Dogs Are Individuals

131: On this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I’m unpacking the complex world of leaky gut in dogs. From energetic patterns like dampness and heat to key causes like antibiotics, stress, and candida overgrowth, we’ll talk about how this condition affects digestion, allergies, immune health, and even behavior. Learn how to recognize the signs, understand the role of the lymphatic system and digestive enzymes, and explore natural recovery protocols using herbs, probiotics, and supportive testing. Whether you're just starting your dog’s healing journey or looking for deeper insights, this episode is important for any dog owner.  Topics Discussed: → How leaky gut develops in dogs → The role of the lymphatic system → Herbal remedies and supplements to support dogs with leaky gut → Energetic patterns and how they influence gut issues → Step-by-step protocols for gut recovery Sponsored By: → Earth Buddy  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms → Goodness Gracious → Fido’s Bone Broth → Innovative Pet Lab → AniCell Biotech → Pawdega → Rawesome → Raw Pets Check Out Rita: → SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

130: This week I’m coming to you from the road—literally—while on my Herbal Dog Tour! In this episode, I dig into a question I was asked on tour: Can our dogs intuitively choose their energetics like wild animals do? I unpack why our dogs aren’t wolves, how seasonal eating plays into health, and why commercial diets make energetics more important than ever.  Topics Discussed: → Can dogs choose their own food based on energetics? → What’s the difference between wild wolves' diets and domestic dogs’ diets? → Why are food energetics important in commercial dog diets? → How do seasonal foods affect your dog’s health? → What proteins and herbs support energetic balance in dogs? Sponsored By: → Earth Buddy  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms  → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Goodness Gracious  → Feed Real → Fido’s Bone Broth → Coco Therapy → Innovative Pet Lab → Pug & Hound Apothecary Check Out Rita: → SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

129: In this episode, we’re getting real about those “oh no” vet moments—the kind that leave you sweaty, stressed, and maybe yelling at your dog’s doctor (oops). Emergency vet Dr. Lynda Loudon joins us to chat about how to be a more prepared, less panicked pet parent and how to navigate difficult conversations with your vet.    Topics Discussed:  → What should I ask my vet before a procedure? → How do I prepare for an unexpected vet visit? → Why is communication with your vet so important? → What mistakes do pet parents make at the vet?   Sponsored By:  → Pawdega → Pug & Hound → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms → Goodness Gracious  → Fido’s Bone Broth → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Earth Buddy  → Innovative Pet Lab → Coco Therapy → Rawsome Nutritional Excellence  → Raw Pets → Feline Essentials | Two Crazy Cat Ladies → AniCell Biotech  → Farm God Naturals  → My Pet Carnivore    Check Out Dr. Lynda:  → Website  → Canine Experts Academy  → Instagram    Check out Rita:  → BUY MY BOOK!  → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson  

128: In this episode, I’m jumping right into seasonal allergies — and why they might not be all about the pollen. I never thought I’d be taken down by allergies, but here I am, sounding like a frog underwater. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from my own experience and how it relates to your dog’s health. Seasonal allergy symptoms are often a reflection of what’s going on inside the body, especially the liver and lymphatic systems. I dive into how histamine is processed, why liver function matters, and how to support your dog’s internal terrain naturally. No Benadryl here — just herbs, immune support, and some real talk from someone currently swimming in mucus. Topics Discussed:  What Causes Seasonal Allergies Besides Pollen? How Are the Liver and Lymphatic System Linked to Allergy Symptoms in Humans and Dogs? Which Nutrients Help the Body Clear Histamine Naturally? What Are the Best Natural Herbs to Support Your Dog’s Immune System During Allergy Season? Sponsored By:  Pug & Hound   Green Juju Real Mushrooms    Check out Rita:  SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson

127: This week, I’m digging into Addison’s disease in dogs—what it is, how it shows up, and why it’s so often missed. It’s one of those conditions that can mimic a bunch of other issues, which makes getting the right diagnosis a real challenge. I’ll break down what’s actually happening with your dog’s adrenal glands, how vets typically test for it, and what treatment looks like. If you’ve got a dog that’s been acting off—low energy, vomiting, or just not quite themselves—this episode’s for you. Topics Discussed:  What are the early signs of Addison’s disease in dogs? How is Addison’s disease diagnosed in dogs? What causes Addison’s disease in dogs? What is the treatment for canine Addison’s disease? Can Addison’s disease in dogs be managed long-term? Sponsored By:   Green Juju Real Mushrooms  Goodness Gracious   Earth Buddy  Innovative Pet Lab Coco Therapy AniCell Biotech  Pawdega  Check Out Rita:  BUY MY BOOK  Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

126: In this short episode, I go on a much-needed rant about something that truly made my stomach turn: Milk-Bone has teamed up with Jif peanut butter to create a new dog treat—and it's just as bad as it sounds. I break down the disturbing ingredients in both products, from glyphosate-laced wheat and trans fats to sugar, molasses, and mystery meats. These kinds of humanized, ultra-processed treats are not only unnecessary—they’re harmful. If you’ve ever wondered why I’m so passionate about reading labels and advocating for real, whole food for dogs, this episode will explain exactly why. One in two dogs will die of cancer—and it’s time we stop pretending these mainstream treats are “just fine.”   Topics Discussed:  Are Milk-Bone dog treats safe for dogs to eat? What harmful ingredients are in Jif peanut butter for dogs? Why should dog owners avoid processed treats with sugar and trans fats? What are the risks of feeding dogs mainstream peanut butter brands? How do common dog treats contribute to inflammation and cancer in dogs?   Sponsored By:  Green Juju Real Mushrooms  Goodness Gracious  Dr Ruth Roberts   Earth Buddy  Innovative Pet Lab Coco Therapy Pawdega    Further Listening: Forever Dog Life Review    Check Out Rita:  The Herbal Dog (Book!) Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson

125: In this episode, we’re diving deep into what happens after your dog gets bit by a tick — because that moment matters. I answer a listener's question about my After formula and break down how each ingredient helps support your dog’s body post-bite — from the cellular level all the way to the emotional layer. We’re talking olive bud, sweet chestnut, teasel, mushrooms, and more — all working together to modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and help your dog come back into balance. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do after your dog gets a bite, this is your roadmap. Gentle, effective, and in tune with nature. Let’s jump in! Topics Discussed: What should you do after your dog gets bit by a tick? How does the After formula help dogs recover from tick bites? Which natural ingredients support a dog’s healing process after a tick bite? What are the best natural remedies to support a dog’s immune system post-tick bite?   Sponsored By:  Green Juju Real Mushrooms   Check out Rita: SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store

In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, we are going to talk about Cushing’s by request. I’m going to share my dog’s journey to help you recognize signs like panting, skin changes, and increased appetite. We’ll also explore diagnostic tools and treatment options, including holistic support. If your dog’s health feels like a mystery, this one’s for you. Topics Discussed: What are the early signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs? How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed in dogs? What treatment options are available for dogs with Cushing’s disease? Can holistic care help manage Cushing’s disease in dogs? Why is my dog panting more and gaining weight—could it be Cushing’s?   Topics Discussed:  What are the early signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs? How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed in dogs? What treatment options are available for dogs with Cushing’s disease? Can holistic care help manage Cushing’s disease in dogs? Why is my dog panting more and gaining weight—could it be Cushing’s?   Sponsored By:  Green Juju Real Mushrooms  Goodness Gracious  Fido’s Bone Broth Dr Ruth Roberts  Earth Buddy  Innovative Pet Lab Coco Therapy Rawsome Nutritional Excellence  Raw Pets Feline Essentials | Two Crazy Cat Ladies AniCell Biotech   Check Out Rita:  Rita's Book Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store

123: In this episode, I’m covering a fascinating topic: the glymphatic pathway. Think of it as your (and your dog’s!) brain detox system—kind of like the lymphatic system, but for the brain. We’ll explore how it works, why it matters for cognitive clarity and emotional regulation, and what you can do to support it naturally, especially in your dog. I’ll also share updates from my book tour and some thoughts on dog dementia. We’ll touch on essential oils, phytoembryonic therapy, and lifestyle practices that help keep this system flowing. If you're curious about how sleep, side-sleeping, herbs, and even breathing techniques can impact brain health—this one’s for you.   Sponsored By:  Real Mushrooms Green Juju Earth Buddy  Dr Ruth Roberts  CocoTherapy  Pawdega  Fidos Bone Broth  Check Out Rita:  THE HERBAL DOG  Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

122: In today’s episode, we are going to talk about preparing the gut for probiotics. A lot of people don’t realize that we have to prepare and strengthen the gut before it’s ready for probiotics, which I talk about a lot in my new book The Herbal Dog.    Strengthening the glycocalyx and IGA builds a resistant gut barrier before introducing probiotics. This is especially true in sensitive or immune compromised individuals. Strengthening these allows for commensal bacteria, which is good bacteria, can actually stick to the gut wall.    Tune in to learn how natural remedies can help strengthen your dog's gut, making it the perfect environment for probiotics to thrive and support their overall health.   Sponsored by: Goodness Gracious  Green Juju Fido’s Bone Broth   Check Out Rita: BUY THE HERBAL DOG Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson