Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino

Why are so many pet parents and veterinarians feeling frustrated with standard, conventional care? In this episode, Angela Ardolino sits down with Dr. Jeannette Bimonte—known as "The Non-Traditional Veterinarian"—to discuss the systemic flaws in modern veterinary medicine and how to restore health from the inside out. Drawing from her experience practicing relief work across more than 100 veterinary hospitals, Dr. Bimonte explains the burnout clinicians face, why over-vaccinating sick or geriatric pets does more harm than good, and how meeting pet parents where they are with nutrition can dramatically improve outcomes. Together, Angela and Dr. Bimonte explore practical ways to detox the home, support the immune system, and eliminate perfectionism in pet care.Episode Recap:Host Angela Ardolino introduces Dr. Jeannette Bimonte, "The Non-Traditional Veterinarian," to discuss her experience across over 100 veterinary practices and the importance of holistic nutrition. (00:00)Dr. Bimonte highlights the growing distrust in conventional medical systems and stresses the need for open, honest relationships between pet parents and holistic practitioners. (00:42)Angela and Dr. Bimonte discuss the lack of holistic education in standard veterinary programs, which leaves many open-minded clinicians feeling overwhelmed and stuck in conventional routines, and leaves many pet parents looking elsewhere for education and care. (05:03)Dr. Bimonte attributes widespread veterinary burnout to clinicians repeatedly treating symptoms rather than helping pets truly overcome chronic health issues. (08:25)Angela and Dr. Bimonte discuss her observations from relief work in over 100 hospitals, and how she prioritizes what is best for her patient, while respecting clinic protocols. (10:56)Dr. Bimonte explains why she refuses to administer routine vaccines to sick or inflamed pets, and Angela questions the practice of over-vaccinating geriatric dogs every year when multi-year intervals or titer testing offer safer, individualized alternatives. (15:16)Angela and Dr. Bimonte discuss how allergies reflect an overactive, "screaming" immune system that requires gut and environmental support rather than simple symptom suppression. (21:08)Dr. Bimonte outlines foundational wellness tips for new puppy owners, including switching to non-toxic cleaning products, improving lighting, and reducing household environmental stressors. (26:20)Dr. Bimonte emphasizes that stress and nervous system tension in pet parents directly impact a pet's immune health, urging listeners to drop perfectionism in favor of small, gradual changes. (32:42)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources, including How to Find a True Holistic Vet plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Find a Holistic Vet Near YouSouthern Veterinary Services for Consultations with Dr. Bimonte & her teamListen to Dr. Bimonte’s Podcast, The Non Traditional VeterinarianFollow Dr. Jeannette Bimonte, the Non Traditional Vet, on Instagram, Facebook, 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 Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

Why do standard veterinary treatments often leave chronic pet health issues unresolved? In this episode, Angela Ardolino sits down with Dr. Lisa Fiorenza—a holistic veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese veterinary food therapy, and Western herbal medicine—to break down the key differences between conventional and holistic care. Dr. Lisa shares her personal journey from practicing traditional veterinary medicine to mastering Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), explaining how standard care suppresses symptoms while holistic medicine seeks to restore true internal homeostasis. Together, they explore gut-brain immune connections, the dangers of over-prescribing pharmaceuticals, the rise of fake or low-quality supplements, and real-world case studies using natural nootropics and acupuncture to reverse severe chronic illness.Episode Recap:Host Angela Ardolino introduces Dr. Lisa Fiorenza, a holistic veterinarian of over ten years, and Dr. Lisa explains how mastering both conventional veterinary medicine and TCVM allows her to think like a bilingual clinician when evaluating complex patient cases. (00:00)Dr. Lisa shares how her own struggle with chronic pain inspired her transition into TCVM, while she and Angela reflect on helping other veterinary professionals discover holistic, root-cause medicine. (04:26)Angela and Dr. Lisa discuss how conventional veterinary education frames allergies as an abnormal, overactive immune response without teaching students the root environmental or gut-related causes. (7:40)Dr. Lisa reflects on the shift toward fresh food nutrition over the last decade and honors early holistic veterinarians who paved the way despite industry pushback. (12:00)The problem with low-quality commercial pet supplements that rely on synthetic isolates, heavy fillers, and inactive grain substrates instead of pure, therapeutic extracts. (18:17)Angela and Dr. Lisa advise pet parents faced with major medical decisions or surgery to always seek a second opinion and thoroughly research prescribed pharmaceuticals. (23:14)Dr. Lisa details her patient intake process, explaining how she evaluates energetic symptoms, environmental factors, emotional stressors, and medical histories to identify root imbalances. (29:40)Dr. Lisa shares a case study of a cat with Chiari-like malformation whose chronic pain and neurological symptoms drastically improved after incorporating acupuncture and mushroom-based nootropics for dogs. (37:44)Angela breaks down the science of canine cognitive dysfunction and explains how natural nootropics and full-spectrum hemp extract help restore brain-gut homeostasis in senior pets. (41:45)Dr. Lisa shares where pet parents can connect with her on social media, access her educational resources, and consult with her for holistic veterinary care. (44:11)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources, including her Senior Dog Protocol, and How to Find a True Holistic Vet plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Senior Dog Study - Prospective Evaluation of a Mushroom Derived Nutraceutical in Dogs with Cognitive DeclineAngela’s Blog - Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Mushrooms and Adaptogens for Dog DementiaFollow Dr. Lisa Fiorenza on Instagram and FacebookHave 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 Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

Where does the meat in our grocery stores and pet food really come from, and what is it costing our health, our animals, and the planet? In this episode, Angela Ardolino sits down with Carla Cabral—a grassroots organizer, former emergency room veterinary technician, and activist with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE)—for an eye-opening conversation on the realities of factory farming. Together, Angela and Carla expose how mass confinement, heavy pharmaceutical use, and corporate secrecy impact human and pet health alike. Carla breaks down the truth behind grocery store marketing buzzwords, the dark side of the exotic pet breeding trade, and how pet parents can take meaningful action through consumer choices, rescue adoption, and grassroots advocacy.Episode Recap:Angela’s guest Carla Cabral, a former vet technician and organizer with Direct Action Everywhere, explains the problems with factory farms, high-density confinement facilities, designed purely to maximize industrial efficiency and profit. (00:00)Angela warns that homemade pet diets made with grocery store meat often rely on factory-farmed animals, while Carla explains how corporate secrecy and misleading marketing make it difficult for consumers to trace where their food comes from. (05:20)Carla breaks down how corporate advertising fabricates a myth of peaceful pastured farming to hide the reality of industrial feedlots holding millions of tightly confined animals. (12:13)Angela and Carla discuss how hyper-processed foods and nutrient-depleted crops and animal products contribute to rising rates of chronic disease in humans and pets.(16:38)The discussion turns to how small animals sold in big-box stores originate from factory-style breeding mills or wild capture, driving a harmful cycle of impulse buying, inadequate care, and widespread pet abandonment. (18:35)Em shares two success stories, how she resolved Marley's severe separation anxiety and Seven's holiday overstimulation through calm-down routines, enrichment toys, natural calming supplements, and safe environmental boundaries. (25:36)Angela encourages pet parents to make incremental changes away from factory-farmed grocery meats, leading Carla to share factoryfarmwatch.org as an interactive database while explaining how corporate consolidation and subjective ethics make defining a "good farm" complex. (30:59)Carla shares about her upcoming criminal trial for rescuing goats from a Whole Foods supplier, and they break down how dairy and egg production exploit female animals, genetically manipulate livestock, and slaughter animals at a fraction of their natural lifespans. (37:50)Angela and Carla urge listeners to support local sanctuaries, contact elected representatives regarding animal welfare bills, and vote against industrial agriculture with their purchasing power. (44:59)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources, including her Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals to Avoid in Your Pet’s Food and Supplements, plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Factory Farm Watch Direct Action Everywhere - Take Action for AnimalsRight to Rescue - Working to establish a legal right to rescue animals from distress and exploitation.Follow Carla Cabral on Instagram and TiktokHave 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 Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

When a dog is struggling with reactivity, anxiety, or destructive habits, standard training commands aren't always enough to solve the root issue. In this episode, Angela Ardolino sits down with Em Breslin, retired vet tech, canine nutritionist, dog trainer, and host of The Dog Who Asked For More podcast, to explore the powerful connection between holistic health, nutrition, and behavior. Together, Angela and Em break down how overstimulation, gut health, and daily routines directly impact a dog's nervous system and capacity to learn. Em shares practical strategies for building parasympathetic balance, managing car anxiety, setting up dogs for success during stressful transitions, and helping misunderstood, high-feeling dogs truly thrive in their homes.Episode Recap:Host Angela Ardolino introduces guest Em Breslin, a retired vet tech, canine nutritionist, and trainer, to discuss how nutrition, environment, and physical health influence dog training. (00:00)Em shares how targeted calming supplements, proper play, and structured wind-down activities have helped her bring anxious, stressed dogs into a parasympathetic state where they can effectively learn. (01:15)Angela shares her experience operating a groom shop, where providing physical exercise and natural full spectrum hemp and lavender helped fearful dogs relax on the grooming table. (3:46)They discuss setting your dog up for success, practicing for changes in routines, trying to make the experiences positive, and avoiding forced experiences can eliminate anxiety around car rides. (6:17)Em shares why most pet parents come to her looking for help, and her passion for working with misunderstood "spicy" or reactive dogs, highlighting how identifying subtle early stress signals prevents full behavioral meltdowns.(11:29)Em shares two success stories, how she resolved Marley's severe separation anxiety and Seven's holiday overstimulation through calm-down routines, enrichment toys, natural calming supplements, and safe environmental boundaries. (15:02)Angela and Em discuss how underlying physical pain, gut dysbiosis, vaccinations, or age-related sensory shifts frequently drive sudden behavioral changes in multi-dog households. (20:51)Em shares how she managed her own dogs' relationship after her senior dog bit her new puppy, detailing how she used crate routines, strict environmental boundaries, and realistic expectations to bring long-term peace to her home.. (24:50)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources, including her How to Find a True Holistic for Your Pet and Natural Alternatives for Pet Pain Relief, plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads The Dog Who Asked For More PodcastFollow Emily Breslin on Facebook, YouTube 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 Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.

What should you actually do when a stray cat shows up in your backyard, and how can everyday pet lovers help make a real difference for the animals in their neighborhood? In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino sits down with this week’s guest Stacy LeBaron, founder of Community Cats Central, to explore practical, community-driven solutions for cat welfare and overpopulation. Together, Angela and Stacy discuss how grassroots rescue efforts can unite neighbors, the simple "pet detective" strategies you can use to identify stray cats, and why addressing the root cause of overpopulation is so critical. They also dive into a helpful masterclass on household cat behavior, sharing expert tips on litter box setups, managing multi-pet aggression, and keeping your feline companions truly thriving at home.Episode Recap:Angela Ardolino introduces Stacy LeBaron, a compassionate feline rescue leader and cat advocate, Stacy shares how her journey into animal welfare began in 1994, when she joined a Massachusetts feline rescue after witnessing an overwhelming hoarding case. (00:00)Stacy explains her "Adam and Eve" philosophy regarding the rapid progression of cat overpopulation, emphasizing the vital importance of altering indoor-outdoor pets, it takes a community working together. (05:58)The conversation explores the cyclical nature of feral cat populations and how targeted, low-cost spay-neuter accessibility is far more effective and humane for communities than expensive animal sheltering models. (11:24)Stacy talks about starting the Community Cats Podcast as a way to continuously mentor rescue groups, sharing some tips about what to do if you are concerned about a stray cat in your community. (15:38)Angela emphasizes the community's duty to help local strays, and they talk about finding community in turn, through caring for the cats. (21:42)The discussion shifts to household cats, from tips on supporting your senior cats like uncovered litterboxes, to Stacy’s experience dealing with cat on cat aggression. (25:34)Stacy shares tips for preventing furniture scratching, such as providing sturdy, vertical scratching posts and early nail-trim training for kittens. (33:39)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources, including her How to Find a True Holistic for Your Pet and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Community Cats CentralCatch Angela’s episode, and more on the Community Cats podcastFollow Community Cats on Facebook, YouTube 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 Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.