Series 10 – Episode 6

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, comfort and everyday care.

Episode 6 of Series 10 of Pooches at Play tackles highly searched pet health concerns including heatstroke in dogs, paralysis tick protection, gut health during chemotherapy, fussy eating, paw hygiene, improving kibble nutrition, and safe pet mess clean-up, alongside the powerful role therapy dogs play in hospital settings.

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• How the Wishlist Therapy Dog program helps hospital patients – how Wishlist Therapy Dogs are reducing stress, anxiety and isolation for patients across Queensland hospitals.
• Supporting gut health in dogs undergoing chemotherapy – why digestion is often affected during cancer treatment, signs of gastrointestinal upset, and ways vets support comfort and nutrient absorption.
• How paralysis tick protection for dogs has improved – advances in tick prevention over the past decade and what this means for protecting dogs in high-risk areas.
• Why keeping dog paws clean matters – how paw hygiene helps prevent infections, reduces allergens entering the home, and supports overall skin health.
• How to make a fussy dog eat – common reasons dogs become picky, practical feeding strategies, and when appetite changes signal a health issue.
• Heatstroke in dogs – early warning signs, emergency first aid, which dogs are most at risk, and how to prevent overheating in warm weather.
• How to make your pet’s kibble healthier – simple, safe ways to boost nutrition, improve palatability and support digestion without unbalancing the diet.
• Cleaning up pet mess safely – best practices for hygiene, odour control and protecting both pets and people when accidents happen.