Advertise on podcast: Mystic Dog Mama

What if healing involves more than addressing our physical symptoms? And what if our relationships with our animals have something to teach us about our own health, emotional wellbeing and personal growth? In this episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I’m joined by Dr Niikee Schoendorfer, whose journey from naturopathic medicine, nutritional biochemistry and scientific research has led her into the world of energy medicine and intuitive healing. We explore what it means to look beyond the physical body and consider the bigger picture of health - including the emotions, beliefs and patterns that shape our experience. Dr Niikee shares her perspective on the relationship between emotional and physical wellbeing, the effects of stress, and how we can begin to reconnect with ourselves when life leaves us feeling disconnected or out of balance. We also get practical, exploring how breathwork can help us become more present and reconnect with our inner wisdom. From intuition and trusting what we sense to the role of energy in our experience of the world, this conversation invites us to become curious about dimensions of healing that may sit beyond our usual ways of understanding health. And, of course, we bring it back to our animals. Could our dogs be catalysts for our own healing and growth? What might our relationships with them reveal about ourselves, and how might the work we do within ourselves change the way we show up for them? We also venture into a bigger conversation about consciousness, energy and the idea of a New Earth — and what it might mean to live with greater awareness, connection and trust in our own intuitive knowing. This is an invitation to look at healing from a different perspective: not simply as a battle against what is wrong, but as a process of coming back into balance, reconnecting with ourselves and deepening the relationships that make life meaningful. If you’ve ever felt that your own wellbeing and your relationship with your dog are more deeply connected than we might ordinarily acknowledge, this conversation is an invitation to explore that connection with curiosity. Because nourishing our dogs - and ourselves - mind, body and soul begins with being open to what we might discover. Connect with Dr Niikee:Website: ⁠https://www.drniikee.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.niikee.mystic.medicine/⁠ Connect with me: Website: ⁠https://mysticdogmama.com⁠ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama Get your free copy of The Mystic Dog Mma Nourishment Starter Kit: mysticdogmama.com Join my free community, The Nourished Pack: facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a fellow dog mama and leave a review. It helps more people discover Mystic Dog Mama and join us in exploring what it means to live a more connected, nourished life with our dogs. This podcast is for education and exploration and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent illness or to replace individual veterinary or professional advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and should be considered alongside the available evidence and appropriate professional guidance.

What if we stopped looking at our dogs as a collection of parts — and started looking at them as living systems? What if the symptom we're looking at isn't the whole story? What if health isn't simply about identifying the broken part and fixing it, but about understanding the complex web of communication, feedback, environment and relationship happening within the whole organism? In this episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Tom Lonsdale for our third conversation together, and we dive into one of his favourite — and most challenging — subjects: cybernetics. Cybernetics offers a way of looking at living systems not as collections of isolated components, but as dynamic, interconnected wholes. And that gives us a very different way of thinking about health. We talk about the relationship between the oral health and the rest of the body, chronic inflammation, diet, evolutionary biology and why Tom believes dogs and cats can offer us important insights into how biological systems work. But this conversation isn't really just about teeth. It becomes a much bigger conversation about how we think. And about what can happen when we start to question the assumptions underneath the systems we've inherited. We also explore what cybernetics might teach us about our relationship with nature. What happens when we stop seeing “humans” and “nature” as separate? What happens when we consider the ripple effects of our choices — from the food we feed our dogs to the chemicals we use, the food systems we depend upon, and the wider ecosystems of which we're part? In this episode, we explore: What is cybernetics? — and how communication, control and feedback help us understand living systemsPeriodontal disease in dogs and cats — why Tom believes the mouth can offer us a window into much bigger biological processesEvolution and the carnivore — what looking at dogs and cats through an evolutionary lens might tell us about their biologyOur relationship with nature — and what changes when we stop thinking of ourselves as separate from the ecosystems we inhabitChallenging the status quo — what happens when new ways of thinking collide with established systems and professional orthodoxiesThe power of the individual dog guardian — and why Tom and I believe there is significance in the choices we make for the animals in our care Perhaps the biggest question I took away from this conversation is this: What becomes possible when we stop asking only, “What is wrong with this part?” and start asking, “What is happening within the whole system?” Because our dogs aren't collections of symptoms. They're living, responsive, interconnected beings — embedded within families, communities and ecosystems. And perhaps learning to see those connections is one of the most important forms of nourishment we can offer. This episode is sponsored by Aspirationery Aspirationery creates books, notebooks and stationery to support you in becoming all you aspire to be. Find out more on Instagram: https://instagram.com/aspirationery Connect with Dr Tom Lonsdale https://www.thepetfoodcon.com Continue the conversation 🌿 Get the Nourishment Starter Kit: https://mysticdogmama.com 🐾 Join The Nourished Pack: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode gave you something to think about, I'd love to hear what stayed with you. Come and find me @mysticdogmama or share the episode with someone who might enjoy the conversation. And if you're enjoying the podcast, please follow, leave a review and share it — it really helps more people find Mystic Dog Mama. This podcast is for education and exploration and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent illness or to replace individual veterinary or professional advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and should be considered alongside the available evidence and appropriate professional guidance.

Field Notes from Mystic Dog Mama Field Notes are my short musings from walks with Lucky - the things I find myself noticing, wondering about, and turning over as we move through the seasons together. For this first Field Note, I'm thinking about balance as we arrive at Mabon and the Autumn Equinox. What if balance isn't fixed? What if it doesn't mean everything being equal, or getting everything right all the time, but instead means paying attention to what this particular moment, and this particular season, is asking of us? A reflection on our dogs, our own lives, our search for certainty, and the wisdom that can come from coming back to the present moment and asking: What does balance look like for me, right now? And a little invitation to notice the season in the small things - a change in the air, an autumn leaf, cinnamon in your coffee, or what your dog stops to investigate on your walk. Keep exploring Continue the season with the Seasonal Nourishment Journal. The Mystic Dog Mama Seasonal Nourishment Journal is a field guide to living a more nourished life with your dog - with space to notice the seasons, reflect on what you need, and make room for the small rituals and moments that often pass us by. Rooted in the Wheel of the Year, it follows the changing seasons with weekly reflections, mandalas, rituals and prompts for nourishing life with your dog, mind, body and soul. Explore the Seasonal Nourishment Journal: https://mysticdogmamastudio.etsy.com Start your nourishment journey Download the free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit - an introduction to fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity and holistic health. mysticdogmama.com Join The Nourished Pack Come and continue the conversation inside our free community for dog guardians exploring a more holistic approach to nourishment. Join The Nourished Pack Enjoying Field Notes? Follow the podcast and, if you have a moment, leave a rating or review. It helps other soul-led dog guardians find Mystic Dog Mama. And if this episode made you think of someone, share it with them. Sometimes the right thought arrives at just the right moment.

What if the old stories still have something to teach us? As we move towards Mabon — the Autumn Equinox and a turning point on the Celtic Wheel of the Year — I’ve been thinking about what it means to live more in tune with the seasons, rather than simply following the dates on a calendar. So it felt fitting to end this summer’s Revisited series with my conversation with Irish mythologist Jen Murphy. We talk about dogs in Irish mythology, the role of the hound as guide and companion, animism, the wisdom held within the seasons, and the Irish concept of dán — our soul’s gift or creative destiny. It’s a beautiful conversation about mythology, purpose, nature and the ways our dogs can call us back into deeper relationship with the world around us. In this episode, we explore: Dogs and the hound in Irish mythologyThe Celtic Wheel of the Year and seasonal livingAnimism and our relationship with natureMythology as a living practiceDán — the idea of our soul’s gift or creative destinyFollowing the breadcrumbs rather than needing to know exactly where they leadAs we cross this seasonal threshold, perhaps it’s a good moment to ask: what is ready to be harvested, what are you ready to let go of, and what is calling you towards what comes next? Continue the conversation Learn more from Jen Murphy https://celticcreatives.com Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Join me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs! Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT) Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

Could “dampness” be part of what’s going on with your dog? Maybe your dog has recurring yeast or ear problems. Maybe their digestion seems to be constantly up and down, or you’re dealing with symptoms that improve for a while only to come back again. What if, instead of looking at each of these things as a separate problem, we started to look at the bigger picture? In this Revisited episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m bringing back my conversation with Dr. Neal Loh, holistic and integrative veterinarian, because there is so much in this conversation that continues to shape the way I think about nourishment and whole-dog health. Neil introduces us to the traditional Chinese medicine concept of dampness — a pattern that can sit beneath and contribute to a whole range of health imbalances. We talk about what dampness is, how it can show up in our dogs, where stagnation fits into the picture, and why food and food energetics can be such an important part of supporting the individual dog. But perhaps what I love most about this conversation is that it moves us away from the idea that there is one perfect food, one perfect diet, or one perfect solution. Because in traditional Chinese medicine, context matters. The individual dog matters. Their constitution matters. Their digestion, their environment, their emotional state and the foods they are eating all form part of a much bigger picture. In this episode, we explore: Dampness in traditional Chinese medicine — what it is, how it develops, and why it can be such a stubborn patternHow dampness can show up in our dogs — including recurring yeast, ear problems, digestive upset and other patterns of imbalanceStagnation and damp heat — and how these concepts can help us think differently about chronic or recurring symptomsFood energetics and individual constitution — why the same food can have very different effects on different dogsWhy “balanced” doesn’t have to mean perfect — and how TCM can help us move away from the pressure to get everything right in every single bowlLooking beyond the symptom — and beginning to see health as an interconnected picture rather than a collection of isolated problems The question I really want you to take away from this conversation is: What changes when we stop asking only “What symptom are we trying to fix?” and start asking “What is the whole dog telling us?” So whether you’re completely new to Traditional Chinese Medicine or you’ve been exploring food energetics and constitutional approaches for years, I think there’s something here for you. Continue the conversation Learn more from Dr Neal Loh https://www.holisticpetvet.com.au/ Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Join me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs! Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT) Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

Is your dog “allergic” to everything? Maybe they can only eat one protein. Maybe you’ve been told to avoid chicken, beef, grains, dairy, or a whole list of other foods. Maybe you’ve tried food after food, supplement after supplement, and you’re still dealing with itchy skin, recurring ear problems, digestive upset or unexplained reactions. But what if we’ve been too quick to call all of these things an allergy? In this Revisited episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m bringing back my conversation with Dr. Katie Woodley, holistic veterinarian and founder of The Natural Pet Doctor, because this conversation feels particularly relevant right now. Since announcing my upcoming cook-along, I’ve had several dog guardians get in touch to ask whether it’s suitable for their dogs because they have allergies, sensitivities or intolerances — and some dogs apparently have an ever-shrinking list of foods they’re “allowed” to eat. And it got me thinking about how much fear and confusion can surround food when our dogs are struggling. Because allergies, intolerances and sensitivities are not necessarily the same thing. In this conversation, Katie helps us untangle some of that confusion and look beyond the ever-growing list of foods our dogs supposedly can't have. In this episode, we explore: Allergies vs intolerances vs sensitivities — what’s actually happening in the body, and why these terms are so often confusedFood and allergy testing — which types of testing can provide useful information, and why some tests may leave you with more questions (and fewer foods) than you started withThe gut–immune connection — and why gut health can be such an important piece of the puzzle when we’re seeing skin and digestive symptomsWhy it isn’t always about the food — and what digestion, absorption, the microbiome, stress and the nervous system might have to do with the picture The question I really want you to take away: instead of only asking “What food is causing this?”, what happens when we start asking “Why is my dog reacting in the first place?” So if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of food elimination, testing, changing diets and wondering what on earth your dog can actually eat anymore, this conversation is for you. And if you’re wondering whether my upcoming cook-along might be appropriate for your dog, I’d definitely give this episode a listen first. Come with your curiosity switched on. And let's look beyond the label. Continue the conversation Learn more from Dr Katie Woodley https://thenaturalpetdoctor.com Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Join me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs! Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT) Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

What if “reactivity” isn't the whole story? What if the behaviour we find difficult in our dogs is actually communication - an expression of fear, overwhelm, a nervous system on high alert, or a dog who simply doesn't feel safe? In this Revisited episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I return to my very first conversation with Dr Laura Donaldson, a conversation that had a profound impact on how I understood Lucky and the way I approached our relationship. I first discovered Laura's work when I was desperately looking for help with Lucky's reactivity. At the time, I was experiencing so much of what can come with living alongside a dog who finds the world difficult: overwhelm, fear, isolation, grief, and the constant worry that somehow you're letting your dog down. Laura introduced me to a different way of seeing things. Rather than asking “How do I stop this behaviour?”, she encouraged me to become curious about what was happening underneath it - and to ask: “What do I need to learn from you to help you feel safe in this context?” That question has stayed with me. And over time, it became part of a much bigger shift in how I related to Lucky. Learning to listen differently, understanding regulation, paying attention to my own nervous system, supporting his gut health, and bringing together the physical, emotional and relational pieces of his wellbeing have all played a part. Today, Lucky is a dog who genuinely enjoys being in the world, and I enjoy being in it with him. That's why I wanted to revisit this conversation. In this episode, we explore: Why the language of “reactivity” can sometimes limit how we understand our dogsWhat might be happening underneath behaviours such as reactivity and aggressionUnderstanding trauma and its potential impact on our dogsThe importance of safety and emotional resilienceHow our own nervous systems and experiences can become part of the pictureAsking better questions of our dogs rather than simply trying to stop unwanted behavioursHow we can become stronger advocates for our dogsSupporting dogs who carry emotional charge in their bodiesLaura's approach to grounding and regulationEFT and energy work as possible tools for supporting emotional wellbeingThe relationship between compassion for our dogs and compassion for ourselves Continue the conversation Learn more from Dr Laura Donaldsonhttps://fourpawsfourdirections.com/ Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Join me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs! Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT) Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

What if understanding what dogs need begins with a much simpler question: What is a dog? In this revisited episode from the Mystic Dog Mama archives, I return to my very first conversation with veterinary surgeon and author Dr. Tom Lonsdale - a conversation that laid the groundwork for so much of my own thinking about canine nourishment. Tom has spent decades challenging conventional approaches to feeding and caring for carnivores, and in this conversation we explore one of the foundations of his work: why he believes raw meaty bones are so important to canine health and wellbeing. But this conversation goes far beyond what belongs in the bowl. We explore the dog as a facultative carnivore and what that might tell us about nourishment, behaviour and physiology. Tom also introduces his thinking around cybernetics — the idea that living systems are interconnected and regulated through feedback — and how this framework led him to develop a hypothesis about the relationship between periodontal disease and the wider health of carnivores. In this episode, we explore: Why Tom believes raw meaty bones are fundamental to the health of carnivoresWhat it means to consider the dog as a facultative carnivoreThe relationship between food, behaviour, physiology and environmentWhy the mouth may be far more significant to whole-body health than we traditionally consider Continue the conversation Learn more from Dr Tom Lonsdale https://www.thepetfoodcon.com/ Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join the waitlist for my Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deck! https://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deck Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

What does it mean to be a responsible dog guardian when science asks us to rethink what we've always believed? In this Revisited episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I'm joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Lise Hansen for one of the podcast's most listened-to and talked-about conversations. For many of us, routine neutering was simply part of responsible dog ownership. It was the advice we were given, and we made those decisions with the best information available at the time. But science evolves. As our understanding of the body's interconnected systems has deepened, so too has our understanding of the long-term health implications of routinely removing a major part of the endocrine system. This conversation explores what that growing body of research means for our dogs, and how it invites us to rethink not only neutering itself, but our wider role as their guardians. Together, we explore: ✨ Why routine neutering has become one of the biggest paradigm shifts in modern canine healthcare ✨ What the latest research tells us about the role of the endocrine system and why sex hormones influence far more than reproduction ✨ The changes to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's reproductive guidelines and what they mean for dog guardians ✨ Common concerns around pyometra, testicular cancer and population control, and how these fit into the current evidence ✨ Alternative approaches, including hormone-sparing procedures, and when they may be appropriate ✨ Why holistic health isn't about focusing on one decision in isolation, but supporting the whole dog through nutrition, lifestyle and informed healthcare choices ✨ What this conversation teaches us about curiosity, discernment and allowing our understanding to evolve as new evidence emerges One of the themes I return to throughout this conversation is that we all make the best decisions we can with the information available to us at the time. This episode isn't about blame or guilt. It's about remaining open to learning, asking thoughtful questions, and becoming more informed advocates for the dogs who share their lives with us. Whether you're making decisions for a young puppy, caring for an adult dog, or simply interested in how science continues to shape the future of canine health, I hope this conversation gives you plenty to reflect on. Continue the conversation Learn more about Dr. Lise HansenVisit Dr. Hansen's website to learn more about her work and her book The Complete Book of Cat and Dog Health: https://alternative-vet.co.uk/ Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join the waitlist for the Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deckhttps://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deck Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonated with you... Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

What if your dog isn’t just your companion, but also your teacher? In this episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I’m joined by intuitive tarot and astrology expert and fellow Mystic Dog Mama, Sarah Verba, for a conversation about dogs, the mystical path, intuition, and what our animal companions reveal about ourselves. I have followed Sarah’s work for years, and I’ve always been drawn to the way she uses tarot and astrology not as tools for predicting a fixed future, but as invitations to reconnect with ourselves, explore our inner landscapes, and move through life with curiosity and compassion. Together, we explore what it means to embrace the unknown, to question the conditioning we’ve inherited, and to allow ourselves to be works in progress rather than constantly striving towards some imagined finished version of ourselves. In this conversation, we dive into: ✨ How intuitive tarot differs from traditional approaches and why tarot can be a tool for self-reflection rather than fear ✨ The mystical path as a process of deconditioning, unlearning, and reconnecting with our own inner wisdom ✨ Why being “in process” can feel so uncomfortable — and why allowing ourselves to be seen while we’re figuring things out can create deeper connection ✨ The appearance of dogs in tarot, particularly in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, and what the dog archetype can teach us about companionship, instinct, intuition, and returning to our wild selves ✨ Why dogs are such powerful guides back into nature, the present moment, and the magic of everyday life ✨ The wisdom of Chihuahua time (something Lucky has taught me very well!) Sarah shares her own journey with her rescue dog and the ways he has challenged her to embrace her instincts, her needs, and her wild nature. We talk about how our dogs often invite us into the very places we might otherwise avoid — uncertainty, vulnerability, change, and the unknown. This episode is a beautiful reminder that our dogs are not just animals who walk beside us. They are beings who can help us see ourselves more clearly, reconnect with the natural world, and remember that the path is rarely a straight line. Continue the conversation Learn more from Sarah VrbaVisit Sarah’s website to explore her resources https://sarahtarot.com Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join the waitlist for my Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deck! https://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deck Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

What if the microbiome is about more than digestion? When we hear the word microbiome, the conversation usually turns to probiotics, gut health, allergies, or finding the perfect supplement. While those topics matter, this revisited conversation with holistic veterinarian Dr. Odette Suter invites us to explore something much deeper. Together, we ask what the microbiome might reveal about the nature of health itself. If we—and our dogs—are made up of trillions of microbes that influence everything from immunity and behaviour to our relationship with the natural world, what does that mean for how we understand ourselves? Where does consciousness begin? And what if supporting the microbiome isn't simply about fixing the gut, but about remembering that we are part of a much larger living system? Alongside these bigger questions, Dr. Suter shares practical insights into nurturing your dog's microbiome, the limitations of many probiotic products, why early life matters so much, and how nutrition, movement, stress, and connection all influence health. Whether you're curious about gut health or simply love exploring the deeper lessons our dogs offer us, I hope this conversation leaves you seeing both your dog—and yourself—a little differently. In this episode, we explore: What the microbiome actually is—and why it matters far beyond digestion.Why microbes may influence far more of our lives than we realise.How the microbiome challenges our ideas of health, identity, and consciousness.Why true healing requires looking beyond symptoms.The connection between the gut, nervous system, emotions, and environment.The role of nature, movement, and diversity in supporting a healthy microbiome.Why many probiotic products don't always live up to their promises.How our dogs invite us back into relationship with ourselves and the living world.Continue the conversation 🌿 Learn more from Dr. Odette SuterVisit Dr. Suter's website to explore her educational resources, masterclasses, and programmes:https://odettesuterdvm.com 🌿 Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com 🌿 Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

Part of the Mystic Dog Mama Revisited summer series – conversations that continue to shape the way I think about dogs, nourishment and what it means to be human. This was the very first interview I ever recorded for the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, and looking back, I couldn't have chosen a better place to begin. Before we can talk about nutrition, behaviour, training or holistic health, we first have to ask a more fundamental question: What is a dog? In this fascinating conversation, archaeologist and anthropologist David Ian Howe invites us to step back in time and explore the extraordinary relationship between humans and dogs. Together, we discuss co-evolution, ancient mythologies, and what archaeology can teach us about one of humanity's oldest and most enduring partnerships. Listening back nearly three years later, I'm struck by how many of the ideas that now sit at the heart of Mystic Dog Mama were already quietly present in this conversation. It reminds us that understanding our dogs isn't just about learning more about them - it’s also about learning more about ourselves. In this episode, we explore: Why the story of dogs is also the story of humansWhat archaeology and anthropology reveal about our relationship with dogsHow dogs have appeared in myths and cultures throughout historyWhy understanding what a dog is changes how we care for themWhat our relationship with dogs can teach us about being human Continue your journey Follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama Download the free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter KitA gentle introduction to the five foundations of whole-dog nourishment and holistic care.https://mysticdogmama.kit.com/nourishmentkit Join The Nourished PackA free community for curious dog guardians exploring a more thoughtful, relationship-led approach to caring for their dogs.https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Connect with David Follow David Ian Howe on Instagram: https://instagram.com/ethnocynology If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love it if you subscribed, left a review, or shared the episode with someone who sees dogs as so much more than pets. Because sometimes the oldest stories still have the most to teach us. Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

Where do flea and tick treatments really go? For many of us, protecting our dogs from fleas and ticks has become part of responsible care. But what happens when the products we use to protect our dogs raise wider questions about environmental health, scientific uncertainty and the choices we make every day? In this thought-provoking conversation, I'm joined by Dr Tilly Collins, Senior Fellow & Deputy Director of Imperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy, whose research is transforming our understanding of how flea and tick pesticides move beyond the animals they're applied to. Together, we explore what happens after these products are used, how residues have been found not only in rivers and waterways but within our homes, and why this is opening up important new conversations about parasite management, environmental responsibility and the need for further research. Rather than offering simple answers, this episode invites us to ask better questions. Because perhaps the future of parasite management isn't about eliminating every risk—it's about understanding risk more deeply and making thoughtful, evidence-informed decisions for the individual dog in front of us. In this episode we discuss: Why flea and tick control is far more complex than many of us realiseHow modern flea and tick pesticides workWhat Dr Collins' research has revealed about pesticide residues in homes, including household dust, mop water and dog beddingWhether fleas may be developing resistance to some commonly used productsWhat we really mean when we talk about "risk"How to move towards a more personalised, risk-based approach to parasite managementThe need for further independent research into the long-term impacts on animals, people and the environmentHow we can begin shifting from routine intervention towards thoughtful stewardship Resources 🐾 Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Low-Tox Parasite Prevention Toolkit Learn how to assess your dog's individual parasite risk and explore practical strategies for creating a balanced, integrated approach to parasite management. 👉 https://mysticdogmama.com/the-81-percent 🌿 Join The Nourished Pack Come and continue the conversation with a community of thoughtful dog guardians exploring holistic canine care together. 👉 https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama Connect with Dr Tilly Collins Senior Fellow & Deputy DirectorImperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/t.collins/about Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation valuable, please consider: ⭐ Leaving a review 🎙️ Following the Mystic Dog Mama Podcast 📤 Sharing this episode with another dog lover The more we can create space for thoughtful, evidence-informed conversations, the better equipped we'll all be to care for our dogs—and the wider living world they're part of. Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Decisions about parasite prevention should always be made in consultation with your veterinary professional, taking into account your dog's individual health, lifestyle and level of risk.

How do you know if your dog is living with arthritis? The truth is, many dogs show signs of arthritis long before they're diagnosed. What we often dismiss as "slowing down with age" can actually be subtle signs of chronic pain—changes in behaviour, movement, sleep, or the way they engage with the world around them. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Hannah Capon, veterinary surgeon and founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), to explore how we can better recognise arthritis in dogs, support dogs living with chronic pain, and help them continue to live full, meaningful lives. Together, we discuss the early signs of arthritis in dogs, why arthritis isn't simply an "old dog" disease, the importance of maintaining a healthy body condition, and why there is no single supplement, medication, or therapy that can manage arthritis on its own. Instead, Hannah shares why the best arthritis care is always multi-modal - bringing together veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, nutrition, movement, environmental adaptations, and compassionate day-to-day support. But this conversation goes far beyond canine arthritis. We talk about caregiver fatigue, grief, kindness, and why supporting ourselves is an important part of supporting our dogs. This episode is a reminder that arthritis doesn't have to mean the end of adventure, connection, or joy. As Hannah says so beautifully: "Arthritis isn't the end of the road—it's a new direction." In this episode, you'll learn: 🐾 The early signs and symptoms of arthritis in dogs 🐾 How body condition, breeding, sport and previous injuries influence joint health 🐾 What a multi-modal arthritis management plan looks like 🐾 How movement and appropriate exercise support dogs with arthritis 🐾 Why protecting your own wellbeing is part of caring for a dog with chronic pain About Dr Hannah Capon Dr Hannah Capon is a veterinary surgeon and the founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), an award-winning organisation dedicated to improving the lives of dogs living with arthritis through education, evidence-based resources, and practical support for both veterinary professionals and dog guardians. Content note This episode includes a brief discussion about the impact of chronic pain on mental health, including a mention of suicide. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your reflections. Share it with someone navigating an arthritis diagnosis, leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts, or come and continue the conversation with me on Instagram. Because living well isn't about avoiding life's challenges. It's about learning how to walk through them - together. Connect with Hannah and her team Canine Arthritis Management (CAM): https://caninearthritis.co.uk/ Instagram https://instagram.com/canine_arthritis FREE RESOURCE Download my free Nourishment Starter Kit where you'll find practical guidance to help you evaluate your dog's diet and supplements, identify potential gaps, and focus on what truly matters without falling into overwhelm. https://mysticdogmama.com JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack. It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care. Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery Connect with me on Instagram @mysticdogmama or visit mysticdogmama.com. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

It's 4th of July weekend and the start of fireworks season in the US, so I'm revisiting this beautiful interview with Lisa Spector of Canine Classical, to give you some tips on how to use music and sound to support your dog. Enjoy! You are in for a TREAT! Today, my guest is Lisa Spector of My Zen Pet. Lisa has such an incredible story. From graduating from the world renowned Julliard School, to pursuing a concert career, opening up a music school, and even raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Lisa has been on an incredible journey that has shown her the power that music holds - for dogs and humans alike.In this episode, Lisa talks about her journey into canine sound therapy, and she shares with us some really useful ways we can use music to calm our dogs’ nervous systems to both prevent and treat all kinds of anxiety. And she also shares why just putting any ol’ classical music on for your dog when you go out during the day, or during fireworks, might not actually be a helpful thing! Don’t worry, Lisa shares exactly what IS helpful to your dog’s nervous system, too.AND you’ll be treated to a mini concert you can share with your dog, as Lisa plays for us some of her calming music. It’s so beautiful, and you’re going to feel just as relaxed as your dog, so get comfy!Check out Lisa’s website https://myzenpet.com to learn more about her Dog Gone Calm Training Program and to stream her Dog Gone Calm album for your dog! You can also follow Lisa on Instagram https://instagram.com/my_zen_pet.Visit https://mysticdogmama.com for more information on booking a holistic nutrition and wellness consultation, and to get your copy of my ebook The N.E.W. Approach to feeding your dog!Finally, can I please ask you for a favour? If you are enjoying the podcast, a simple and really meaningful way you can support me is by rating the podcast and leaving a review on Apple podcasts. I know, I wish Spotify allowed reviews, too! Alas! But seriously, it really helps me to know what you are enjoying, and it is SO HELPFUL for helping others to find the podcast, and find this beautiful community we are creating together. I am so grateful for each an every one of you!OK, until next time! Connect with Lisa on Instagram at https://instagram.com/canineclassical or visit her website https://https://canineclassical.com/ Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama or visit https://mysticdogmama.com. Download your free copy of my Nourishment Starter Kit! https://mysticdogmama.kit.com/nourishmentkit JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack. It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care. Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.