Advertise on podcast: Not Just About Dogs with Dr. Peter Dobias

I sit down with integrative veterinarian Dr. Kristi Wilson of Hope Healing for Animals about her journey from conventional veterinary medicine to a more holistic and individualized approach to canine health. Dr. Kristi shares how her family’s health challenges and her own experience with cancer changed the way she sees medicine, healing, and the care we give our dogs. We talk about nutrition, stress, environmental factors, chronic illness, and why there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. We explore: Why food is an important foundation for better healthHow stress, inflammation, environment, and lifestyle can affect our dogsWhy small changes can be more helpful than aiming for perfectionThe importance of hope, curiosity, and asking thoughtful questionsHow veterinarians and pet parents can protect their energy and set healthy boundariesDr. Kristi’s vision for building a stronger community of integrative practitionersThe growing conversation around hormones, early sterilization, and lifelong canine wellnessI loved Dr. Kristi’s honest and hopeful approach. This episode reminds us to stay open-minded, keep learning, and remember that even small changes can make a meaningful difference in our dogs’ lives. Find out more about Dr. Kristi Wilson and her practice here: https://hopehealingforanimals.com/ To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements. Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #HolisticVet,#HolisticDogHealth,#IntegrativeVeterinaryMedicine,#DogHealth,#CanineWellness,#DogHormoneHealth,#SpayAndNeuter,#PetWellness,#NaturalDogCare,#DogLongevity

What would you do if your dog suddenly collapsed, started bleeding, was vomiting repeatedly, or had a swollen, painful belly? I’ve seen how quickly an ordinary day can turn into a life-or-death emergency, and I believe every dog parent should feel prepared—not panicked—when that moment comes. I’m joined by emergency veterinarian Dr. Linda Loudon to talk honestly about the warning signs that mean your dog needs emergency care, what you can safely monitor at home, and how to advocate for your dog when you’re under pressure. We talk about: • How to recognize true emergency symptoms, including breathing problems, severe pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea • The warning signs of bloat and why getting to an emergency vet quickly matters • What pale gums, capillary refill time, and internal bleeding can tell you • What to do when your dog is bleeding or injured • How collars, retractable leashes, sticks, toys, and other everyday hazards can cause serious emergencies • How to stay calm, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions when your dog needs emergency care My hope is that this conversation helps you feel more confident, prepared, and ready to be your dog's strongest advocate when it matters most. Find out more about Dr. Lynda Loudon and her work here. To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements. Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #healthydogs,#holisticdog,#DogEmergency,#DogHealth,#DogSafety,#DogCare,#PetEmergency,#DogParents,#DogFirstAid,#Veterinarian,#HolisticDogHealth,#PetHealth

I’ve known Dr. Radica for years, and she’s one of those veterinarians I’m always excited to talk to. She’s curious, intuitive, compassionate, and never afraid to question what we’ve been taught. In this conversation, we talk about her journey from emergency medicine to integrative veterinary care, what her most memorable patients have taught her, and why she believes we need to look at the whole animal—not just the diagnosis. We talk about: Why Radica left emergency medicine and found her calling in integrative careWhat animals can teach us about health, healing, emotions, and lifeThe incredible patients who changed the way she practices—including Quest and the dachshund who led her to platelet-rich plasmaThe emotional and financial realities of veterinary medicine, and why truly listening to pet parents mattersHow our own dogs can change the way we understand health—including what Pax taught me about hormones and long-term wellbeingIt’s a personal conversation about veterinary medicine, intuition, curiosity, and the animals who often end up teaching us far more than we ever expected. Find out more about Dr. Radica Raj and her practice. To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements. Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #healthydogs,#holisticdog,#HolisticDogHealth,#IntegrativeVeterinaryCare,#HolisticVet,#NaturalDogCare,#DogPainRelief,#DogMobility,#PetWellness,#VeterinaryPodcast,#DogHealth,#PreventiveDogCare

In this episode of Get to Know Your Vet, I sit down with holistic veterinarian Dr. Nick Thompson — a self-described “quiet rebel” whose lifelong curiosity has shaped a thoughtful, integrative approach to animal health. We talk about real food for dogs, raw and fresh feeding, homeopathy, the influence of the pet-food industry, and why consensus is not always the same as evidence. Dr. Nick shares how his upbringing, scientific training, and early experiences with holistic medicine led him to question conventional assumptions while staying grounded in curiosity, humility, and compassion. But this conversation goes far beyond veterinary medicine. We explore vulnerability, fatherhood, personal growth, community, purpose, and the unexpected ways life’s disappointments can guide us toward something better. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, honest reflections, and a simple invitation for every dog guardian: start small, pay attention, and bring a little more real food and joy into your dog’s bowl. In this episode, we discuss: Why “consensus is not evidence”The case for real, fresh food in a dog’s dietHow to begin adding fresh food safely and simplyHomeopathy, healing, and keeping an open—but discerning—mindThe influence of marketing on veterinary nutritionWhat vulnerability, community, and meaningful work can teach usWhy trusting yourself matters when caring for your dogTo learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements. Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/  Visit us on social media:  Facebook Instagram Twitter #DogHealth, #HolisticVet, #NaturalDogCare, #FreshFoodForDogs, #RawFeeding, #HolisticDogHealth, #DogNutrition, #IntegrativeVeterinaryMedicine, #PetWellness, #DrPeterDobias

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Barbara Royal — an integrative veterinarian, author, educator, and the founder of the Wild Health philosophy. Dr. Royal shares her journey from growing up as the only science-minded kid in a family of artists and musicians, to working with spotted owls in Oregon, to building one of Chicago's most respected integrative veterinary practices — where she has cared for the pets of some of the world's most famous people, including Oprah. We talk about: What Wild Health really means — and the spotted owl encounter that started it allWhy being 100% present is the most powerful healing tool a veterinarian (or anyone) can haveHow the energy in an exam room shapes the outcome of treatmentThe "I Must Be Wrong" philosophy — and why admitting mistakes makes you a better doctorWhy boundaries transform anxious, confused dogs into calm and confident onesThe connection between our own patterns, guilt, and the way we show up for our animalsThis conversation goes far beyond veterinary medicine. We explore focus, control, nature, purpose, and what it means to let go — including a story about a flat tire in Botswana, a full moon, and eight giraffes running across the twilight. I hope you enjoy this honest, warm, and deeply inspiring conversation with Dr. Barbara Royal. Learn more about Dr. Barbara Royal:  🌐 royaltreatmentveterinarycenter.com  🌐 civtedu.org  🌐 animaldietformulator.com To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements. Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/  Visit us on social media:  Facebook Instagram Twitter #WildHealth #HolisticVet #NaturalDogCare #IntegrativeVeterinarian #DogHealth #DrBárbaraRoyal #DrPeterDobias #HealingAnimals #DogWellness #ConsciousDogGuardians

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Odette Suter — an integrative veterinarian, microbiome expert, and the person behind the wonderfully playful title “Dr. Poop Lady.” Dr. Suter shares her journey from Switzerland to North America, from working with horses and hoof care to becoming a veterinarian focused on a deeper understanding of health, the microbiome, and the connection between body and mind. We talk about: Why the gut microbiome plays such an important role in your dog’s healthHow fecal microbiota transplants can support dogs struggling with chronic issuesWhy questioning conventional approaches can open the door to better careThe connection between our emotions, nervous system, and the animals we loveHow our own experiences and patterns shape the way we show up for our petsThis conversation goes far beyond veterinary medicine. We explore purpose, personal growth, resilience, and the courage it takes to follow your own path — even when it looks different from everyone else’s. I hope you enjoy this honest and inspiring conversation with Dr. Odette Suter. Learn more about Dr. Odette Suter: https://www.odettesuter.com To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements.  Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #DogHealth, #HolisticVet, #NaturalDogCare, #IntegrativeVeterinarian, #DogGutHealth, #MicrobiomeHealth, #DogBehavior, #PetWellness, #HealthyDogs, #DrPeterDobias

Welcome back to Get to Know Your Vet, the podcast where we go beyond the exam room and get to know the people behind veterinary medicine. In today's episode, I sit down with my friend and wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Sally Armstrong. Originally from Australia and now based in South Africa, Sally shares her remarkable journey into wildlife medicine, conservation, and mobile veterinary care. From treating rhinos in the bush to caring for eight dogs at home, her story is a powerful reminder of what it means to dedicate your life to animals. In this episode, we'll talk about: • Sally's journey from Australia to South Africa and what inspired her to become a wildlife veterinarian • What it's really like to work with rhinos and conservation teams in the field • The unique challenges and rewards of being a mobile vet and bringing care directly into pets' homes • How nutrition and natural approaches can transform health outcomes for dogs facing chronic conditions • The emotional side of veterinary medicine, including end-of-life care, purpose, and compassion Whether you're fascinated by wildlife, passionate about animal health, or simply curious about the humans behind veterinary medicine, I think you're going to enjoy this conversation. Let's jump in and get to know Dr. Sally Armstrong. To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements.  Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #doghealth #holisticvet #rawfeedingdogs #petnutrition #wildlifeconservation #rhinos #vetlife #doglovers #naturalpetcare #animalwellness

I’m really excited to share this episode with Dr. Lynda Loudon — an emergency veterinarian, end-of-life practitioner, and one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I know in veterinary medicine. This conversation goes far beyond dog health. We explore the deep connection we share with our dogs, the fear of making the wrong decisions, and the pressure many of us feel to do everything perfectly for the animals we love. Along the way, we’ll get into: • Knowing when it’s time to say goodbye • Why more time isn’t always better time • Cancer, pesticides, and environmental toxins • The emotional burden carried by dog guardians • Hormone-sparing spays, vasectomies, and long-term health • What dogs can teach us about presence, love, and letting go There’s laughter, vulnerability, honesty, and so many moments in this episode that I think will stay with you long after you listen. To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements.  Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #DogHealth #HolisticVet #VeterinaryMedicine #EndOfLifeCare #DogLovers #DogMomLife #PetHealth #DogWellness #AnimalCommunication #DogCancerAwareness #HolisticPets #RawFeedingDogs #PetLossSupport #GriefAndHealing #DogPodcast #VetLife #CanineHealth #DogCareTips #MindfulPetParenting #AnimalWelfare

I’m so excited to sit down with my dear friend Catherine Edwards, a holistic biologist, healer, and podcaster, to explore how we can better support our dogs in today’s challenging world. Together, we open up a real, heart‑to‑heart conversation about the “toxic soup” our animals live in and how to make simple, practical changes that actually feel doable, not overwhelming. We’ll talk about: How modern toxins (food, water, EMFs, chemicals) affect our dogs’ health and behavior.The core foundations of holistic dog health: real food, clean water, movement, and emotional connection.Zoo pharmacognosy (animal self‑medicating), with powerful real‑life examples of dogs choosing what they need to heal.How to ask better questions at the vet, recognize red flags, and stay empowered as your dog’s guardian.Why spending present, quality time with your animal friend may be one of the most healing “therapies” you can offer.Along the way, we share stories, mindset shifts, and gentle guidance to help you feel more confident, less guilty, and more deeply connected to your dog’s unique needs. To learn more about holistic dog health, visit our website for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements.  Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Related resources:  Learn more about Catherine Edwards and her work Best Bones for Dogs: Complete Vet-Approved Guide for Pet Parents Sign up here to get FREE access to the full Hormone Health for Dogs series — created to help you understand the impact of spay/neuter decisions on your dog’s body, behavior, and vitality. #holisticdogcare, #naturaldoghealth, #dogdetox, #consciousdogparents, #animalselfmedicating, #toxicload, #holisticveterinary, #dognutrition, #petwellness, #drpeterdobias

In this episode of Get to Know Your Vet, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague, holistic veterinarian Dr. Kevin Toman, to explore how we can help dogs live longer, happier lives with natural, integrative care. We’ll dive into: How Dr. Kevin uses telemedicine, supplements, and prescription longevity drugs (like rapamycin) to support dogs with cancer, chronic pain, and heart diseaseWhat new research is saying about spay/neuter, hormone‑sparing options, and the link between hormones, inflammation, and cancerPractical ways to support mobility, joint health, and mitochondrial function so senior dogs can regain energy and joyYou’ll hear about real dog cases (including cancer and cruciate injuries), the emotional side of vet care, and why supporting independent, heart-centred veterinarians matters so much in today’s corporate clinic world.I hope that you enjoy this episode of Get to Know Your Vet and are enjoying getting to know the humans behind the veterinary medicine! To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements.  Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #DrPeterDobias #HolisticVet #DogCancerSupport #PetLongevity #HormoneHealthForDogs #NaturalDogCare #SpayAndNeuter #DogSupplements #SeniorDogCare #PetCancerNavigator

In this episode of Get to Know Your Vet, I sit down with Dr. Nick Thompson, Dr. Connor Brady, and Dr. Brendan Clarke for an honest, wide-ranging chat about what really helps our pets thrive. We talk about the power of fresh food, why a little dirt (and even poop!) can be a good thing for your dog’s microbiome, and how early-life experiences shape long-term health. We also get real about the challenges vets face behind the scenes — and how we stay connected to the work we love. Along the way, we dive into gut health, holistic and preventive care, and what an integrative approach to pet wellness actually looks like in everyday life. If you’re curious about raising a healthier, happier dog — and want to hear how vets think beyond the exam room — you’ll love this conversation. To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements.  Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #HolisticDogCare #RawDogFood #DogNutrition #CanineHealth #DogMicrobiome #PreventiveVetCare #PuppySocialization #NaturalDogCare #VetTalks #DogWellness

In this episode of Get to Know Your Vet, I’m joined by my friend and colleague Dr. Ruth Roberts for an open and unscripted conversation about veterinary medicine, holistic pet health, and the experiences that shape us as veterinarians. We talk about why diet is the foundation of health, the challenges of transitioning pets from processed food to real food, and how education and community can empower pet guardians to make better choices for their animals. Along the way, we also reflect on mindset, resilience, and the importance of staying grounded while navigating the realities of veterinary practice. I hope you enjoy this episode of Get to Know Your Vet and getting to know the humans behind veterinary medicine. To learn more about holistic dog health, visit www.peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements.  Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #DogHealth #HolisticPetHealth #VeterinaryMedicine #GetToKnowYourVet #PetWellness #NaturalDogHealth #HolisticVet #PetNutrition #RealFoodForDogs #HealthyPets #DogLovers #PetEducation #FunctionalVetMed #IntegrativeVeterinaryMedicine #PetParentEducation #AnimalWellness #HolisticLiving #PetPodcast #VeterinaryLife #HealthyDogs

In this new episode of Get to Know Your Vet, I sit down with my good friend Dr. Karen Becker for one of the most honest and surprising chats! What starts as a playful card game quickly turns into a deep dive into dog health myths, grief, resilience, and what it really means to speak the truth in veterinary medicine. We explore the “elephants in the room” and why it can be so hard (and sometimes risky) for vets to talk about them openly. You’ll also see a side of both of us: how we cope with loss, the fear of losing memories, and the pressure of trying to show up for everyone while still staying grounded and kind to ourselves. I hope that you enjoy this episode of Get to Know Your Vet and continue enjoying getting to know the humans behind the veterinary medicine. And if you’d like to learn more about holistic dog health, you can visit my website at peterdobias.com for blogs, free resources, and natural supplements. Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #GetToKnowYourVet #DrKarenBecker #HolisticVeterinary #DogHealthPodcast #NaturalPetHealth #PetWellness #HolisticDogCare #IntegrativeVet #DogLongevity #PetParentLife #DrPeterDobias

In this second episode of Get to Know Your Vet (GTKYV), I sit down with my dear friend Dr. Laurie McCauley, a board‑certified specialist in sports medicine and canine rehabilitation, for a wide‑ranging conversation. We talk openly about curiosity, humility, career crossroads, mistakes, perseverance, and the moments that shape who we become. Dr. McCauley shares how following her intuition led her to help pioneer canine rehabilitation, including the early development of underwater treadmill therapy, and how staying open‑minded continues to guide her work today. We also explore integrative and holistic approaches to healing, including rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, tuning forks, and energy‑based modalities—alongside honest reflections on family, childhood experiences, integrity, and what it really means to live and work with heart. I hope that you enjoy this episode of Get to Know Your Vet and are enjoying getting to know the humans behind the veterinary medicine! Featured Products & Resources JointPowder: Advanced Joint, Mobility & Injury Supplement for Dogs  Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #GetToKnowYourVet, #HolisticVeterinarian, #CanineRehabilitation, #DogHealth, #IntegrativeVeterinaryMedicine, #HolisticDogCare, #VeterinaryPodcast, #HealingDogs, #DogWellness, #BehindTheVet #DrLaurieMcCauley

This year, I had the privilege to meet some of you in Florida and Mallorca where I was presenting, and I also became friends with some of my colleagues vets and healers, I never met in person before. Connecting with likeminded people is the reason I’m starting something new. A new interview series I’m calling Get to Know Your Vet (GTKYV) 🐾  Each episode is a fun, relaxed, informal conversation between me and a fellow veterinarian.  But here is something different. Of course we talk dogs, but we also talk about our lives, feelings and what we do outside of work. We talk about life, our values, mistakes and lessons learned.  When you watch, I want you to feel like the three of us are sitting together, sharing stories and ideas, not being “taught” or sold anything. Why does this matter? Because I feel you deserve to know your vets! I thought it would be nice for your to know why we do what we do. What the question, and why we changed our mind about medicine, nutrition and healing in general. My hope is that these conversations help you feel even more connected and supported on your dog’s health journey. Not just because you’re getting information, but because you’re getting to know the humans beyond the vet talk. That’s what Get to Know Your Vet is really about. It feels especially meaningful to begin this series with someone I respect deeply and is also a great conference organizer and the community connector, Dr. Judy Morgan. This episode goes far beyond veterinary medicine. It’s about values, marriage, grief, boundaries, leadership, and what happens when we slow down enough to truly listen.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did ❤️  Featured Products & Resources JointPowder: Advanced Joint, Mobility & Injury Supplement for Dogs  Visit our website: https://peterdobias.com/ Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter #GetToKnowYourVet, #VetLife, #HolisticVeterinarian, #VeterinaryMedicine, #PetWellness, #BehindTheScenesVet, #WomenInVetMed, #AnimalLovers, #VetBurnout, #NaturalPetCare #DrJudyMorgan