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I know what you're thinking. Wait, isn't this podcast about dogs? Yes. Yes it is. But today, we're doing something different because sometimes there's information so important, so lifesaving, that it doesn't matter if you're a dog person, a cat person, or both. If you're listening to this episode, there's a good chance your heart is heavy. Maybe you just heard the words "FIP" from your vet. Maybe you're watching your kitten fade and you feel helpless. Maybe you've been told there's nothing that can be done. I need you to hear this: FIP is no longer a death sentence. I'm sitting down with Dr. Lisa Fiorenza again, a veterinarian who has cured over 70 cats from Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) since 2020. Seventy cats who were supposed to die are now thriving. For decades, FIP was considered incurable. When I graduated from vet school in 2007, we were taught that if a cat was diagnosed with FIP, the kindest thing we could do was prepare the family to say goodbye. There was no treatment. No hope. But that's not true anymore. In this special episode, Dr. Lisa is sharing everything you need to know: how to recognize FIP early, what treatment actually works, where to find help if your vet isn't aware of the cure that's now legally available in the United States, and what the success rate really looks like. Spoiler: It's 95% if treatment is started in time and the cat is responding well. This information could save a cat's life. Whether you have cats, know someone who does, or just care about animals—please listen, take notes, and share this episode with anyone who loves cats. There is hope, and we are here to help you find it 💚 KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ How FIP went from a death sentence to a 95% cure rate, and why every cat parent needs to know this now. ✨ What FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) really is: a coronavirus that mutates in certain cats and hijacks their immune system, causing massive inflammation. ✨ Why FIP is most common in kittens and often triggered by stress like vaccines, surgery, adoption, new pets, or environmental changes. ✨ How to recognize FIP early: decreased appetite, decreased energy, weight loss, and sometimes a distended belly (wet form) or neurologic/eye symptoms (dry form). ✨ Why FIP is called "the great pretender" and how it can look like so many other diseases, making diagnosis challenging. ✨ How the drug GS (a pro-drug of remdesivir) became the cure for FIP after research published in 2018 by UC Davis and Dr. Niels Pedersen. ✨ Why underground Facebook groups saved tens of thousands of cats before the drug was legalized in June 2024. ✨ How treatment now costs $600-$4,000 (depending on cat size and pharmacy) compared to the previous $4,000+ for unregulated injectable versions. ✨ Why oral GS is now the preferred treatment over injectable (it's less painful, more effective, and doesn't cause bladder stones). ✨ What minimal testing you need before starting treatment: blood count, chemistry panel, and feline leukemia/FIV test to rule out other diseases. ✨ Why creating drug resistance is a serious concern, and why treatment should only be used when there's strong clinical suspicion of FIP. ✨ How to find FIP-savvy vets and resources, including the FIP Global Cats Facebook group and FIP Vet Education Group. RESOURCES: 🐾 Dr. Lisa's FIP White Paper – Free resource on diagnosing and treating FIP @DrLisaHolisticVet🐾 FOLLOW: Dr. Lisa Fiorenza on Instagram: @drlisaholisticvet Dr. Lisa Fiorenza on Facebook: facebook.com/doctorLisa  Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com  Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

Have you ever noticed that when you're anxious, your dog seems anxious too? Or that you and your pet struggle with the same health issues — digestive problems, autoimmune diseases, even the same kind of anxiety? You're not imagining it. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lily sits down with Dr. Lisa Fiorenza, an integrative veterinarian who sees this pattern every single day in her practice. Together, they explore the fascinating connection between pet and human health, the gut-brain axis, microbiome restoration therapy, and why our animals are often mirrors of our own emotional and physical state. This episode will change the way you think about healing — not just for your pet, but for yourself too. Key Insights ✨The Mirror Phenomenon Pets and their people often present with remarkably similar health issues. Dr. Lisa shares how she consistently sees anxious owners with anxious pets, people with GI issues whose pets have chronic diarrhea, and even families dealing with autoimmune diseases alongside their cats experiencing the same condition. This isn't coincidence — it's a message. ✨The Gut-Brain Connection 95% of our serotonin (our "happy chemical") is made in the intestines. When the gut is out of balance, it doesn't just affect digestion — it impacts mood, anxiety, behavior, and overall health. The same is true for our pets. Healing the gut can transform not just physical symptoms, but emotional wellbeing too. ✨Microbiome Restoration Therapy (MBRT) Dr. Lisa walks us through MBRT — a two-step process using rectal ozone to clear out harmful bacteria's "suit of armor" (biofilm), followed by healthy fecal transplant material to repopulate the gut with beneficial microbes. This therapy is creating profound transformations in pets with chronic GI issues, anxiety, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. ✨Energy and Emotions Matter Our pets pick up on our emotional state in ways we're only beginning to understand. Dr. Lisa emphasizes the importance of managing our own anxiety and grief — especially during palliative care or end-of-life situations — so we don't transfer that emotional burden onto our beloved companions. ✨Integrative Medicine Works Best When You Don't Have to Choose You don't have to pick between conventional and holistic care. The magic happens when you combine them — using surgery, chemotherapy, or medications alongside acupuncture, herbs, and microbiome restoration to support the body's natural healing capacity and improve outcomes. ✨Prevention is Everything So many chronic diseases start years before symptoms appear. By the time pets are visibly sick, inflammation and imbalance have often been building for a long time. Preventive integrative care — addressing gut health, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing early — can change the trajectory entirely. Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Lisa Fiorenza: Practice name: Dragonfly Holistic Veterinary CareLinktree: linktr.ee/DrLisaHolisticVet Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/DogtorLisaInstagram: @drlisaholisticvet Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet  Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bharat Kumar, once an emergency vet, now a holistic house call vet, to explore a part of pet health that's often overlooked: the emotional, energetic, and spiritual lives of our animals. Dr. Kumar blends Ayurveda, psychology, meditation, Reiki, acupressure, and holistic medicine to better understand the rich emotional and mental landscape our pets navigate. We talk about why dogs in India seem to face different health challenges than dogs in the U.S., why our animals often carry the emotions they absorb from us, and how meditation and energetic presence can support deeper healing. If you’ve ever felt like your pet was holding up a mirror to your inner world, this episode is for you. KEY INSIGHTS:  ✨ How pets absorb the emotions of their humans — and why they struggle to process what they take on. ✨ Why animals in India have fewer chronic diseases, and what that reveals about their lifestyles.  ✨ How Dr. Kumar’s background in Ayurveda and meditation shapes his understanding of inflammation, gut health, and long-term wellness. ✨ How energetic presence, intention, and calm can change a pet’s behavior instantly during an exam or treatment. ✨ Why spiritual practices like Reiki and meditation help pets release stored stress and emotional “residue.” ✨ Why fixing the gut is often the first step in resolving allergies, anxiety, GI issues, and immune dysfunction. ✨ Why Dr. Kumar believes pets are “enlightened beings” whose health depends on the energy of their environment — including their humans. RESOURCES:  Dr. Bharat and I might be collaborating on a meditation retreat for pet parents next year. To make sure you don’t miss any updates join my email list here 🐶👇 Get meditation retreat updates and holistic pet parent tips  FOLLOW: You can book an appointment with Dr. Kumar through this website: https://comfortpawsmobilevet.com/ Dr. Kumar On Instagram: @drbhrtkumar Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet  Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

In this personal minisode, Dr. Lily Chen opens up about her word for 2026, a surprising case that's changing how she practices medicine, and an important study every pet parent (and human) taking gabapentin should know about. This isn't a typical episode with a guest expert or clinical protocols. This is Dr. Lily, fresh back from Taiwan and about to head to VMX, sitting with you and sharing what's on her mind—trust, bioresonance breakthroughs, chronic pain management, and why asking better questions matters now more than ever. If your pet is on long-term medication, dealing with chronic vomiting or pain, or if you're simply curious about the future of integrative medicine, this episode is for you. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE: 💚 Dr. Lily's word for 2026 – Why "trust" is her anchor for the year ahead  💚 The indoor cat with chronic vomiting – How a bioresonance scan revealed glyphosate toxicity (and what that means)  💚 Qest 4 bioresonance explained – Why Dr. Lily believes this is the next step in medicine  💚 The gabapentin study everyone needs to know – New research linking long-term use to dementia and cognitive decline  💚 Alternatives to chronic pain medication – From acupuncture and laser therapy to PRP, prolotherapy, and amnion injections  💚 Why the gut microbiome affects pain – The gut-nerve connection that changes everything  💚 The invitation to ask better questions – Why symptom management isn't enough anymore CONNECT WITH DR. LILY & INTEGRATIVE PET WELLNESS CENTER: 📍 FOLLOW: Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet 💌 Sign up for our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛ INTERESTED IN QEST 4 BIORESONANCE TESTING? We now offer remote testing for pets everywhere. Contact us to learn more: 📧 Email: [email protected] 📩Instagram: @integrativepet

KEY INSIGHTS: What if the real missing piece in your dog’s diet isn’t more plant fiber (like pumpkin or sweet potato)… but the animal fiber (cartilage, ligaments, skin) their body was truly built to thrive on? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Conor Brady, a dedicated PhD researcher, writer, and founder of Dogs First and DCV Holistic, to uncover one of the most overlooked topics in pet nutrition: fiber. We dive into fascinating studies, from one showing that more plant fiber in the human diet can actually worsen constipation, to research revealing that big cats in zoos had fewer kidney issues when fed meat with the hide still on, and we explore many more thought-provoking findings that challenge what we’ve been taught. Honestly, it all makes a strong case for feeding our pet carnivores the animal fiber their bodies crave. So if your dog or cat is dealing with gas, or you're worried about bloat, or your pet has kidney issues (or you're hoping to prevent them), this episode truly will change how you think about feeding your pet.  ✨ What animal fiber is and how cartilage, ligaments, bone and hide feed the microbes our pets need. ✨ Why plant fiber behaves so differently in humans versus dogs and cats, and how their digestive systems struggle to ferment it. ✨ How plant fiber can increase gas and bloating, and why that can be risky for deep-chested breeds prone to bloat.  ✨ Why bloat is rarely seen in raw-fed dogs, and how studies link kibble and high-FODMAP plant fibers to fermentation gas. ✨ How natural phosphorus from real food differs from synthetic phosphates in kibble, and why phosphates are the real concern. ✨ Why hydration matters more than anything for kidney support, and how dry kibble works against the body’s needs. ✨ Why “complete and balanced” labels can be misleading, and how many pet foods fail to meet minimum nutrient standards. ✨ How early-life feeding shapes food preferences, and why some pets struggle to transition away from kibble. ✨ Why removing plant fiber — not adding more — may support constipation, diarrhea and IBS or IBD symptoms in certain pets. ✨ Why dietary variety matters more than perfection, and how true balance happens over time rather than in every single bowl. RESOURCES:  Book a consultation with Dr.Conor 👇 https://dogsfirst.ie/book-an-appointment/ Check out his products 👇 https://dogsfirstshop.ie/ Dr.Conor’s courses for pet parents 👇 https://dogsfirst.ie/all-courses/ Dr.Conor’s book👇 https://www.amazon.co.za/Feeding-Dogs-Science-Behind-Debate/dp/1916234003 FOLLOW: Dr.Conor Brady’s Website: https://dogsfirst.ie/about-dr-conor-brady/ Dr.Conor Brady On Instagram: @dogsfirstireland Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram:@dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet ➡️Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

Happy 2026! We're kicking off the new year with something special: your questions answered. In this episode, I answer the most thoughtful questions you sent in about everything from helping a 9-year-old Pomeranian with hair loss navigate Cushing's vs. Alopecia X, to understanding how your own stress directly impacts your pet's health, to breaking down PEMF therapy and infrared heat for pain relief. We also dive into why rotating your pet's food matters more than finding one "perfect" kibble, how to spot early arthritis before your pet starts limping, where to find integrative vets near you, and whether eggshell supplements are right for your pet. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting pet health advice or wondered if that supplement at the pet store is actually worth it, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make empowered decisions for your pet 💜KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ How to tell the difference between Cushing's disease and Alopecia X in dogs with hair loss, and why borderline test results require looking at symptoms, trends over time, and urine cortisol testing. ✨ Why PHOVIA light therapy is helping Pomeranians with Alopecia X regrow their fur after multiple sessions. ✨ How your emotional and mental health directly affects your pet's wellbeing, including research showing pets and their people share similar microbiomes just from living together.✨ Why energy and frequency medicine is becoming measurable through bioenergetic devices, and how your pet's cells respond to the electrical charge around them.✨ Where to find holistic and integrative veterinarians near you: directories from AHVMA, Chi University, IVAS, CIVT, and O3 Vets.✨ Why fecal transplants aren't the only option for dog allergies, and how herbal therapy, acupuncture, diet changes, bioenergetics, and ozone therapy (MAH/UVBI) can address the root cause.✨ How to recognize early arthritis in dogs before they start limping: hesitation before jumping, less enthusiasm for walks, stiffness in the morning, and subtle changes like not playing with toys. ✨ Why pets often "come alive" again after arthritis treatment, doing things they haven't done in years, proving they were in chronic pain all along.✨ How PEMF therapy and infrared heat work for dog pain relief, circulation, and cellular repair, with comparable results to NSAIDs but without the side effects.✨ Why no two pets should be on the same probiotic (even in the same household), and how bioenergetic testing can show which supplements match your pet's unique body.✨ And the most important reminder: stop feeding the same food for life. Variety is the real insurance policy for nutrition, and your pet's body will tell you what works.RESOURCES:Find a Holistic Vet Near You:AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association)Chi UniversityIVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society)CIVT (International College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies)Integrative Pet Wellness Center Resources:https://integrativepet.com/resourcesFOLLOW:Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.comIntegrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepetDr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet ➡️ Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

What if the way you've been feeding your dog, talking about money at the vet, or processing grief has been making everything harder than it needs to be? In this vulnerable year-end reflection, I'm switching seats as my practice manager Dianne interviews me about the three conversations that didn't just change my veterinary practice: they changed me. From discovering the hidden truth about pet food labels with advocate Susan Thixton, to processing loss and burnout with Rodney Habib, to finally cracking the code on compassionate money conversations with experts Suzanne Cannon and Ron Sosa, these episodes shook me awake. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting pet nutrition advice, guilty about what you can afford at the vet, or alone in your grief over losing an animal, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and ready to move forward with more clarity and less shame 💛 KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ The shocking difference between "feed grade" and "human grade" pet food ingredients, and why this one distinction changes everything about how you read labels. ✨ Why I stopped recommending one food for life and now tell every client to rotate proteins and brands (your dog's gut microbiome will thank you). ✨ The three-question framework for evaluating any pet food: What does it mean ethically? Nutritionally? Environmentally? ✨ The one question that transforms stressful money conversations at the vet: "What's your budget for today?" (And why most vets are too afraid to ask it.) ✨ How flexible payment options help pet parents focus on the value of care instead of just the price, and why this psychological shift changes outcomes. ✨ And the truth I keep coming back to: healing is always a partnership. No vet, pet parent, or animal heals alone. It takes community, compassion, and curiosity. 🎧 Episode 32: Susan Thixton on Pet Food Transparency & Label Reading 🎧 Rodney Habib: Grief, Purpose & the Soul of Veterinary Medicine 🎧 Suzanne Cannon & Ron Sosa: How to Talk About Money Without Shame SUSAN THIXTON'S PET FOOD LIST: 2026 List YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED NEXT: Starting 2026 with an Ask Dr. Lily episode. Your chance to get answers about: Gut health & chronic digestive issues Holistic vs. conventional care Nutrition confusion & label reading Emotional wellness for pets & their people Anything else you've been wondering! Send your questions: 📩 Instagram DM: @integrativepet 📧 Email: [email protected] This is more than a podcast. It's a movement of informed, empowered, heart-centered pet parents who refuse to settle for surface-level answers. Thank you for being here 🐾✨ FOLLOW: Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet  Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

In this deeply personal minisode, Dr. Lily Chen opens her heart as we close out 2025. This isn't a typical episode with a guest expert or clinical protocols. This is Dr. Lily, sitting with you, reflecting on the year—the pets we've lost, the lessons they've taught us, and the reminder to be present in the moments we have. If you've lost a pet this year, if you're grieving, if you're feeling the weight of 2025, or if you simply need permission to slow down and be still—this episode is for you. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE: 💚 Why Dr. Lily started this podcast – Making holistic pet care accessible to everyone, everywhere 💚 The pets we lost in 2025 – Honoring their presence and the space they left behind 💚 Pets as mirrors – What our animals teach us about becoming better versions of ourselves 💚 The quote that started it all – "I want to be the person my dog thinks I am" 💚 Animal communication & staying open – Dr. Lily's exploration of how our pets stay with us 💚 The reminder we all need – How to get still, listen, and be present 💚 A practice that created home – How a 7-year-old's dream became Integrative Pet Wellness Center FOLLOW: Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa and Scot—the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo behind Woof Creek Pet Wellness—for part two of our conversation, going beyond food and supplements into what really sustains healing: partnership with your vet, and caring for yourself while you care for your animal. We talk about how to ask better questions at the clinic (even if you’re nervous), what a collaborative vet relationship actually looks like, simple ways to stay grounded when your pet is struggling, and why your energy at home is part of your pet’s medicine.  If you’ve ever walked into a vet office feeling intimidated or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ How to advocate with confidence and kindness. You know your pet best, here’s how to ask for what you need.  ✨ How a great vet relationship is built on two-way trust, clear priorities (budget, time, philosophy), and the understanding that not everything can be solved in one visit. ✨ How to pause before you choose a treatment plan for your pet (when it’s not an emergency).  ✨ How to track what matters. A simple log of meals, stools, sleep, symptoms, and changes turns guesswork into clarity and helps your vet see patterns.  ✨ How to build your wellness team and access the best of conventional and holistic care.  ✨ How pets feel our stress. And how tiny rituals can shift the home “energy” and support healing. Special Offer For Listeners 🎁 Use the code DRLILY25 at checkout to get a 25% discount 🎉 at https://www.wooofcreek.com/discount/DRLILY25 through December 31, 2025. FOLLOW: Woof Creek Wellness: https://www.woofcreek.com/ Woof Creek Pet Wellness On Instagram: @woofcreekwellness  Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet  👉Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa and Scot, the powerhouse husband and wife duo behind Woof Creek Pet Wellness, to explore how clean, sustainable nutrition can support the health of our pets and the planet. Lisa and Scot share their heartfelt story of how their dog, Lily Lou, inspired a complete life pivot—from running an Ayurvedic restaurant to formulating chef-style superfood blends and eco-conscious supplements for pets.  We talk about how to read pet food labels like a pro, why the difference between active and inactive ingredients matters more than most pet parents realize, and how thoughtful choices—like using algal oil instead of fish oil—can protect both your dog’s health and our oceans. If you’ve ever wondered if your pet’s favorite brand is good for the planet, this episode will forever change how you shop for your pet 🌍✨ KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ How reading the entire label (not just the front) can help you spot misleading marketing and avoid hidden toxins. ✨ Why understanding the difference between active and inactive ingredients can protect your pet from unnecessary fillers and irritants. ✨ How clean, bioavailable nutrition—free from glycerin, binders, and vague “meat meals”—can transform your pet’s health. ✨ Why freshness and packaging matter more than you think.  ✨ How plant-based omega sources like algal oil offer all the benefits of fish oil—without the mercury, allergens, or impact on ocean ecosystems. ✨ Why Woof Creek’s products are created with human-grade ingredients, eco-conscious packaging, and sustainable sourcing.  ✨ How every small switch you make (from cleaner oils to toxin-free bowls) supports both your pet’s health and a healthier planet.  ✨ And how Lisa and Scott’s journey from restaurateurs to pet wellness pioneers is proof that love, curiosity, and compassion can transform everything. Special Offer for Listeners 🎁 👉 Use the promo code DRLILY25 for 25% off at 🔗 https://www.woofcreek.com/discount/DRLILY25 through December 31, 2025! FOLLOW: Woof Creek Wellness: https://www.woofcreek.com/ Woof Creek Pet Wellness On Instagram: @woofcreekwellness  Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet  Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

In this episode, I sit down with author and pet homeopath Jan Allegretti for part two of our conversation where we dive into the spiritual connection we share with our pets.  Jan shares her heartfelt philosophy that every animal’s life is just as valuable as our own—and how unconditional love, the kind our pets model so effortlessly, is one of the most sacred forces we can experience. You’ll hear how pets can become our greatest spiritual teachers, why five minutes of stillness can transform your relationship with your animal, and how nature helps us metabolize stress and soften burnout.  So if you’ve been craving a calm reset, light a candle, curl up with your pet, and press play 💖 KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ Why advocacy is love in action—and how using our voice honors beings who can’t speak for themselves. ✨ How stillness becomes medicine for us and our animals, deepening perception, presence, and connection. ✨ Why perfection is the enemy of the good in feeding and living, and how “balance over time” creates freedom. ✨ How our dogs and cats already model presence, trust, and compassion—and why mirroring them changes us. ✨ Why nature helps metabolize pain and trauma, and how awe can soften the hard edges of busy modern life. ✨ How simple rituals—walking, quiet sitting, mindful play—recalibrate the nervous system for both humans and animals. ✨ Why the love we feel for our animals is a direct experience of the sacred—and how it heals us from the inside out. ✨ How five minutes of daily silence can shift your entire relationship with your pet, your work, and yourself. ✨ Why designing a life and practice that serves the healer first prevents burnout and sustains true service. ✨ How choosing presence over hustle helps us “see the being in front of us” and make kinder, wiser care decisions. RESOURCES: Grab Jan Allegretti’s books 👇 The Fresh and Flexible Meal Plan The Complete Holistic Dog Book Listen to the Silence: Lessons from Trees and Other Masters  FOLLOW: Jan Allegretti: https://janallegretti.com/ Jan Allegretti on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.allegretti/ Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet @the.unicorn.vet @dr.lilychen Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

In this episode, I sit down with Jan Allegretti, a pioneer in holistic animal health and the author of The Fresh and Flexible Meal Plan—a book that’s rewriting the rules on pet nutrition. Jan’s approach is refreshingly simple: stop overcomplicating feeding and start applying the same common-sense principles you use for your own meals—fresh, whole foods, variety, and yes, sharing what you eat with your pets. We’re diving into why variety is the real insurance policy for nutrition and why it beats a single “complete and balanced” recipe on repeat, as well as how feeding fresh can help transform chronic health issues.  If you’ve ever looked at a bag of kibble and thought, “There’s got to be a better way,” this episode is for you 💖 KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ Why variety—not a single perfect recipe—is the real foundation of balanced nutrition. ✨ How sharing your meals (just making extra of what you already cook) can make fresh feeding simple, affordable, and sustainable. ✨ Why highly processed foods may be contributing to many chronic issues like itchy skin, allergies, and infections. ✨ The 30–60–10 guideline Jan uses to help pet parents get started with confidence: 30–60% protein, 30–60% carbohydrates, and 10–30% fruits and vegetables. ✨ Jan’s special way of transitioning pets to a fresh food diet that reduces tummy upsets.  ✨ How cooking for your pets often inspires you to eat healthier too (because they make us better humans 💛). ✨ Why convenience and marketing—not science—shaped the commercial pet food industry, and how to reclaim your common sense. ✨ How fresh food feeding can help prevent disease, lower vet bills, and support long-term vitality. ✨ The simple “nutrition boosters” Jan recommends adding like spirulina, nutritional yeast, cooked mushrooms, and fermented foods. ✨ Why this isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, intuition, and trusting that good food is good food, for you and your pets. RESOURCES  Grab Jan Allegretti’s books 👇 The Fresh and Flexible Meal Plan The Complete Holistic Dog Book Blogs by Jan Allegretti 👇 Simple Strategies for Really Good Food Healthy and Fresh for Dogs and Cats: What your animal family really wants for dinner How to Feed Dogs – Simplified Holiday Home Cooking for Everyone in the Family Human foods your dog should avoid👇 Onions, grapes/raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, xylitol, chicken bones, corn cobs (the corn cut off is fine), alcohol, caffeine, processed sugar (a bit of honey is okay)  This list is for informational purposes only, it does not constitute veterinary recommendations. For all pets, we recommend that they work with their veterinarians closely to develop a diet plan. FOLLOW: Jan Allegretti: https://janallegretti.com/ Jan Allegretti on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.allegretti/ Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram :  @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet  Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

What if healing cancer could start long before it shows up on a scan? In this episode, I sit down with integrative veterinarian and cancer survivor Dr. Kristi Wilson, DVM to explore how energy medicine and bioresonance therapy are changing what’s possible in cancer care for pets. After surviving stage 3C breast cancer, Dr. Kristi dedicated her life to finding innovative solutions to challenging cancer cases and helping pets heal by addressing the energetic signatures that often appear before disease ever manifests physically 🤯 If your pet has cancer—or you simply want to understand how healing can happen on a deeper level—this episode will expand what you believe is possible ✨ KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ How Dr. Kristi’s own cancer journey transformed her understanding of medicine and inspired her to integrate bioresonance into veterinary care. ✨ What bioresonance therapy is and how it measures the body’s energetic patterns. ✨ The story of a dog with stage-4 sarcoma whose tumor vanished within six weeks after bioresonance-guided treatment. ✨ Why this integrative, energy-based approach represents the next evolution of veterinary medicine—bridging compassion, science, and frequency. ✨ Why every pet is a one-of-a-kind energetic snowflake—and how healing must be customized for each animal’s body, mind, and energy. ✨ How trauma and emotional stress can manifest as disease in both humans and pets. ✨ And a free tool any pet parent can use right now: a five-minute daily visualization practice. FOLLOW: Dr. Kristi Wilson on Instagram: @kristi_wilson_dvm Dr. Kristi Wilson: https://hopehealingforanimals.com/ Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet  Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips 🐶🐈‍⬛

Dr. Carla Castro is back on the podcast with a heart-forward, grounded take on something that can feel overwhelming: AI and technology in veterinary care.  Together, we explore how simple tools—like AI-powered note-taking and voice capture—can lighten the mental load of record-keeping so we can show up fully present for our patients and their families. We unpack the role of telemedicine as a meaningful complement (not a replacement) to hands-on exams, the rise of pet wearables and real-time health tracking, and how “hybrid care” models can ease clinic stress while offering pet parents quicker answers. If new tech has ever felt scary to you, this episode offers a calm exploration of how it might be able to help your pet or your vet practice. KEY INSIGHTS: ✨ Why AI is a tool—not a replacement—and how using transcription or scribe support can free vets from endless notes so they can be more present with patients. ✨ How voice-to-text apps can help you capture ideas, notes, and reminders on the go without losing valuable insights. ✨ How telemedicine can complement in-person care by easing clinic pressure, supporting rechecks, and helping pet parents get faster answers. ✨ How hybrid care—combining telehealth, in-clinic visits, and digital documentation—can streamline workflow and reduce decision fatigue. ✨ How pet tech like health-monitoring collars and trackers can empower pet parents with real-time insights while keeping vets in the loop. ✨ Why adaptation is critical in veterinary medicine and how embracing new systems can help clinics thrive. ✨ Why calendar automation tools can reduce stress and decision fatigue by helping you prioritize tasks and protect personal time. ✨ How technology can expand access to veterinary support globally—especially in underserved or bilingual communities. ✨ Why staying curious and open to change will define the next era of compassionate, connected pet care. RESOURCES: Interested in AI? Listen to my episode with Ron Sosa on the My Dog Is Better Than Your Dog Podcast 👉 Could AI Be The Secret Tool To Smarter Pet Care  Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com FOLLOW: Dr.Carla Castro: https://www.drcarlacastro.com/ LinkedIn: Dr. Carla Castro Instagram: @the.carlacastro Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips.

This week, we’re exploring one of the most fascinating and incredibly helpful truths in pet care—our pets and our pet patients often mirror our own energy, stress, and emotions. I’m joined by veterinarian, coach, and human–animal bond advocate Dr. Carla Castro, who shares practical tools that both pet parents and vets can use to calm the nervous system, support their pet’s health, and create a healing environment at home and in the clinic. Dr. Carla shares a powerful story about a horse who helped her realize just how deeply our energy affects the animals around us, a moment that shaped how she approaches every pet patient. You’ll also learn how to prepare for vet visits with less anxiety, what to prioritize in short appointments, and how to build a true partnership with your veterinary team. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog or cat seems to pick up on your stress, or how to make vet visits feel calmer and more connected, this episode gives you simple tools to start 💜 KEY INSIGHTS ✨ How pets often mirror their humans—our stressed, worried, or calm energy directly affects theirs. ✨ How simple breathing techniques like box breathing or the physiological sigh can reset your nervous system in minutes. ✨ How practicing the pause and staying curious, not judgmental, helps you uncover the root of emotions. ✨ How emotions are information, not identity—recognizing this helps both humans and pets heal. ✨ How meditation, sound baths, and PEMF therapy are simple tools that activate your body’s natural healing state. ✨ How pet parents play a vital role in veterinary care and how your questions help your vet find the right plan. ✨ How preparing for appointments with clear priorities reduces stress for you, your pet, and your vet team. ✨ How vets can create calmer clinics by centering themselves first and seeing each visit through the pet’s eyes. ✨ And how you already hold medicine within you: your breath, awareness, and presence are where healing begins. RESOURCES For Coaching with Dr. Carla: Email her at [email protected] Dr. Carla Castro: https://www.drcarlacastro.com/ FOLLOW Dr. Carla Castro on IG: @the.carlacastro Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips