Advice on pets & animals.
8pieces of advice from the show’s hosts and guests — attributed, and linked to the moment each was said. Explore the full Pets & Animalshub →
How do you manage pet insurance claims?
Keep the PDF receipt emailed after a vet visit and upload it directly to the insurer's web interface to get cash back into your account.
What should you watch out for when trying to eat vegetarian?
Check ingredient labels carefully — items that seem vegetarian (soups, cheeses, lollies, marshmallows) can contain chicken stock, animal rennet, or gelatin; opt for soft cheeses like brie over hard cheeses, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How do you stop a dog from eating food it finds on the ground?
Train the dog by rewarding it for coming to you instead of going for the food, and carry treats as a better alternative; being on a lead also helps control the behaviour.
Is it safe to give dogs bones?
Most dogs handle cooked or raw bones fine, but bones can become a foreign body causing blockages or constipation, so it's worth being cautious.
What happened if a dog ingests something toxic like marijuana butter?
Inducing vomiting (e.g., with soda crystals as advised by a vet over the phone) can help, though it risks issues like salt toxicity; prompt vet consultation is recommended.
What should people understand before criticizing farmers over animal welfare issues?
Rupert argues people should separate conversations about farming as a livelihood from genuine animal cruelty issues, noting that farmers care deeply about their animals since it's their business and income, and that bad practices shown in exposés are upsetting to farmers too — the issue should be addressed respectfully rather than blaming all farmers broadly.
How do I choose a good coach and avoid 'snake oil' coaches?
Ask around for recommendations since the coaching industry is small and insiders know who the cowboys are; be cautious of very young, inexperienced people branding themselves coaches; and clarify whether the person is purely asking empowering questions (coaching) or providing advice/frameworks (consulting).
How do you stop a dog from pulling on its leash?
Stop walking every time the dog pulls ahead and hold the lead still until the dog stops too, then resume walking only once it has calmed, repeating the process consistently.