insurance for our beloved pets. Specifically, this episode will cover:

    • How Dr. Stephen Rose transitioned from Vet practice to the corporate world and pet insurance.
    • How pet parents come to pet insurance.
    • Self insurance as an alternative to pet insurance.
    • The different considerations pet parents should take into account when thinking about pet insurance.
    • When is a good time to start with pet insurance.
    • The role of veterinarians in starting the conversation on pet insurance.
    • Innovation in the pet insurance world and the role of technology.

     

    "I still get that joy and sense of reward by helping pets on a really grand scale". Dr.Stephen Rose, Veterinarian, CEO - Trupanion Australia

     

    ABOUT OUR GUEST - DR. STEPHEN ROSE:

    Dr Stephen Rose is an experienced veterinarian of 20 years, having worked in mixed animal practice, owned his own veterinary hospital doing a lot of after hours emergencies and then also managed a group of 12 corporate hospitals. He understands the real impact of cost of veterinary care on families when a pet gets sick or injured. He completed a Masters in Information Technology and then founded Trupanion Pet insurance in Australia. As CEO and founder his vision is to allow pet owners to budget for the unexpected, and change the conversation at the veterinary hospital. Trupanion Australia has allowed Dr Steve to spread his ability to help pets, far beyond one patient at a time. He aspires to offer every Australian pet and their family the chance to get veterinary help in the tough times. Essentially disrupting the pet insurance market in Australia.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    More about Trupanion Australia:

    • Trupanion Pet Insurance, a better kind of pet insurance, now in Australia.
    • 90% benefit with no payout limits or sub-limits on eligible claims, this plan is unique in Australia.
    • Trupanion’s one simple plan allows the pet loving people to have peace of mind for their four legged family members.
    • For more information about their one simple plan - https://trupanion.com.au/pet-insurance/ 
    • Get a Quick and Free quote - https://trupanion.com.au/get-quote/

    Additional Resources about Trupanion and Pet insurance:

    • What is Trupanion Pet Insurance? https://youtu.be/TFltdhtr0sc 
    • How Trupanion compares to other pet insurance - https://trupanion.com.au/?wvideo=pkbb... 
    • PupTalk - Essential tips for puppy owners - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3ubsT140Lki4E5qgXM5AVljNC3VaxCp9 

     

    * Trupanion Pet Insurance issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd. Consider the PDS before deciding if the product is right for you. PDS and TMD available at Trupanion.com.au/policy

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    52 mins
  • A Modern Animal Ep.5 - Shiva Greenhalgh

    A Modern Animal Ep.5 - Shiva Greenhalgh
    May 19 2022

    Understanding Pet Nutrition

    Today, Gabe and Dr Mike welcome Shiva Greenhalgh a registered animal nutritionist to A Modern Animal to talk about the ins and outs of our pets' diets.

    In this "meaty" episode our panel will discuss:

    • The non linear journey Shiva had to become a leading animal nutritionist
    • A review of different feeding styles and why personal preference matters
    • Understanding the concept of Complete and Balance in pet food
    • The watchouts when buying pet food
    • The future of pet food as a multi-sensorial experience
    • The role of supplementation

     

    ABOUT OUR GUEST EXPERT - SHIVA GREENHALGH :

    Shiva Greenhalgh is a registered and practicing animal nutritionist (RAnNutr) , with a focus area in companion animals. Shiva completed her bachelor of arts from the Australian National University of Australia, followed by a bachelor of science (Zoology) from Western Sydney University. She then went on to complete her masters in Animal Science (Animal Nutrition) at the University of Sydney. Shiva is currently in her final stage of completing her PhD at the University of Sydney which she is due to complete by 2022. Shiva's focus in companion animal nutrition spans across commercial product development as well as private practice where she guides owners on the best nutrition for their pets across different life stages and conditions, formulating varying diets for differing needs based on evidence-based practice. Shiva's areas of interest lie across all areas of clinical nutrition. Shiva has recently joined Australia’s leading online pet retailer, Pet Circle as their in-house Animal Nutritionist. Shiva is a wife and mother of three daughters, and paw parent to a cheeky Keeshond called Mona, and two cats Henry and Goblin.

     

    "It is important to get the right balance between meeting our pets' needs given their conditions and giving them a sense of joy when they eat"

    Shiva Greenhalgh

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Shiva recommends the below websites as a reliable source of information for pet parents on pet nutrition:

    1. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/
    2. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    47 mins
  • A Modern Animal Ep.4 - Glenn Cooke

    A Modern Animal Ep.4 - Glenn Cooke
    Apr 20 2022
    Foundations of Dog Behaviour In this episode of A Modern Animal, Gabe and Dr Mike are joined by one of Australia's (and world's) leading animal behaviourists, Glenn Cooke. Together they explore: How Glenn first got introduced to animal and canine behavioural scienceThe critical period of social and neurological development in dogsThe key requirements we need to be aware of as per parents Relationship with veterinariansThe right dietAdequate education Love, affection & plan Why aiming for a win/win relationship with your dog is critical   "Teach your dog what the game is and how to win it" Glenn Cooke   ABOUT OUR GUEST - GLENN COOKE: Training director for Canine EvolutionGeneral Manager for Pet Resorts Australia Glenn has a long-standing career in the professional pet care and training industry. He is the training director for Canine Evolution and has been training people and their dogs for over 3 decades with specific expertise in behavioural problem solving, aggression management, puppy raising and development, socialisation and environmental conditioning, and advanced obedience.  Glenn is highly qualified in Dog Behaviour and Assessment with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. He is also an active member of the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF). Glenn frequently consults for various government and law enforcement agencies to help train and handle explosive detection dogs. Glenn is also the General Manager for Pet Resorts Australia, one of the leading and finest pet care facilities in Australia. Finally, in his spare time (what spare time ??) Glenn co-hosts one of the world’s most successful training podcasts - The Canine Paradigm We are extremely privileged to have Glenn with us on the show. SHOW NOTES: Learning resources for teaching canine behaviour which has many hours of education. https://www.patreon.com/thecanineparadigm www.petresortsaustralia.comwww.canineevolution.com.au   Podcasts Glenn is involved with and produce are: The Canine Paradigm https://thecanineparadigm.com/podcasts/ The Podcast for Pet Carers https://www.instagram.com/podcastforpetcarers/  TRANSCRIPT:  Hey, everyone, I'm Gabe Perera. And welcome back to another episode of A Modern Animal. With me, of course, the inimitable the gorgeous Dr. Michael Woodrow. One of those words, I can spell them. We're incredibly fortunate to have with us one of Australia's, I'd probably say even say one of the world's top animal behaviorists, Glenn Cooke. Glenn, welcome. That's incredibly generous intro. Thank you. Glenn, if you'll permit me. And if our listeners will permit me, I've printed off your bio just because it is rather expensive. And behind the scenes, Glenn is the partner of Narelle Cooke, who was the incredible animal naturopath that we had on a couple of episodes ago. So, Glenn, thank you very much for joining us. And thank you, Narelle, for introducing us to Glenn. So, Glenn, it says here that you've been successfully training people and their dogs. And I think that's a critical point for more than 28 years. And I know you've just finished a whole body of work, I think, with police dogs. Am I getting that right? So I just finished a two week stint with a company called Red Team, where they work with government agencies on teaching the canine unit homemade explosives. So my expertise in that is working with the dogs. So there's a team of three. One of the gentlemen, Andrew Co, is a major in the army. He also has a chemistry background. The other gentleman, his name is Quinton. He's a warrant officer, and he's also been a bomb technician. So he has expertise in field, and my expertise was in the dog work. So we combined together to come together, and it's a whole education package. And there's nothing like it. It's absolutely brilliant. And I'm incredibly fortunate to be included in that team and be a part of that educational for our armed forces and our government agencies. Amazing. You're active at a national level from an association point of view. You also own and manage pet resorts. You told me at the outset of the call you're involved in multiple species between dogs and cats as well. Sorry, I don't own it. I just better put that caveat in there. I'm the general manager. I beg your pardon. Where did you get your start with animals? I mean, you've obviously got an incredible passion and now a level of expertise that's probably, as we said earlier, world class. How did you get your start? Long story short, I've always been extremely fascinated with dogs. It was my Uncle Lee who introduced me to dogs. He had a wife, Marana, and he was very actively involved in hunting and shooting and, sorry, hunting and fishing. And he took me away with him. And I was watching his dog work in the field with him. And I just couldn't believe that this animal like if we went rabbit shooting or something like that, this dog would go actually go running off into the Bush, sit there for ten minutes at a time, find the ...
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    51 mins
  • A Modern Animal Ep.3 - Dr Matt Muir

    A Modern Animal Ep.3 - Dr Matt Muir
    Apr 20 2022

    Integrative Veterinary Medicine in action

    In this fascinating episode of A Modern Animal, Gabe and Dr Mike are joined by leading Integrative Veterinarian Dr Matthew Muir. Together they will discuss:

    • Dr Matt Muir's journey to become an integrative practitioner
    • The shift in disease patterns Dr Matt Muir observed his practice and the hypothesis about why this might be taking place
    • The 2 groups of pets Dr Matt Muir treats everyday in his practice and what it means for Integrative Veterinary Medicine
    • A typical case study with practical applications and treatment plan
    • The gut, liver, skin and brain axis
    • Adaptogens - what they are and their benefits

     

    It is undisputed that most pharmaceutical medicine come from herbal medicine or plants to begin with - Dr Matt Muir

     

    Ashwagandha KSM-66 is probably the number 1 adaptogen that I like and use the most - Dr Matt Muir

    ABOUT OUR GUEST - DR MATT MUIR:

    • Integrative Veterinarian and Director at All Natural Vet Care in Sydney
    • BVSc/BVetBiol (Hons) MRCVS 
    • CIVT Certified Herbalist 

    Matt has been a life-long animal lover and knew from the tender age of 3 that he wanted to become a veterinarian. 

    Fast forward a few years, Dr Matt Muir graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2010 with a double degree in Veterinary Science and Veterinary Biology with first-class Honours when he also completed a one-year field research project on the microbiome and nutrition.

    Matt practiced as a mixed animal general practitioner in both Australia and the UK and joined the All Natural Vet Care practice in 2015 where he worked under the mentorship of Dr. Barbara Fougere, one of the pioneers of integrative medicine.

    Matt has since completed further studies in Western Herbal Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Chinese Food therapies, providing integrative medicine consultation to pet parents throughout Australia encompassing conventional, complementary & alternative therapies.

    Dr Matt Muir is also the co-founder (Head of Product) of pet food brand / service Lyka.

    Finally, Matt also volunteers at Taronga Wildlife Hospital and is currently working towards a Masters in Conservation Medicine.

    We are truely humbled to welcome Dr. Matt Muir to A Modern Animal podcast.  

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    • All Natural Vet Care's website: https://www.allnaturalvetcare.com 
    • Lyka's website: https://lyka.com.au 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • A Modern Animal Ep.2 - Narelle Cooke

    A Modern Animal Ep.2 - Narelle Cooke
    Apr 20 2022

    Holistic approach to skin health  

    Today we are very pleased to welcome Narelle Cooke, a Naturopath, Herbalist and Animal Nutritionist as our first guest expert on A Modern Animal.

    Together with our co hosts Dr Mike and Gabe, they will discuss:

    • How Narelle combined her knowledge and passion to treat both human patients and their pets.
    • Why so many dogs present with skin issues
    • The role of diet in managing skin problems
    • How healing the gut could lead to improved skin health
    • Stress, the immune system and their impact on the skin
    • Practical first steps towards skin health solutions for pet parents

     

    Even small changes on a daily basis over time can lead to huge benefits for pet health - Narelle Cooke

     

    ABOUT OUR GUEST - NARELLE COOKE:

    Narelle Cooke is an accredited Clinical Naturopath, Nutritionist and Herbalist, and operate her own wellness clinic ‘Natural Health and Nutrition’ in Sydney.

    Being a life-long pet owner Narelle is also super passionate about the health and wellbeing of pets as she is about their owners.

    Narelle has an incredibly strong scientific background in both human and pet health and holds the following qualifications:

    Human Health:

    ·  Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) (ACNT)
    ·  Bachelor of Agricultural Science (honours) (The University of Melbourne)
    ·  Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy (AIAS)
    ·  Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine (AIAS)
    ·  Advanced Diploma of Western Herbal Medicine (AIAS)
    ·  Certificate IV in Assessment and Training
    ·  Fitgenes Accredited Practitioner

    Pet Health:

    ·  Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training (NDTF)
    ·  Certificate in Natural Animal Nutrition (CIVT)
    ·  Certificate in Animal Nutrition (HATO)                                                                                ·  Certificate In Animal Health Sciences (CIVT)                                                                         ·  Certified Pet Food and Raw Food Nutrition Specialist                                                      ·  Certified Acute Canine Herbalism Specialist                                                                     ·  Advanced Canine Nutrition Specialist 

     

    She is a registered member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and practice according to their professional Code of Conduct.

    We are very excited to have Narelle on the show and couldn't think of anyone more suited as our first guest expert on A Modern Animal.

    SHOW NOTES:

    • Narelle's website: https://naturalhealthandnutrition.com.au
    • Narelle's contact email: narelle@naturalhealthandnutrition.com.au
    • Discount coupon code for 50% off online course ‘How to understand commercial pet food labels’ - LABELS50OFF
      Accessible from Narelle's website shop: https://naturalhealthandnutrition.com.au/product/understanding-commercial-pet-food-labels/

    Good evidence-based resources for pet owners:

    • Planet Paws (Dr Karen Becker & Rodney Habib): https://www.insidescoop.pet 
    • College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies short courses for pet owners: https://civtedu.org/courses/pet-owners 
    • Research by DogRisk at the University of Helsinki: https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/dogrisk-health-via-nutrition-epidemiology-and-cancer-detection-dogs/research-by-dogrisk 
    • For pet owners wanting custom diets for their pets by veterinary nutritionists: https://www.veterinarynutritiongroup.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    53 mins