Dogs Are Individuals

166: In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most misunderstood and fear-driven topics in the natural pet space, lead and heavy metals in herbs. I break down what actually matters when it comes to exposure, why sourcing and dosage are everything, and how to think about herbal safety without spiraling into fear. Sponsored By:  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms Topics Discussed:  → Are herbs safe for dogs long term → Do dog supplements contain heavy metals → What herbs detox heavy metals safely → Are powdered herbs safe for dogs → How to reduce toxins in dogs → What is safest herbal form for dogs Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog (Book) → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

165: Are heavy metals hiding in your dog’s herbal supplements? In this short episode, I break down the truth about lead in herbs and why this issue is more about environmental exposure than contamination. I walk you through how plants absorb heavy metals, why roots like dandelion and turmeric carry higher risk, and how sourcing plays a huge role in safety. I also share what to look for in high quality herbal products, why organic doesn’t always mean safer, and how to support your dog’s natural detox pathways. If you’ve felt alarmed by recent conversations around herbal safety, this episode will help you think more clearly and make more informed choices for your dog. 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

164: Today I’m covering a topic most of us try to avoid…mold. I’ll walk you through how mold affects both dogs and people, why some of us get sick while others don’t, and the key systems in the body that handle toxins like the liver, bile, and lymph. I also share my favorite herbal and nutritional remedies to support detoxification, energy, and immune function safely and effectively, plus tips for building a resilient body for yourself and your dog. Whether you’re managing environmental exposure or just curious about holistic health, this episode has practical advice and actionable steps. Topics Discussed: → How does mold affect dogs? → Best herbs for mold detox → Lymphatic system and mold → Natural remedies for mycotoxins → Supporting liver and bile flow Sponsored By:  → Green Juju Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog (Book) → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

163: Okay, now onto eyes - last episode we talked cataracts, today it’s glaucoma. These two get lumped together a lot, but they’re really different. Cataracts mess with the lens, glaucoma messes with pressure inside the eye, and both can cause vision problems if ignored. I explain why fluid movement, lymphatic drainage, liver health, and nutrition all play a role…not just for your dog, but honestly, it applies to us too. Topics Discussed:  → What causes dog glaucoma → How to prevent cataracts → Best nutrients for eye health → How lymph impacts eye pressure → Herbs supporting dog vision 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

162: Ever wonder what’s really going on beneath the surface when we talk about our dogs’ eye health? Today we’re hanging out in that space between science, intuition, and good old fashioned common sense, talking about cataracts from a whole dog ecosystem perspective. It’s not just about eyes, it’s about what’s happening inside, from diet and minerals to stress and seasonal living. No panic, just practical, grounded ideas you can actually think about applying in real life with your dog. 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

161: In this short episode, I’m sharing practical ways to help your dog recover after a dental procedure without overcomplicating things. We’re looking at simple, natural support ideas that help your dog’s body handle stress, inflammation, and healing from the inside out. If you’ve ever wondered what to do after your dog gets dental work, this is a quick, easy listen with tips you can start thinking about right away. 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

160: We’re continuing our deep look at dental health, but this time I’m taking you beyond plaque and tartar and into terrain, inflammation, mineral balance, and how chronic periodontal disease can quietly impact the heart valves. Dental disease is never just about brushing. It’s about the ecosystem inside your dog, their minerals, their liver, their lymphatic flow, their stress levels, and their immune strength. Everything is connected. If you want to understand how oral inflammation trickles down into heart health and what that means for longevity, this episode is for you. Sponsored By:  → Green Juju Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

159: Today’s episode is all about dental cleanings. We’re talking systemic effects, liver, lymph, and kidney support, and how anesthesia can impact more than just the teeth. I’ll cover everything from detox support, hydration, gentle movement, antioxidants, to helping your dog’s organs process the stress of a procedure safely. Remember, a dental isn’t just about the teeth…it’s a systemic event, and supporting your dog makes all the difference in recovery. → Canine Dental and Mouthcare Course | 35% off with code MOUTH  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

Since it is dental month, I wanted to sit down and chat about how oral health is not just about teeth or breath, it is about digestion, immunity, inflammation, lymph flow, behavior, and honestly your dog’s whole vibe. We dig into how chewing and saliva support the nervous system, why oral bacteria can impact the heart, liver, joints, and gut, and how low grade dental issues can quietly show up as skin problems, ear trouble, or mood changes. I also share some herbal perspectives, lymphatic thoughts, and the little things you can watch for at home to help your dog feel better from the inside out. → Canine Dental and Mouthcare Course | 35% off with code mouth  Sponsored By:  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms  Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog (Book) → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store

157: In this short, I’m talking about ozonated ear drops and why they’ve become such a helpful part of my dogs’ ear care routine. With my own bulldogs being prone to chronic ear irritation and flare ups, I’ve been looking for gentle ways to support their ears before things get out of hand, and ozonated oils have been a real game changer. I walk you through what ozone actually is, how ozonated ear drops work, and why the ears are such a delicate ecosystem. I also share how ear issues can connect back to the kidneys, liver, immune system, gut, and even emotional stress, and why prevention matters while we work on balancing the whole body. 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