Pets Archives - JOY Drive

Nic Saunders: Holiday Pet Emergencies And How to Prepare Before You Travel

latham.smith — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 06:21:56 +0000

Summer travel sends pet emergencies through the roof, often right when owners are interstate or overseas. Nic Saunders from Ready Vet Go explains how to create a Medical Intervention Plan,...

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Nic Saunders: Choosing the Right Pet for Your Life

latham.smith — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 11:14:28 +0000

Heart says “puppy,” calendar says “maybe budgies.” Nik Saunders from ‘Ready Vet Go’ match energy, housing and travel to the pet that truly fits. Guest: Nic Saunders, Co-Founder and Operations...

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Dr Don Woo and Harlow Wu: A Happier Vet Visit at Melbourne Dog Clinic

latham.smith — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 01:27:08 +0000

Fear-free, dog-only, and proudly queer-owned, Melbourne Dog Clinic is reimagining the vet experience. Founders Dr Don Woo and Harlow Wu share how they built a space designed for calm, comfort...

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Paul Mathers: Dog Lovers and Cat Lovers Festival

latham.smith — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:11:31 +0000

Get ready for two days of pure pet joy! Paul Mathers, Event Director of the Dog Lovers and Cat Lovers Festival, previews the huge weekend coming to the Melbourne Showgrounds, with celebrity pups, adorable kittens, training demos, adoption zones, and more. Whether you’re Team Dog, Team Cat or love animals, this is your kind of paradise.

Dog Lovers and Cat Lovers Festival is at the Melbourne Showgrounds on 25-26 October 2025.

Guest: Paul Mathers, Event Director, Dog Lovers and Cat Lovers Festival

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders: Inside Pet Specialist Care

latham.smith — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:29:35 +0000

From itchy dogs to heart murmurs and cancer diagnoses, vet medicine now mirrors the human hospital system, with dedicated specialists for every need. Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders from ‘Ready Vet Go’ explain when pets need a referral, what to expect from cardiology, dermatology and oncology care, and why a dedicated pet ambulance can make all the difference.

Guests: Dr Paul Cunningham, Co-Founder and Chief Veterinarian, and Nic Saunders, Co-Founder and Operations Manager, Ready Vet Go

Presenter: Andy Mac

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Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders: Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat

latham.smith — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:27:20 +0000

As summer approaches, heat stroke, flat-faced breeds, and even a brief car trip can pose deadly risks to pets. Paul and Nic from ‘Ready Vet Go’ share what owners need to look out for, why bulldogs and pugs are especially vulnerable, and when to call an ambulance instead of driving to the vet yourself.

Guests: Dr Paul Cunningham, Co-Founder and Chief Veterinarian, and Nic Saunders, Co-Founder and Operations Manager, Ready Vet Go

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders: Veterinarian Mental Health

latham.smith — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:42:50 +0000

Behind the love of animals lies one of the most challenging jobs in healthcare. On World Suicide Prevention Day, Dr Paul and Nic from ReadyVetGo talk about the hidden pressures of veterinary work, and what pet owners can do to ease the load for the people who care for our animals.

Guests: Dr Paul Cunningham, Co-Founder and Chief Veterinarian, and Nic Saunders, Co-Founder and Operations Manager, Ready Vet Go

Presenter: Warren Andrew

*This podcast includes a discussion of suicide and the mental health challenges faced by veterinary professionals. If this conversation raises concerns for you, please know that help is available. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or QLife on 1800 184 527 for confidential support. If you are outside Australia, please check local services in your area. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

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Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders: Pets, Predicaments and Gastro

latham.smith — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:24:39 +0000

From hilarious predicaments to serious health risks, Nic and Paul from Ready Vet Go share wild pet stories and practical advice. They also explain how to spot and prevent gastro in pets as warmer weather increases the risk.

Guests: Dr Paul Cunningham, Co-Founder and Chief Veterinarian, and Nic Saunders, Co-Founder and Operations Manager, Ready Vet Go

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders: Keeping Pets Safe from Fireworks and Snakes

latham.smith — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:32:12 +0000

Whether it’s booming fireworks or slithering snakes, the warmer months can bring significant risks for our furry friends. The team from Ready Vet Go shares tips on protecting your pets from noise stress and snake encounters, as well as what to do in the event of a disaster.

Guests: Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders, Ready Vet Go

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Abbie – The Rainbow Shoelace Project and Wear It Purple Day

Triana — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 22:24:35 +0000

Beginning with six little beads in rainbow colours threaded onto shoelaces in a Broken Hill classroom, The Rainbow Shoelace Project is now a national movement showing support and allyship for the LGBTQIA+ community. Warren speaks with the project’s founder, Abbie, and her mum Sophie, about Abbie’s experience growing up in Broken Hill, and the journey that the Rainbow Shoelace Project has taken them on.

Guests: Abbie, founder of Rainbow Shoelace Project, and Sophie, Abbie’s mum

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders: Pets and Foreign Bodies – What to Do When Curiosity Turns Risky

latham.smith — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:14:39 +0000

When pets get curious, things can turn dangerous fast. ReadyVetGo’s Paul Cunningham and Nik Saunders joined JOY Drive to share stories of the strange objects pets swallow, the warning signs to watch for, and how to know when it’s time to call the vet.

Guests: Dr Paul Cunningham, Co-Founder and Chief Veterinarian, and Nic Saunders, Co-Founder and Operations Manager, Ready Vet Go

Presenter: Latham Smith

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Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: The Danish Zoo Pet Donation Backlash

latham.smith — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 08:14:03 +0000

A Danish zoo’s call for pet donations to feed predators has sparked outrage worldwide. Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne explores the ethics, culture clash and language that fuelled the debate. Guest:...

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Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders: Pet Seizures and Hard Decisions

latham.smith — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:58:46 +0000

When a pet has a seizure or suddenly falls ill, every moment counts. Dr Paul Cunningham and Nic Saunders from Ready Vet Go offer practical guidance on emergency care, hospital decisions and coping with end-of-life choices.

Guests: Dr Paul Cunningham, Co-Founder and Chief Veterinarian, and Nic Saunders, Co-Founder and Operations Manager, Ready Vet Go

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Nik Saunders: Emergency Pet Paramedics

latham.smith — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 07:46:58 +0000

When a pet faces a life-threatening emergency, every second counts. Nik from ReadyVetGo explains how their paramedic-style service is saving animals and bringing peace of mind to worried pet owners....

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Dr Samantha Chan: Can Pets Protect Kids from Allergies?

latham.smith — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 07:31:30 +0000

Growing up with a dog may do more than teach kids love and responsibility; it might help prevent asthma and eczema. Dr Samantha Chan breaks down the latest research on how pets shape the immune system.

Guest: Dr Samantha Chan, Immunology and Allergy Lead, Snow Centre for Immune Health, WEHI

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Samantha Chan: Can Pets Protect Kids from Allergies? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Michael Yazbeck: Is Your Dog’s Dinner Making Them Sick?

latham.smith — Wed, 28 May 2025 06:45:12 +0000

Food allergies in pets are on the rise, and many owners don’t realise what’s causing the itch. Dr Michael Yazbeck explains the signs, solutions, and how to keep your dog...

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Dr Julia Henning: Can Cats Really Drink Milk?

latham.smith — Tue, 27 May 2025 07:45:34 +0000

Dr Julia Henning busts the age-old myth of cats and milk, revealing what happens when felines lap it up. It is a curious dive into animal science, pop culture and why rethinking old beliefs matters for pets and people.

Guest: Dr Julia Henning, Senior Lecturer in Access and Equity in Education at CQUniversity

Presenter: Latham Smith

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Dr Em Bould: Pets and Loneliness

latham.smith — Tue, 13 May 2025 06:15:59 +0000

Can a pet ease loneliness? Dr Em Bould from Monash University joins JOY Drive to explore how companion animals support wellbeing, especially for older adults, people with disabilities and those...

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Dr Mia Cobb: Why do dogs eat poo? The science explained

latham.smith — Tue, 06 May 2025 06:45:30 +0000

Canine scientist Dr Mia Cobb from the University of Melbourne joins JOY Drive to unpack one of the most baffling (and stomach-churning) behaviours dog owners encounter. We explore why some dogs eat poo, what the science says, common myths and what owners can do about it.

Guest: Dr Mia Cobb, Research Fellow at the Animal Welfare Science Centre, University of Melbourne

Presenter: Latham Smith

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Bec Dahl: Pets and Divorce

latham.smith — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:12:08 +0000

This episode discusses what happens to our pets when relationships break down. Whether you are married, de facto, or have a housemate who you have shared a fur baby, sorting out who gets to keep the dog or cat can be messy—and emotional.

Guest: Bec Dahl, partner at Nicholes Family Lawyers

Presenter: Warren Andrew

Nicholes Family Lawyers is a proud JOY sponsor and supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their experienced team can help with rainbow family law, including surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, parenting arrangements, property settlements, and asset protection.

For more information, visit nicholeslaw.com.au, or call 03 9670 4122, or email reception@nicholeslaw.com.au

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Anna Go-Go: Cat Lady Manifesto

latham.smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:55:53 +0000

Anna Go-Go, a Melbourne rock’n’roll institution and the author of a brilliant new book that reclaims and redefines the “crazy cat lady” trope. It’s called Cat Lady Manifesto. Guest: Anna...

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Kerry Martin: Australian Dog Of The Year Awards

latham.smith — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:15:53 +0000

Dogs are more than just our companions — they are our heroes, healers, protectors and partners in life.

The 2025 Australian Dog of the Year Awards celebrates these incredible animals who lift spirits, defy limits and change lives.

From therapy and conservation detection dogs to trailblazing paw-thletes and resilient rescue stories, this year’s winners showcase the extraordinary bond between humans and our four-legged friends.

Guest: Kerry Martin, Founder of the Australian Dog Of The Year Awards

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Kerry Martin: Australian Dog Of The Year Awards appeared first on JOY Drive.

Snakes: Myth busting with Melbourne Zoo

Warren — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 04:32:01 +0000

As temperatures rise, snakes are emerging from a period of reduced activity during winter seeking food and mates. Snakes may be more visible during the warmer months, but as Sam...

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5 tips to help your Dog live the best life!

Warren — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:30:52 +0000

We often talk about the benefits that a dog can bring to us, but what can we do to ensure that our dogs are happy? Mia Cobb gives us five essential tips to ensure your dog is living the best life.

Guest: Mia Cobb, Research Fellow, Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne.

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

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Are dogs good for your health?

Warren — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:16:25 +0000

Dogs really are our best friends and they can also lead to better health outcomes. In this podcast we find out what the health benefits of owning a dog are and the results might surprise you!

Guest: Tania Signal – Professor of Psychology, CQUniversity.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Crossbred ‘designer dogs’ – Are they healthier?

Warren — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:13:42 +0000

Go to any dog park and you’re bound to find a range of crossbred designer dogs such as Labradoodles, cavoodles, groodles, even cavapoos!

Hybrid dogs are extremely popular and many claim that they are healthier than the pedigrees. So we thought we would put this to the test and ask the expert.

Guest: Mia Cobb is a Research Fellow at the Animal Welfare Science Centre at The University of Melbourne.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Animals voluntarily choosing their healthcare? They do at Zoos Victoria!

Warren — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 22:34:16 +0000

Zoos Victoria is continually making giant strides in the animal welfare space. Implementing a variety of impressive new initiatives that encourage the animals to voluntarily participate in their own healthcare...

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2024 Great Australian Dog Survey!

Warren — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 02:45:39 +0000

There’s no doubt that we love our dogs.

We spoil them with treats and even let them sleep in our beds, but for some dog owners there’s one boundary they won’t cross – according to a recent survey, one in ten dog owners will not let their dog see them naked.

Aside from our attitudes towards going “au naturel” in front of our pets, and vice versa, the survey revealed some other interesting insights.

Guest: Mike Halligan, CEO & Co-founder of Aussie dog food company – Scratch

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post 2024 Great Australian Dog Survey! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Lauren Rosewarne: Non-dog owners are saying they are stigmatised!

Warren — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 23:57:12 +0000

According to Animal Medicines Australia’s 2022 Pets in Australia report, 48% of households have at least one dog.

Non-dog owners are claiming there’s a stigma if they don’t share the collective love of our canine best friends and it’s affecting their relationships.

So – where do you sit…are you with the dog owners or the non-dog owners?

Guest: Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne from the University of Melbourne

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Lauren Rosewarne: Non-dog owners are saying they are stigmatised! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dog Grooming: Why do dogs have different coats?

Warren — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 23:37:40 +0000

One of the frustrating things during the pandemic was not being able to get a haircut. Many of us tried cutting our own, whilst others just let it grow.

It wasn’t just us that desperately needed a haircut – any owner of one of the poodle varieties will know that after a while the hair becomes matted and is then a nightmare to manage.

What are the different dog coats and what’s the best way to look after them?

Guest: Dr Susan Hazel, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Kissing Pets – Is it ok?

Warren — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 20:15:45 +0000

Do you kiss your pet? Does your dog lick you on the face? Is is safe and what are the health risks? Listen to this podcast to find the answers.

Guest: Dr Sarah McLean – Lecturer, Public and Environmental Health – School of Science, Swinburne University.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Kissing Pets – Is it ok? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Are you a Dog or Cat person?

Warren — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:50:59 +0000

What makes someone a Dog or Cat person in the first place? Find out with Melbourne based Vet, Dr Rebecca Willcox.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Are you a Dog or Cat person? appeared first on JOY Drive.

What makes a dog truly our best friend?

Warren — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:12:02 +0000

Dog owners know that feeling that their dog truly understands them. Find out what makes the human-dog bond so special. Guest: Melissa Starling – Postdoctoral Researcher in Veterinary Science, University...

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Animals in Space – How animals have contributed to exploring the final frontier

Warren — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 01:10:19 +0000

Have you heard of the famous Russian space dog, Laika? We found out how animals have contributed to exploring the final frontier.

Guest: Dr Bec Wilcox

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Dachshunds break new Guinness World Record in Melbourne

Warren — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 02:23:18 +0000

Warren spoke to Adele Gullick, the organiser of the World Record Breaking single breed dog walk. Adele reveals the actual number of dogs walked as well as the heartwarming reason...

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Does your pet like music?

Warren — Fri, 12 May 2023 02:03:48 +0000

Have you ever wondered if your pet really likes listening to music? Dr Rebecca Wilcox explains what music pets like the most. You’ll even hear an Elephant Orchestra.

The post Does your pet like music? appeared first on JOY Drive.

New research shows dogs are truly our fur children

Warren — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:14 +0000

We chat with Dr Michael Yazbeck about some new research showing that dogs are truly our fur children.

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Pet Health – Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet

Warren — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 09:12:01 +0000

We chat with Dr Bec Wilcox about things that can be toxic to our pets. If you’re a pet lover, then you won’t want to miss this episode.

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Danny and Ron’s Rescue

Warren — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 03:31:30 +0000

Since 2005, when they rescued 600 dogs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Danny & Ron have saved nearly 14,000 abused, abandoned and starving dogs.

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