In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andy Roark to dive into the big questions around veterinary ownership and why it matters. We explore what it means for you and your pet when vet practices are privately owned versus corporate-owned. We chat about the importance of finding a practice that matches your non-negotiables—whether it’s convenience or high-touch vet care. With practical tips on what questions to ask and how to “shop around,” this episode is all about helping you find your dream vet. KEY INSIGHTS: How a lot of vet hospitals are being bought out by corporations–and how it impacts the care your pet receives. How you can get totally different vet care at different vet practices. The benefits of corporate vet hospitals for super busy pet parents. Why you want to pay attention to if you’re feeling heard and if you feel like your pet is receiving a personalized approach or not. Why vets need to be able to communicate what makes their practice different. How you can figure out your non-negotiables and tailor your own vet experience. RESOURCES: The questions you need to ask to find the right vet for you: Generally, if I book at 10 am, will I be seen at 10 am? (to find out if they do cluster bookings) How long are your consults? (if having your questions answered and personalized care is important to you, look for longer consults) How much is your exam fee, and what does that include? This is what I love about my last vet…do you have a vet you could recommend who is similar to this? Pro Tip: Do interview exams with a general vet and emergency vet BEFORE your pet gets sick. FOLLOW: Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com Dr. Andy Roark: https://drandyroark.com/ Dr Lily Chen: @dr.lilychen Dr. Andy: @drandyroark
In this episode, Dr. Trina and I chat about how we do things differently at the wellness center. We get into everything from making pet parents feel heard to the new generation of vets to finding a specialist for your pet. If you’re curious about what it’s like to have an appointment at the Integrative Pet Wellness Center, you need to listen to this episode. RESOURCES: Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com FOLLOW: Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com Dr Lily Chen: @dr.lilychenDr. Trina: @greennileinc
Whether you're a pet parent wanting to prevent cancer for your pup or a vet who's seeing cancer patients, you need to listen to this episode. Dr. Kendra, Dr. Trina, and I dive deep into conversations like what is the most effective way to do chemo? Can we heal dogs with mistletoe and vitamin C on their own? And what about ozone therapy? Tune in to learn about personalized, robust, cross-disciplinary approaches to helping pets with cancer thrive. KEY INSIGHTS: How you want to start cancer prevention when your dog’s a puppy. Dr Kendra dives into the push-pull chemo strategy. The power of herbs and cannabis to support pets with chemo side effects. How dogs who are being treated with an integrative approach (western medicine and herbs, acupuncture, and sometimes cannabis) have better outcomes than dogs who only have chemo. How a golden retriever puppy went into remission with just mistletoe and vitamin C. How every pet needs a personalized approach. How for senior pet’s annual cancer screening is not enough, and how you want to teach pet parents to check for lumps at home. How we always want to pay attention to a pet’s “weakest link” when it comes to their health. How integrative vets and conventional oncologists are allies on the same team. And Dr. Trina shares the story of a dog who survived a cancer that’s considered unsurvivable–and what she did to help him. RESOURCES: Use this link to sign up to our emails and be the first to hear when we’re running a discount on preventative cancer testing Sign Up Here FOLLOW: Integrative Pet Wellness Center: @integrativepetwellnesscenter Dr Lily Chen: @dr.lilychen Dr. Kendra: @drkendrapope Dr. Trina: @greennileinc
Is your senior dog slowing down, hesitant to jump, or playing less? Pain might be the culprit. In this episode, fellow integrative vet Dr. Tori and I dive deep into Paw Sha, a pioneering technique she developed by adapting human Gua Sha for dogs. By gently gliding this special flat stone along your dog’s fur, you can smooth out their fascia, relieve pain, and enhance their mobility. Tune in to hear just how powerful combining Paw Sha with acupuncture or nano light acupuncture and laser can be–even as a preventative measure. KEY INSIGHTS: How effective Paw Sha is for pain management. How nanolight acupuncture is perfect for pets who don’t like needles. Paw Sha is powerful for helping to prevent back issues with breeds like frenchies, dachshunds, and corgis. How Paw Sha is something you can do at home for your pup. How Paw Sha helps calm your dog’s nervous system. And is it always a good idea to numb chronic pain? Or can we do better? RESOURCES: Buy a Paw Sha or take Dr. Tori’s training: Paw Sha FOLLOW: Integrative Pet Wellness Center: @integrativepetwellnesscenter Dr Lily Chen: @dr.lilychen Dr. Tori: @balancedpetvet
Is ozone therapy the missing piece for your pet’s healing? In this episode, I dive into Ozone Therapy for pets with Jonothan Lowe. From treating chronic kidney disease to healing wounds to resolving challenging skin issues and helping with cancer care, ozone therapy has been a game changer for the pet’s in my care. And it’s so ridiculously effective for treating infections some of the antibiotics I used to stock have literally expired on my shelf! Tune in if you want to hear what Ozone can do for your dog. KEY INSIGHTS: How Ozone can treat infections without using antibiotics How Ozone can assist in the healing of wounds and hot spots At-home ozone treatments for chronic kidney disease The story of a dog with cardiac cancer that had metastasized to the lungs and the liver and how Ozone and ultraviolet treatments literally got the cancer into remission How one of Lily’s patients cancer also went into remission with ozone therapy How Ozone therapy has no side effects when done correctly Ozone therapy as powerful preventative medicine And how you can do ozone treatment with your pet at home RESOURCES: O3 Vets: @o3vetsO3 Vets: https://o3vets.com/ The Essential Guide for Ozone Therapy for Animals by Jonothan Lowe (Book) The Ozone Pet Summit happening October 2024 (registration is free) Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
At 36, Joni was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and her dog with mammary cancer. These diagnoses led her to explore natural medicine, where she discovered medicinal mushrooms. Learn why whenever we eat a mushroom, it activates our immune system–in a good way. And tune in to hear how mushrooms can aid your dog's healing, support their overall health, and how to choose the right mushroom for your pup. Key Insights: The magic of Lion's Mane and how it supports brain health, digestion, IBD, and ulcers. How early can your puppy start taking mushrooms for preventative health care? What's the deal with mycelium? And how to avoid grains in your medicinal mushroom products. The art of choosing the right mushroom for your pet's condition. How medicinal mushroom powders are made–and why you want to look for spray-dried mushrooms. How to give your dog mushrooms when they've lost their appetite. How mushrooms are an insurance policy, an investment in your dog's long-term health. And how even just the humble button mushroom cooked and added to your pup's meal is beneficial. RESOURCES: You can join the Real Mushrooms Facebook Group to get your questions answered. Website: Real Mushrooms IG: @real_mushrooms Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
Having an injury or an amputation doesn’t have to mean your dog has to totally give up the life they had before. In this episode, I chatted with Ashely from Orthopets about their custom orthotics and prosthetics. Braces can be a game-changing alternative to surgery, especially when combined with regenerative treatments like PRP and stem cells. And they can be a powerful preventative measure when worn on the uninjured leg, too, so it doesn’t take any extra strain. Tune in to hear how a custom brace helped a retired sled dog bounce around with her friends again. And can a flamingo get a prosthetic?! Listen to find out. KEY INSIGHTS: How braces allow many dogs (and other animals) to go back to their regular activities. How a brace can be a cost-effective solution and a study showed it’s 85% as effective as the TPLO surgery. The emotional benefits of restoring mobility for your pet. How orthopets helps animals globally, from birds to farm animals to wildlife. Orthopets exciting research on an alternative nonsurgical treatment for CCL injuries. The benefits of day-to-day wrist and ankle support for bigger dogs. How vets are not taught enough about splinting correctly in vet school and why we need to change that. RESOURCES: If your dog requires an orthotic or a prosthetic, take a look at the Orthopets website and search for a partner vet in your area. If there are no partner vets near you, simply reach out to your local vet, and Orthopets can support you and your vet through the process. Follow: Orthopets: @orthopets Orthopets: Orthopets Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
Dr. Lily chats with fellow integrative vet Dr. Magda about the different approaches to treating cancer. From Chinese mushrooms and Chinese herbal formulas to acupuncture and ozone therapy, there are so many ways you can naturally support your dog with getting cancer into remission. And if you do choose to do chemo, there are natural modalities you can use to lessen the symptoms and help your dog get the best outcome. Dr Lily also shares her biggest AHA moment when it comes to cancer–this could be the missing piece for your pup! Tune in to hear Magda and Lily chat about how your pet can live a long and healthy life with the cancer still in their body. KEY INSIGHTS: The power of doing acupuncture at the same time as chemo. The book every human and animal going through chemo needs. The importance of a fresh food diet for pets with cancer. Chinese mushrooms and Chinese herbal formulas. Vitamin C IVs and fecal transplants to boost your dog's immune system. Mistletoe and other natural remedies that can actually kill cancer. Dr Lily's biggest 'AHA' when it comes to pet cancer. Are we losing some patients to cancer treatments rather than to cancer? Can animals live long, healthy lives with the cancer still in their body? Follow Dr. Magda: • Website: www.drmagdavet.com • Holistika Veterinary: www.holistikavet.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistikavet/?hl=en Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
This episode is a short conversation between fellow Integrative Vet, Dr. Magda and I about long lasting pain injections, Librela and Solensia. We chat about some of the risks involved when using these drugs- as there are with all drugs. KEY INSIGHTS: What are the dangers of using these injections? A FB group of owners sharing Librela experiences, here’s what they have to say. Why every pet needs an individualized approach. Follow Dr. Magda: • Website: www.drmagdavet.com • Holistika Veterinary: www.holistikavet.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistikavet/?hl=en Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
Should your dog be on hormone therapy? When we spay and neuter our pets, we take away their sex hormones, which have important functions in the body, just like they do for us humans. In this episode, fellow functional vet Dr Madga and I dive into the risks and benefits of spaying and neutering when it comes to cancer. We chat about vasectomies and ovarian-sparing surgeries to help preserve a pet's hormonal health. And we get into how you can use testosterone therapy as both preventative medicine and treatment in both male and female pets. KEY INSIGHTS: Both female and male dogs can make the hormones they need from testosterone. When is the best time to spay and neuter, and should you leave your pet intact? What cancers do spay and neuter help prevent, and what cancers do early and spay and neuter increase the risk of? Vasectomies and ovary sparing surgery for pets. Testerone therapy as preventative medicine for both girl and boy dogs. Testosterone therapy for older pets with low energy and mobility issues. Being on the leading edge of new modalities in integrative veterinary medicine Follow Dr. Magda: • Website: www.drmagdavet.com • Holistika Veterinary: www.holistikavet.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistikavet/?hl=en Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
If you've ever been curious about flower essences, this episode is for you! Dr Magda and I dive deep into these beautiful, gentle remedies. They were first discovered by homeopath Dr Bach, who collected the morning dew of various flowers and gave them to his patients to see what effect each flower had. Each flower works on specific emotional states, the root cause of many of the unwanted behaviors we see in our pets. Or as Madga puts it, it's 'psychotherapy in a bottle'. From dogs behaving in aggressive ways to cats urinating on the rug to a dog with severe PTSD…some of the results Magda has had with her pet patients are nothing short of magical. Follow Dr. Magda: • Website: www.drmagdavet.com • Holistika Veterinary: www.holistikavet.com • Instagram: Holistikavet Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
Description: In Part 1 of this enlightening conversation, we bring you the first half of a deep dive into the inspiring journey of Dr. Magda, a holistic veterinarian with a truly global perspective. Dr. Magda, who was born in Poland and grew up in Philadelphia, shares her unique path to becoming an integrative vet. Introduced to holistic medicine at a young age by her parents, she only came to appreciate its value later in life, which profoundly influenced her career choice. With a love for animals and a passion for exploring different cultures, Dr. Magda initially pursued studies in languages and literature at Princeton University. However, her desire to care for animals eventually led her back to veterinary medicine. After completing pre-veterinary courses and spending some time in veterinary school in Poland, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009. It was during this period that she faced her own health challenges, which reignited her interest in holistic medicine and set her on the path to becoming an integrative veterinarian. Join us for this first part of a fascinating discussion between two integrative vets as Dr. Magda shares her story, her love for continuous learning, and the experiences that shaped her holistic approach to veterinary care. Follow Dr. Magda: Website: www.drmagdavet.com Holistika Veterinary: www.holistikavet.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/holistikavet Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
In today’s episode, I have the honor of speaking with Dr. Lynette Hart, Professor Emerita at the Department of Population Health and Reproduction at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. With a career dedicated to exploring human-animal interactions and basic animal behavior studies, Dr. Hart, alongside Benjamin Hart, is wrapping up a groundbreaking 12-year research project. This extensive study investigates the effects of the age of neutering on joint diseases and cancers across 40 different breeds of dogs and mixed breeds. Join us as we dive into a vital conversation about personalized decision-making for the age of spay and neuter in dogs. We’ll unravel common misconceptions, examine the latest research, and explore the current data to help you make informed choices about when is truly the best time to spay or neuter your dog. Don’t miss this insightful discussion packed with essential information for every dog owner! For more in-depth details, check out the article here. Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
We’re back for the second installment of our insightful conversation with Julie Anne Lee, the visionary founder and co-owner of Adored Beast Apothecary. In this follow-up episode, Julie delves even deeper into the world of homeopathy, sharing more of her wisdom on how holistic pet care can transform your dog’s health—starting from the gut. From unpacking the philosophy behind homeopathic remedies to addressing common myths, Julie’s passion for natural pet health shines through in every word. Whether you’re already a believer in holistic care or just starting to explore alternatives to conventional treatments, this episode is full of heartfelt advice and actionable insights. Tune in for another round of expert guidance, and discover why embracing a homeopathic approach might just be the game changer your dog (and you) need! For more on Julie’s work, visit Adored Beast Apothecary Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
Join us for an enlightening episode of "My Dog is Better Than Your Dog," featuring Julie Anne Lee, a leading authority and expert in Homeopathy. As the founder and co-owner of Adored Beast Apothecary, Julie formulates holistic pet care products. Discover how she develops protocols for optimizing gut health, a crucial aspect of overall health for both animals and humans. This episode is packed full of heartfelt conversations. Tune in to learn more about homeopathy, common misconceptions, and the philosophy behind using homeopathic formulas. Julie explains why reaching for homeopathic remedies for our dogs can be such a powerful alternative to traditional medicine. For more on Julie’s work, visit Adored Beast Apothecary Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
In this episode of “My Dog is Better Than Your Dog,” we are thrilled to welcome Billy Hoekman, Vice President of Nutrition and Communication for Green Juju. Billy is a trusted pet health advocate known for his ability to turn complex nutrition concepts into plain English. He is deeply involved in formulation, product development, and science education, working closely with farmers to ensure the best ingredients for your pets. Billy’s passion for animal nutrition takes him to expert panels and speaking engagements across the globe, from universities and conferences to public libraries. He also serves on the board of directors for multiple organizations, attends AAFCO meetings, and has numerous published articles to his name. Join us as Billy shares his wealth of knowledge on improving your pet’s diet and the latest trends in pet nutrition. Whether you're a pet parent looking to enhance your furry friend’s health or simply curious about animal nutrition, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Tune in to learn from Billy’s expertise and discover how Green Juju is revolutionizing pet nutrition. Additional Resources: For more information and to explore Green Juju’s products, visit Green Juju. Green Juju offers a range of high-quality, natural products designed to enhance your pet's nutrition. Follow Green Juju on Instagram: @greenjujukitchen Follow Green Juju on Facebook: facebook.com/greenjujukitchen Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
Episode 3: Veterinary Tech Meets Creative Passion – Dianne’s Tale In this episode of “My Dog is Better Than Your Dog,” we are delighted to introduce Dianne, the creative force behind Dianne Makes Art. With 10 years of experience as a registered veterinary technician, Dianne has a deep understanding of the bond between pets and their owners. Her passion for both art and animals has led her to create custom pet stickers, transforming a beloved hobby into a thriving business. Join us as we explore Dianne’s journey from veterinary technician to business owner, and learn how following your passions can lead to a more enjoyable and meaningful life. Dianne shares her story of how each day feels less like work and more like a rewarding adventure filled with creativity and joy. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an art enthusiast, or a devoted pet parent, this episode offers inspiration and insights on turning your passions into a fulfilling career. Tune in to hear Dianne's story and discover the beauty of combining art and animals. For more information, visit Dianne's Etsy shop at www.diannemakesart.etsy.com and follow her on Instagram @diannemakesart Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
Episode 2: Cannabis as a Game-Changer in Pet Care – Dr. Trina Hazzah’s Story Prepare to be inspired by Dr. Trina Hazzah, a highly respected, board-certified veterinary oncologist, in this episode of “My Dog is Better Than Your Dog.” Dr. Hazzah is one of the few integrative veterinary oncologists in the world, combining conventional medical therapies with herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, and cannabis medicine to enhance the quality and longevity of her patients' lives. Join us as we explore how Dr. Hazzah is revolutionizing pet care through her hands-on patient treatment and groundbreaking research. She has educated numerous veterinarians on cannabis medicine, conducted pivotal research, published peer-reviewed articles, and co-authored textbooks in the field. Discover her role as the founder of Green Nile and president and co-founder of the Veterinary Cannabis Society. Whether you're a pet owner or a fellow vet, this episode is a must-listen. Learn about the future of integrative veterinary care and how Dr. Hazzah's passion for cannabis medicine is making a significant impact on the lives of pets and their owners. Additional Resources: For more information and to book a consultation, visit Green Nile. Green Nile offers teleconferencing cannabis consultations for pets suffering from pain, inflammation, cancer, seizures, and anxiety. Follow Green Nile on Instagram: @greennileinc Follow Us: Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen Join Our Newsletter Website: Integrative Pet Instagram: @integrativepet Facebook: @integrativepet YouTube: Integrative Pet Wellness Center
Welcome to the very first episode of “My Dog is Better Than Your Dog,” the podcast that dives into everything about making your pet’s life the best ever and celebrating that unique human-animal bond! In this exciting debut, meet your host, Dr. Lily Chen, an integrative veterinarian based in Los Angeles, California. Discover Dr. Chen's heartwarming journey, from her childhood adventures with animals to her current role as a dedicated veterinarian enhancing the lives of pets everywhere. In this episode, Dr. Chen will share what inspired her to create this podcast and what you can look forward to in future episodes. From discussions with exceptional pet parents and pet influencers to interviews with pioneering vets and experts in innovative care, this podcast is your go-to source for all things pet-related. Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or just thinking about adopting your first furry friend, “My Dog is Better Than Your Dog” is here to provide you with the tips, tricks, and tales you need to make your pet's life as happy and healthy as possible. Tune in to get to know Dr. Lily Chen and join our community of pet lovers. Let’s celebrate and learn more about our furry friends together! For more information, visit our website at www.integrativepet.com Follow us on IG and FB @integrativepet Follow Dr. Lily Chen’s Instagram @dr.lilychen and check out our YouTube Email Us: mydog@integrativepet.com
"Get ready to unleash the ultimate pet podcast experience with 'My Dog is Better Than Your Dog'! Hosted by the passionate Dr. Lily Chen, this series explores the fascinating world of integrative veterinary medicine and innovative pet care. From enlightening conversations with top pet influencers and pioneering veterinarians to expert insights into pet parenting, this podcast is your go-to destination for celebrating and learning more about our beloved furry friends. Don't miss a single episode—tune in and let us help you become the best pet parent you can be!" My Dog Is Better Than Your Dog Hosted by Dr. Lily Chen integrativepet.com