Series 10 – Episode 4

Join dog trainer and dog behaviourist Lara Shannon, with veterinarian Dr Melissa Meehan and expert guests, for practical, evidence-based dog and cat health advice focused on prevention, early warning signs and everyday pet care decisions.

Episode 4 of Series 10 of Pooches at Play tackles some of the most commonly searched — and often misunderstood — pet health topics, including toxic foods for dogs and cats, anal gland problems, annual vet health checks, species-appropriate diets, Oodle grooming, and how assistance dogs are changing lives.

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• Toxic foods for dogs and cats – common household foods that are dangerous for pets, what symptoms to watch for, and when ingestion becomes an emergency.
• Grooming tips for Oodle dog breeds – how to manage curly and mixed coats, prevent matting, protect skin health, and avoid common grooming mistakes.
• Smart Pups Assistance Dogs case study – how Smart Pups Assistance Dogs trains and places assistance dogs to support children and adults with special needs.
• Why annual vet visits are essential for dogs and cats – veterinarian Dr Melissa Meehan explains how routine check-ups help detect disease early and extend quality of life.
• Treating anal gland problems in dogs and cats – what causes anal gland issues, common signs like scooting and discomfort, and available treatment options.
• Can dogs eat cat food and can cats eat dog food? – why dogs and cats have different nutritional needs, what happens if they eat each other’s food, and when it becomes a health risk.