Advertise on podcast: Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino - Formerly It's A Dog's Life

Why are so many pet parents and veterinarians feeling frustrated with standard, conventional care? In this episode, Angela Ardolino sits down with Dr. Jeannette Bimonte—known as "The Non-Traditional Veterinarian"—to discuss the systemic flaws in modern veterinary medicine and how to restore health from the inside out. Drawing from her experience practicing relief work across more than 100 veterinary hospitals, Dr. Bimonte explains the burnout clinicians face, why over-vaccinating sick or geriatric pets does more harm than good, and how meeting pet parents where they are with nutrition can dramatically improve outcomes. Together, Angela and Dr. Bimonte explore practical ways to detox the home, support the immune system, and eliminate perfectionism in pet care. Episode Recap: Host Angela Ardolino introduces Dr. Jeannette Bimonte, "The Non-Traditional Veterinarian," to discuss her experience across over 100 veterinary practices and the importance of holistic nutrition. (00:00)Dr. Bimonte highlights the growing distrust in conventional medical systems and stresses the need for open, honest relationships between pet parents and holistic practitioners. (00:42)Angela and Dr. Bimonte discuss the lack of holistic education in standard veterinary programs, which leaves many open-minded clinicians feeling overwhelmed and stuck in conventional routines, and leaves many pet parents looking elsewhere for education and care. (05:03)Dr. Bimonte attributes widespread veterinary burnout to clinicians repeatedly treating symptoms rather than helping pets truly overcome chronic health issues. (08:25)Angela and Dr. Bimonte discuss her observations from relief work in over 100 hospitals, and how she prioritizes what is best for her patient, while respecting clinic protocols. (10:56)Dr. Bimonte explains why she refuses to administer routine vaccines to sick or inflamed pets, and Angela questions the practice of over-vaccinating geriatric dogs every year when multi-year intervals or titer testing offer safer, individualized alternatives. (15:16)Angela and Dr. Bimonte discuss how allergies reflect an overactive, "screaming" immune system that requires gut and environmental support rather than simple symptom suppression. (21:08)Dr. Bimonte outlines foundational wellness tips for new puppy owners, including switching to non-toxic cleaning products, improving lighting, and reducing household environmental stressors. (26:20)Dr. Bimonte emphasizes that stress and nervous system tension in pet parents directly impact a pet's immune health, urging listeners to drop perfectionism in favor of small, gradual changes. (32:42) Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including How to Find a True Holistic Vet plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Find a Holistic Vet Near YouSouthern Veterinary Services for Consultations with Dr. Bimonte & her teamListen to Dr. Bimonte’s Podcast, The Non Traditional VeterinarianFollow Dr. Jeannette Bimonte, the Non Traditional Vet, on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

Why do standard veterinary treatments often leave chronic pet health issues unresolved? In this episode, Angela Ardolino sits down with Dr. Lisa Fiorenza—a holistic veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese veterinary food therapy, and Western herbal medicine—to break down the key differences between conventional and holistic care. Dr. Lisa shares her personal journey from practicing traditional veterinary medicine to mastering Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), explaining how standard care suppresses symptoms while holistic medicine seeks to restore true internal homeostasis. Together, they explore gut-brain immune connections, the dangers of over-prescribing pharmaceuticals, the rise of fake or low-quality supplements, and real-world case studies using natural nootropics and acupuncture to reverse severe chronic illness. Episode Recap: Host Angela Ardolino introduces Dr. Lisa Fiorenza, a holistic veterinarian of over ten years, and Dr. Lisa explains how mastering both conventional veterinary medicine and TCVM allows her to think like a bilingual clinician when evaluating complex patient cases. (00:00)Dr. Lisa shares how her own struggle with chronic pain inspired her transition into TCVM, while she and Angela reflect on helping other veterinary professionals discover holistic, root-cause medicine. (04:26)Angela and Dr. Lisa discuss how conventional veterinary education frames allergies as an abnormal, overactive immune response without teaching students the root environmental or gut-related causes. (7:40)Dr. Lisa reflects on the shift toward fresh food nutrition over the last decade and honors early holistic veterinarians who paved the way despite industry pushback. (12:00)The problem with low-quality commercial pet supplements that rely on synthetic isolates, heavy fillers, and inactive grain substrates instead of pure, therapeutic extracts. (18:17)Angela and Dr. Lisa advise pet parents faced with major medical decisions or surgery to always seek a second opinion and thoroughly research prescribed pharmaceuticals. (23:14)Dr. Lisa details her patient intake process, explaining how she evaluates energetic symptoms, environmental factors, emotional stressors, and medical histories to identify root imbalances. (29:40)Dr. Lisa shares a case study of a cat with Chiari-like malformation whose chronic pain and neurological symptoms drastically improved after incorporating acupuncture and mushroom-based nootropics for dogs. (37:44)Angela breaks down the science of canine cognitive dysfunction and explains how natural nootropics and full-spectrum hemp extract help restore brain-gut homeostasis in senior pets. (41:45)Dr. Lisa shares where pet parents can connect with her on social media, access her educational resources, and consult with her for holistic veterinary care. (44:11)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her Senior Dog Protocol, and How to Find a True Holistic Vet plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Senior Dog Study - Prospective Evaluation of a Mushroom Derived Nutraceutical in Dogs with Cognitive DeclineAngela’s Blog - Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Mushrooms and Adaptogens for Dog DementiaFollow Dr. Lisa Fiorenza on Instagram and FacebookHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

Where does the meat in our grocery stores and pet food really come from, and what is it costing our health, our animals, and the planet? In this episode, Angela Ardolino sits down with Carla Cabral—a grassroots organizer, former emergency room veterinary technician, and activist with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE)—for an eye-opening conversation on the realities of factory farming. Together, Angela and Carla expose how mass confinement, heavy pharmaceutical use, and corporate secrecy impact human and pet health alike. Carla breaks down the truth behind grocery store marketing buzzwords, the dark side of the exotic pet breeding trade, and how pet parents can take meaningful action through consumer choices, rescue adoption, and grassroots advocacy. Episode Recap: Angela’s guest Carla Cabral, a former vet technician and organizer with Direct Action Everywhere, explains the problems with factory farms, high-density confinement facilities, designed purely to maximize industrial efficiency and profit. (00:00)Angela warns that homemade pet diets made with grocery store meat often rely on factory-farmed animals, while Carla explains how corporate secrecy and misleading marketing make it difficult for consumers to trace where their food comes from. (05:20)Carla breaks down how corporate advertising fabricates a myth of peaceful pastured farming to hide the reality of industrial feedlots holding millions of tightly confined animals. (12:13)Angela and Carla discuss how hyper-processed foods and nutrient-depleted crops and animal products contribute to rising rates of chronic disease in humans and pets.(16:38)The discussion turns to how small animals sold in big-box stores originate from factory-style breeding mills or wild capture, driving a harmful cycle of impulse buying, inadequate care, and widespread pet abandonment. (18:35)Em shares two success stories, how she resolved Marley's severe separation anxiety and Seven's holiday overstimulation through calm-down routines, enrichment toys, natural calming supplements, and safe environmental boundaries. (25:36)Angela encourages pet parents to make incremental changes away from factory-farmed grocery meats, leading Carla to share factoryfarmwatch.org as an interactive database while explaining how corporate consolidation and subjective ethics make defining a "good farm" complex. (30:59)Carla shares about her upcoming criminal trial for rescuing goats from a Whole Foods supplier, and they break down how dairy and egg production exploit female animals, genetically manipulate livestock, and slaughter animals at a fraction of their natural lifespans. (37:50)Angela and Carla urge listeners to support local sanctuaries, contact elected representatives regarding animal welfare bills, and vote against industrial agriculture with their purchasing power. (44:59)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals to Avoid in Your Pet’s Food and Supplements, plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Factory Farm Watch Direct Action Everywhere - Take Action for AnimalsRight to Rescue - Working to establish a legal right to rescue animals from distress and exploitation.Follow Carla Cabral on Instagram and TiktokHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

When a dog is struggling with reactivity, anxiety, or destructive habits, standard training commands aren't always enough to solve the root issue. In this episode, Angela Ardolino sits down with Em Breslin, retired vet tech, canine nutritionist, dog trainer, and host of The Dog Who Asked For More podcast, to explore the powerful connection between holistic health, nutrition, and behavior. Together, Angela and Em break down how overstimulation, gut health, and daily routines directly impact a dog's nervous system and capacity to learn. Em shares practical strategies for building parasympathetic balance, managing car anxiety, setting up dogs for success during stressful transitions, and helping misunderstood, high-feeling dogs truly thrive in their homes. Episode Recap: Host Angela Ardolino introduces guest Em Breslin, a retired vet tech, canine nutritionist, and trainer, to discuss how nutrition, environment, and physical health influence dog training. (00:00)Em shares how targeted calming supplements, proper play, and structured wind-down activities have helped her bring anxious, stressed dogs into a parasympathetic state where they can effectively learn. (01:15)Angela shares her experience operating a groom shop, where providing physical exercise and natural full spectrum hemp and lavender helped fearful dogs relax on the grooming table. (3:46)They discuss setting your dog up for success, practicing for changes in routines, trying to make the experiences positive, and avoiding forced experiences can eliminate anxiety around car rides. (6:17)Em shares why most pet parents come to her looking for help, and her passion for working with misunderstood "spicy" or reactive dogs, highlighting how identifying subtle early stress signals prevents full behavioral meltdowns.(11:29)Em shares two success stories, how she resolved Marley's severe separation anxiety and Seven's holiday overstimulation through calm-down routines, enrichment toys, natural calming supplements, and safe environmental boundaries. (15:02)Angela and Em discuss how underlying physical pain, gut dysbiosis, vaccinations, or age-related sensory shifts frequently drive sudden behavioral changes in multi-dog households. (20:51)Em shares how she managed her own dogs' relationship after her senior dog bit her new puppy, detailing how she used crate routines, strict environmental boundaries, and realistic expectations to bring long-term peace to her home.. (24:50)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her How to Find a True Holistic for Your Pet and Natural Alternatives for Pet Pain Relief, plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads The Dog Who Asked For More PodcastFollow Emily Breslin on Facebook, YouTube and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

What should you actually do when a stray cat shows up in your backyard, and how can everyday pet lovers help make a real difference for the animals in their neighborhood? In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino sits down with this week’s guest Stacy LeBaron, founder of Community Cats Central, to explore practical, community-driven solutions for cat welfare and overpopulation. Together, Angela and Stacy discuss how grassroots rescue efforts can unite neighbors, the simple "pet detective" strategies you can use to identify stray cats, and why addressing the root cause of overpopulation is so critical. They also dive into a helpful masterclass on household cat behavior, sharing expert tips on litter box setups, managing multi-pet aggression, and keeping your feline companions truly thriving at home. Episode Recap: Angela Ardolino introduces Stacy LeBaron, a compassionate feline rescue leader and cat advocate, Stacy shares how her journey into animal welfare began in 1994, when she joined a Massachusetts feline rescue after witnessing an overwhelming hoarding case. (00:00)Stacy explains her "Adam and Eve" philosophy regarding the rapid progression of cat overpopulation, emphasizing the vital importance of altering indoor-outdoor pets, it takes a community working together. (05:58)The conversation explores the cyclical nature of feral cat populations and how targeted, low-cost spay-neuter accessibility is far more effective and humane for communities than expensive animal sheltering models. (11:24)Stacy talks about starting the Community Cats Podcast as a way to continuously mentor rescue groups, sharing some tips about what to do if you are concerned about a stray cat in your community. (15:38)Angela emphasizes the community's duty to help local strays, and they talk about finding community in turn, through caring for the cats. (21:42)The discussion shifts to household cats, from tips on supporting your senior cats like uncovered litterboxes, to Stacy’s experience dealing with cat on cat aggression. (25:34)Stacy shares tips for preventing furniture scratching, such as providing sturdy, vertical scratching posts and early nail-trim training for kittens. (33:39)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her How to Find a True Holistic for Your Pet and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Community Cats CentralCatch Angela’s episode, and more on the Community Cats podcastFollow Community Cats on Facebook, YouTube and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela welcomes back Carter Easler, Director of Education and Research for CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, to address the highly concerning legislative changes sweeping through the hemp industry. Following the quiet passage of a major federal hemp ban framework in 2025—set to fully roll out by late 2027—Angela and Carter expose the financial and political motives behind removing naturally occurring THC from plant medicine. Together, they break down the biological necessity of full-spectrum extracts, the hidden corporate pushback against holistic care, and how pet parents can follow Angela’s lead to take immediate action to protect their access to safe, clean, plant-based remedies. Episode Recap: Angela and Carter kick off the episode by exposing how arbitrary government reclassifications and undercover legislation are driven by Big Pharma and the alcohol industry to protect falling revenues as more consumers turn to safe, full-spectrum cannabis extracts. (00:00)Carter and Angela discuss how corporate interests are seemingly intentionally trying to eliminate THC to make hemp products ineffective, and highlighting why there should instead be legislation necessitating rigorous third-party testing, to prevent the label fraud rampant in the CBD and mushroom industries. (04:16)Angela and Carter expose the undemocratic nature of the federal hemp ban framework passed in 2025 and is set for 2027, while reaffirming that CBD Dog Health will never compromise or change their pure, Colorado-sourced full-spectrum formulations just to appease corrupt legislative changes. (07:57)How current tariffs are driving overseas manufacturers to cheapen formulations with unstable broad-spectrum bases and volatile isolates like CBDA, while Angela exposes how these over-processed variations mimic harsh pharmaceutical drugs that overwork the liver rather than supporting true wellness. (12:00)Angela urges pet parents to take active ownership as their animals' primary health advocates by utilizing the U.S. Hemp Roundtable platform to pressure representatives through pre-formatted, ZIP-code-targeted emails and phone calls, pointing out that historical precedent shows persistent public pressure is highly effective at delaying or derailing corrupt regulatory overreach. (16:39)They discuss some high-risk states, identifying existing bans in Alabama, Indiana, South Carolina, and South Dakota, while highlighting a highly concerning trend in Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Wisconsin, where corporate interests are attempting to reshape the market by shifting agricultural hemp oversight away from farming agencies and into the hands of restrictive liquor control boards. (19:39)Angela highlights Colorado, Hawaii, and North Carolina as states successfully championing organic, rigorous hemp standards, reinforcing that CBD Dog Health and MycoDog will always remain strictly full spectrum to preserve the biological balance necessary to keep pets at homeostasis. (24:55)Carter and Angela conclude the episode by reaffirming their fundamental respect for whole-plant synergy over chemical isolation, while Angela issues a passionate warning about the dangerous trend of new conventional medications like Librela and "anti-aging" longevity drugs that function by blocking crucial biological cell functions under the guise of care. (26:15)Angela looks back on her decade-long journey in the cannabis industry, reminding listeners that despite ongoing legal battles, full-spectrum plant medicine is here to stay, and she closes by urging pet parents to speak out on social media and check the show notes for direct links to message their state representatives. (30:47)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources including her Pet Supplement Buying Checklist and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads U.S. Hemp Roundtable - Join the Fight in Your StateU.S. Hemp Roundtable - Join the Fight at the Federal Level Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

What if the very things we are told will protect our pets are actually the root cause of their chronic illnesses? In this eye-opening episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Matt Parker to peel back the layers on the hidden costs of conventional "preventative" pet care. After spending six years in standard practice watching his own young dogs succumb to cancer despite following every conventional rule, Dr. Parker began questioning the pharmaceutical-driven "standard of care." Together, Angela and Dr. Parker dive deep into the indoctrination of veterinary school, the reality of pharmaceutical side effects, the dangers of synthetic additives in pet food, and the beautiful, self-regulating power of a dog's natural immune system. Tune in to learn why your pet’s health is ultimately your responsibility, and how you can confidently navigate a profit-driven pet industry by leaning into whole-food, nature-based medicine. Episode Recap: Angela introduces holistic veterinarian Dr. Matt Parker to discuss the hidden costs of conventional preventative care and how to prepare pets for unavoidable medical interventions. (00:00)Dr. Parker shares his personal journey of transitioning away from conventional veterinary medicine after realizing the limitations and peer pressure within the pharmaceutical-led industry. (02:15)Both Angela and Dr. Parker share their personal stories of loss, and how blindly trusting conventional standard-of-care protocols led to losing their beloved dogs early. (05:10)Discussing the long-term dangers of popular symptom-suppressing drugs like Apoquel and Librela, highlighting how conventional approvals manipulate data, and how the industry uses terms like "side effects" to minimize a drug’s true, total impact on the body. (07:50)How the conventional "standard of care"—driven by corporate profit and human hubris—sets pets up for failure by overloading them with over-vaccination and unnatural, carbohydrate-heavy diets that actively disrupt the immune system and gut microbiome.  (15:36)They discuss how the immune system becomes dangerously overwhelmed with synthetic additives in food and supplements, or unnecessary vaccinations, forcing pet parents to look past deceptive marketing claims, to unearth the root causes of their dogs' chronic illnesses. (19:58)Angela and Dr. Parker explore terrain theory and the vital importance of sourcing, and how government regulations force raw pet food brands to substitute missing whole-animal organs with synthetic additives and hard-to-digest vegetables. (24:09)Angela raises the importance of mushroom sourcing and substrate quality, while Dr. Parker emphasizes how intensive factory farming alters the nutrient profiles and cellular health of everything our pets consume. (28:57)Dr. Parker emphasizes that holistic pet care requires an individualized lifestyle approach, warning that simply avoiding vaccines isn't enough if a pet's gut terrain is still compromised by kibble. (37:34)Dr. Parker and Angela discuss how pet parents can advocate for their animals at the vet, while warning that the pharmaceutical industry is actively coaching doctors to dismiss vaccine skepticism and discount titer testing and natural immunity. (44:40)Talking about detoxification, and how pushing intense detox protocols on a compromised gut can trap loosened toxins in circulation, also how benign fatty lipomas are the liver’s brilliant way of storing un-metabolized chemical toxins away from a dog's vital organs. (50:03)Angela shares her own experiences facing severe corporate censorship as a holistic disruptor, and they discuss how massive conglomerates like Purina and Mars are actively co-opting the "natural" trend, solely to monopolize the market and capitalize on pet parents' emotional bonds. (59:30)The episode closes with Dr. Matt Parker sharing how pet parents can connect with his practice for telehealth consults, phone consultations, and local house calls in Jupiter, FL. (1:03:42)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her How to Find a True Holistic for Your Pet and Parasite Detox Guides more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Dr. Matt Parker - Holistic Functional VeterinarianFollow Dr. Matt Parker on Facebook, YouTube and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

What happens when the medication you were told was completely safe leads to devastating consequences? In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by attorney and animal advocate Lita Dwight, co-executive director of Paws Over Profit, to discuss veterinary transparency, informed consent, and the growing concerns surrounding veterinary pharmaceuticals like Librela for dogs. After losing her beloved dog Lacey just 36 hours after a Librela injection, Lita began investigating the drug, uncovering thousands of reported adverse events and raising urgent questions about how veterinary drugs are researched, marketed, and prescribed. Together, Angela and Lita explore the lack of transparency in the veterinary industry, the importance of informed consent, and why pet parents must become active advocates for their animals’ health. Episode Recap: Angela introduces attorney and animal advocate Lita Dwight, whose dog Lacey died shortly after receiving a Librela injection. (00:00)The conversation explores how Zoetis allegedly altered or downplayed adverse event reports in Europe related to rapid progressive osteoarthritis and Librela.(02:19)Angela and Lita talk about how drugs rejected for humans are sometimes reformulated and marketed for veterinary use. (05:56)Lita shares how veterinary marketing promoted Librela as a “wonder drug with no side effects.”, recounts the timeline of Lacey’s rapid decline after the injection, and seeking answers and accountability from her veterinarian and Zoetis. (09:30)Lita explains how Paws Over Profit was formed to raise awareness and advocate for veterinary transparency, and coming together in the Librela class action. (18:34)Angela and Lita discuss concerns about the influence of the corporate ownership and the pharmaceutical industry on veterinary medicine,  long-term pharmaceutical use, and the growing need for holistic alternatives. (23:29)They discuss the environmental concerns surrounding pesticides and flea-and-tick products used on pets, and the lack of clear risk disclosures provided to pet parents about commonly vet-recommended medications like Apoquel, Librela, and Seresto collars for dogs. (30:21)Angela and Lita discuss how Zoetis continued promoting Librela with new marketing campaigns even after the FDA directed veterinarians to provide client information sheets warning about potentially serious side effects, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. (34:41)Lita shares how Paws Over Profit is using media outreach, legal advocacy, and a planned citizen’s petition to push for greater transparency and accountability surrounding veterinary drugs like Librela. (40:20)The importance of education regarding the hidden risks of veterinary pharmaceuticals like Librela, advocating for true informed consent in a multi-billion dollar pet care industry increasingly driven by corporate private equity profits. (46:42)The need for education regarding the success of natural alternatives, highlighting how the pharmaceutical industry suppresses information about the endocannabinoid and immune systems to protect profit-driven "billion-dollar babies" like Librela and Apoquel. (53:14)The episode closes with information on how listeners can connect with Paws Over Profit and support ongoing advocacy efforts. (58:20)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her Holistic Arthritis Protocol and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Paws Over Profit and PetAdvocareFollow Paws Over Profit on Facebook and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

Aging isn’t a disease, it’s a reflection of how well the body is maintaining balance. In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by pet health expert and pet parent coach Jody Teiche to explore how the gut microbiome plays a central role in aging, brain function, and overall wellness in dogs. From fresh food foundations to targeted support for the gut, they break down how pet parents can take a more proactive, natural approach to supporting their dogs through every stage of life. Episode Recap: Angela introduces Jody Teiche and the concept of aging as a loss of homeostasis in the body. (00:00)Jody explains her role as a pet health coach, helping pet parents take agency over their pet’s health, with annual diagnostics and at-home wellness routines for long-term health. (03:02)Nutrition is emphasized as the foundation, with a focus on fresh, species-appropriate diets over processed kibble, and how some senior dogs may benefit from gently cooked food or added digestive support. (04:51)They discuss transitioning from kibble to fresh food, and common mistakes that can disrupt digestion, plus Jody highlights simple tools like homeopathy and natural remedies for occasional digestive upset. (07:38)Angela and Jody reflect on the growing shift toward natural, holistic pet care as pet parents seek better solutions, and how access to holistic and homeopathic medicine is under threat. (10:27)Jody explains how gut imbalance can impact the entire body and why targeted support may be needed, discussing specific nutrients, beneficial bacteria, and supportive compounds for maintaining gut balance, including L-Glutamine, humic and fulvic acid, Akkermansia, and more. (15:13)Angela shares research on mushrooms and their role in supporting the gut microbiome and overall wellness, and they discuss how mushrooms can provide a wide range of naturally occurring nutrients in a bioavailable form, like in the Digest mushroom and adaptogen blend. (19:11)The connection between gut health and brain function, including its role in cognitive aging, plus key nutrients like omega-3s, zinc, and magnesium for supporting brain health in aging pets. (22:54)The conversation explores how dogs instinctively seek out plants and nutrients in nature. (28:40)Jody shares how pet parents can work with her and take a more active role in their pet’s health journey. (30:46)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her Senior Dog Protocol and her Pet Supplement Buying Checklist, plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Jody’s Teiche Wellness Group and her Pet Health Coach SiteFollow Jody Teiche on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTokHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

As more pet parents turn to natural, holistic care, access to these options is becoming increasingly uncertain. In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino sits down with holistic veterinarian Dr. Michael Dym to discuss why homeopathy, hemp, and other natural therapies are under growing pressure—and what that means for the future of pet health. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Dym shares insights on chronic disease, the limitations of conventional care, and how supporting the body—not suppressing it—can change outcomes for our pets. Episode Recap: Angela introduces Dr. Michael Dym and they discuss the growing concern around threats to natural therapies like hemp and homeopathy, especially coinciding with a rise in chronic illness, immune dysfunction, and cancer in pets compared to decades ago. (00:08)Why natural remedies are often targeted—lack of patentability and low cost compared to pharmaceuticals, Angela and Dr. Dym discuss the control, fear-based messaging, and the difficulty pet parents face accessing honest information about naturally supporting their pet’s health. (04:31)The current regulatory pressure on hemp and homeopathy, and comparing whole-plant medicine vs isolated pharmaceutical compounds. (09:28)Discussion of pharmaceutical products with reported side effects and the role of awareness in challenging them, like the case of the suit against Librela for dogs. (12:16)Why some veterinarians resist new information—even when presented with real-world outcomes. (14:50)The concept that there is no “quick fix” for chronic conditions and why healing takes time, explaining Hering’s Law of Cure and how symptoms may shift or appear during true healing. (16:38)The role of diet, toxins, over-vaccination, and environmental stressors in long-term health decline, plus Angela highlights the importance of ingredient quality—even within “natural” or “holistic” products. (19:20)Discussion on how overuse or misuse of natural remedies can still cause harm, and the importance of working with knowledgeable, experienced holistic practitioners. (23:11)Explanation of “suppression” in conventional medicine, the connection between suppressed symptoms and deeper chronic conditions like organ disease or cancer, and why the body should be viewed as a whole system rather than isolated parts. (26:17)Instead of focusing on one symptom, Dr. Dym treats the whole animal—addressing root causes rather than just the issue at hand. While drugs like Apoquel and Cytopoint can offer quick relief, long-term health comes from supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. (34:50)Angela and Dr. Dym share real-life case stories of rapid improvements using homeopathy and full spectrum hemp extract. (37:43)Warning against the “poly-supplement” approach and overcomplicating pet care routines, “less is more” is the real holistic approach. (41:28)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her Pet Supplement Buying Checklist, and her guide to Synthetic Vitamins & Minerals to Avoid in Pet Foods & Supplements, plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Learn more about Dr. Michael DymFollow Dr. Dym on Facebook, and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can carry a range of diseases that impact both pets and people. In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino sits down with Olivia Abrams, creator of TiCK MiTT, to talk about practical, non-toxic ways to protect your dog from ticks and reduce exposure to tick-borne illness. After being diagnosed with Lyme disease, Olivia’s personal experience led her to develop a simple, chemical-free option for tick prevention, to help families remove ticks before they embed. Together, Angela and Olivia explore the realities of tick exposure, the risks of conventional prevention methods, and why daily tick checks are one of the most important habits for pet parents. From understanding how ticks spread disease to building a safer, more natural prevention routine, this episode gives pet parents actionable tools to help protect their dogs—without relying on pesticides. Episode Recap: Angela shares her love for the Tick Mitt, especially after moving to California and discovering how common they are in her area. (00:45)Olivia explains how she was diagnosed with Lyme disease as a child and how that as well as growing up around the woods with big dogs led to creating the Tick Mitt. (02:24)Olivia outlines the most common tick-borne diseases affecting humans and dogs, including Lyme disease and other emerging concerns. (04:50)Angela and Olivia share practical prevention strategies, including natural sprays, protective clothing, yard protection, and routine tick checks. (6:40)Olivia explains how Lyme disease is transmitted, lyme disease treatment options, and why working with a Lyme-literate practitioner is important. (11:00)Angela and Olivia discuss the challenges of Lyme disease diagnosis and how often it can be missed or misdiagnosed, and the importance of testing ticks directly to better understand potential exposure risks. (15:34)The episode wraps with a discussion on choosing safer, non-toxic alternatives to conventional tick prevention products (17:26)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources, including her Parasite Detox Chart, and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Learn more about Tick MittFollow Tick Mitt on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

As pharmaceutical companies begin rolling out anti-aging drugs for dogs, many pet parents are being told these medications can extend lifespan and prevent cognitive decline. But what are these drugs actually doing inside the body, and at what cost? In this episode, Angela sits down with Carter Easler, Director of Research and Education for CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, to break down the science behind emerging longevity drugs like rapamycin and Loyal. Carter also shares insights from coordinating the Senior Dog Study on cognitive decline, as they explore how pharmaceutical interventions compare to natural strategies that work with the body’s own repair systems, including fasting, adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms, and support for the endocannabinoid system. If you have a senior dog, or want to learn about supporting your aging dog before their golden years, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Episode Recap: Angela and Carter talk about the rise of anti-aging drugs for dogs on the market, and why aging is at its core, a loss of homeostasis. (00:00)Rapamycin for dogs, what it does and why it was originally developed. (04:41)Do anti-aging drugs support longevity, or interfere with the body’s natural repair processes like autophagy and cellular balance? (07:48)How fasting and restricted feeding windows naturally activate autophagy, support cellular cleanup, and may help extend lifespan in dogs. (11:10)Telomeres, “zombie cells,” and mTOR: how adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms, and hemp modulate aging pathways to support cellular balance instead of blocking the body’s natural repair systems. (16:41)Why pharmaceutical “one-target” drugs can create a narrow therapeutic window and unintended side effects, while adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms support all 12 hallmarks of aging. (20:59)The 12 hallmarks of aging explained, from telomere shortening and mitochondrial dysfunction to microbiome imbalance, and how these anti aging drugs are targeting just one of these. (26:06)Why supporting the endocannabinoid system becomes increasingly important as pets grow older. (31:09)Loyal, the upcoming “anti-aging” injection for dogs, undisclosed mechanisms of action, and the importance of informed consent before new veterinary drugs reach the market. (35:20)Why proactive pet wellness should prioritize food, lifestyle, and adaptogenic plant support first, and where pharmaceuticals truly belong in veterinary care. (41:20)They dive into the science behind specific adaptogens and plant compounds, from mitochondrial support and telomere health to metabolic balance and autophagy, and why full-spectrum, whole-plant synergy matters more than isolated compounds. (44:28)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources including her Senior Dog Protocol and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Prospective Evaluation of a Mushroom Derived Nutraceutical in Dogs with Cognitive DeclineWhat We Learned from the Senior Dog StudyMushrooms and Adaptogens for Canine Cognitive DysfunctionHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by attorney Kirk Pope, who is overseeing multi-plaintiff lawsuits against Zoetis over the veterinary drug Librela. Kirk shares his personal story of losing his own dog after a Librela injection and explains why he believes pet parents were not given the information needed to make an informed decision. Together, Angela and Kirk unpack how veterinary pharmaceuticals are approved, marketed, and incentivized, why animals are treated as property under the law, and what limited legal recourse pet parents actually have when a drug harms or kills their dog. Episode Recap: Angela introduces the episode and explains why Librela has become a major concern, citing FDA warning letters, reported adverse events, and the lack of meaningful repercussions when animal drugs cause harm to our pets, because they are seen as merely property. (00:00)Kirk Pope introduces himself as an attorney now overseeing litigation against Zoetis, after losing his dog to Librela, discussing the problem with financial incentives being attached to vets prescribing pharmaceuticals. (02:16)Angela asks what led Kirk to take legal action, he shares how at the time of his dog’s injection, U.S. warnings for Librela listed only UTIs and injection-site reactions, with no mention of neurological or fatal risks (05:06)Kirk shares how Zoetis know that adverse event data had emerged internationally before U.S. disclosure, Librela had more extensive warnings in other countries, and why failing to warn pet parents in the U.S. constitutes a fraudulent omission by Zoetis. (10:35)Kirk explains why recalls are almost always voluntary and why the FDA cannot easily force a drug like Librela off the market, and the aim of his multi-plaintiff lawsuits against Zoetis, when damages are so limited because of pets being considered property. (14:39)Angela and Kirk examine the ethical conflict between profit, prescribing behavior, and the veterinary oath to do no harm. (22:16)The conversation shifts to pain management, emphasizing that Librela is a pain-blocking drug, not a treatment for arthritis or inflammation. Angela explains the five pain signaling pathways and contrasts single-target pharmaceuticals with whole-plant therapies that interact with multiple systems. (29:04)Kirk explains that once the FDA approves a prescription drug, pet parents can’t legally claim the drug itself is defective; the only legal accountability lies in whether manufacturers failed to properly warn veterinarians and pet owners about known risks and adverse effects. (34:03)Angela emphasizes the importance of education, advocacy, and refusing blind trust when it comes to pet health, and Kirk explains how affected pet parents can contact him and share their own adverse experiences with Librela. (41:07)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources including her Safe, Natural Options for Arthritis Pain Relief in Pets and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Join Donna Pope’s Librela group on FacebookPope McGlamry Attorneys at LawHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by Dr. Judy Jasek, a holistic veterinarian with decades of clinical experience, for a candid conversation about why our pets are sicker than ever. Together, they unpack how modern pet care, from highly processed supplements and foods to so-called “inactive” ingredients like fillers, binders, gums, starches, and spray-dried additives, can quietly disrupt detox pathways, burden the liver and kidneys, and undermine gut health, especially in older pets. Angela and Dr. Jasek also explore how the pet industry has changed over time, why marketing buzzwords can be misleading, and what pet parents can do instead to support the body’s natural ability to restore balance and resilience. Episode Recap: Angela introduces Dr. Judy Jasek, who explains why she identifies as holistic rather than “integrative,” and they discuss how the terms ‘holistic’ and ‘natural’ can be overused, both in pet care and supplements. (00:00)Why supplements can be a trap for well-meaning pet parents who want “natural” alternatives, and how health is the body’s natural state, we just need to support the body, not “create health” with products. (04:32)Angela and Dr. Judy call out “natural” supplement labels that hide harmful inactive ingredients, including common fillers like microcrystalline cellulose (wood pulp), and how many additives exist primarily to make manufacturing cheaper or easier (binders, bulking agents, flow agents). (07:02)They break down how big companies use buzzwords and emotional marketing to sell inferior pet foods and pet supplements, and why understanding where ingredients truly come from matters more than the label claims. (10:45)They talk about the common “senior dog spiral,” where joint pain leads to drugs and stacking interventions that overload detox systems. (16:00)The rise of cancer in younger pets and how much the landscape has changed across Dr. Judy’s career. They also talk about immune-suppressing allergy drugs and how turning off symptoms can create bigger downstream problems. (23:03)Angela talks about the rise of countless pet joint supplements, and the most popular pet joint supplements, like Cosequin, the problems with these isolates, and how hard it can be to even find full ingredient lists for many of these popular supplements. (28:05)The conversation highlights how corporate-owned veterinary systems often treat lab numbers and symptoms rather than treating the whole animal, leading to more drugs, more tests, and fewer answers for pet parents. (32:13)They dive into why inactive ingredients matter just as much as active ones, exposing how common fillers, sugars, and gums can fuel inflammation and gut imbalance in pets. (35:50)Angela and Dr. Judy highlight how foods like mushrooms, ferments, and small amounts of veggie fiber can support gut health by working with a pet’s natural instincts. (45:25)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources including her Additives to Avoid, her Cosequin Ingredient Breakdown, and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Dr. Judy Jasek’s Animal Healing ArtsFollow Dr. Judy Jasek & AHA on Facebook, Instagram and SubStackHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by Danielle Ruccia, a holistic wellness educator and detox-focused influencer known for helping pet parents simplify health decisions. Together, they talk about why so many pets end up stuck on a “hamster wheel” of processed food, pesticides, and stacked pharmaceuticals, and how stepping back into a food-first, low-toxin approach can make a real difference. Angela and Danielle also unpack common toxin exposures (from flea and tick treatments to household chemicals), why ingredient lists and fillers matter so much in pet supplements, and how to take practical detox and diet steps without getting overwhelmed or trying to do everything at once. Episode Recap: Angela introduces Danielle Ruccia and they discuss the backlash holistic voices can face, and how it's not about being “anti-vet,” just pro-education and advocating for your pets. (00:00)Angela and Danielle talk about how many pets arrive severely sick after years of processed food, pesticides, and stacked pharmaceuticals. (02:10)Danielle explains her core approach: keep it simple, because confusion and “too much info” leads to paralysis and no action. (05:05)Angela calls out the lack of consequences in pet care and criticizes common conventional meds and the “add another drug” cycle. (06:45)They talk about how common major toxin exposures are, including conventional flea/tick products and everyday household chemicals. (08:23)Danielle describes her own health story, years of skin issues, digestive problems, antibiotics, hormonal disruption, and aggressive medications; and how she started healing through education, and trial-and-error. (13:51)Both emphasize becoming your pet’s advocate and not blindly outsourcing health decisions to anyone, even “experts.”, and remember even trusted brands can change formulas and why reading ingredients and checking COAs matters. (23:36)They warn that more ingredients isn’t better, 10–12+ ingredient blends can be a red flag and make reactions impossible to troubleshoot. Trendy products can look good, but often rely on fillers, binders, and marketing over real formulation. (25:52)They discuss how even “better” pet foods can still be loaded with synthetic vitamin/mineral packs and why sourcing matters. (40:00)Angela and Danielle reinforce: it’s never too late, older pets can still thrive with the right changes and support. (45:25)Episode Resources: Download Angela’s Resources including her Pet Detox Guide and Additives to Avoid at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Follow Danielle Ruccia on Skool, Instagram and TikTokHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.