E105 - Rebuilding Trust for Dogs and Owners with Tamsin Durston

<p>This episode explores the emotional wellbeing of dogs, caregivers and veterinary teams, with Tamsin Durston sharing practical ways to create safer, more supportive veterinary experiences. Hannah and Tam discuss the impact of osteoarthritis and chronic disease on both dogs and their caregivers, including anxiety, guilt, grief and caregiver burden. They explore how simple environmental changes, empathetic communication and thoughtful appointment planning can reduce stress and improve psychological safety. The conversation also highlights trigger stacking in veterinary teams and the importance of taking small pauses to reset between patients. Above all, the episode encourages veterinary professionals to recognise caregivers as part of the patient journey, build their confidence and help transform guilt into pride.</p><p><strong>5 Key Take-Home Points</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Psychological safety matters</strong> — for dogs, caregivers and veterinary teams.</p></li><li><p><strong>Small changes can make a big difference</strong> — many improvements are practical and low-cost.</p></li><li><p><strong>Recognise trigger stacking</strong> — stress builds throughout the day, so pause and reset when you can.</p></li><li><p><strong>Support the caregiver too</strong> — chronic disease affects the whole family, not just the dog.</p></li><li><p><strong>Turn guilt into empowerment</strong> — help caregivers recognise what they are doing well and build confidence in their ability to care for their dog.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/get-help/behaviour-support-line/booking?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK%7CBehaviourHelpline&utm_id=19828446895&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19828446895&gbraid=0AAAAADGVhGfUUF-MZuT2CNoMiicqRkXrw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzsjVBhC3ARIsALnMv4neEyccQWfaK0lOLiwMvYkIvV_izHKCXNj2a9dnXRZGh9Q68_ZY_gUaAnwMEALw_wcB">Dogs Trust Behaviour Support Line</a></p><p><a href="https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/professionals/vet-clinics">Dog Friendly Vet Clinics</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emotional-Well-being-Welfare-Professionals-Concise/dp/1789247799">Emotional Well-being for Animal Welfare Professionals</a> by Tamsin Durston</p><p><strong>Guest Bio</strong></p><p>Tamsin is a Registered Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, and accredited Dog Training Instructor, with 25yrs experience working predominately for the charities Blue Cross and, currently, Dogs Trus