Just a Dog Podcast · Episode 43 · November 2, 2026 · 1 hr 0 min

Vet appointments | How to talk to your vet about your dog | Josie Cocks MRCVS

How do you talk to your vet about your dog, when you've only got a short appointment? This episode of Just a Dog Podcast looks at what your vet is looking for, why they ask the questions they ask, and when it's okay to push back or ask for a second opinion. Most of us walk into the vets with something we've noticed at home for weeks, about 15 minutes to explain it, and no idea what the bill will be. Our dogs can't tell the vet where it hurts, so a lot of their care depends on what we notice, and whether we feel able to speak up. To talk it through, I'm joined by Josie Cocks MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons), a vet for over 13 years and the founder of Surrey Veterinary Care , a mobile vet service. Josie trained at the University of Liverpool, started out in a busy veterinary hospital in North Wales, and spent 7 years as a vet at Dogs Trust before setting up on her own. In this warm and honest conversation, Josie explains what a vet can and can't see in a short appointment, how to speak up for your dog, and how pain can show up in a dog's behaviour. In this episode: How Josie fell in love with dogs, and Jem, the lurcher who came into her practice in her first month as a vet What happens in a 15-minute vet appointment, and why your dog can seem fine the moment you walk in Why your vet asks about food when your dog is itchy How to speak up for your dog, and when to ask for a second opinion Vet costs, payment plans, and why care should fit you and your dog What changes when a vet sees your dog at home, from check-ups to saying goodbye Signs your dog may be in pain, including sudden changes in behaviour What Josie would change for dogs, guardians and vets if she had a magic wand Key takeaways: Tell your vet about the small changes you notice at home, like slowing down or not jumping on the sofa A short video of your dog at home can help your vet see what you see You can ask for a second opinion, and you can be registered with more than one vet, as long as you're open about it If your dog suddenly becomes snappy or grumpy, get them checked for pain first Anyone can call themselves a behaviourist, so look for a qualified one who uses kind, positive methods Before choosing a dog, find out what they were bred for and what health problems their breed can carry Resources and links: Josie Cocks MRCVS, Surrey Veterinary Care surreyvetcare.com Find Josie on Instagram & Facebook 💙 Don't forget to follow the podcast and leave a review. It really helps these conversations reach more people. Find JUST A DOG PODCAST on Instagram