Paws and Effect

Join us for an informative episode with Adam Wickens, the creator behind Wickens Wicked Reptiles, one of YouTube’s largest reptile education platforms.In this episode, Adam shares the must-know facts for anyone considering a bearded dragon, exposes the common myths and mistakes new owners make, and explains the fine line between keeping your reptile alive and helping it truly thrive.Discover:Why bearded dragons are such popular pets, and what makes them uniqueThe real lifespan (hint: it’s a big commitment!)The difference between surviving and thriving, and common welfare issues often overlookedEssential first steps for new owners: set-up, enclosure debates, lighting, temperature, and moreThe truth about substrates, diet, humidity, handling, and “beardie” personalitiesCommon health pitfalls (and how to avoid them)The correct way to handle and bond with your bearded dragon (without stressing them out)Myths from pet stores that drive reptile experts crazyWhether you’re a first-time reptile owner or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical advice, fascinating insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the hobby’s most respected voices.Don’t risk your new pet’s wellbeing, listen in and set yourself (and your dragon!) up for success.Subscribe to Wickens Wicked Reptiles for more expert videos and tips!SPONSOR: Ultra PetCheck out Ultra Pets' new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/Connect with Dr Carra:Website: drcarra.com/Instagram: dr_carraLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za/Connect with Adam:YouTube: wickenswickedreptilesInstagram: wickenswickedreptilesPodcast Production:This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:Ultra Pet:This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, which has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.zaJust For Pets:Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za, and we'll get in touch with you.Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

Ever wondered why your cat scratches the furniture, ignores expensive toys, or overgrooms?Are you struggling with a cat that seems bored, stressed, or even aggressive, despite your best intentions?In this informative episode, I sit down with Stephanie Merlin, certified cat behaviour specialist and the creator behind The Fulfilled Feline, to debunk common cat myths and offer real, science-backed solutions for happier, healthier felines.Stephanie, drawing on years of hands-on experience in shelters and private homes, shares:The hidden reasons behind so-called “problem behaviours” like biting, house soiling, and furniture scratchingWhy enrichment isn’t a luxury, but a basic feline need (and how to deliver it on any budget!)Easy, low-cost ideas for keeping indoor and outdoor cats stimulated and engagedPro tips for multi-cat households, managing introductions, and deciphering subtle signs of feline stressHow to use play, vertical space, scent, and routine to build trust and a stronger bond with your catWhether you’re a lifelong cat lover or a new guardian, this episode is packed with actionable advice that’ll change how you see your cat. Hit subscribe, share with your fellow cat lovers, and let’s help every cat live their best, most fulfilled life!SPONSOR: Ultra PetCheck out Ultra Pets New range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/Connect with Dr Carra:Website: https://drcarra.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carraLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/Connect with Stephanie:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thefulfilledfeline?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=5739723b-75ec-4478-a99e-dd9745bd3ebdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefulfilledfelinePodcast Production:This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.Kythe Creative : https://kythecreative.co.za/THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:Ultra Pet:This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.zaJust For Pets:Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and we'll get in touch with you.Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.---------------------------------------------00:00 "Understanding Your Cat's Needs"03:39 Passion for Understanding Cat Behavior09:30 "Simple Enrichment for Cats"12:46 Cat Stress and Over-Grooming14:14 "Careful with Adding Cats"18:33 Creating Comfort for Cats Amid Change22:44 "Patience with Fearful Cats"26:56 Engaging Cats with Prey Toys29:53 Redirecting Self-Soothing Behaviors34:37 Cat Behavior and Litter Issues38:48 "Outdoor Enrichment for Cats"40:07 Indoor Cat Enrichment Ideas43:49 Understanding Cats' Scratching Needs48:42 Engage Cats, Not Stuff49:40 "Routine Enrichment for Happy Cats"52:45 Cat Enrichment and Novelty Ideas58:00 "Understanding Feline Behavior"59:31 Pet Care Essentials Offered

Step into the high-stakes world of veterinary emergency medicine where chaos, emotion, and unexpected moments of laughter collide.In this episode, Dr Carra sits down with ER veterinary technician and viral content creator Geoffrey van Zjil, for an unfiltered, honest look at life in the emergency room. Discover what REALLY walks through those ER doors, what pet owners get wrong about emergencies, and the hidden costs, physical, emotional, and financial, that staff and owners alike face during urgent care.Geoffrey van Zjil opens up about managing burnout, mental health, and why humour is often the lifeline that gets teams through tough cases. Learn how social media can be used to educate (not just sensationalise) the public, hear stories that will change your perspective, and get practical advice on navigating critical situations with your pet.Whether you’re a veterinary professional, pet owner, or just curious about the realities behind the scenes, this episode will make you laugh, think, and appreciate the unsung heroes who keep the ER running.Watch now and gain compassion, understanding, and maybe a few dance moves for your next team meeting!SPONSOR: Ultra PetCheck out Ultra Pets New range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/premium-recipe-adult/Connect with Dr Carra:Website: https://drcarra.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carraLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/Connect with Geoffrey:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aintdoinright?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e80853f0-2ef4-4d8b-9a7b-abbde3ea5b09Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aint.doin.right/Podcast Production:This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.Kythe Creative : https://kythecreative.co.za/THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:Ultra Pet:This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.zaJust For Pets:Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and we'll get in touch with you.Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.----------------------------------------------------------00:00 Unpredictable Swing Shift Challenges07:57 “Self-Care Like an Athlete”13:18 “Prioritize Sleep, Listen to Body”17:22 Humor and Heart in Veterinary Medicine27:00 Preparing Owners for Pet Euthanasia29:20 “Challenges in Veterinary Care Costs”38:22 Navigating Difficult Care Decisions39:23 Pre-Sedation Testing for Pet Safety44:41 Transparent Communication in Veterinary Care53:19 Critical Injury Monitoring Protocols57:08 “Dangers of DIY Remedies”01:00:55 “Eating Dog Food for Fun”

Step inside the captivating, and slightly mysterious, realm of exotic pets with this week’s guest, Justin Visagie, reptile enthusiast and expert from Ultimate Exotics in Durban, South Africa!With boundless energy and deep knowledge, Justin is here to shatter the myths, embrace the intrigue, and show us just how thrilling (and rewarding!) reptile ownership can be.In this episode, Justin uncovers:The spellbinding allure and misunderstood “creep factor” of snakes, geckos, dragons and moreExpert tips for choosing your perfect reptile companion, from jaw-dropping corn snake morphs to gentle African fat-tail geckosThe science and magic of bioactive vivariums that bring your pet’s habitat to lifeCrucial husbandry secrets for keeping your exotic pet both weirdly wonderful and truly healthyDiscover why these mysterious creatures are stealing hearts around the world, and how to care for them with confidence and style.Whether you’re a seasoned herper or just a little reptile-curious, this is an episode packed with laughs, practical guidance, and a showcase of stunning animals you’ll want to meet.Tune in for an hour of fascinating facts, enchanting reptiles, and the weirdly wonderful world of pets that slither, scale, and dazzle!SPONSOR: Ultra PetCheck out Ultra Pets New range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/Connect with Dr Carra:Website: https://drcarra.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/Connect with Justin:Website: https://ultimateexotics.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultimateexoticsreptiles/Podcast Production:This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.Kythe Creative : https://kythecreative.co.za/THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:Ultra Pet:This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.zaJust For Pets:Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and we'll get in touch with you.Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.