156: In this episode, I talk about the difference between being holistic and being rigid, and why fear of “doing the wrong thing” can sometimes delay the help our dogs truly need. I share personal reflections from my own cancer experience and how it shaped my view of integrative care for animals. We explore why getting a diagnosis is not giving up, and how veterinary medicine can act as a bridge to deeper holistic healing. I address the mistrust many guardians feel toward conventional care, and how to advocate for your dog without abandoning your values. This episode is about flexibility, listening to the body, and responding to suffering with clarity instead of fear.

Sponsored By:

→ Green Juju

→ Real Mushrooms

Topics Discussed:
→ What is holistic dog care?

→ How do herbs help dogs?

→ When to see a vet?

→ What are functional mushrooms?

→ How to combine holistic and vet care?

Check Out Rita:

→ The Herbal Dog (Book)

→ Rita’s Instagram

→ Facebook Group

→ My Courses

→ My Website and Store

Produced By: Drake Peterson

155: In this episode, I’m answering a listener's question about dental health for dogs and sharing why the mouth is never just about teeth. I talk through a popular dental formula from an herbal perspective and explain how ingredients meant for oral health can also support detox, the gut, and overall balance in the body.

This is a casual, solo episode with me connecting the dots between plaque, inflammation, and whole dog wellness, plus a few important cautions to keep in mind. If you like learning the why behind products and want a more holistic way to think about dental care, this one’s for you.

Topics Discussed:

→ Can dental plaque affect my dog’s overall health?

→ Are herbal dental products safe for dogs?

→ How does dental health connect to detox in dogs?

→ What should I know before using dog dental supplements?

Sponsored By:

→ Pug & Hound Apothecary

Check Out Rita:

→ The Herbal Dog (Book)

→ Rita’s Instagram

→ Facebook Group

→ My Courses

→ My Website and Store

Produced By: Drake Peterson

154: In this short holiday episode, I’m chatting about antibiotics and my own love, frustration relationship with them. They can absolutely save lives, but when we don’t rebuild the microbiome afterward, our dogs can deal with gut issues, skin problems, anxiety, allergies, and other symptoms months or even years later. I talk about when I personally choose to use antibiotics, what I look for afterward, and why repairing the gut is such a big deal for long term health.

Sponsored By:

→ Pug & Hound Apothecary

Show Links:
→ Meliora Laundry Detergent

Check Out Rita:

→ The Herbal Dog (Book)

→ Rita’s Instagram

→ Facebook Group

→ My Courses

→ My Website and Store

Produced By: Drake Peterson

153: Winter is here, and our dogs need extra care! Today I’m covering herbal infusions to support your dog’s kidneys, digestion, and overall wellness during the colder months. From parsley and goldenrod to marshmallow root, nettles, and ginger, I explain how to prepare safe and effective infusions, dose them for different sizes, and observe your dog’s responses. I also share tips on probiotics, lymphatic health, seasonal healing, and journaling to track what works best for your dog.

Topics Discussed:

→ How can herbal infusions improve my dog’s winter health?

→ Which herbs support kidney and bladder function in dogs?

→ What’s the best way to dose herbal teas for dogs?

→ How can parsley, marshmallow root, and nettles help dogs?

→ Can herbal remedies reduce anxiety and stress in dogs?

Sponsored By:

→ Green Juju

→ Real Mushrooms

Check Out Rita:

→ The Herbal Dog (Book)

→ Rita’s Instagram

→ Facebook Group

→ My Courses

→ My Website and Store

Produced By: Drake Peterson

152: In this holiday short, I’m digging into something most dog parents barely think about, all the stuff we put on our dogs and around them. Shampoos, sprays, cleaners, even the things on your floors, it all adds up, and your dog’s skin, liver, kidneys, and microbiome are doing way more work than you realize. I share a few stories, a few surprises, and why some products you think are harmless might actually be stirring up itchiness, inflammation, and behavior changes.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that shampoo or household cleaner matters for your dog’s health, you’ll definitely want to listen to this one.

Sponsored By:

→ Pug & Hound Apothecary

Check Out Rita:

→ The Herbal Dog (Book)

→ Rita’s Instagram

→ Facebook Group

→ My Courses

→ My Website and Store

Produced By: Drake Peterson

151: Ever wonder why your dog has those stubborn brown tear stains? Today I’m looking into what’s really going on behind the eyes. It’s not just cosmetic…tear stains can signal congestion in the liver, gut, and lymphatic system. I break down how the microbiome, liver, and lymph all play a role, and share what you can do to help restore natural detox pathways and calm inflammation.

Sponsored By:

→ Green Juju

→ Real Mushrooms

Check Out Rita:

→ The Herbal Dog (Book)

→ Rita’s Instagram

→ Facebook Group

→ My Courses

→ My Website and Store

Produced By: Drake Peterson

150: Today we’re talking about all things gallbladder: what it is, why it shows up, and the simple things that can influence healthy bile flow in dogs. I also answer a listener's question about supportive options and walk through the everyday factors that can play a role like diet, stress, thyroid function, gut balance, and hydration.

Topics Discussed:

→ What causes gallbladder sludge in dogs?

→ How can I support healthy bile flow naturally?

→ Can diet changes help my dog’s gallbladder?

→ What signs of bile stagnation should dog parents watch for?

→ How do stress and hormones affect a dog’s digestion?

Sponsored By:

→ Pug & Hound Apothecary

Check Out Rita:

→ The Herbal Dog

→ Rita’s Instagram

→ Facebook Group

→ My Courses

→ My Website and Store

Produced By: Drake Peterson

149: Today I’m covering all things reproductive health for dogs. I’m not getting too heavy on the science, promise, just some insights and little clarifications from my recent spay/neuter clinic, plus some behind-the-scenes stuff you might not have considered.

We also get to talk about the body as a whole system: how everything from the brain to the liver and even the adrenals are connected, whether we realize it or not.

Sponsored By:

→ Green Juju

→ Real Mushrooms

Check Out Rita:

→ The Herbal Dog (Book)

→ Rita’s Instagram

→ Facebook Group

→ My Courses

→ My Website and Store

Produced By: Drake Peterson