Dogs Are Individuals

186: As we transition from summer into fall, our dogs can experience subtle changes in their bodies and overall health. In this episode, I talk about the connection between the lungs and colon, how seasonal changes can affect breathing, digestion, skin, and hydration, and what signs to watch for in your dog. I also discuss supporting dogs through the transition with moisture, diet, and herbs based on their individual needs and energetics. Sponsored By: → Animal Essentials → 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

185: Is all milk thistle really the same? In this episode, I talk about the difference between whole milk thistle seed and standardized milk thistle extracts, how they differ, and when you might use one over the other. I also discuss what to look for on labels, the role of milk thistle in liver support, and why it’s important to know exactly what you’re giving 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

184: In this short episode, I’m coming to you from SuperZoo in Las Vegas to share one of her biggest takeaways from the event. After dealing with significant back pain throughout the week, I was introduced to Tvati, a topical oil traditionally made from the inner bark of Hibiscus tiliaceus, and was surprised by my experience using it. Sponsored By: → Animal Essentials is offering 40% off site-wide, 50% off when you spend $200, and free shipping on orders of $50 for a limited time. → 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

183: Does your dog struggle with itchy skin, ear issues, or constantly chewing their paws? In this episode, I talk all about candida and yeast overgrowth in dogs, what can cause it to get out of balance, and some of the signs you may notice in your dog. I also discuss the role of diet, antibiotics, stress, and gut health, along with some of my favorite herbs, supplements, and ways to support your dog while bringing yeast back into balance. Topics Discussed: → Candida and Yeast Overgrowth → Signs of Yeast Overgrowth → Gut Health and the Microbiome → Diet, Herbs and Supplements Sponsored By: → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms → 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

182: Should you deworm your dog regularly, or only when it's actually necessary? In this episode, I break down why routine deworming without testing may not always be the best approach and explain the importance of fecal testing before treatment. I also discuss how parasites affect your dog's health, the role they play in the immune system, why heavy parasite burdens should always be addressed, and how to take a more informed, balanced approach to deworming. Topics discussed: → Fecal Testing Before Deworming → Parasites & Your Dog's Immune System → Common Intestinal Worms in Dogs → Risks of Routine Deworming → Natural Support for Parasite Management Sponsored By: → Animal Essentials → 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

181: Wildfire smoke can be hard on both you and your dog. In this episode, I share simple ways to reduce smoke exposure, how to recognize when your dog may need extra support, and the herbs I reach for most during wildfire season, including mullein, plantain, marshmallow root, licorice, and New England aster. As always, it's about supporting the individual in front of you with herbs that soothe, nourish, and work with the body. Topics Discussed: → Wildfire Smoke & Dogs → Smoke Inhalation Remedies → Herbs for Lung Support → Mullein & Plantain Benefits → Air Quality & Smoke Safety Sponsored By: → Green Juju → Animal Essentials → Real Mushrooms Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog (Book) → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

180: Comfrey is one of herbalism's most beloved plants but it's also one of the most misunderstood. While it's known for supporting the healing of bones, ligaments, tendons, and skin, it deserves a healthy dose of respect. In this episode, I share how I use comfrey in my practice, why it's one of my favorite herbs for external healing, and why I'm much more cautious when it comes to internal use. We'll talk about the compounds that make comfrey controversial, when it may be appropriate to use, and the safer alternatives I often reach for instead. As always, it's about understanding the whole plant, honoring its strengths, and using it thoughtfully for the dogs we love. Topics Discussed: → Is comfrey safe for dogs? → What does comfrey help heal in dogs? → Can dogs take comfrey internally? → When should you avoid using comfrey? → What herbs are safer than comfrey? Sponsored By: → Green Juju → Animal Essentials → 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

179: Many dog owners worry about whether their dog's body is too acidic or too alkaline…but is that actually the right question? In this episode, I explain how pH works throughout your dog's body, why healthy dogs naturally have different pH levels in different organs, and why trying to "alkalize" your dog may do more harm than good. You'll learn how blood pH differs from urine pH, what urine testing can actually reveal, and why looking at the whole dog is more important than focusing on a single number. Topics Discussed: → What does pH actually mean in dogs? → Should you try to make your dog more alkaline? → What is a healthy urine pH for dogs? → How do you test your dog's urine pH at home? → Which herbs support your dog's bladder and kidneys naturally? Sponsored By: → Green Juju → Animal Essentials → 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

178: Mullein is one of my favorite herbs for supporting irritated dog ears naturally. In this episode, I share why mullein flower oil has been used for generations to calm inflammation, ease discomfort, and support the ear's natural healing process. You'll learn how ear health connects to the rest of the body, why recurring ear issues often point to deeper imbalances, and how to safely harvest and make your own mullein-infused oil at home. Topics Discussed: → Mullein Oil for Dog Ear Health → Natural Remedies for Ear Inflammation → The Connection Between Ear Health & the Lymphatic System → How to Harvest & Make Mullein Oil → Supporting the Body Beyond Ear Symptoms Sponsored By: → Real Mushrooms → 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

177: In this episode, I'm diving into frequency medicine and why I believe it's an often-overlooked part of healing. I talk about hertz, resonance, and the energetic signatures of plants, trees, mushrooms, animals, and even the Earth itself. We explore how frequency shows up in herbal medicine, flower essences, and nature, and why spending time outdoors can have such a profound effect on both us and our dogs. I also share some of my favorite examples of frequency-based healing, including rose, lavender, oak, grounding, and the Schumann Resonance. If you've ever been curious about the energetic side of herbalism, this episode is for you. Topics Discussed: → What frequency medicine is and how it may support healing → The energetic signatures of plants, trees, mushrooms, and animals → Hertz, resonance, and the science behind frequency → Why nature has a powerful impact on dogs and humans → Grounding, the Schumann Resonance, and nervous system health → How herbalists use frequency, flower essences, and plant medicine to support emotional and physical well-being 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

176: I recently got a chance to review the clinical research behind Green Juju 's Soil Probiotics, and honestly, the results blew my mind. In this short episode, I'm breaking down the findings from a study conducted with Innovative Pet Lab and discussing what they could mean for your dog's gut health, immune function, skin, digestion, and overall well-being. Topics Discussed: → Do soil probiotics help dogs with digestive issues? → Can soil probiotics improve a dog's immune system? → How do soil probiotics affect the canine microbiome? → Can probiotics help reduce inflammation in dogs? → What are the benefits of soil-based probiotics for dogs? Sponsored By: → Animal Essentials → 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

175: In this one, I'm walking through what pancreatitis actually is, the difference between acute and chronic, what causes it (hint: I don't blame high-fat diets), and how to recognize it in your dog. I also share my full herbal protocol with dosing for phytoembryonic therapies and glycerin extracts. Plus a quick note on the GastroElm supplement I love for recovery and chronic cases. And yes, there's a 5'7" poison hemlock plant living in my hedgerow now. She's staying. 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

174: Have you ever found yourself replaying all the things you wish you had known before your dog passed away? Today I'm talking about grief, regret, and those imaginary timelines we create after losing a beloved dog. I share a few stories about my own dogs, the lessons they taught me, and why I believe our dogs never want us carrying guilt after they're gone. Topics Discussed: → How do I cope with pet loss guilt? → Why do I feel guilty after my dog dies? → How does grief change over time? → What flower essences help with grief? → How can I let go of regret after pet loss? Sponsored By: → Pug & Hound Apothecary → Animal Essentials Show Links: → All-Natural Dog Tick Masterclass Further Listening: → How To Choose The Right Herbal Remedy For Dogs | Short Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog (Book) → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

173: I’ve noticed so many dog parents getting overwhelmed trying to choose the “right” herbal product for their dogs…tinctures, glycerites, powders, chews… what’s actually best? In this short episode, I break down the differences between some of the most common herbal formats, how they work in the body, and why delivery method matters just as much as the herb itself. I also share when I personally reach for powders versus glycerites versus chews, plus some practical examples using seasonal allergy support formulas. If you’ve ever wondered why one herbal product works differently than another, this episode is for you. Topics Discussed: → What herbal format works fastest? → Are herbal chews effective for dogs? → When should dogs use herbal powders? → What are glycerites used for? → Which herbs support seasonal allergies? 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

172: What if your dog’s anxiety, itching, reactivity, or destructive behavior isn’t just behavioral… but a sign they’re not moving enough? In this episode, I’m talking about the hidden effects of sedentary living on dogs and why movement is about so much more than exercise. From nervous system regulation and lymphatic flow to emotional health and behavior, I break down why modern indoor lifestyles may be disconnecting our dogs from what their bodies were designed to do. Topics Discussed: → Why are dogs becoming sedentary? → Can lack of movement cause anxiety? → Why do dogs need sniff walks? → How does stress affect dogs? → What behaviors signal under stimulation? 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

171: Today I’m breaking down the key differences between alfalfa and nettles for dogs, including how each herb supports recovery, allergies, joints, circulation, and overall vitality. I’ll explain why alfalfa is one of my favorite tonic herbs for depleted dogs, when nettles may work better for inflammation and allergies, and how herbal energetics can help you choose the right fit for your dog. Sponsored By: → 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

170: Ever find a lump on your dog and immediately panic? In this episode, I’m breaking down sebaceous cysts, what they actually are, why they form, and what your dog’s body is trying to tell you. I walk you through the connection between the skin, liver, and lymphatic system, plus simple, effective ways to support your dog naturally. From warm compresses to herbal remedies and diet shifts, this is about addressing the root cause, not just the bump. Topics Discussed: → What causes sebaceous cysts in dogs → Are dog cysts dangerous or harmless → How to treat dog cysts naturally → Why does my dog keep getting cysts → What helps dog skin lumps go away 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

169: Ear hematomas can appear suddenly, turning a normal dog ear into a swollen, fluid filled flap almost overnight. In this episode, I walk through what a hematoma actually is, why it happens, and how conventional treatment often focuses on drainage or surgery with mixed long term results. Topics Discussed: → What causes ear hematomas in dogs → Can dog hematomas heal naturally → How to treat dog ear hematoma → Why do dog ears swell suddenly → Do ear hematomas require surgery 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

168: In this episode, I wrap up my lead series by walking through what a real herbal protocol for lead exposure in dogs actually looks like in practice. Instead of aggressive detox approaches, I focus on gentle drainage, proper binding support, and working with the body in a steady, structured way over time. 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

167: In this episode, I break down how lead and other heavy metals quietly build up in your dog’s body, and what you can do about it using herbal medicine. I walk you through phytoembryonic therapies, including European alder, black poplar, grapevine, and more, and explain how they support detoxification, the liver, lymphatic system, and nervous system. Topics Discussed: → How do you detox lead from a dog naturally? → What are symptoms of heavy metal toxicity in dogs? → Are herbal remedies safe for dog detox? → What is phytoembryonic therapy for pets? → How can I support my dog’s liver detox naturally? 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