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The Independent Vet

The Independent Vet

Written by: Dr. Beth Barrett
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 Pets. People. Practice. Welcome to The Independent Vet — the podcast that helps you give your fuzzy family the best life possible. Hosted by Michael Dargie, join veterinarian Dr. Beth Barrett every other week as they dig into all things pet care: from puppy training and senior cat nutrition to parasite prevention and what to pack in your pet's first aid kit. Whether you're a new pet parent or a lifelong animal lover, you'll find expert advice, surprising facts, and real-life insights from a working vet clinic in Alberta, Canada. Short, practical, and full of heart — because at Barrett Veterinary Practice, we treat your pets like our own.2026 Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Spay, Neuter, or Wait?

    Spay, Neuter, or Wait?
    May 6 2026
    Spay, Neuter, or Wait? The Independent Vet — Season 1, Episode 7 Released May 6, 2026 Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM Host: Michael Dargie Runtime: 38:15 Episode Overview In this episode of The Independent Vet, host Michael Dargie sits down with Dr. Beth Barrett of Barrett Veterinary Practice to unpack one of the most common—and most debated—questions in pet care: when should you spay or neuter your pet? What starts as a seemingly simple topic quickly becomes a thoughtful conversation about hormones, health, behaviour, breed differences, and responsible pet ownership. Dr. Beth explains why spaying and neutering have long been recommended to help prevent unwanted litters, while also exploring newer research that shows timing matters—especially for certain dog breeds. From growth plates and orthopedic health to cancer risks, urinary incontinence, aggression myths, and options like vasectomy or ovary-sparing spays, this episode reminds pet owners that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your pet's species, breed, size, lifestyle, and health risks—and it should always involve a real conversation with your veterinarian. Quotables "Spaying and neutering is not just 'fixing' a problem. It's way more complicated than that." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Hormones are not just used for reproductive purposes. Hormones have a lot of function in our bodies." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Testosterone is very involved in orthopedic health and closure of growth plates." — Dr. Beth Barrett "It is not one size fits all." — Dr. Beth Barrett "If your head is spinning just a little, I think that's the right reaction. This topic deserves more than just a one-line answer." — Michael Dargie "An educated client is a better client." — Dr. Beth Barrett "You've got to respect those chemicals." — Dr. Beth Barrett Key Moments 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction Michael introduces the topic of spaying, neutering, and waiting—and admits he once thought the answer was simple. 01:07 – What Spay and Neuter Actually Mean Dr. Beth explains the basic goal: preventing pregnancy, while noting there are different surgical options for both males and females. 02:34 – Why Spaying and Neutering Became the Default The conversation explores overpopulation, shelter medicine, unwanted litters, and why prevention remains an important goal. 04:28 – Why "Fixing" Isn't the Whole Story Dr. Beth explains why she avoids the word "fixing" and why removing reproductive organs can affect more than reproduction. 05:40 – The Role of Hormones Estrogen and testosterone are discussed as powerful hormones that influence metabolism, growth, behaviour, orthopedic health, and more. 08:30 – Why Timing Depends on the Pet Dr. Beth highlights research showing that breed, size, and species all matter when deciding when to spay or neuter. 09:55 – Orthopedic Health and Growth Plates The episode dives into ACL/CCL injuries, growth plate closure, and why early spay/neuter can affect body structure in some dogs. 13:19 – Cancer Risks and Breed Differences Dr. Beth explains how spaying and neutering may reduce some cancer risks while increasing others in certain breeds. 16:34 – Behaviour, Anxiety, and Aggression Myths The discussion challenges the assumption that spaying or neutering automatically improves aggression or temperament. 18:03 – Urinary Incontinence in Spayed Dogs Dr. Beth explains the link between estrogen and bladder control, especially in older spayed female dogs. 19:48 – What About Cats? Cats are discussed separately, including population control, intact male behaviour, and the current limitations of research. 23:52 – Older Pets and Pyometra Risk Dr. Beth explains why intact older female dogs and cats can be at risk for pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening uterine condition. 26:09 – Vasectomy, Ovary-Sparing Spay, and Other Options The conversation covers alternatives to traditional spay and neuter procedures, including vasectomy and ovary-sparing spays. 34:18 – Myth or Muzzle Myth: "Female dogs or cats should have one litter before being spayed." Dr. Beth gives this one a clear myth. 35:31 – Mailbag: Biscuit the Golden Retriever A listener asks when to spay a seven-month-old Golden Retriever. Dr. Beth explains why she would likely wait until growth plates are closed. 36:39 – Final Takeaway The episode wraps with the reminder that timing depends on the individual pet—and a good conversation with your vet is key. About Dr. Beth Barrett Dr. Beth Barrett is a veterinarian and clinic owner at Barrett Veterinary Practice in Alberta. She's passionate about helping pet owners make informed, practical decisions that improve the quality and longevity of their animals' lives. Resources Barrett Veterinary Practice: https://barrettvet.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrettveterinarypractice/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrettveterinarypractice UC Davis ...
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    38 mins
  • Pet Dental Health

    Pet Dental Health
    Apr 6 2026

    Yes, your pets need to brush too.

    Bad breath might seem like a small thing—but it's often your pet's way of telling you something more is going on.

    In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Dr. Beth Barrett to talk about dental health—one of the most overlooked parts of caring for your pet. What starts in the mouth doesn't stay there. Dental disease can quietly impact your pet's heart, kidneys, and overall quality of life.

    Dr. Beth walks through what's really happening beneath the surface, why dental issues are so common, and how small, manageable steps at home can make a big difference over time.

    Because when your pet is feeling their best, you can see it in everything they do—from tail wags to mealtime excitement.

    What You'll Learn

    • What dental disease actually looks like in pets (and why it's more common than you might think)

    • Why "just bad breath" deserves a closer look

    • How oral health connects to the heart, kidneys, and overall wellness

    • What we're really checking for during a dental exam

    • Simple, realistic ways to care for your pet's teeth—no wrestling required

    • Why starting early can help your pet stay healthier, longer

    Key Moments

    • A closer look at why dental health is often missed

    • How problems in the mouth can affect the rest of the body

    • The subtle signs your pet may be showing at home

    • What happens during a dental check at the clinic

    • Why prevention is one of the kindest things you can do for your pet

    Quotes

    • "Bad breath is a red flag. That's a shot across the bow."

    • "Dental health has huge impacts… especially on cardiac and kidney health."

    • "I see animals' lives shortened because we didn't take care of their teeth earlier."

    • "It's one of the best things we can do for animals in practice."

    Why This Matters

    Dental disease is one of the most common — and preventable — health issues in pets.

    This conversation reframes it from a cosmetic concern to a serious health issue. Taking action early doesn't just mean fresher breath — it can mean a longer, healthier life for your pet.

    About Dr. Beth Barrett

    Dr. Beth Barrett is a veterinarian and clinic owner at Barrett Veterinary Practice in Alberta. She's passionate about helping pet owners make informed, practical decisions that improve the quality and longevity of their animals' lives.

    Resources

    Barrett Veterinary Practice: https://barrettvet.ca
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    33 mins
  • Fleas, Ticks & Parasites: What You Need to Know in Alberta

    Fleas, Ticks & Parasites: What You Need to Know in Alberta
    Mar 31 2026
    Featuring: Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM — Barrett Veterinary Practice Host: Michael Dargie Runtime: ~40 minutes Spring has arrived in Alberta — and so has tick season. In this episode, host Michael Dargie gets the full picture from Dr. Beth Barrett, DVM, on the creepy crawly world of fleas, ticks, and parasites that every Alberta pet owner needs to understand. Triggered by a listener letter from a panicked dog owner who found a tick after the season's first warm walk, Michael and Dr. Beth break down exactly what these parasites are, how they find your pets, what diseases they carry, and — most importantly — how to stop them. Dr. Beth brings her signature warmth and candour to a topic she openly admits she "hated in vet school" but takes very seriously. From the surprising fact that ticks are already active above +4°C in Alberta, to the 95/5 rule for flea infestations, to why you should never use a lighter on an attached tick — this episode is packed with practical, science-based guidance you won't want to miss as the weather warms up. Timestamps TimeSegment 0:00 Intro & disclaimer 0:34 Michael welcomes listeners & introduces Dr. Beth Barrett 1:20 The listener letter — a tick on the back of the neck after the first warm walk of spring 2:13 SECTION 1: Ticks — The Basics 2:13 Why ticks are no longer just a summer problem in Alberta 2:53 Tick territory is expanding northward at 35–55 km per year 4:08 How ticks find your pets: the behaviour called "questing" 5:39 Where to check your dog (behind the ears, groin, eyebrows on Goldens) 7:32 SECTION 2: What Ticks Actually Do — Diseases & Dangers 7:32 Why blood loss usually isn't the biggest concern — it's the saliva 8:35 Tick-borne diseases transmitted through anticoagulant saliva 9:59 Horses and moose getting hundreds of ticks — how it causes anemia 13:22 How to properly remove a tick (and what NOT to do — no Vaseline, no lighters!) 15:29 Why ripping a tick off can make disease transmission worse 16:35 Tick paralysis from the Rocky Mountain wood tick — an Alberta-specific danger 17:43 SECTION 3: Fleas in Alberta 17:43 Is Alberta too cold for fleas? Mostly… but not entirely 19:29 Alberta's most common flea species — it's a wildlife flea, not the cat flea 21:47 The 95/5 rule — the flea you see is only 5% of the problem 23:18 Spotting fleas on cats: flea dirt and the wet paper test 24:05 Fleas on horses and goats 26:13 SECTION 4: Prevention & Treatment 26:13 Treating fleas requires a minimum of four months of medication 28:15 Why over-the-counter flea collars and topicals are less effective 29:50 Dr. Beth recommends prescription-only products — safer and more effective 30:04A new injectable tick prevention that provides 12 months of protection 31:13 Do natural remedies work? Essential oils, diatomaceous earth, garlic 32:24 MYTH OR MUZZLE: "If my pet isn't scratching, they don't have fleas" 33:53 ASK DR. BETH: "I found a tick on my dog. Do I need to go to the vet?" 34:45 The eTick.ca program — free tick species identification 36:46 Tick paralysis in more detail — the Rocky Mountain wood tick's neurotoxin 38:38 Outro & Dr. Beth's new injectable recommendation Key Takeaways Ticks Ticks become active at temperatures as low as +4°C — tick season in Alberta now starts in early spring, not just summer.Tick populations in North America are moving northward at approximately 35–55 km per year. Areas in Alberta that never had ticks now do.Ticks don't jump — they "quest": clinging to grass or leaves with their back legs, arms outstretched, waiting for a warm body to brush past.Check your dog behind the ears, around the groin, under the armpits, and on the eyebrows (a surprisingly popular spot on Golden Retrievers).A tick grows up to 100 times its original size as it feeds — from a few millimetres to the size of a grape.The real danger is in the tick's saliva, which can transmit tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease.The Rocky Mountain wood tick, found in Alberta, carries a neurotoxin in its saliva that can cause tick paralysis — starting at the dog's back end and moving forward. Removing the tick within 24–48 hours typically leads to a full recovery. How to Remove a Tick Safely Use a proper tick removal tool — a small fork-like device that slides under the tick and gently encourages it to back out.Do NOT use Vaseline, a lighter, heat, or twist the tick. These methods can cause the tick to regurgitate its stomach contents into your pet, increasing disease transmission risk.Do NOT pop the body off — if the head remains embedded, it can cause infection and inflammation.Once removed, save the tick in a zip-lock bag and photograph it. Upload the photo to eTick.ca for free species identification. Fleas Alberta is too cold for the common cat flea. The most common fleas here are wildlife fleas — primarily from coyotes, foxes, and skunks.The 95/5 rule: 95% of a flea's life cycle is spent off the host — in your carpets...
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    40 mins
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