131: On this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I’m unpacking the complex world of leaky gut in dogs. From energetic patterns like dampness and heat to key causes like antibiotics, stress, and candida overgrowth, we’ll talk about how this condition affects digestion, allergies, immune health, and even behavior. Learn how to recognize the signs, understand the role of the lymphatic system and digestive enzymes, and explore natural recovery protocols using herbs, probiotics, and supportive testing. ...
Jun 25, 2025•40 min
130: This week I’m coming to you from the road—literally—while on my Herbal Dog Tour! In this episode, I dig into a question I was asked on tour: Can our dogs intuitively choose their energetics like wild animals do? I unpack why our dogs aren’t wolves, how seasonal eating plays into health, and why commercial diets make energetics more important than ever. Topics Discussed: → Can dogs choose their own food based on energetics? → What’s the difference between wild wolves' diets and domestic dogs...
Jun 18, 2025•16 min
129: In this episode, we’re getting real about those “oh no” vet moments—the kind that leave you sweaty, stressed, and maybe yelling at your dog’s doctor (oops). Emergency vet Dr. Lynda Loudon joins us to chat about how to be a more prepared, less panicked pet parent and how to navigate difficult conversations with your vet. Topics Discussed: → What should I ask my vet before a procedure? → How do I prepare for an unexpected vet visit? → Why is communication with your vet so important? → What mi...
Jun 11, 2025•38 min
128: In this episode, I’m jumping right into seasonal allergies — and why they might not be all about the pollen. I never thought I’d be taken down by allergies, but here I am, sounding like a frog underwater. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from my own experience and how it relates to your dog’s health. Seasonal allergy symptoms are often a reflection of what’s going on inside the body, especially the liver and lymphatic systems. I dive into how histamine is processed, why liver function matters,...
Jun 04, 2025•33 min
127: This week, I’m digging into Addison’s disease in dogs—what it is, how it shows up, and why it’s so often missed. It’s one of those conditions that can mimic a bunch of other issues, which makes getting the right diagnosis a real challenge. I’ll break down what’s actually happening with your dog’s adrenal glands, how vets typically test for it, and what treatment looks like. If you’ve got a dog that’s been acting off—low energy, vomiting, or just not quite themselves—this episode’s for you. ...
May 21, 2025•23 min
126: In this short episode, I go on a much-needed rant about something that truly made my stomach turn: Milk-Bone has teamed up with Jif peanut butter to create a new dog treat—and it's just as bad as it sounds. I break down the disturbing ingredients in both products, from glyphosate-laced wheat and trans fats to sugar, molasses, and mystery meats. These kinds of humanized, ultra-processed treats are not only unnecessary—they’re harmful. If you’ve ever wondered why I’m so passionate about readi...
May 14, 2025•13 min
125: In this episode, we’re diving deep into what happens after your dog gets bit by a tick — because that moment matters. I answer a listener's question about my After formula and break down how each ingredient helps support your dog’s body post-bite — from the cellular level all the way to the emotional layer. We’re talking olive bud, sweet chestnut, teasel, mushrooms, and more — all working together to modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and help your dog come back into balance...
May 07, 2025•16 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, we are going to talk about Cushing’s by request. I’m going to share my dog’s journey to help you recognize signs like panting, skin changes, and increased appetite. We’ll also explore diagnostic tools and treatment options, including holistic support. If your dog’s health feels like a mystery, this one’s for you. Topics Discussed: What are the early signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs? How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed in dogs? What treatment options are ...
Apr 30, 2025•34 min
123: In this episode, I’m covering a fascinating topic: the glymphatic pathway. Think of it as your (and your dog’s!) brain detox system—kind of like the lymphatic system, but for the brain. We’ll explore how it works, why it matters for cognitive clarity and emotional regulation, and what you can do to support it naturally, especially in your dog. I’ll also share updates from my book tour and some thoughts on dog dementia. We’ll touch on essential oils, phytoembryonic therapy, and lifestyle pra...
Apr 09, 2025•16 min
122: In today’s episode, we are going to talk about preparing the gut for probiotics. A lot of people don’t realize that we have to prepare and strengthen the gut before it’s ready for probiotics, which I talk about a lot in my new book The Herbal Dog . Strengthening the glycocalyx and IGA builds a resistant gut barrier before introducing probiotics. This is especially true in sensitive or immune compromised individuals. Strengthening these allows for commensal bacteria, which is good bacteria, ...
Mar 26, 2025•32 min
121: In this episode, I explore natural ways to support your dog’s health after spay or neuter surgery. We’ll discuss how herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help balance hormones and keep your pup healthy and happy. I’ll also highlight how herbs can complement veterinary care, not replace it. Whether your dog’s surgery was recent or some time ago, I’ll share practical tips for aiding their recovery and promoting long-term well-being. Tune in to learn how natural remedies can support your do...
Mar 19, 2025•16 min
120: In this episode, we're diving into often-overlooked aspects of canine care that can significantly impact your dog's health and well-being. We'll discuss why it's worth rethinking conventional practices like spaying and neutering, along with natural approaches to heartworm prevention, antibiotic recovery, and building a healthy microbiome. I'll also share effective, environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional flea and tick medications — plus insights on reducing pharmaceutical reli...
Mar 12, 2025•43 min
119: Today’s episode explores how plant medicine and raw food nutrition can boost your pet's health. We’ll break down High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP), what it means for your dog’s diet, and how it keeps food safe while maintaining key nutrients. Throughout this episode, I’ll share my own experiences with HPP-treated and traditional raw food diets, along with insights from my book tour. Tune in to learn how HPP works, what nutrients it affects, and why variety is so important in your pet’s mea...
Mar 05, 2025•21 min
118: In this episode, I’m answering a listener question from Caroline about moringa. This trendy herb is often called a superfood, but is it the right fit for your dog? As a canine herbalist, I’m breaking down what you need to know before adding moringa to your dog’s routine. Tune in for the full scoop! Topics discussed: Moringa’s natural habitat Superfood category Health benefits of moringa Recommended dosage When moringa is a bad idea Sponsored By Green Juju Check Out Rita: BUY MY BOOK Rita’s ...
Feb 26, 2025•14 min
117: In this episode, I’m diving into the importance of filtered water for both pets and humans. Whether you're at home or traveling, contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals can have a major impact on our health. Filtering your water helps reduce exposure to toxins, supporting a stronger immune system and overall well-being. It’s especially important for pets, as they can be more sensitive to the chemicals in unfiltered water. I’ll also share some practical tips for keeping your w...
Feb 19, 2025•29 min
116: In this episode, I dive into the Kibble Hierarchy—what separates a quality kibble from the bottom-of-the-barrel options. I break down ingredient labels, key red flags to watch for (like rendered meals and non-descript meats), and how to make better choices for your dog’s health. This episode is especially for those who can’t feed raw or home-cooked meals exclusively. I also share some of my top kibble recommendations and tips for evaluating dog food brands. Topics Discussed: Understanding t...
Feb 12, 2025•17 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I’m sharing how to boost your dog’s immune system with natural remedies—no need to panic about things like bird flu! I talk about the power of mushrooms, why they’re safe for dogs of all ages, and how to protect your pets with herbs like Agarikon, Andrographis, and elderberry. I’ll also give you an update on my book tour (so excited!) and remind you to focus on self-care and staying calm, especially when stress is high. Show Links Book Tour Agarikon Mushr...
Feb 05, 2025•24 min
In this episode, I’m talking about a topic that’s really important but often overlooked—sugar and its negative effects on dogs. I explain why sugar weakens the immune system, causes inflammation, and contributes to chronic diseases like cancer. I also share my own experiences with sugar and how I’ve learned to manage it, both for myself and for my dogs. If you’re feeding your dog anything with added sugars, you might want to rethink it. Key points in this episode: Sugar weakens the immune system...
Jan 29, 2025•16 min
In this episode, I’m sharing something that’s near and dear to my heart: how to find reliable herbal information for your dogs. We’ve all been there—googling herbs for pets and getting overwhelmed by conflicting advice. I’ll explain why you should be cautious about the info you find online, especially when it comes to herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and garlic. I’ll walk you through the importance of knowing which herbs are safe, how to find trustworthy sources (hint: herbalists!), and why it’...
Jan 22, 2025•31 min
In this episode, I’m talking about cognition and how we can support our dogs' brain health through herbs and nutrition. I’ll walk you through some of my favorite herbs like Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, Bacopa, and Lion's Mane, and how they can help with memory, circulation, and reducing oxidative stress. I also share some brain-boosting superfoods, like Omega-3s, coconut oil, and blueberries, that are fantastic for your dog’s mental sharpness. Plus, I’ll talk about the power of mushrooms like Reish...
Jan 15, 2025•15 min
In this episode, I'm chatting about kidney health as we roll into "kidney season" (yep, that’s a thing) from December 21st to March 21st, and I’m sharing some nuggets from my book The Herbal Dog. I’ll explain how kidney issues can sneak up on us — like subtle signs of urinary changes or joint pain — before they show up on blood work, and how you can spot them early. I’ll also cover natural remedies for both hot and cold kidney imbalances, and share a little story about my cat Carl's recent urina...
Jan 08, 2025•24 min
In this episode, I’m answering a listener's question about gallbladder sludge in dogs—something I’ve been seeing more of lately. Irene wrote in about her Chihuahua's condition and asked for advice, so I dive into what gallbladder sludge is, how it affects digestion, and what you can do to support your dog’s liver and gallbladder health. I also share some of my favorite herbal remedies for thinning bile and improving liver function, like dandelion root, milk thistle, and turmeric. If your dog is ...
Dec 18, 2024•17 min
In this episode, we tackle the *controversial* topic of feeding frozen food to your dog. I discuss why consistently feeding very cold or frozen food may not be the best choice for your dog’s digestive health, including how it can put extra strain on the liver, pancreas, and other vital organs. Learn about the impact of frozen food on nutrient absorption, digestive enzymes, and overall wellness, and why warming food to room temperature might be a better option for your furry friend. Tune in for p...
Dec 11, 2024•27 min
In today’s episode, I talk about the idea of "deficiency" in dogs and how it can show up in their health. I cover signs like low energy, poor appetite, and a dry coat, and explain how things like chronic illness, stress, and diet can play a role. I also share some herbal remedies I love, like ashwagandha, nettles, and ginger root, to help support your pup. Plus, I give an update on Green Juju’s fermented mushroom probiotic and how it’s been helping my pug. Tune in for some practical tips on supp...
Dec 04, 2024•13 min
In this episode, we explore the powerful world of antioxidants and their benefits for both you and your dog. You'll learn what antioxidants are, how they help neutralize harmful free radicals, and how they can support your dog's health by reducing inflammation, protecting against cancer, and boosting immune function. We'll also explore antioxidant-rich foods and supplements, like berries, spinach, turmeric, and mushrooms, that can make a real difference in your dog’s wellness. Plus, hear about t...
Nov 20, 2024•41 min
Today we are going to talk about mushrooms again! One thing, mushrooms are NOT herbs and they are used differently even though people tend to lump them together. When I tell you mushrooms you need to use quite a bit for therapeutic purposes, and it’s not the same protocol for herbs. Let’s talk about mushrooms! Sponsored by : Green Juju Check out Rita: SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By : Drake Peterson...
Nov 13, 2024•16 min
In this episode, I’m talking all about restlessness and anxiety in dogs—something I get a lot of questions about. I’m answering a listener's question on how we can use herbs to help with things like reactivity, separation anxiety, and just general restlessness. I share some of my go-to herbs, like nettles and chamomile, that support the kidneys and nervous system, plus some tips for calming your dog's anxiety. I also talk about how we, as dog owners, need to check in with our own stress levels b...
Nov 06, 2024•38 min
In this exciting episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I celebrate the launch of my new book, The Herbal Dog. With over 20 years of experience as a clinical canine herbalist, I’m thrilled to share how to view your dog through an herbal lens. I’ll give you a sneak peek into the book’s two parts: understanding your dog as an ecosystem and practical herbal applications. Tune in for some valuable tips on holistic care and to hear about the special bond we share with our furry friends. I can’t wait for yo...
Oct 30, 2024•17 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I explore the world of mast cell tumors, responding to a listener's request for a more detailed understanding of this common canine condition. Drawing on my 20 years of experience as a clinical canine herbalist, I explain what mast cell tumors are, their behavior, and the crucial role mast cells play in your dog's immune system. I also discuss traditional treatment options, including surgery and chemotherapy, while sharing insights into natural approaches...
Oct 16, 2024•35 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I explore the importance of understanding herbal labels for our furry friends. Drawing from my experience as a clinical canine herbalist, I share the potential pitfalls of overlapping herbal supplements, using a real-life case study to illustrate the risks. I also discuss how to effectively research herbal ingredients, empowering pet owners to make informed choices for their dogs. Pre-Order My New Book Show Links: White Rabbit Institute Herb Rally Sponsor...
Oct 09, 2024•14 min
