Épisodes

  • Puppy & Kitten 101: What Every New Pet Parent Needs To Know

    Puppy & Kitten 101: What Every New Pet Parent Needs To Know
    Feb 25 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett lays out the essentials every new puppy or kitten guardian should know. Whether you've just brought home a wiggly eight-week-old pup or a curious little kitten, those first few months matter more than most people realize.

    Dr. Barrett begins with the basics: what's normal, what's not, and why early veterinary visits are about far more than vaccines. She explains how foundational care in the first year sets the stage for a lifetime of health. From parasite prevention and vaccination schedules to nutrition and behavioural development, she breaks down what can feel overwhelming into practical, manageable steps.

    A key theme throughout the conversation is prevention. Many common health issues in adult dogs and cats can be traced back to missed opportunities in early life. Dr. Barrett talks about the importance of proper socialization in puppies, safe exposure to new environments, and how positive early experiences shape temperament. For kittens, she addresses litter training, scratching behaviour, and the need for enrichment—especially for indoor cats.

    Nutrition also plays a central role. Dr. Barrett discusses how to choose an appropriate diet, what to look for on labels, and why growth-stage feeding is different from adult maintenance feeding. She cautions against overfeeding and explains how early weight gain can create long-term health challenges.

    Spaying and neutering are covered with nuance. Dr. Barrett outlines the medical benefits, behavioural considerations, and the timing conversation that every pet parent should have with their veterinarian.

    Perhaps most reassuring is her emphasis on partnership. Veterinary care isn't just about treating illness—it's about building a relationship. She encourages pet owners to ask questions, bring up concerns early, and see their vet as a guide rather than someone you visit only when something goes wrong.

    For anyone navigating life with a new puppy or kitten, this episode offers clarity, calm, and confidence. The early days are full of excitement—and a little chaos—but with the right information, they can also be the beginning of a long, healthy life together.

    PULL QUOTES "The first year of your puppy or kitten's life sets the tone for everything that follows." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Prevention is always easier—and kinder—than treatment." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Socialization isn't just about meeting other dogs. It's about helping your puppy feel safe in the world." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Your veterinarian should be your partner, not just the person you see when something goes wrong." — Dr. Beth Barrett EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

    [00:00,000] Welcome to Puppies & Kittens 101 | What new pet parents can expect in the first year
    [02:15,000] First Vet Visit | Why early exams are about more than vaccinations
    [05:40,000] Vaccine Schedules Explained | Core vaccines and timing
    [09:10,000] Parasite Prevention | Fleas, ticks, worms and why prevention matters
    [13:25,000] Nutrition Basics | How to choose the right food for growth
    [18:50,000] Avoiding Early Obesity | Portion control and healthy growth
    [22:30,000] Puppy Socialization | Building confidence through safe exposure
    [27:45,000] Kitten Behaviour | Litter training, scratching and enrichment
    [32:10,000] Spay & Neuter Decisions | Timing and long-term health considerations
    [38:00,000] Building a Vet Partnership | Communication and proactive care

    LINKS FROM EPISODE
    • Barrett Veterinary Practice (https://barrettvet.ca)

    • American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Vaccine Guidelines (https://www.aaha.org)

    • Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) (https://www.canadianveterinarians.net)

    • ASPCA Pet Care Resources (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care)
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    43 min
  • What's The Best Diet For My Pet?

    What's The Best Diet For My Pet?
    Feb 11 2026
    Episode Summary If you've ever stood in the pet food aisle feeling completely overwhelmed by the options—grain-free, raw, organic, life-stage formulas, food that costs more than your own groceries—this episode is for you. Dr. Beth Barrett breaks down the fundamentals of pet nutrition across dogs, cats, horses, and even goats, sharing science-based guidance on what "well nourished" actually looks like for each species. From the critical role of macronutrients and micronutrients to why cats absolutely cannot be vegan, Dr. Beth demystifies nutrition with practical, no-nonsense advice. She tackles the big questions pet parents ask every day: Is expensive food actually better? What are "fillers" really? And why is your vet always recommending omega-3 supplements? This episode is a must-listen for any pet parent who wants to cut through the marketing noise and make informed choices about what goes into their pet's bowl. Episode Structure Segment Timestamp Content Intro 00:00–01:16 Michael welcomes listeners, introduces Dr. Beth, and frames the big question: What's the best diet for my pet? Section 1: Nutrition Fundamentals 01:16–09:30 Macronutrients vs. micronutrients, life-stage feeding, large breed considerations, and why "all life stages" labels make vets cringe. Section 2: Species Deep Dive 09:30–27:30 Dogs as omnivores, cats as obligate carnivores (and why they can't be vegan), horses as nomadic trickle feeders, and goats as browsers. Plus: the cost question and the microbiome connection. Myth or Muzzle 27:30–28:55 Myth tested: "Cats can be vegetarian or vegan if you supplement properly." Verdict: MYTH — and a dangerous one. Listener Corner 28:55–33:00 Question: "My dog is always hungry and begging for food. Should I feed them more?" Dr. Beth discusses body condition scoring, the Labrador hunger gene, and hyperthyroidism in cats. Dr. Beth's Passion Points 33:00–38:30 Body condition scoring for every visit, omega-3 supplementation (EPA/DHA), and the truth about coconut oil. Outro 38:30–39:15 Michael wraps up with thanks, teaser for upcoming episodes, and CTA. Key Takeaways Nutrition Basics Nutrition should be simple: ensure your pet gets the right balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals). Protein is the most expensive nutrient because it's been pre-processed by another animal. Higher protein foods will naturally cost more. In Alberta, horses may be deficient in selenium because our soil lacks it—a ration balancer can help fill the gap. Be cautious about over-supplementing on top of a balanced commercial diet. More isn't always better. Species-Specific Nutrition Dogs are omnivores and can tolerate carbohydrates, but protein should still be the primary calorie source. Cats are obligate carnivores. They cannot produce their own taurine and must get it from meat. Without it, they risk cardiac problems and blindness. Cats cannot be vegan or vegetarian—this is non-negotiable. Aim for cat food with less than 10% carbohydrates to reduce diabetes risk. Many dry cat foods contain 40–50% carbohydrates—far more than cats need. Dr. Beth has seen diabetic cats go into remission after switching to low-carb diets. Horses are nomadic trickle feeders. Their stomachs should never be empty for more than three hours, or they risk gastric ulcers. Goats are browsers with a rumen-based fermentation system. They thrive on roughage, hay, and shrubs. Cost & Marketing Expensive food is "ish" better—higher cost often reflects better ingredients and processing (e.g., freeze-dried), but some premium brands are mostly marketing. Always check macronutrient content rather than relying on price or packaging claims. Feeding guidelines on the bag typically suggest more food than your vet would recommend, because manufacturers can't account for your pet's activity level. If you're interested in raw feeding, work with your vet. DIY raw diets using leftover hamburger won't be balanced and carry bacterial risks. Dr. Beth's Top Recommendations Do a body condition score every time you feed your pet. Adjust portions seasonally—Dr. Beth's dogs get 50%+ more food in summer when they're active. Supplement with omega-3 oils (fish oil or algae oil)—most diets don't have enough. Look for EPA and DHA specifically. Omega-3s support brain health, eye health, cognitive function, and help manage inflammation from allergies and arthritis. Coconut oil has no magical health benefits despite what TikTok says. It's just a saturated fat. For cats, sardines in water (not oil, not spicy!) are a great omega-3 source. Start slow—cats are opinionated. Myth or Muzzle MYTH: "Cats can be vegetarian or vegan if you supplement properly." VERDICT: MYTH — and a dangerous one. Cats are obligate carnivores who cannot produce their own taurine. Simply supplementing a vegan diet with taurine doesn't provide all the benefits of a meat-based diet. As Dr. Beth puts ...
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    41 min
  • How To Help You Pets Live Longer: Healthy Habits From Day One

    How To Help You Pets Live Longer: Healthy Habits From Day One
    Jan 27 2026

    Welcome to the very first episode of The Independent Vet, the podcast that helps you give your fuzzy family the best life possible.

    In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett—veterinarian and owner of Barrett Veterinary Practice—answers one of the most common questions new pet parents ask:

    "What do I need to know when bringing home a new puppy or kitten?"

    Dr. Beth shares what matters most in those first few weeks, including:

    • When to schedule your first veterinary visit

    • Puppy and kitten vaccination timelines

    • Parasite prevention and deworming

    • Feeding basics and nutrition tips

    • How to start socialization and routines early

    • Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Whether this is your first pet or your fifth, you'll walk away with practical advice and peace of mind.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Book your first puppy or kitten appointment: https://barrettvet.ca

    • Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrettveterinarypractice

    • Learn more about Barrett Veterinary Practice: https://barrettvet.ca

    About Dr. Beth Barrett:

    Dr. Beth is the founder and owner of Barrett Veterinary Practice in Rocky View, Alberta. She brings years of hands-on experience, warmth, and real-world knowledge to help you care for your pets with confidence. She specializes in dogs, cats, horses—and yes, even goats.

    About the Show:

    The Independent Vet is a bi-weekly podcast about pets, people, and veterinary practice. Hosted by Michael Dargie, each episode features the expertise of Dr. Beth Barrett and is designed to help you make informed, compassionate decisions for the animals in your life.
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    35 min