Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino - Formerly It's A Dog's Life

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by holistic pet health coach Naja Muller of Tonka’s Journey and Green Paws Holistic Pet Care. Naja shares how she’s helped her handicapped and chronically challenged dogs stay comfortable, mobile, and joyful using a holistic pain management toolkit, without relying on long-term pharmaceuticals. Angela and Naja dive into the five pain pathways, why conventional pain meds often lead to stacking multiple drugs with serious side effects, and how whole-plant cannabis, psilocybin, nutrition, and at-home therapies can work together to support dogs living with pain.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Naja Muller, Tonka’s Journey and sets the stage for a deep dive into chronic pain, handicapped dogs, and holistic pain support. (00:00)They break down the five pain-signaling pathways and explain how conventional drugs usually target just one, while cannabis and other botanicals can influence multiple pathways at once. (03:13)Naja shares her dog Tripp’s osteosarcoma story, how conventional pain meds quickly caused severe constipation, and how switching to high-THC and CBD plus a wheelchair transformed his final six months. (05:17)Naja shares about her dog Tonka’s congenital deformities, and how she committed early to a holistic pain plan instead of cycling through combinations of dog pain meds and their side effects. (07:19)They discuss their shared experiences using full extract cannabis (THC-rich oil) and CBD for pain support in dogs, including why whole-plant cannabis works differently than pharmaceuticals and practical tips for balancing THC and CBD for comfort without heavy sedation. (09:45)Angela and Naja unpack the problem with NSAIDs, opioids, steroids, Librela and other popular pain drugs for dogs, highlighting issues like gut damage, liver and kidney strain, and long-term fallout. (13:50)Why the conversation should actually be about being proactive with food and lifestyle, rather than adding more synthetic supplements and pharmaceuticals. Naja shares her go-to foods for joint support and inflammation. (18:24)Angela discusses the need to reframe hemp, functional mushrooms and adaptogens as functional food, rather than “supplements”, stressing clean sourcing, COAs, and why real liquid mushroom extracts beat cheap powders with fillers. (21:02)Naja shares the at-home modalities she uses with her dogs, including light therapy, infrared and PEMF mats, cold laser, tuning forks, Reiki, ozone and bodywork, to support comfort and recovery. (26:49)Naja describes her own experience microdosing psilocybin, then using it with Tonka, and the subtle but noticeable shifts she saw in his mobility, reactivity and emotional balance over time. (32:42)They close by urging pet parents not to blindly trust every prescription, to learn the real risks of dog pain meds and steroids, and to build proactive, “do no harm” holistic pain plans that protect quality of life. (40:02)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources including Natural Alternatives for Arthritis Pain in Dogs and Cats & her Cosequin Ingredient Breakdown at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Follow Tonka’s Journey on Facebook, Instagram and TikTokLooking for a Holistic Pet Health Coach - Green Paws Holistic Pet CareHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela sits down with Kelly Bone, founder of Saving Pets One Pet at a Time, to talk about a topic a lot of pet parents are quietly struggling with: who can you actually trust with your pet’s health? Kelly shares the heartbreaking story of losing her dog, Duncan, to a recalled prescription pet food and how that grief turned her into a fierce advocate, lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit, and the creator of a 175,000-member Facebook community. Angela and Kelly dig into what “holistic” really means, why the word is now slapped on everything from vet clinics to online coaches, and how pet parents can spot red flags in veterinarians, nutrition courses, supplements, and online “experts.” You’ll hear real talk about pet food recalls, dangerous drugs still on the market, unregulated supplements, and the rise of under-trained “holistic” practitioners. Most importantly, Angela and Kelly share practical ways to vet potential vets and coaches, read labels, build a trustworthy holistic team, and step fully into your role as your pet’s primary advocate.Episode Recap:Angela starts by defining what holistic truly means: treating the whole being, addressing root causes, and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. (00:00)Kelly shares her dog Duncan’s story, how her healthy service dog suddenly became critically ill and died after eating contaminated Hill’s Science Diet dog food, and realizing how little these companies care about our pets, after Hill’s offered her $10 in coupons as recompense for killing her dog. (02:34)She explains how Duncan’s death led her to join a class action lawsuit against Hill’s and launch the Saving Pets One Pet at a Time Facebook group, which grew rapidly as thousands of grieving or worried pet parents reached out. (05:04)Angela and Kelly talk about the guilt of blindly following conventional vet advice, from prescription food, flea/tick meds, heartworm drugs, to constant vaccines, and why they now refuse to hand over full control again. (06:58)Angela calls out the explosion of inexperienced “certified” holistic pet coaches and pet nutritionists, many with less than 30 hours of training, yet charging hundreds of dollars per consult. (10:00)They outline red flags in “holistic” vet clinics, like pharma posters, prescription diets, annual vaccine postcards, and automatic chemical preventatives. Plus practical tips for vetting your vet: from visiting clinics in advance and asking the right questions, to being willing to drive or use telehealth to work with a truly holistic vet. (16:43)Angela and Kelly talk about the shocking lack of consequences when pet food companies harm or even kill thousands of pets, who are seen as merely property, and misleading pet food labels and supplements, warning about companies changing ingredients for profit, many with long lists of synthetic vitamins, fillers, and “other ingredients.” (22:21)Why long ingredient lists are a red flag and why nutrients should primarily come from real, whole foods rather than isolates sprinkled on top. (27:12)They discuss influencers who suddenly flip from promoting raw feeding to pushing kibble and prescription diets, and why pet parents should always follow the money and check for sponsorships. (30:10)Kelly shares about the 175,000 pet parents looking for help in her Facebook group, Saving Pets One Pet at a Time, many joining after their pets get sick because of commercial pet food, and why saving money by feeding your dog cheap kibble often leads to bigger vet bills later, plus ways to “freshen the bowl” on a budget. (36:19)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Do No Harm Holistic Vet Checklist & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Finding a Holistic Vet: What Pet Parents Should Know by Angela ArdolinoFind more resources on Kelly’s website Saving Pets One Pet at a TimeFollow Kelly & Saving Pets One Pet at a Time on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

Ever dream of hopping on a plane and exploring the world with your dog by your side? In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Larry and Charly Pruden, founders of Pawdega, an ethical, non-toxic pet marketplace that makes it easy for pet parents to find the safest holistic brands all in one place. Larry and Charly have traveled across the globe with their French Bulldog, Milka, and they share their best tips for international and domestic pet travel, from navigating airline policies and import permits to choosing stress-free accommodations and maintaining holistic pet care routines on the road. If you’ve ever wished you could take your dog everywhere, or are simply curious about what life looks like on the road with a pup, this episode will give you the confidence (and checklists) to make it happen.Episode Recap:Angela opens the episode introducing Larry & Charly, founders of Pawdega, who travel all over the world with their frenchie Milka (01:00)How Larry and Charly started traveling with Milka, and the research involved with meeting requirements from country to country (02:10)Flying with your dog, from in-cabin pets and service animals to dogs flying in cargo, how to prepare your dog (04:41)Charly and Larry share the steps you can take to start traveling with your dog around the world, from checking embassy resources to first hand tips from experienced travelers (10:26)How they feed Milka while traveling in different countries, from local sources to freeze-dried raw dog food packed in a suitcase (12:44)Angela shares the realities of traveling from airbnb to hotel to airbnb all over the country with her dogs, and the everyday toxins present in cleaning products and household products in these hotels and homes across the country (16:22)Being prepared for any situation, as access to homeopathics or veterinary care isn’t always speedy or possible when traveling (18:00)Why supporting your pet’s immune system, and being proactive with natural support is vital, before a problem or diagnosis (20:40)Larry and Charly’s top tips for pet parents interested in traveling with their dogs, including considering whether your dog will do well traveling, double checking vaccine expiration dates, and calming CBD oil for dogs (21:47)Sharing Milka’s encounter with freeroaming dogs in Thailand, plus how to follow and support Milka, Charly, Larry, and Pawdega (27:10)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Pet Travel Checklist & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsPawdega.usFollow Pawdega on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by guest Teri DiMarino, award-winning professional groomer of over 50 years, and we’re pulling back the curtain on the pet grooming industry. Angela and Teri talk about why so many pet parents struggle to find a groomer they trust, why the grooming industry is almost completely unregulated, what actually happens when you drop your dog off “for just a few hours,” and how to know if your dog is safe behind those salon doors. They get into hot-button topics like matted doodles, seniors and special-needs dogs, shaving double-coated breeds, anal glands, ear plucking, cage dryers, pricing, tipping, and why honest communication with your groomer can literally protect your dog. Teri also explains the standards of care, safety, and sanitation she’s helped create for groomers, and what questions you should be asking before you book your next grooming appointment.Episode Recap:Angela opens the episode discussing the common struggle to find a pet groomer you trust, and her past experience owning a grooming salon. (00:50)Teri shares her 52-year career in pet grooming and why pet parents often struggle to find a groomer they connect with (02:40)They discuss why licensing doesn’t necessarily stop bad groomers, but regulation and accountability can help protect both groomers and pet parents. (05:40)Teri explains how the Standards of Care, Safety, and Sanitation were developed by multiple grooming organizations to set best practices for safe, clean salons,  and how these standards are now recognized worldwide. (09:30)Teri explains why some dogs have incidents in salons, often due to hidden health conditions or misinformation from owners, and how accountability should work both ways. (13:55)Teri breaks down the difference between licensing, certification, and registration, and the misconceptions pet owners often have about what each means. (17:00)Teri and Angela remind pet parents to always be honest with groomers, explaining that lying about biting, brushing, or matting can cause injuries, legal issues, and unnecessary suffering for the dog. (21:00)Angela and Teri tackle the “to shave or not to shave” debate, explaining why shaving double-coated breeds doesn’t keep them cool and can actually damage the coat (28:40)Teri explains the debate around ear plucking, encouraging groomers to take a conservative approach, only clearing the ear canal when needed, keeping ears clean and dry, and referring severe cases to a vet. (39:57)Teri and Angela emphasize the groomer’s vital role in spotting early health issues, urging pet parents to trust their groomer, and tip generously (46:04)Angela and Teri discuss client misunderstandings, false reviews, and lawsuits in the grooming industry (50:30)They wrap up the episode with a brief touch on responsible vaccination practices, microchipping, and due diligence in animal rescue. (57:26)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Holistic Groomer Checklist for Pet Parents & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsThe California Professional Pet Groomers Association, Inc.World Alliance of Grooming Associations Inc.Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

On this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela sits down with Dr. Margo Roman, a veterinarian with over 47 years in practice, to talk about what the veterinary oath really means, and what happens when vets try to speak openly about holistic or integrative pet care. Dr. Roman shares how her Massachusetts veterinary license was suspended for two years after she emailed clients about ozone and homeopathic options, which she’s now appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court after losing at the state level. Angela and Dr. Roman also discuss why they believe “do no harm” requires a fuller toolbox: acupuncture, microbiome work, ozone, nutrition, herbs, and the importance of ongoing education after vet school. The conversation looks at how policies, liability fears, and funding ties can discourage open discussion of holistic pet care. They also cover the “spectrum of care” model for real-world budgets, the debate over rabies titers and vaccine exemptions, why gut health is foundational, and practical ways pet parents can stay informed and advocate for more options.Episode Recap:Angela tees up free speech, the veterinarian’s oath, and why Dr. Roman’s case matters to pet parents. (00:08)The Veterinarian’s Oath, and how it extends beyond what’s taught in school. (03:15)Dr. Roman describe the lack of options being offered to pet parents by conventional veterinarians, and they discuss the declining numbers of holistic veterinarians. (04:49)Why continuing your veterinary education, from acupuncture to microbiome science, is essential to the “do no harm” oath, and how ignoring proven alternative modalities amounts to denying care.(07:55)Angela shares her experience getting an FDA letter and the pressure to stay silent about holistic education and testimonials. (10:12)Dr. Roman shares the story of her horse with cancer, Champ, who she was told to euthanize, but instead lived for over 8 more years under her care using homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, and later ozone therapy. When she tried to show the university her results, they refused to look. (11:50)The pandemic, recommending ozone therapy,  and the veterinary board’s response. (13:31)Introduction to “Spectrum of Care” for clients who can’t afford gold-standard workups. (15:46)How corporate and government control often limits access to natural options, the vital role of the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoid system, and how mushrooms and hemp have long supported balance in both humans and animals. (17:40)Dr. Roman describes the financial and emotional toll of defending her right to practice integrative medicine, including spending over a million dollars and facing ongoing board harassment. She explains how officials dismiss modalities like acupuncture and ozone therapy without ever studying them, and calls for accountability and open-mindedness among regulators who condemn what they don’t understand. (20:10)Dr. Roman argues that forcing veterinarians to vaccinate animals who are already immune or medically fragile goes against the veterinary oath, and shares her own experience with Rabies vaccination and antibody testing (22:43)Being your pet’s advocate, what Dr. Roman is working on now, plus ways to support her mission (30:09)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s resources & guides at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsThe Veterinarian’s OathDr. Roman’s Urgent Call for Veterinarians to Uphold their Oath and her Medical Freedom For Animals Legal FundDr. Margo Roman v. Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial CourtDr. Roman’s Veterinary Practice Main Street Animal Services of HopkintonFollow Dr. Roman & MASH on Twitter, Facebook,and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.