In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I'm sharing all the amazing stuff I picked up at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association conference! I had a blast chatting with Kelly and Billy from Green Juju about their incredible dog food and how they focus on sourcing top-notch ingredients—super important for pups with sensitivities. I also learned about this mind-blowing treatment from AnnieCell Biotech that uses amniotic membranes to help heal pets. Seriously, I heard some wild succes...
Oct 04, 2024•37 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I’m excited to chat about homeopathic nosodes and how they can help our dogs. Thanks to Jonathan for the great question that inspired this discussion! I’ll share my experiences using nosodes alongside herbal remedies to tackle issues like Lyme disease and Parvo. I’ll also discuss the differences between vaccines and nosodes, especially in relation to Parvo. Plus, I’ll talk about how I’ve treated my bulldog’s interdigital cysts with a Chaga mushroom paste....
Sep 25, 2024•15 min
In this episode of The Dogs Are Individuals Podcast, I’m tackling the important topic of over-supplementation and how it can affect your dog’s health. I’ll share some straightforward tips on how to pick the right supplements and mix them into a balanced diet without going overboard. We’ll chat about the common pitfalls of too many supplements and how to keep your dog’s health in check without any fuss. Tune in for some practical, easy-to-follow advice on managing your dog’s supplements, and let’...
Sep 18, 2024•30 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I’m tackling a topic many of us struggle with: canine incontinence. I’ll share practical tips on how diet, exercise, and supplements can help manage this issue, and discuss the importance of addressing potential deficiencies and underlying health problems. We’ll explore effective home management strategies and the role of chiropractic care, offering actionable advice to improve your dog's comfort. Plus, I’ll reflect on how my own experiences with pets hav...
Sep 11, 2024•17 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I explore the world of detoxification and share my favorite phytoembryonic therapies for your canine companions. From Black Poplar to Raspberry and Eye Bright, I explain how these plant-based remedies can help your dog detoxify from environmental toxins and support overall health. I also cover specific remedies for various conditions, including joint pain, cancer, and heavy metal exposure, providing guidance on dosages and safety. Tune in to learn how the...
Sep 04, 2024•44 min
Welcome to another episode of *Dogs Are Individuals*! Today, we’re tackling the tough topic of hemangiosarcoma, a cancer that can impact our beloved dogs. I’ll walk you through some natural treatments and supplements that can help, including CBD, CoQ10, and various mushrooms. We’ll also touch on some practical tips for supporting your dog’s health with herbal remedies. Grab a comfy spot and join me for a down-to-earth look at managing hemangiosarcoma and boosting your dog's well-being with holis...
Aug 28, 2024•16 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I’m exploring a fascinating topic: rotational monofeeding. A listener asked for my thoughts on this diet approach from Nora Lentz, which involves feeding dogs a single type of food on specific days without mixing different food sources. I’ll discuss the principles behind rotational monofeeding, its potential benefits, and its limitations. I’ll also share my own perspective on how this method compares to a more seasonal and varied diet. Tune in for a thoug...
Aug 21, 2024•46 min
In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I'm covering the art of layering herbal remedies with homeopathy to tackle acute issues like fear and anxiety in dogs. A listener’s question about combining these treatments inspired a discussion on how to approach remedies with intention and what combinations can provide relief for your furry friend. From using Aconite and Arnica for fear-based reactions to adding flower essences like Rescue Remedy and essential oils like chamomile, I’ll guide you throug...
Aug 14, 2024•14 min
In today’s episode, I’m discussing Mast Cell Tumors following a recent conversation with a client whose dog has been diagnosed with one, as well as a listener's question on the topic. I’ll explore what Mast Cell Tumors are, why they develop, and the role of allergies and histamines in their growth. I’ll cover the symptoms to watch for, discuss the generally positive prognosis, and outline the various treatment approaches and tumor grades. Plus, we’ll talk about which herbs are great for preventi...
Aug 07, 2024•40 min
Hey there, dog lovers! Welcome back to Dogs Are Individuals! Today, we're delving into a listener question about tremella mushrooms. So, picture this: I stumble upon these magical fungi in the forest, and I figured I’d tell you all about that. They're like nature's air conditioner, perfect for those summer days and totally safe for our furry friends long-term. We'll be exploring everything from what makes tremella mushrooms tick to how best to prepare them. Plus, stay tuned for future episodes w...
Jul 24, 2024•15 min
Hello everyone and happy summer from the very hot Pacific Northwest! In this episode, I'm exploring ways to keep cool naturally for both you and your furry companions. From discussing the benefits of cooling herbs and foods like organic cucumbers and watermelon seeds in your dog's water, to exploring which berries and fruits can help beat the heat. I'll also share essential tips on adjusting your dog's diet, practical cooling methods like wet towels, and safety precautions for summer travels and...
Jul 17, 2024•36 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to Dogs Are Individuals! Today's episode is all about supporting spayed dogs. While I generally advocate against spaying, I understand it's not always avoidable. I'll be exploring the importance of adding glandulars back into their diet, explaining what glandular therapy is all about, and discussing essential vitamins and supplements like mushrooms and probiotics. We'll also cover how to balance hormones and adrenal glands, and why supporting their immune system is cru...
Jul 10, 2024•16 min
Get ready for a fascinating dive into the world of Cordyceps mushrooms on today's episode of Dogs Are Individuals! We'll unravel why Cordyceps is a bit of a mystery and explore what Cordyceps sinensis actually is. I'll also share insights on when and which dogs might benefit from Cordyceps, how often to incorporate it into their diet, and ways to gauge if it's a good fit for your furry friend. Plus, we'll weigh the pros and cons of long-term use to help you make informed decisions. Don't miss ou...
Jul 03, 2024•25 min
Hello and welcome back to Dogs Are Individuals! Today, I'm covering a short yet essential topic: breaking down formulas. Join me as I guide you through understanding and interpreting formulas tailored to your individual dog. We'll cover how often to feed, identifying if a formula is warming or cooling, and the significance of the ear test in determining your dog's needs. Plus, I'll share tips on handling sensitive dogs with care, ensuring they thrive with the right formulas. Tune in for practica...
Jun 26, 2024•14 min
Hey everyone! Welcome back to Dogs Are Individuals! Today, I’m covering the fascinating world of self-selection. A listener wrote in asking about this practice, so let's explore what it's all about. Today I will explain what self-selection is, from its history, popular practitioners, and research. I’ll also discuss best practices, herb recommendations, precautions and benefits. I’m sure this episode will benefit you and your furry friends! Sponsored By: Goodness Gracious Check Out Rita: SIGN UP ...
Jun 19, 2024•29 min
Welcome back to the Dogs Are Individual podcast! Today's episode is a short and special treat for all animal lovers out there. Join me as I review "The Forever Dog Life," a groundbreaking new book by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker. Discover the key to extending your furry friend's lifespan through proper nourishment, with over 120 nutritious recipes and expert tips on crafting delicious homemade meals. But it doesn't stop there – learn how to create a healthier home environment with DIY clean...
Jun 12, 2024•17 min
Hey there, fellow dog lovers! Welcome back to Dogs Are Individuals! I'm thrilled to be back after attending the Natural Dog Expo in Europe, and I've got some exciting insights to share. Today,I’m answering a listener's question: "How do you become a canine herbalist?" While, In the United States, there's no official certification requirement or licensing board, there are many avenues to becoming an herbalist. My journey involved dedication, daily practice, and learning from mentors. Stay tuned a...
Jun 05, 2024•44 min
Hi, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. I’m a clinical herbalist and I’ve been practicing for 20 years. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. Happy Spring everyone, I hope your life is coming up roses, and Rosehips! It’s what I call the cooling turmeric. A lot of people know about turmeric, but do you know the powerful aspirations of rosehips? It definitely wants to be a good anti-inflammatory, and it is. Roses are so beautiful and they're coo...
May 15, 2024•31 min
Good morning, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. It is a beautiful day out, I am loving, loving Spring. Everything's coming up, everything is in flower, making a lot of flower essences here. Just love flower essences, they are just beautiful and a great tool in your toolbox. A lot of people overlook them, but if you've been listening to me for a while, you know the emotional component of a dog is importan...
May 08, 2024•15 min
Good morning, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. I practice qigong, and there’s a lovely smiling ritual where you smile to your organs. Try it right now! No matter what kind of mood you're in, it will make you feel better. You can feel things start to shift in your body. I love it! I also love herbs. Today, I am going to talk about draining the head. What that means is bringing fluid and infection down ou...
May 01, 2024•37 min
Hi, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. I’m a clinical herbalist and I’ve been practicing for 20 years. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. After I did my Modern Pet Handbook review, someone asked me to review Dr Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care. Of course I have this on my shelf! Randy Kidd is a vet and an herbalist, so he is one of the few western herbalist vets out there. This is a great little book and I think it's an invaluable resource....
Apr 24, 2024•17 min
Hi, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. I’m a clinical herbalist and I’ve been practicing for 20 years. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. Welcome back to another short! My life has definitely gone to the dogs. It has also gone to my all natural community. I definitely love the community I am in, in my career. Doing wonderful work for dogs. But I do want to talk about why I am not brand loyal. It has nothing to do with brands, it has to do ...
Apr 17, 2024•16 min
Hi, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. I’m a clinical herbalist and I’ve been practicing for 20 years. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. We are gonna talk about Rosemary today. It’s very controversial, and I want to speak from an herbalist perspective about using Rosemary with dogs. It’s a beautiful plant and is a very sustainable and warming herb. It affects circulation and has various other health benefits. However, there are some times...
Apr 10, 2024•36 min
Hi, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. I’m a clinical herbalist and I’ve been practicing for 20 years. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. So let’s get to it and dive right in. Welcome to another edition of shorts, shareable episodes that you can share with your pet loving friends. Today I am reviewing Bryce and Kenzie’s book The Modern Dog Parent Handbook, so let’s get into it. Show Links: Pre-order Rita Hogan’s The Herbal Dog The Modern D...
Apr 03, 2024•15 min
Hi, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. I’m a clinical herbalist and I’ve been practicing for 20 years. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. So let’s get to it and dive right in. We are covering a little bit of kidney and urinary health today, upon request. We got an email requesting more information about urinary health for pups who struggle with urinary issues, crystals and UTI’s. I just did a review of the Modern Dog Parent Handbook by Bry...
Mar 27, 2024•31 min
Hi, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. I’m a clinical herbalist and I’ve been practicing for 20 years. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. So let’s get to it and dive right in. Today is another pocket sized episode to share with your dog loving friends. We’re coming into Spring which is all about detoxification and detoxifying the liver. Before getting into this, there are a few things you should know. Things start moving and shaking inside...
Mar 20, 2024•13 min
Hi, this is Rita Hogan and welcome to the Dogs Are Individuals podcast. I’m a clinical herbalist and I’ve been practicing for 20 years. This podcast is all about your dog through an herbal lens. So let’s get to it and dive right in. Today we are talking all about binders. We had a lovely person write in about wanting to know more about them. Binders can be used to help get toxins out of the body. Let’s dig into different binders, when to use them, dosages, and other special things to take into c...
Mar 13, 2024•37 min
Welcome back to another short episode, I am Rita Hogan, your host of Dogs Are Individuals. Today we are talking about alcohol. It has been a thorn in my side for misinformation and I want to set the record straight. Can you use tinctures with dogs? Is alcohol poison to dogs? As a drop dosing herbalist, I’ll talk about what levels are okay for your dogs to consume and at what levels are considered lethal. Sponsored By: Green Juju greenjuju.com Check Out Rita: SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instag...
Mar 06, 2024•17 min
Ever been in a pet emergency and wished you knew what to do? That happened to me when my dog had a scary allergic reaction with no vet in sight. Today is all about creating the ultimate dog emergency kit, packed with everything from herbal remedies like chamomile and ginger to crucial dosage info. We'll dive into how these natural wonders can support your dog's health, blending ancient herbal wisdom with vital vet advice for the best of both worlds. It's all about equipping you with the know-how...
Feb 28, 2024•32 min
Today I will talk about how our heart’s electromagnetic field affects our dogs, and the importance of managing our emotional states for their well-being. There’s a fine line in balancing care and obsession over pet health, as further outlined in my book “The Herbal Dog,” which investigates our emotional impact on our furry friends. Flower essences such as crab apple and white chestnut can improve our mental health and create a peaceful space for us and our dogs. The episode underscores the need ...
Feb 21, 2024•18 min