I think my guest today, Dr. Laurie McCauley, is the smartest person I have ever talked to. Dr. Laurie has really pioneered and revolutionized canine body conditioning and therapy. When I met her at the Feed Real Summit this past October and asked her to be on my podcast, I didn't know we'd take our conversation into the many directions we did. Dr. Laurie knows a whole lot about many supportive body modalities and we chat about many in this episode, my favorite being the tuning forks!
Follow Dr. Laurie on Facebook, IG, and YouTube. Take a course on her website and use promo code PUPPUP for 10% off!
Light. We all know it's important for plants but my guest, Jackie Jolie explains how important it is for us too. Light is one of the most studied modalities proven to have profound benefits for us emotionally and physically. Julie shares a story of how her red light jacket helped a paralyzed dog walk within FIVE DAYS! Jackie really breaks down the science of light and I was just truly blown away. We seriously take light for granted!
Follow Jackie on Instagram and learn more about her company Equisol.
Get 10% off your red light jacket here.
Summary
In this enlightening episode, I interview Michelle Thomas, an animal communicator and intuitive healer. We explore the transformative journey from traditional veterinary practices to holistic pet care, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, energetics, and emotional health in animal well-being. Michelle shares her unique approach to animal communication, the significance of personal energy work, and actionable recommendations for pet parents to connect with their pets on a deeper level. Our conversation also touches on common health issues in pets, the wisdom animals impart, and even the unexpected insights from ants, showcasing the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Connect with Michelle on IG or her website.
We are really good at considering what we feed our dogs- the ingredients in the bowl. But, have you really thought about HOW we feed our dogs? Today, I am joined by Dr. Carol Smeja, the genius behind the Mine Pet Platter. I have had amazing success using this plate-style feeder for Sully but learning more about a dog's perception might inspire you to reconsider your dog bowl too.
Grab yours at https://minepetplatter.com/ and use promo code PP&A for 10% off!
You've heard it before- the gut plays an extremely important and vast role in our behavior and health. In today's episode, I, and my guest Melissa, dive even deeper into the importance of the gut microbiome and discuss FMT or Fecal Microbiota Transplants. That's right, take someone else's poo and shove it up your dog's booty to transfer all the good bugs into your pup's gut microbiome.
Check out FMT products at 15% off here. Your discount is automatically applied at checkout.
In this episode, I dive into the benefits of fresh food diets for dogs, particularly focusing on a recent study by The Farmers Dog. Let's explore the metabolic advantages of fresh food, its impact on aging, and I'll provide practical tips for dog owners looking to improve their pets' nutrition. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding dog food ingredients and the potential health benefits of a fresher diet.
Wanna check out the study? Read it HERE
Bobbie Bhambree has been a wishlist guest for me since I heard her present and met her at the APDT conference in 2024. Her work around resilience in dog has really helped me develop my practice and my Tenacious Teens group class. Bobbie takes us on a joruney of the neuroscience behind resiliency and what we can do to help our dogs develop this skill.
We also experience some technical difficulties, so unfortunately Bobbie is only visually present for part of out conversation.
Learn more about Bobbie and her work here.
Canine Cognitive Decline (CCD) is something that we're told is normal, part of aging and there isn't anything we can do about it. Well, only 2 of those things is correct. Carter Easler, the Director of Education and Research at CBD Dog Health helped pioneer a study that proves mushroom, YES MUSHROOMS, can have a positive effect on CCD, reversing some of its effects or halting progression. In this episode, Carter and I talk about the study itself, its results and what we can do, as pet parents, for our amazing dogs as they age.
Check out the study here.
Get your paws on Clarity, the blend used in the study here.
Hip and Joint health for our pets is often an aspect of pet care that we overlook but is extremely important. In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Christine, a practicing vet and co-founder of Jope, a breakthrough hip & joint supplement that uses UC-II collagen over traditional ingredients like glucosamine or chondroitin.
Jordan's Way is an amazing traveling fundraiser that blends the vibe of a phone-a-thon and the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. Kris and his team have raised over $13 MILLION for animal shelters all over the country and he's not stopping anytime soon. In fact, Kris is kicking things up a couple of notches with the first ever Jodan's Way BOWL happening in November 2025.
I'm sure you've heard some great benefits of coconut oil. But Charisa and Carmina of CocoTherapy are here to school you to the next level! In today's conversation, these ladies throw down a ton of knowledge about the quality and production of great coconut oil, and really break down some science and some very interesting health benefits of the super food. I learned a ton and I hope you do too!
Matt Bryant, also known as the Texas Dog Father, has created a unique and refreshing way for behaviorally challenged dogs to get the training and behavioral rehabilitation that could save their lives. Matt developed a Family Language in which he uses parent-child bonding and a group of his own dogs to help dogs learn in new and profound ways. I have been learning from Matt for about 10 years and am always blown away and amazed at the result he and his team can produce giving these dogs a better quality of life and a second chance.
The dog training world is wild! With little to no regulation and sketchy philosophies and techniques pet parents need to know what to look out for before hiring someone. As someone who has worked in the training industry for 12 years, I am still blown away by what some people are allowed to do to our beloved animals. In today's episode, we chat about what certification looks like, what various ways someone might work with their client dogs, and some really scary and sad stories happening right here in San Antonio.
Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Dr. Cliff Redford, a seasoned veterinarian with a passion for wildlife rescue and a unique perspective on the corporatization of vet clinics. From thrilling rescue stories to the challenges of maintaining a private practice, Dr. Cliff shares his journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Studies show our dogs have protection after vaccination for 10-14 YEARS!? Why the heck do we vaccinate annually? In today's episode, we highlight the importance of titer testing, simple blood draws that are then tested for antibodies. These tests are important so that YOU can make an educated decision to re-vaccinate instead of vaccinating based off a calendar. #titertesting #dogvaccinations #titer
Age and long-term protective immunity in dogs and cats, 2010 study
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of canine nutrition, focusing on the role of carbohydrates in a dog's diet. Discover how our furry friends, as facultative carnivores, have evolved to adapt to a mixed diet, including carbs, unlike their wolf ancestors. I explore the genetic differences that enable dogs to digest starches and the impact of carbs on their health and behavior. Tune in to learn about the balance between meat and plant-based foods, and how to make informed choices for your dog's diet. #DogNutrition #DogsAndCarbs
📚 Source: Bosch G, Hagen-Plantinga EA, Hendriks WH. (2015). “Dietary Macronutrient Profile Affects Energy Metabolism in Dogs.” British Journal of Nutrition.
📚 Source: Freedman AH, et al. (2014). “Genome Sequencing Highlights the Dynamic Early History of Dogs.” PLOS Genetics.
📚 Source: Hall JA, et al. (2013). “Salivary and pancreatic amylase levels in the domestic dog.” Journal of Animal Science.
📚 Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 2015.
📚 Source: Benbrook CM (2016). Trends in glyphosate herbicide use in the United States and globally. Environmental Sciences Europe.
📚 Source: Occurrence and profiles of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in paired urine and feces of humans, cats, and dogs
📚 Source: Aldrich, G. (2012). Pet food processing—understanding transformations in processing. Kansas State University.
📚 Source: Niemiec BA. (2008). “Periodontal disease.” Topics in Companion Animal Medicine.
📚 Source: Kirchoff NS, et al. (2019). “The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs.” PeerJ.
The big C word- Cancer. It's a scary word to hear and nobody wants to receive the news. Unfortunately, 12 million dogs and cats are diagnosed with cancer each year and Moose's March wants to do something about it. From early cancer detection kits to approved products that can help with the fight against cancer, this organization is doing cool things.
In this episode, I am joined by Dominika from Dog Meets Baby. Together, we explore the essential steps to prepare your furry friend for the arrival of a new baby. From understanding dog behavior changes during pregnancy to practical training tips and the importance of planning, this episode is packed with valuable advice for expectant parents. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or new to the world of pets, you'll find actionable insights to ensure a harmonious home for both your baby and your dog. Tune in to learn how to create a safe and loving environment for your growing family.
I've been observing dogs playing in groups since 2007 and here are all the play behaviors that I will stop right away. The more dogs involved in the play, the more dangerous these play behaviors can become.
There are many things our dogs do that we often misinterpret or simply don't understand. Today, I break down a few of those behaviors, but it is always important to keep in mind context and the history/personality of your specific dog!