Dogs Are Individuals

142: In this episode, I’m talking all about hormones and how we can support our dogs with glandulars. When dogs are spayed or neutered, their hormones drop off suddenly and that shift can affect everything from the adrenals and liver to bones, connective tissue, energy, and the immune system. I break down what glandulars are, why I use things like ovary, uterus, liver, and bone marrow, and how they bring in proteins, enzymes, and nutrients that help the body find balance again. I also share the key vitamins and cofactors that matter most for hormone health, plus why sourcing from clean, pasture-raised animals makes such a big difference. Topics Discussed:  → What are glandular supplements for dogs? → How does spaying affect a dog’s hormones? → Can glandular therapy help spayed female dogs? → Which nutrients support hormone balance in dogs? → Are probiotics and mushrooms good for canine wellness? 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

141: Today I’m covering a topic every dog guardian should understand: pain. Dogs are masters at hiding discomfort, so it’s crucial to learn the subtle signs,both physical and behavioral,that indicate your dog may be hurting. From stiffness, limping, and changes in posture, to shifts in mood, sleep, appetite, and even breathing, I cover the key ways to recognize pain in your furry companion. Topics Discussed: → How can I tell if my dog is in pain? → What are the subtle signs of chronic pain in dogs? → Which acupressure points help relieve dog discomfort at home? → How does pain affect a dog’s behavior and sleep patterns? → What natural remedies or herbs can support dogs with pain? Sponsored By:  → Pug & Hound Apothecary → Green Juju → Goodness Gracious  → Real Mushrooms  → Earth Buddy  → AnICell Biotech  → Pawdega → Innovative Pet Lab → Fido’s Bone Broth → Feline Essentials → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Rawsome for Pets → Raw Pets, Tampa → Coco Therapy → My Pet Carnivore Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

140: Today we’re giving kibble a little love. I know, I know, kibble doesn’t usually get the spotlight, but not everyone can go full-on raw or home-cooked every single meal. And that’s okay! So instead of stressing about perfection, I’m breaking down how to turn that bowl of dry crunchies into something way more nourishing. Topics Discussed:  → How can I make my dog’s kibble healthier? → What fresh foods are safe to add to kibble? → Do herbs help improve my dog’s digestion? → Why does hydration matter for dogs on kibble? → What are easy kibble toppers for better gut health? Sponsored By:  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms  → Earth Buddy  → Goodness Gracious  → AniCell BioTech → Innovative Pet Lab → Fido’s Bone Broth → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Feline Essentials  → Rawsome Nutritional Excellence  → Raw Pets Tampa   Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog (Book) → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

139: In today’s short I’m covering an important topic: AI and herbal medicine. I talk about why you need to be careful relying on AI for formulations, how it can easily get herbs and their energetics completely wrong, and why true herbal knowledge can’t be scraped from the internet. I even share some funny AI experiments that went hilariously off track.  Topics Discussed:  → Can AI safely be used for herbal medicine formulations? → Why does AI get herbal energetics wrong? → What are the risks of using internet data for herbal remedies? → How should dog owners fact-check AI herbal advice? → What makes true herbal knowledge different from AI content? Sponsored By:  → Pug & Hound Apothecary → Real Mushrooms  → Goodness Gracious  → Earth Buddy  → AniCell BioTech → Pawdega → Innovative Pet Lab → Fido’s Bone Broth → Feline Essentials  → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Rawsome → Raw Pets Tampa → Coco Therapy Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

138: In this episode I’m covering Discoid Lupus in dogs, a tricky autoimmune condition that affects the skin, especially the face, nose, lips, and ears. I break down what it looks like, which breeds are more susceptible, and both conventional and holistic ways to support your pup. From herbal remedies like turmeric and medicinal mushrooms, to phytoembryonic therapies like mountain pine and walnut, I share practical steps to ease discomfort and support immune health. Sponsored By: → Earth Buddy  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms  → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Goodness Gracious  → AniCell BioTech → Fido’s Bone Broth → Innovative Pet Lab → 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

137: In this episode, I’m covering how far dog nutrition has come since I started feeding my first Rottweiler decades ago. I talk about the huge shift from almost no options to the amazing variety of fresh, raw, minimally processed, and ethically sourced foods we have now. But more than that, I get real about why supporting each other, no matter where you are on your feeding journey, is what truly matters. Whether you feed raw, cooked, kibble, or a mix, your dog deserves kindness, respect, and better choices. Sponsored By: → Earth Buddy  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms  → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Goodness Gracious  → Fido’s Bone Broth → Coco Therapy → Innovative Pet Lab → Pug & Hound Apothecary → Pawdega  → AniCell BioTech → Two Crazy Cat Ladies → Rawsome Pets  Check Out Rita: → THE HERBAL DOG  → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

136: In this short episode I’m covering one of my favorite herbs for female dogs, spayed or unspayed, raspberry leaf! I’ll walk you through how it works as a uterine tonic, how it can help with irregular heat cycles, false pregnancies, hormone balance, and even emotional shifts some dogs experience during their cycles. Topics Discussed: → Can raspberry leaf help regulate my dog’s heat cycle? → Is raspberry leaf safe for spayed dogs? → How do I give raspberry leaf to my dog? → What are the benefits of raspberry leaf for female dogs? → Can raspberry leaf reduce false pregnancy symptoms in dogs? Sponsored By: → Pug & Hound Apothecary → Fido’s Bone Broth → Real Mushrooms  → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Coco Therapy → Green Juju → Pawdega → Earth Buddy  → Innovative Pet Lab → Feline Essentials  → Rawsome Pets → Raw Pets → AniCell BioTech Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog (Book) → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

135: Today’s episode is all about copper storage disease: what it is, why it’s becoming more common, and how to support your dog naturally if it shows up. I talk about the difference between natural and synthetic copper, why certain breeds are more at risk, and how commercial dog food might be doing more harm than good. I’m also sharing my favorite herbs, supplements, and phyto-embryonic therapies to gently support the liver, stimulate bile flow, and help the body move that copper out. We’ll talk bitters, binders, nervous system support, lymph flow, and all the holistic tools I’ve seen help over the years. Topics Discussed:  → What is copper storage disease in dogs? → Can dog food cause copper toxicity? → Which breeds store excess copper? → How to detox copper in dogs naturally? → What herbs help dogs with liver issues? Sponsored By:  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms  → Goodness Gracious  → Pawdega → Innovative Pet Lab → Fido’s Bone Broth → Earth Buddy  → Coco Therapy → Dr Ruth Roberts  → AniCell Biotech → Rawsome Pets → Raw Pets  Check Out Rita: → THE HERBAL DOG  → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store

134: Coming to you from sunny Folly Beach, I’m covering one of my favorite healing tools: earthing. Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like...getting those bare feet (and paws) on the ground to reconnect with the natural electrical charge of the Earth. In this episode, I share why grounding is way more than a wellness trend and how it helps reduce inflammation, balance hormones, improve sleep, and support your dog’s entire body system. 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

133: We’re coming to you from the thick, damp air of Williamsburg, Virginia, where I’m reflecting on how far I’ve come in handling the heat and how our dogs can, too. I talk a bit about what “damp” means in both human and animal bodies, why mold might be a hidden culprit, and why it’s worth looking into testing if your dog seems off. I’m also sharing some remedies for dogs with endocrine issues or PLRs. I walk you through adrenal-supportive herbs like licorice root, ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil, plus supportive mushrooms like turkey tail, reishi, and cordyceps..If your dog struggles with low energy, inflammation, allergies, hormone imbalances, or detox issues, this episode gives you a big-picture protocol to work from with plenty of room to go slow and adapt to your individual dog’s needs. Topics Discussed:  → What helps dogs with adrenal issues? → How does mold affect my dog’s health? → Which herbs balance dog hormones? → What is phyto-embryonic therapy for dogs? → Are humic and fulvic acids good for dogs? Sponsored By → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms  → Goodness Gracious  Check Out Rita: → THE HERBAL DOG → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

132: In this short episode I’m covering NERS Syndrome, also known as Lector Syndrome. I explain what it is, the symptoms to watch for, and why this theory of endocrine-immune imbalance matters when it comes to your dog’s long-term health. From chronic allergies and thyroid issues to anxiety and immune dysfunction, NERS might be part of the picture. Whether or not your vet recognizes it, I believe it’s important to consider the role of the nervous system and cortisol regulation in your dog’s overall wellness. Next time, I’ll share herbal support strategies for dogs with these symptoms - so stay tuned! Topics Discussed:  → What is NERS Syndrome in dogs and how is it diagnosed? → What are the symptoms of endocrine-immune imbalance in dogs? → How does cortisol dysregulation affect a dog’s health? → Can adrenal and thyroid issues in dogs be linked to immune dysfunction? → What holistic approaches support dogs with NERS or Lector Syndrome? Sponsored By:  → Earth Buddy  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms → Goodness Gracious   → Pawdega  → AniCell Biotech  → Two Crazy Cat Ladies  → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Fido’s Bone Broth → Coco Therapy → Innovative Pet Lab → Pug & Hound Apothecary → Rawsome pets → Raw Pets Tampa → Farm Dog Naturals Check Out Rita: → The Herbal Dog → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

131: On this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I’m unpacking the complex world of leaky gut in dogs. From energetic patterns like dampness and heat to key causes like antibiotics, stress, and candida overgrowth, we’ll talk about how this condition affects digestion, allergies, immune health, and even behavior. Learn how to recognize the signs, understand the role of the lymphatic system and digestive enzymes, and explore natural recovery protocols using herbs, probiotics, and supportive testing. Whether you're just starting your dog’s healing journey or looking for deeper insights, this episode is important for any dog owner.  Topics Discussed: → How leaky gut develops in dogs → The role of the lymphatic system → Herbal remedies and supplements to support dogs with leaky gut → Energetic patterns and how they influence gut issues → Step-by-step protocols for gut recovery Sponsored By: → Earth Buddy  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms → Goodness Gracious → Fido’s Bone Broth → Innovative Pet Lab → AniCell Biotech → Pawdega → Rawesome → Raw Pets Check Out Rita: → SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

130: This week I’m coming to you from the road—literally—while on my Herbal Dog Tour! In this episode, I dig into a question I was asked on tour: Can our dogs intuitively choose their energetics like wild animals do? I unpack why our dogs aren’t wolves, how seasonal eating plays into health, and why commercial diets make energetics more important than ever.  Topics Discussed: → Can dogs choose their own food based on energetics? → What’s the difference between wild wolves' diets and domestic dogs’ diets? → Why are food energetics important in commercial dog diets? → How do seasonal foods affect your dog’s health? → What proteins and herbs support energetic balance in dogs? Sponsored By: → Earth Buddy  → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms  → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Goodness Gracious  → Feed Real → Fido’s Bone Broth → Coco Therapy → Innovative Pet Lab → 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

129: In this episode, we’re getting real about those “oh no” vet moments—the kind that leave you sweaty, stressed, and maybe yelling at your dog’s doctor (oops). Emergency vet Dr. Lynda Loudon joins us to chat about how to be a more prepared, less panicked pet parent and how to navigate difficult conversations with your vet.    Topics Discussed:  → What should I ask my vet before a procedure? → How do I prepare for an unexpected vet visit? → Why is communication with your vet so important? → What mistakes do pet parents make at the vet?   Sponsored By:  → Pawdega → Pug & Hound → Green Juju → Real Mushrooms → Goodness Gracious  → Fido’s Bone Broth → Dr Ruth Roberts  → Earth Buddy  → Innovative Pet Lab → Coco Therapy → Rawsome Nutritional Excellence  → Raw Pets → Feline Essentials | Two Crazy Cat Ladies → AniCell Biotech  → Farm God Naturals  → My Pet Carnivore    Check Out Dr. Lynda:  → Website  → Canine Experts Academy  → Instagram    Check out Rita:  → BUY MY BOOK!  → Rita’s Instagram → Facebook Group → My Courses → My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson  

128: In this episode, I’m jumping right into seasonal allergies — and why they might not be all about the pollen. I never thought I’d be taken down by allergies, but here I am, sounding like a frog underwater. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from my own experience and how it relates to your dog’s health. Seasonal allergy symptoms are often a reflection of what’s going on inside the body, especially the liver and lymphatic systems. I dive into how histamine is processed, why liver function matters, and how to support your dog’s internal terrain naturally. No Benadryl here — just herbs, immune support, and some real talk from someone currently swimming in mucus. Topics Discussed:  What Causes Seasonal Allergies Besides Pollen? How Are the Liver and Lymphatic System Linked to Allergy Symptoms in Humans and Dogs? Which Nutrients Help the Body Clear Histamine Naturally? What Are the Best Natural Herbs to Support Your Dog’s Immune System During Allergy Season? Sponsored By:  Pug & Hound   Green Juju Real Mushrooms    Check out Rita:  SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson

127: This week, I’m digging into Addison’s disease in dogs—what it is, how it shows up, and why it’s so often missed. It’s one of those conditions that can mimic a bunch of other issues, which makes getting the right diagnosis a real challenge. I’ll break down what’s actually happening with your dog’s adrenal glands, how vets typically test for it, and what treatment looks like. If you’ve got a dog that’s been acting off—low energy, vomiting, or just not quite themselves—this episode’s for you. Topics Discussed:  What are the early signs of Addison’s disease in dogs? How is Addison’s disease diagnosed in dogs? What causes Addison’s disease in dogs? What is the treatment for canine Addison’s disease? Can Addison’s disease in dogs be managed long-term? Sponsored By:   Green Juju Real Mushrooms  Goodness Gracious   Earth Buddy  Innovative Pet Lab Coco Therapy AniCell Biotech  Pawdega  Check Out Rita:  BUY MY BOOK  Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

126: In this short episode, I go on a much-needed rant about something that truly made my stomach turn: Milk-Bone has teamed up with Jif peanut butter to create a new dog treat—and it's just as bad as it sounds. I break down the disturbing ingredients in both products, from glyphosate-laced wheat and trans fats to sugar, molasses, and mystery meats. These kinds of humanized, ultra-processed treats are not only unnecessary—they’re harmful. If you’ve ever wondered why I’m so passionate about reading labels and advocating for real, whole food for dogs, this episode will explain exactly why. One in two dogs will die of cancer—and it’s time we stop pretending these mainstream treats are “just fine.”   Topics Discussed:  Are Milk-Bone dog treats safe for dogs to eat? What harmful ingredients are in Jif peanut butter for dogs? Why should dog owners avoid processed treats with sugar and trans fats? What are the risks of feeding dogs mainstream peanut butter brands? How do common dog treats contribute to inflammation and cancer in dogs?   Sponsored By:  Green Juju Real Mushrooms  Goodness Gracious  Dr Ruth Roberts   Earth Buddy  Innovative Pet Lab Coco Therapy Pawdega    Further Listening: Forever Dog Life Review    Check Out Rita:  The Herbal Dog (Book!) Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson

125: In this episode, we’re diving deep into what happens after your dog gets bit by a tick — because that moment matters. I answer a listener's question about my After formula and break down how each ingredient helps support your dog’s body post-bite — from the cellular level all the way to the emotional layer. We’re talking olive bud, sweet chestnut, teasel, mushrooms, and more — all working together to modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and help your dog come back into balance. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do after your dog gets a bite, this is your roadmap. Gentle, effective, and in tune with nature. Let’s jump in! Topics Discussed: What should you do after your dog gets bit by a tick? How does the After formula help dogs recover from tick bites? Which natural ingredients support a dog’s healing process after a tick bite? What are the best natural remedies to support a dog’s immune system post-tick bite?   Sponsored By:  Green Juju Real Mushrooms   Check out Rita: SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store

In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, we are going to talk about Cushing’s by request. I’m going to share my dog’s journey to help you recognize signs like panting, skin changes, and increased appetite. We’ll also explore diagnostic tools and treatment options, including holistic support. If your dog’s health feels like a mystery, this one’s for you. Topics Discussed: What are the early signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs? How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed in dogs? What treatment options are available for dogs with Cushing’s disease? Can holistic care help manage Cushing’s disease in dogs? Why is my dog panting more and gaining weight—could it be Cushing’s?   Topics Discussed:  What are the early signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs? How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed in dogs? What treatment options are available for dogs with Cushing’s disease? Can holistic care help manage Cushing’s disease in dogs? Why is my dog panting more and gaining weight—could it be Cushing’s?   Sponsored By:  Green Juju Real Mushrooms  Goodness Gracious  Fido’s Bone Broth Dr Ruth Roberts  Earth Buddy  Innovative Pet Lab Coco Therapy Rawsome Nutritional Excellence  Raw Pets Feline Essentials | Two Crazy Cat Ladies AniCell Biotech   Check Out Rita:  Rita's Book Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store

123: In this episode, I’m covering a fascinating topic: the glymphatic pathway. Think of it as your (and your dog’s!) brain detox system—kind of like the lymphatic system, but for the brain. We’ll explore how it works, why it matters for cognitive clarity and emotional regulation, and what you can do to support it naturally, especially in your dog. I’ll also share updates from my book tour and some thoughts on dog dementia. We’ll touch on essential oils, phytoembryonic therapy, and lifestyle practices that help keep this system flowing. If you're curious about how sleep, side-sleeping, herbs, and even breathing techniques can impact brain health—this one’s for you.   Sponsored By:  Real Mushrooms Green Juju Earth Buddy  Dr Ruth Roberts  CocoTherapy  Pawdega  Fidos Bone Broth  Check Out Rita:  THE HERBAL DOG  Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson