Podcast
Dogs Are Individuals
Ramblings and Guidance From an Herbalist Whose Life Has Gone To The Dogs.
- Episodes
- 191
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 23 min
- On air since
- 2022
- Latest episode
- 6 days ago
Episodes
191 episodes, newest first
-
15 min
Are You Treating Symptoms Instead of the Cause? | Short
Show notes
192: Today I’m sharing my thoughts on why holistic dog care can still fall into the trap of treating symptoms instead of looking at the bigger picture. I talk about choosing herbs based on each dog’s individual needs, understanding organ health, and why the nervous system, lymphatics, and liver may need attention before focusing on the gut. I also discuss questioning common practices, looking deeper into health information, and being more intentional in how we support our dogs.
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
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35 min
What Dog Owners Should Know About Holistic Pet Professionals
Show notes
191: In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on how veterinarians and other professionals can work together to support dogs. I talk about knowing your limits, getting hands-on experience, and recognizing when a dog needs veterinary care. I also discuss the problems with AI-generated herbal information, why mentorship matters, and how we can learn from each other to provide better care for dogs.
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
19 min
Common Herbal Mistakes to Avoid for Your Dog | Short
Show notes
190: In this episode, I’m sharing some common mistakes herbalists can make when working with herbs for dogs. We’ll talk about why natural doesn’t always mean gentle, the importance of understanding individual plants, and why the right herb for one dog may not work for another. I’ll also discuss the risks of using too many herbs at once and why sometimes the best approach is to keep things simple.
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
27 min
Whole Food Vitamins, Omegas + More for Your Dog
Show notes
189: I’m coming to you live from the AHVMA conference in San Diego with my herbal understudy and friend, Krista Fox of Pug and Hound. We’re talking about holistic veterinary medicine, what makes it different from conventional veterinary care, and why looking at the whole animal matters so much.
Topics Discussed:
→ What is holistic veterinary care?
→ What are whole food vitamins for dogs?
→ Is folic acid bad for dogs?
→ What are the best omega-3s for dogs?
→ How does red light therapy help dogs?
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
18 min
Does Your Dog Have Gallbladder Sludge? Try These Herbs | Short
Show notes
188: Gallbladder sludge can be a frustrating issue for dogs, so in this episode, I’m sharing some of the herbal remedies I like to use to support the gallbladder and liver. We’ll talk about artichoke, linden, and hedge maple, along with some of the other symptoms that can show up alongside gallbladder issues. I’ll also share a quick update on my Tavari journey.
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
32 min
5 Steps To Better Organ Health For Your Dog
Show notes
187: This week, I’m breaking down my five-step framework for supporting your dog’s organ health with herbs. We’re talking about the nervous system, lymphatic system, liver, digestion, and creating a protocol based on your individual dog. I’m also sharing why herbal protocols should change with the seasons and why you shouldn’t give your dog the same supplements forever.
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
21 min
Seasonal Transition Into Fall: Colon & Respiratory Health | Short
Show notes
186: As we transition from summer into fall, our dogs can experience subtle changes in their bodies and overall health. In this episode, I talk about the connection between the lungs and colon, how seasonal changes can affect breathing, digestion, skin, and hydration, and what signs to watch for in your dog. I also discuss supporting dogs through the transition with moisture, diet, and herbs based on their individual needs and energetics.
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
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34 min
What You Should Know About Milk Thistle
Show notes
185: Is all milk thistle really the same? In this episode, I talk about the difference between whole milk thistle seed and standardized milk thistle extracts, how they differ, and when you might use one over the other. I also discuss what to look for on labels, the role of milk thistle in liver support, and why it’s important to know exactly what you’re giving your dog.
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
19 min
Herbal Support for Arthritis + Joint Pain in Dogs
Show notes
184: In this short episode, I’m coming to you from SuperZoo in Las Vegas to share one of her biggest takeaways from the event. After dealing with significant back pain throughout the week, I was introduced to Tvati, a topical oil traditionally made from the inner bark of Hibiscus tiliaceus, and was surprised by my experience using it.
Sponsored By:
→ Animal Essentialsis offering 40% off site-wide, 50% off when you spend $200, and free shipping on orders of $50 for a limited time.
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
23 min
How to Support Your Dog Through Candida & Yeast Overgrowth
Show notes
183: Does your dog struggle with itchy skin, ear issues, or constantly chewing their paws? In this episode, I talk all about candida and yeast overgrowth in dogs, what can cause it to get out of balance, and some of the signs you may notice in your dog. I also discuss the role of diet, antibiotics, stress, and gut health, along with some of my favorite herbs, supplements, and ways to support your dog while bringing yeast back into balance.
Topics Discussed:
→ Candida and Yeast Overgrowth
→ Signs of Yeast Overgrowth
→ Gut Health and the Microbiome
→ Diet, Herbs and Supplements
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
18 min
Should You Deworm Your Dog? What Every Owner Should Know | Short
Show notes
182: Should you deworm your dog regularly, or only when it's actually necessary? In this episode, I break down why routine deworming without testing may not always be the best approach and explain the importance of fecal testing before treatment. I also discuss how parasites affect your dog's health, the role they play in the immune system, why heavy parasite burdens should always be addressed, and how to take a more informed, balanced approach to deworming.
Topics discussed:
→ Fecal Testing Before Deworming
→ Parasites & Your Dog's Immune System
→ Common Intestinal Worms in Dogs
→ Risks of Routine Deworming
→ Natural Support for Parasite Management
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
35 min
Supporting Your Dog Through Wildfire Smoke
Show notes
181: Wildfire smoke can be hard on both you and your dog. In this episode, I share simple ways to reduce smoke exposure, how to recognize when your dog may need extra support, and the herbs I reach for most during wildfire season, including mullein, plantain, marshmallow root, licorice, and New England aster. As always, it's about supporting the individual in front of you with herbs that soothe, nourish, and work with the body.
Topics Discussed:
→ Wildfire Smoke & Dogs
→ Smoke Inhalation Remedies
→ Herbs for Lung Support
→ Mullein & Plantain Benefits
→ Air Quality & Smoke Safety
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
25 min
The Right Way to Use Comfrey for Dogs | Short
Show notes
180: Comfrey is one of herbalism's most beloved plants but it's also one of the most misunderstood. While it's known for supporting the healing of bones, ligaments, tendons, and skin, it deserves a healthy dose of respect. In this episode, I share how I use comfrey in my practice, why it's one of my favorite herbs for external healing, and why I'm much more cautious when it comes to internal use. We'll talk about the compounds that make comfrey controversial, when it may be appropriate to use, and the safer alternatives I often reach for instead. As always, it's about understanding the whole plant, honoring its strengths, and using it thoughtfully for the dogs we love.
Topics Discussed:
→ Is comfrey safe for dogs?
→ What does comfrey help heal in dogs?
→ Can dogs take comfrey internally?
→ When should you avoid using comfrey?
→ What herbs are safer than comfrey?Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
35 min
How pH Affects Your Dog's Health
Show notes
179: Many dog owners worry about whether their dog's body is too acidic or too alkaline…but is that actually the right question?
In this episode, I explain how pH works throughout your dog's body, why healthy dogs naturally have different pH levels in different organs, and why trying to "alkalize" your dog may do more harm than good. You'll learn how blood pH differs from urine pH, what urine testing can actually reveal, and why looking at the whole dog is more important than focusing on a single number.
Topics Discussed:
→ What does pH actually mean in dogs?→ Should you try to make your dog more alkaline?
→ What is a healthy urine pH for dogs?
→ How do you test your dog's urine pH at home?
→ Which herbs support your dog's bladder and kidneys naturally?
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
18 min
The Benefits of Mullein Oil for Your Dog's Ears | Short
Show notes
178: Mullein is one of my favorite herbs for supporting irritated dog ears naturally. In this episode, I share why mullein flower oil has been used for generations to calm inflammation, ease discomfort, and support the ear's natural healing process. You'll learn how ear health connects to the rest of the body, why recurring ear issues often point to deeper imbalances, and how to safely harvest and make your own mullein-infused oil at home.
Topics Discussed:
→ Mullein Oil for Dog Ear Health
→ Natural Remedies for Ear Inflammation
→ The Connection Between Ear Health & the Lymphatic System
→ How to Harvest & Make Mullein Oil
→ Supporting the Body Beyond Ear Symptoms
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
33 min
Frequencies and Dogs, The Unseen World
Show notes
177: In this episode, I'm diving into frequency medicine and why I believe it's an often-overlooked part of healing. I talk about hertz, resonance, and the energetic signatures of plants, trees, mushrooms, animals, and even the Earth itself. We explore how frequency shows up in herbal medicine, flower essences, and nature, and why spending time outdoors can have such a profound effect on both us and our dogs. I also share some of my favorite examples of frequency-based healing, including rose, lavender, oak, grounding, and the Schumann Resonance. If you've ever been curious about the energetic side of herbalism, this episode is for you.
Topics Discussed:
→ What frequency medicine is and how it may support healing
→ The energetic signatures of plants, trees, mushrooms, and animals
→ Hertz, resonance, and the science behind frequency
→ Why nature has a powerful impact on dogs and humans
→ Grounding, the Schumann Resonance, and nervous system health
→ How herbalists use frequency, flower essences, and plant medicine to support emotional and physical well-being
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
18 min
The Surprising Benefits of Soil Probiotics for Dogs | Short
Show notes
176: I recently got a chance to review the clinical research behind Green Juju's Soil Probiotics, and honestly, the results blew my mind.
In this short episode, I'm breaking down the findings from a study conducted with Innovative Pet Lab and discussing what they could mean for your dog's gut health, immune function, skin, digestion, and overall well-being.
Topics Discussed:
→ Do soil probiotics help dogs with digestive issues?
→ Can soil probiotics improve a dog's immune system?
→ How do soil probiotics affect the canine microbiome?
→ Can probiotics help reduce inflammation in dogs?
→ What are the benefits of soil-based probiotics for dogs?
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
29 min
Pancreatitis in Dogs: What It Is and How to Treat It
Show notes
175: In this one, I'm walking through what pancreatitis actually is, the difference between acute and chronic, what causes it (hint: I don't blame high-fat diets), and how to recognize it in your dog. I also share my full herbal protocol with dosing for phytoembryonic therapies and glycerin extracts. Plus a quick note on the GastroElm supplement I love for recovery and chronic cases. And yes, there's a 5'7" poison hemlock plant living in my hedgerow now. She's staying.
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
18 min
The Hidden Weight of Pet Loss, Grief + Regret | Short
Show notes
174: Have you ever found yourself replaying all the things you wish you had known before your dog passed away? Today I'm talking about grief, regret, and those imaginary timelines we create after losing a beloved dog. I share a few stories about my own dogs, the lessons they taught me, and why I believe our dogs never want us carrying guilt after they're gone.
Topics Discussed:
→ How do I cope with pet loss guilt?
→ Why do I feel guilty after my dog dies?
→ How does grief change over time?
→ What flower essences help with grief?
→ How can I let go of regret after pet loss?
Sponsored By:
Show Links:
→ All-Natural Dog Tick Masterclass
Further Listening:
→ How To Choose The Right Herbal Remedy For Dogs | Short
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
-
16 min
How To Choose The Right Herbal Remedy For Dogs | Short
Show notes
173: I’ve noticed so many dog parents getting overwhelmed trying to choose the “right” herbal product for their dogs…tinctures, glycerites, powders, chews… what’s actually best? In this short episode, I break down the differences between some of the most common herbal formats, how they work in the body, and why delivery method matters just as much as the herb itself. I also share when I personally reach for powders versus glycerites versus chews, plus some practical examples using seasonal allergy support formulas. If you’ve ever wondered why one herbal product works differently than another, this episode is for you.
Topics Discussed:
→ What herbal format works fastest?
→ Are herbal chews effective for dogs?
→ When should dogs use herbal powders?
→ What are glycerites used for?
→ Which herbs support seasonal allergies?
Sponsored By:
Check Out Rita:
Produced By: Drake Peterson
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