Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by holistic pet health coach Naja Muller of Tonka’s Journey and Green Paws Holistic Pet Care. Naja shares how she’s helped her handicapped and chronically challenged dogs stay comfortable, mobile, and joyful using a holistic pain management toolkit, without relying on long-term pharmaceuticals. Angela and Naja dive into the five pain pathways, why conventional pain meds often lead to stacking multiple drugs with serious side effects, and how whole-plant cannabis, psilocybin, nutrition, and at-home therapies can work together to support dogs living with pain.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Naja Muller, Tonka’s Journey and sets the stage for a deep dive into chronic pain, handicapped dogs, and holistic pain support. (00:00)They break down the five pain-signaling pathways and explain how conventional drugs usually target just one, while cannabis and other botanicals can influence multiple pathways at once. (03:13)Naja shares her dog Tripp’s osteosarcoma story, how conventional pain meds quickly caused severe constipation, and how switching to high-THC and CBD plus a wheelchair transformed his final six months. (05:17)Naja shares about her dog Tonka’s congenital deformities, and how she committed early to a holistic pain plan instead of cycling through combinations of dog pain meds and their side effects. (07:19)They discuss their shared experiences using full extract cannabis (THC-rich oil) and CBD for pain support in dogs, including why whole-plant cannabis works differently than pharmaceuticals and practical tips for balancing THC and CBD for comfort without heavy sedation. (09:45)Angela and Naja unpack the problem with NSAIDs, opioids, steroids, Librela and other popular pain drugs for dogs, highlighting issues like gut damage, liver and kidney strain, and long-term fallout. (13:50)Why the conversation should actually be about being proactive with food and lifestyle, rather than adding more synthetic supplements and pharmaceuticals. Naja shares her go-to foods for joint support and inflammation. (18:24)Angela discusses the need to reframe hemp, functional mushrooms and adaptogens as functional food, rather than “supplements”, stressing clean sourcing, COAs, and why real liquid mushroom extracts beat cheap powders with fillers. (21:02)Naja shares the at-home modalities she uses with her dogs, including light therapy, infrared and PEMF mats, cold laser, tuning forks, Reiki, ozone and bodywork, to support comfort and recovery. (26:49)Naja describes her own experience microdosing psilocybin, then using it with Tonka, and the subtle but noticeable shifts she saw in his mobility, reactivity and emotional balance over time. (32:42)They close by urging pet parents not to blindly trust every prescription, to learn the real risks of dog pain meds and steroids, and to build proactive, “do no harm” holistic pain plans that protect quality of life. (40:02)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources including Natural Alternatives for Arthritis Pain in Dogs and Cats & her Cosequin Ingredient Breakdown at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Follow Tonka’s Journey on Facebook, Instagram and TikTokLooking for a Holistic Pet Health Coach - Green Paws Holistic Pet CareHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

Ever dream of hopping on a plane and exploring the world with your dog by your side? In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Larry and Charly Pruden, founders of Pawdega, an ethical, non-toxic pet marketplace that makes it easy for pet parents to find the safest holistic brands all in one place. Larry and Charly have traveled across the globe with their French Bulldog, Milka, and they share their best tips for international and domestic pet travel, from navigating airline policies and import permits to choosing stress-free accommodations and maintaining holistic pet care routines on the road. If you’ve ever wished you could take your dog everywhere, or are simply curious about what life looks like on the road with a pup, this episode will give you the confidence (and checklists) to make it happen.Episode Recap:Angela opens the episode introducing Larry & Charly, founders of Pawdega, who travel all over the world with their frenchie Milka (01:00)How Larry and Charly started traveling with Milka, and the research involved with meeting requirements from country to country (02:10)Flying with your dog, from in-cabin pets and service animals to dogs flying in cargo, how to prepare your dog (04:41)Charly and Larry share the steps you can take to start traveling with your dog around the world, from checking embassy resources to first hand tips from experienced travelers (10:26)How they feed Milka while traveling in different countries, from local sources to freeze-dried raw dog food packed in a suitcase (12:44)Angela shares the realities of traveling from airbnb to hotel to airbnb all over the country with her dogs, and the everyday toxins present in cleaning products and household products in these hotels and homes across the country (16:22)Being prepared for any situation, as access to homeopathics or veterinary care isn’t always speedy or possible when traveling (18:00)Why supporting your pet’s immune system, and being proactive with natural support is vital, before a problem or diagnosis (20:40)Larry and Charly’s top tips for pet parents interested in traveling with their dogs, including considering whether your dog will do well traveling, double checking vaccine expiration dates, and calming CBD oil for dogs (21:47)Sharing Milka’s encounter with freeroaming dogs in Thailand, plus how to follow and support Milka, Charly, Larry, and Pawdega (27:10)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Pet Travel Checklist & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsPawdega.usFollow Pawdega on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

On this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela sits down with Dr. Margo Roman, a veterinarian with over 47 years in practice, to talk about what the veterinary oath really means, and what happens when vets try to speak openly about holistic or integrative pet care. Dr. Roman shares how her Massachusetts veterinary license was suspended for two years after she emailed clients about ozone and homeopathic options, which she’s now appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court after losing at the state level. Angela and Dr. Roman also discuss why they believe “do no harm” requires a fuller toolbox: acupuncture, microbiome work, ozone, nutrition, herbs, and the importance of ongoing education after vet school. The conversation looks at how policies, liability fears, and funding ties can discourage open discussion of holistic pet care. They also cover the “spectrum of care” model for real-world budgets, the debate over rabies titers and vaccine exemptions, why gut health is foundational, and practical ways pet parents can stay informed and advocate for more options.Episode Recap:Angela tees up free speech, the veterinarian’s oath, and why Dr. Roman’s case matters to pet parents. (00:08)The Veterinarian’s Oath, and how it extends beyond what’s taught in school. (03:15)Dr. Roman describe the lack of options being offered to pet parents by conventional veterinarians, and they discuss the declining numbers of holistic veterinarians. (04:49)Why continuing your veterinary education, from acupuncture to microbiome science, is essential to the “do no harm” oath, and how ignoring proven alternative modalities amounts to denying care.(07:55)Angela shares her experience getting an FDA letter and the pressure to stay silent about holistic education and testimonials. (10:12)Dr. Roman shares the story of her horse with cancer, Champ, who she was told to euthanize, but instead lived for over 8 more years under her care using homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, and later ozone therapy. When she tried to show the university her results, they refused to look. (11:50)The pandemic, recommending ozone therapy, and the veterinary board’s response. (13:31)Introduction to “Spectrum of Care” for clients who can’t afford gold-standard workups. (15:46)How corporate and government control often limits access to natural options, the vital role of the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoid system, and how mushrooms and hemp have long supported balance in both humans and animals. (17:40)Dr. Roman describes the financial and emotional toll of defending her right to practice integrative medicine, including spending over a million dollars and facing ongoing board harassment. She explains how officials dismiss modalities like acupuncture and ozone therapy without ever studying them, and calls for accountability and open-mindedness among regulators who condemn what they don’t understand. (20:10)Dr. Roman argues that forcing veterinarians to vaccinate animals who are already immune or medically fragile goes against the veterinary oath, and shares her own experience with Rabies vaccination and antibody testing (22:43)Being your pet’s advocate, what Dr. Roman is working on now, plus ways to support her mission (30:09)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s resources & guides at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsThe Veterinarian’s OathDr. Roman’s Urgent Call for Veterinarians to Uphold their Oath and her Medical Freedom For Animals Legal FundDr. Margo Roman v. Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial CourtDr. Roman’s Veterinary Practice Main Street Animal Services of HopkintonFollow Dr. Roman & MASH on Twitter, Facebook,and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela and Carter sit down with Dr. Joel Ehrenzweig, veterinarian, researcher, and founder of Veterinary Health Research Centers — to talk about the groundbreaking Senior Dog Study they’ve been running together for the past year. Dr. Ehrenzweig shares why he shifted from a strictly pharmaceutical approach to fully embracing natural medicine late in his career. Angela, Carter and Dr. Ehrenzweig discuss how the Senior Dog Study is helping to validate what holistic practitioners have known for years: that functional mushrooms and natural adaptogens can potentially make a real difference in cognitive health, quality of life, and emotional connection for senior dogs.If you have an aging pup and have ever been told “there’s nothing we can do,” this episode will give you hope, real data, and real-life stories showing that there are options. Learn more about the Senior Dog Study. Episode RecapLaunching the Senior Dog Study – Carter shares how they recruited a diverse group of senior dogs experiencing cognitive decline—many from families who believed they had no options left—then tracked behavior, activity, and sleep to build a data-backed picture of progress over the course of the study. (00:31)Validating Centuries of Natural Medicine – Angela shares how rescuing senior dogs inspired her to prove that natural approaches—real food, hemp, mushrooms, and adaptogens—can help aging pets thrive without relying on pharmaceutical “longevity drugs.” Dr. Ehrenzweig reflects on his shift from a strictly pharmaceutical mindset, describing how client feedback opened his eyes to alternative options and why he was intrigued to join this groundbreaking study. (02:46)Rethinking Canine Cognitive Decline – Dr. Ehrenzweig explains why a CCD diagnosis shouldn’t be seen as “the end” for senior dogs, noting that it develops gradually and shares many similarities with human dementia and Alzheimer’s. He describes the challenge of studying such a complex condition and the promise of finding better options beyond pharmaceuticals. Dr. Joel expresses hope that demonstrating improvement in dogs could pave the way for better, more natural options for humans facing cognitive decline in the future. (08:10)The Power of Whole-Plant Medicine & Synergy – Angela shares why her mission is to create pure, whole-plant and mushroom formulas rather than isolated compounds, emphasizing that nature’s ingredients work best together. Combining adaptogens like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha, and Bacopa Monnieri creates a synergistic effect—targeting multiple aspects of cognitive decline and delivering the results seen in the Senior Dog Study. (11:55)Measuring the Impact of Mushrooms & Adaptogens on CCD – Carter explains how the synergistic blend of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha, and Bacopa Monnieri for dogs was designed to address multiple aspects of cognitive decline, from calming the nervous system to supporting neuroprotection and brain oxygenation. To capture these effects, the team used detailed questionnaires and scoring systems to track behaviors like nighttime waking, disorientation, and social engagement—finding that while every dog’s response is different, the combination consistently improved quality of life across a wide range of cases.(14:44)Recognizing the First Signs of CCD – Dr. Joel explains that one of the earliest and most telling signs of canine cognitive decline is a shift in sleep patterns—dogs sleeping more during the day, then pacing or appearing restless at night. With wearable collars, pet parents, and researchers, can now track movement and sleep 24/7, giving an objective view of these changes. (20:01)Real-Life Transformations from Mushrooms & Adaptogens – Angela shares moving stories of senior dogs who were scheduled for euthanasia but experienced dramatic turnarounds after starting on these mushrooms & adaptogens—regaining mobility, focus, and connection with their families in just days. Dr. Joel, a seasoned veterinary researcher with over 15 years of experience, admits he had never seen natural ingredients work this quickly and effectively, reinforcing just how extraordinary these study results have been. (26:22)Beyond Anecdotes, Real Evidence from the Senior Dog Study – Carter and Dr. Joel emphasize that the Senior Dog Study is more than just testimonials. By combining real-time collar data that tracks sleep, wake cycles, and activity with caregiver questionnaires and even blood biomarkers like BDNF and CRP, they’ve created an objective, data-backed picture of how dogs are responding. Dr. Joel notes that even when improvements vary, simply slowing decline can be a meaningful win for families — and in many cases, the results are dramatic, with dogs showing better engagement, calmer behavior, and restored quality of life. (32:42)Episode Resources:The Study: Prospective Evaluation of a Mushroom Derived Nutraceutical in Dogs with Cognitive DeclineLearn more about the Senior Dog StudyWant to be a part of the Senior Dog Study? More on Mushrooms & Adaptogens for Canine Cognitive DysfunctionVeterinary Health Research CentersDownload Angela’s Resources at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

When it comes to keeping our dogs safe, collars are often the last thing pet parents question — but they can pose hidden dangers. This week on Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by Hilda Castillo-Landrum, founder of Fauna in the Foothills, pet boutique owner, blogger, and passionate advocate for dog breakaway collars. After a terrifying incident with her own Rottweiler, Cooper, Hilda discovered just how common collar strangulation accidents are — and why breakaway collars can truly be lifesaving. In this conversation, Angela and Hilda share their personal stories, explore the risks of traditional collars, and discuss how pet parents can protect their dogs with safer options.Episode Recap:Hilda shares how her Rottweiler Cooper nearly lost his life when his heavy-duty collar got caught on a fence. (00:37)Why collar strangulation incidents happen more often than most pet parents realize, and how they can be fatal without warning. (05:12)How breakaway collars work, why they’re different from cat collars, and how Hilda designed hers for both safety and style. (08:48)The pros and cons of harnesses, martingale collars, and what pet parents should know about pressure on a dog’s neck. (12:55)26,000 cases per year – The staggering number of collar strangulation incidents reported annually in the U.S., and why many more likely go unreported. (16:16) Common causes of collar strangulation in dogs, from catching on kennels, fences, and furniture to playing with other dogs, (19:36) How Hilda turned her painful experience into a mission to educate others and create safer, customizable breakaway collars. (21:19)Episode Resources:Sign up for Angela’s tips & downloads at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsLearn more about Hilda & breakaway collars at Fauna in the Foothills Follow Hilda, and Fauna in the Foothills on Instagram Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela is joined by Kate Mahoney, food-first dietary supplement expert and functional nutrition practitioner, for a deep dive into the pet supplement industry. They explore how even "natural" products often rely on synthetic ingredients and lab-made nutrients that don’t work with the body the way real food and herbs do. Angela and Kate break down how to spot red flags on supplement labels, why quality and sourcing can shift over time, and how trends and shortcuts dilute product effectiveness. From the risks of synthetic isolates to how transparency and education empower pet parents, this episode is your guide to making smarter choices for your pet’s long-term wellness.Episode Recap:Becoming a supplement expert out of necessity (00:53)Turning to traditional medicine after conventional medicine failed (5:37)Supplement quality can vary, even within the same brand, how to spot red flags (12:57)How trends, shortcuts, and synthetic ingredients dilute supplement quality (22:39)Synthetic supplements and drugs can overwhelm the body, especially in older pets (31:44)Cannabis and mushrooms impact multiple cancer pathways (36:00) Less than 15% of supplements worldwide are worth taking (44:08)Companies repackaging human supplements as pet products.(49:05)Always do your due diligence—even trusted brands can shift without warning (54:18)Transparency is the #1 sign of a trustworthy supplement company (58:17)Educating yourself is the only way to protect your pets and yourself (1:03:18)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Pet Supplement Buying Checklist and other resources at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsSupplement Quality Specialist Certification Waitlist Learn more about The Supplement AcademyFollow Kate & the Supplement Academy on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela is joined by renowned herbalist Greg Tilford, CEO and formulator of Animal Essentials. With over three decades of experience, Greg joins Angela to unpack the confusion around glycerin and alcohol in pet tinctures—explaining why glycerin is often misunderstood, how alcohol is sometimes necessary for proper extraction but is not the best option for finished pet products, and why palatability is key to effectiveness. Together, they explore the evolution of herbalism for pets, the importance of clean, simple formulations, and how truly holistic remedies support the body’s natural healing process. Learn why quality and intent matter when choosing herbal supplements for your pets.Episode Recap:The confusion surrounding glycerin as a preservative in pet products (1:10)Clarifying glycerin grades: pharmaceutical (USP) vs. industrial (2:36)Benefits of glycerin-based tinctures for pets over alcohol-based tinctures (7:00)Understanding herbal remedies beyond chemicals: the importance of plant energetics (9:19)Debunking tincture myths: glycerin, alcohol, and proper extraction explained (12:32)Why alcohol in tinctures can be problematic for pets (16:57)Holistic herbalism: supporting rather than forcing the body (19:28)Misunderstanding the role of fevers and symptoms in natural healing (21:57)The rise of informed, discerning pet parents in the holistic pet care market (22:50)Hidden additives and inactive ingredients sabotaging pet wellness (26:56)Synthetic additives in supplements are often for human appeal, not pet health (29:20)How misleading labeling in pet products can harm pets (30:38)Prioritizing purity and integrity over profits leads to lasting success (31:26)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Glycerin Guide and more resources at: AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsVisit Animal EssentialsGreg Tilford’s Mentioned Book: Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's LifeFollow Animal Essentials on Facebook and Instagram,Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health resources & education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Dr. Jeff Grognet joins us to shine a light on the hidden risks of over-vaccinating our pets. Together, we explore what many conventional vets don’t talk about—how certain vaccine ingredients can accumulate in the body, why adverse reactions are underreported, and what vaccine-related conditions often get dismissed or misdiagnosed. Dr. Jeff explains the science behind titer testing, how long vaccine protection really lasts, and why one-size-fits-all vaccine schedules may do more harm than good. With over 40 years of experience in both conventional and holistic veterinary medicine, Dr. Jeff shares empowering insights to help pet parents make safer, more informed choices.Episode Recap:Why annual vaccinations are still being pushed—despite outdated scienceWhat the vaccine guidelines actually say about immunityThe risks of over-vaccination, including autoimmune reactions and tumorsHow to interpret titer tests correctlyHow to detox your pet after a required vaccineWhy more vets don’t talk about long-term immunityThe role of education (and pharma funding) in veterinary medicineDr. Grognet’s updated vaccine guidelines for 2025Episode Resources:Visit Dr. Jeff Grognet’s Website New Earth VetDr. Grognet’s Vaccine Guidelines for 2025Want to download the Synthetic Vitamins & Minerals chart and the Additives to Avoid in Pet Supplements chart? Visit AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health resources & education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook