A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

This week Anna is joined by PDSA Vet Sean Wensley chatting about his book Through A Vet’s Eyes. As a candid exploration of how we live with animals in the modern world, Sean explains why we mustn’t lose touch with nature and all animals in the natural world. They offer stark contrast to our farm animals and pets being kept in captivity. We discuss the importance to understand the Five Domains: Nutrition, Behaviour,  Physical health, the Environment, and the Mental Health of all animals. In the wild animals these domains are provided naturally through survival, but Sean argues we can all do better to ensure the well-being of all animals in our care. He chats openly about his experiences as a bird watcher noticing how captive birds display behaviours that indicate stress, unhappiness and boredom. We talk about why play with dogs and cats is better than food as a way of engaging them and tapping into their natural instincts. We talk a lot about farming and how our perceptions  of food, and meat have changed in the past few decades. How consumers can drive change creating a demand for ethical rearing and practices;  about understanding the natural collaboration between animals and humans, and why we could all do better especially under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, itself a radical step change, the details of which are often misinterpreted, overlooked, or ignored. We also chat about Government and the new Sentience and Kept Animals Bill that still awaits its airing date.

Click here to order Sean's book and follow him on @SeanWensley

For more information go to animalhealing.ie or on Instagram @animalhealinglisatully

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

What is A Dog's Life with Anna Webb?

Dogs.

They’re companions, guardians, and much much more – they complete us. And they just might save us from ourselves.

Anna Webb explores all levels of modern dog ownership and brings to life why every dog is extraordinary.

She speaks to scientists and experts - people who have and are changing our understanding of dogs - on everything from emotional intelligence to nutrition to behaviour, delving deep into subjects like homeopathy, telepathic communication and the pet food scandal.

It's thought provoking, alternative, and not a little subversive.

Cover photo by @Gruffpawtraits