This week we’re having a conversation that might stretch how you think about life with your dog—in the best way. I’m joined by artist, photographer, and animal advocate Sophie Gamand, whose shelter work, including the viral project Pit Bull Flower Power, has helped thousands of people see rescue dogs with fresh eyes.

We talk about how you can uplevel your pet parenting game even more by truly listening to and honoring what your pet is telling you. Together, we explore how collaborative care and gentle desensitization can transform medical handling, the complicated reality of free-living dogs versus those labeled as “strays,” and what Sophie has witnessed inside shelters across the U.S., from breed stereotypes to the powerful socioeconomic forces that push good pets into cages.

If you’ve ever wondered how to love your dog in a way that celebrates who they are, not just who we hope they’ll be, this episode is for you 💜

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ Why “I love my dog” isn’t always enough, and what a deeper, more respectful bond really looks like.

✨ How to bring consent and choice into everyday moments with your dog.

✨ Why growling is communication, not disobedience, and why you don’t want to train your dog out of it.

✨How collaborative care and gentle handling can change a dog’s medical experience.

✨ Why free-living dogs can teach us about agency, adaptation, and community.

✨ The hidden truths of shelter life and what Sophie discovered after photographing hundreds of dogs across the U.S.

✨ How Sophie’s viral Pit Bull Flower Power project changed the way millions of people see pit bulls forever.

✨ Why large, working breeds struggle in most cities and what that says about our lifestyles.

✨ The emotional cost of volunteering in shelters and what it truly means to give an animal their dignity back.

✨ Why adoption is just one way to help and how each of us have a unique skill that can help a shelter.

✨ And we explore what it truly means to honor who our pets are, not just who we want them to be.

RESOURCES:

Sign up for Sophie’s newsletter on her website (just scroll to the bottom of the page) 🐶 👉 https://www.sophiegamand.com/newsletter-signup

Support Sophie’s work with shelter dogs 🐶 👉 https://www.patreon.com/SophieGamand

Purchase your own dog talisman lovingly crafted by Sophie 🐶 👉 https://www.sophiegamand.com/shop

FOLLOW:

Sophie Gamand’s website: https://www.sophiegamand.com/

Sophie Gamand on Instagram: @sophiegamand 

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet 

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In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Jenn Galvin to talk about something we don’t speak about enough in vet med or pet parenting: grief 💛

We share what it looks like behind the scenes for the vet team when a beloved patient passes… how we somehow hold it together between appointments… and what actually helps when the waves come crashing in later. Jenn opens up about what it means to support families through euthanasia — creating calmer spaces and gentle rituals.

We also talk about anticipatory grief and the simple ways pet parents can ask for the goodbye that feels right for them.

If you’re navigating loss (or holding space for someone who is), this conversation is tender, practical, and full of heart. Tune in, you're not alone in this 🕊️

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ Why grief never really goes away and how it becomes a lasting reminder of love.

✨ How veterinarians and pet parents carry layers of grief that resurface with every loss.

✨ Why guilt often shows up after euthanasia and how to remind yourself you truly did your best.

✨ How to recognize anticipatory grief when you know a pet’s time is near and ways to cope through it.

✨ Why being vulnerable as a leader can strengthen your veterinary team and create deeper trust.

✨ How to support grieving families with rituals, compassion, and permission to take their time.

✨ Why crying isn’t weakness but sacred self-care for both vets and pet parents.

✨ How creating a calm, private space for euthanasia can completely change a client’s experience.

✨ Why it’s important to ask for what you need—whether it’s time, keepsakes, or specific end-of-life rituals.

✨ How loss can inspire new forms of healing, like Dr. Lily’s Kidney Protection Plan in honour of her pet patient Chloe.

✨ And how every goodbye, no matter how painful, deepens our capacity to love, lead, and honor the pets who’ve shaped us.

Resource: Jill Cooper Coaching (end of life / transitional support for people): [email protected]

FOLLOW:

Jenn Galvin’s practice: https://aac.vet/

Jenn Galvin’s practise on IG: @aacvet

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet 

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In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Jenn Galvin to talk about her spirited chocolate Lab, Fern, and their uphill battle with chronic GI issues since puppyhood. From endless vet visits to a Helicobacter diagnosis treated with rounds of triple-antibiotic therapy, nothing truly made her better. 

So when Jenn asked for my help, we tried something different. We started Fern on microbiome therapy (AKA fecal transplants).

And after 4 weeks of fecal transplants, Fern finally had a normal poop for the first time in years. That one shift sparked a transformation not just for Fern, but for Jenn’s clinic, which now offers microbiome therapy to pets in need 💩✨

If your pet struggles with chronic diarrhea, itchy skin, chronic vomiting, allergies, or any other chronic illness, this episode is filled with hope, practical insights, and a new way forward. 

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ How one joyful chocolate Lab named Fern went from eight years of chronic diarrhea to normal, healthy stools and what finally made the difference.

✨ Why repeated antibiotics and “band-aid” treatments weren’t enough to fix her gut and what Jenn and I decided to try instead.

✨ What “microbiome therapy” (aka fecal transplants) really looks like in practice and how gentle and safe the process can be.

✨ The moment Fern’s stool finally normalized after week four and what that milestone revealed about the body’s ability to heal.

✨ How Jenn’s clinic began offering microbiome therapy to other pets and the remarkable early outcomes they’re seeing.

✨ Why addressing emotional stress is just as important as treating the gut itself especially for sensitive dogs like Fern.

✨ How flower essences and environmental enrichment (like walks and swim time) can play a role in restoring your pet’s gut health.

✨ Why prevention matters and how supporting the microbiome in puppies and kittens can help avoid chronic issues later.

✨ What to know about donor screening and safety and why “microbiome restorative therapy” is a better name to share with clients.

✨ And how this one story is inspiring more vets to explore a do-no-harm, science-backed path to true gut healing. 

RESOURCES:

Other microbiome and gut health related episodes on the My Dog Is Better Than Your Dog Podcast ✨👇

The Real Reason Your Dog’s Diarrhea Keeps Coming Back And What You Can Do About It w/ Gut Health Expert Dr. Katie Woodley

The Secret World Of Pet Microbes w / Dr. Odette Suter 

Homemade Dog Feeding For Busy Pet Parents On A Budget w/ The Doggy Dish

The Best Food For Your Dog w/ Dr. Hilary Woolfe 

Microbiome, Mushrooms, And The Ancestral Connection w/ Adored Beast Founder Julie Ann Lee 

FOLLOW:

Jenn Galvin’s practice: https://aac.vet/

Jenn Galvin’s practice on IG: @aacvet

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram:  @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet 

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Ever walked into a pet store, stood in front of a wall stacked with food, toys, and supplements plastered in labels like “all natural,” “holistic,” and “wellness”… and thought, “Wait—which one's actually the best?”

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Toni Shelaske—entrepreneur, holistic pet wellness advocate, former owner of Pittsburgh’s favorite natural pet shops, and host of the Toni Unleashed podcast. Together, we’re pulling back the curtain—sharing our go-to brands and getting real about what’s in your pet’s bowls, toys, and enrichment tools, including hidden toxins like lead that can sometimes sneak into products. 😳

Toni just got back from SuperZoo (one of the biggest pet product conventions in the world!) and she’s bringing us the scoop on what’s new, what’s next, and why shopping small and local could change how you care for your pet forever.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed walking the aisles of a pet store, this episode is your no-nonsense cheat sheet to help you shop with clarity and bring home only the best for your furry family member 🐾

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ How freeze-dried raw, and gently cooked foods are shaping the future of pet nutrition—and why convenience and psychology still drive what we reach for.

✨ Why labels like “natural” and “holistic” can be marketing buzzwords, and the questions to ask for real transparency.

✨ How Toni built the raw food market in Western Pennsylvania and what 25+ years of feeding raw has taught her.

✨ The surprising truth about dog toys and bowls and why some companies follow child-level safety testing.

✨ Specific toy brands and enrichment ideas Toni recommends—like West Paw, Fluff & Tuff, Tall Tails, Soda Pup, and creative DIY snuffle games.

✨ Why bully sticks, yak chews, and coffee wood chews (Canophera sticks) can be great for puppies—and what to watch for with power chewers.

✨ How new tech gadgets (like automatic feeders) and innovative products (like Atomic Bubbles) are shaking up the pet space.

✨ Why independent pet stores offer more passion, product knowledge, and heart than big-box chains—and how they can help you discover hidden-gem brands.

✨ The mushroom supplement boom, CBD trends, and why sourcing, testing, and intentionality matter more than ever.

✨ How Toni is supporting families through The Izzy Fund nonprofit, helping pets stay with their families during medical crises.

✨ Why preventive care, community, and collaboration are the future of pet wellness—and how pet parents like you are leading the way 💛

RESOURCES:

Go listen to those Super Zoo episodes that explore the latest products for pets on Toni’s podcast 👉 Toni Unleashed

Check out Toni’s Pittsburgh-themed dog toys 👉 Yinzer Dog

Learn more about The Izzy Fund, a nonprofit that help cover pet’s medical bills: 👉 TheIzzyFund.org

Pet safe bubble brand 👉 Atomic Bubbles 

US made pet toys brand 👉 Cycle Dogs 

Some toxins to look out for in dog toys👇

How to find non toxic dog toys

FOLLOW:

Toni’s pet store: @ healthy pet products. Florida 

Toni on Instagram on Instagram: @Iknowtoni

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen    @the.unicorn.vet 

Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips

What if your vet team could help your pet live a longer, healthier, happier life—not by suppressing symptoms or turning to anti-aging drugs for dogs, but by identifying and correcting imbalances before they become diseases? 

That’s exactly what Concierge 2.0 was built for: a membership designed for pet parents who want strategic, high-level integrative care that goes beyond the basics, wherever you live in the world. In this episode you’ll hear:

• How silent health threats like toxins, mold, and nutrient deficiencies can be detected early through advanced functional testing

• How our Baby Pearls Program helps puppies and kittens bypass common disease triggers and set the stage for lifelong health

• How our NEW Crystal Tier brings this proactive care to both local and international pet parents, with virtual support, personalized guidance, and expert-led masterclasses

• And you’ll hear Bella's story, a dog diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 3 months to live, who's now thriving, thanks to Dr. Lily’s care 

  
  

This isn’t just a wellness plan. It’s a new standard of care. Tap play to learn how Concierge 2.0 is helping pets everywhere live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives.

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ Why preventive care has to start in puppyhood and kittenhood, and how early choices shape lifelong health.

✨ How functional testing (vitamins, minerals, heavy metals, mycotoxins) reveals hidden issues conventional vets often miss.

✨ The surprising link between mold exposure and chronic symptoms like lethargy, appetite loss, and respiratory problems.

✨ Why true preventive care means acting when pets seem healthy—before disease shows up.

✨ How integrative approaches are breaking the cycle of “manage but never heal” in pets with chronic allergies and skin issues.

✨ Why conventional hypoallergenic diets may mask symptoms without solving the root cause.

✨ The real financial difference between chasing symptoms with meds vs. investing in root-cause healing.

✨ How the Concierge Membership provides continuity, trust, and the kind of support you can’t get in a rushed 15-minute appointment.

✨ Why community, hope, and mindset are powerful healing tools for both pets and their people.

✨ Bella’s story: how a dog given just 3 months to live with hemangiosarcoma is still thriving 8 months later thanks to holistic therapies.

✨ What makes Concierge 2.0 different—including the new Baby Pearls program for puppies and kittens, and the Crystal Tier designed for international pet parents.

RESOURCES:

Check out the Concierge Membership here 💖👇

The Concierge Membership

FOLLOW:

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen

@the.unicorn.vet

Sign up to our free newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips

What if oxygen molecules held the power to shrink tumors, clear infections, and offer your pet a second chance at life? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Jyl Rubin, veterinarian, educator, entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of Regen03one, the first veterinary-owned ozone therapy company. We dive into the fascinating (and often misunderstood) world of ozone therapy—what it is, how it works, and the remarkable healing stories Dr. Jyl has witnessed firsthand. From Carrot the Golden Retriever, who defied his cancer diagnosis, to a tortoise who received a fecal transplant with ozone! We also unpack the science, the skepticism, and the systemic blind spots that have kept ozone therapy on the sidelines for far too long. Whether you’re a curious pet parent or a vet seeking answers, this episode is for you. 

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ How a simple oxygen-based therapy is helping pets with cancer, chronic infections, and inflammation heal naturally.

✨ Why Dr. Jyl calls ozone therapy “God’s Breath”—a safe, gentle option used around the world for over 100 years.

✨ The moving story of Carrot the Golden Retriever, given just three months to live who went on to thrive for three more years.

✨ How rectal ozone and fecal transplants work together to clear gut biofilms and restore balance without sedation.

✨ How ozone therapy is so gentle it can be used on senior pets, fragile dogs, and cats with multiple health issues.

✨ The incredible case of a young dog with mammary cancer whose tumor shrank and softened after ozone injections and ozone glycerin therapy.

✨ How ozone can help with ear infections, skin wounds, and itchy hotspots, all without antibiotics.

✨ Why ozone therapy is one of the most compatible integrative treatments, working alongside chemotherapy, surgery, herbs, and more.

✨ How Dr. Jyl created the first ozone machine designed just for animals, making treatments safer and more effective than ever.

✨ And how more pet parents are now learning to use ozone at home (with veterinary guidance) to help with everyday issues like gut health, ear problems, and skin conditions.

RESOURCES:

Pre-order Dr. Jyl’s book👉 A Practical Guide to Veterinary Medical Ozone Therapy Text Book

Pet shower that turns regular water to ozone water 👉 https://www.regeno3onevet.com/product-page/household-water-purifier-wpi0-5-d-for-pet-shower-1

Ozone Shampoo 👉 https://www.regeno3onevet.com/product-page/ozonafoam-pet-shampoo

Natural Flea and Tick Repellent 👉

https://www.regeno3onevet.com/product-page/ozonated-insect-repellent-4-fl-oz-118-ml-pet-safe-deet-freee

Pet Parent Ozone Training 👉 https://www.regeno3onevet.com/forpetparents

The Brinkley Package for Pet Parents 👉

https://www.regeno3onevet.com/product-page/the-brinkley-pet-guardian-medical-ozone-package

Ozone therapy training for veterinarians 👉 https://www.regeno3onevet.com/ozonetraining

FOLLOW:

Regen03one Vet: https://www.regeno3onevet.com/

Dr. Jyl Rubin on Instagram: @regeno3one

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen    @the.unicorn.vet 

Sign up to our newsletter to get more holistic pet care tips

What happens when “Dr. Google” meets ChatGPT in the vet’s office? In this episode, I sit down with veterinary leader and neuro-inclusive coach Ron Sosa to unpack how artificial intelligence is already reshaping the way pet parents seek answers about their pets’ health. Instead of fighting against it, what if vets helped pet parents to ask their Chat GPT better questions? Ron and I dive into what this shift means for pet parents: from how to prompt ChatGPT so you get helpful (not panic-inducing) answers, to why keeping simple notes on your AI tool at home can make all the difference, to how sharing what’s been “ruled out” can completely change the way you and your vet move forward together. This is a conversation about embracing technology without losing the human touch. If you’ve ever wondered how AI could help you become a more empowered, confident advocate for your pet’s health, this episode is for you.

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ Why ChatGPT is quickly becoming the new “Dr. Google” for pet parents.

✨ How asking clear, detailed prompts (age, breed, sex, symptoms, timing) leads to more accurate answers.

✨ Why vague questions like “why is my dog vomiting?” often bring up scary, unhelpful results.

✨ How AI can save time in the exam room by preparing pet parents with background info.

✨ Why your vet may not know every answer in the moment and why that’s okay.

✨ How AI can lighten the education load so vets have more time for hands-on healing.

✨ How journaling with AI could one day help diagnose conditions like Addison’s more accurately.

✨ How misusing AI for DIY treatments or dosing can be risky, and why your vet must stay involved.

✨ Why future care may depend less on having every answer and more on asking better questions.

✨ And how embracing AI as part of the care team helps both pets and people.

RESOURCES:

🐾 Learn more about the ⁠Uncharted Veterinary Conference⁠

🐾 Explore ⁠Synap Neuro-Inclusive Leadership⁠

FOLLOW:

Ron Sosa on Instagram: ⁠@ron.sosa84⁠

Ron Sosa on Linked In: Ronald Sosa, CVPM, CCFP, PgD-CLD

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: ⁠https://integrativepet.com/⁠

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: ⁠@integrativepet⁠

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: ⁠@dr.lilychen⁠

⁠@the.unicorn.vet⁠

⁠Sign up for our newsletter to get more pet health tips and behind-the-scenes insights.

This week, we’re tackling one of the hardest—and most emotional—parts of being a pet parent: the money talk at the vet’s office. I’m joined by Ron Sosa, Executive Director of the Uncharted Veterinary Conference and founder of Synap Neuro-Inclusive Leadership, for a candid conversation about why vet bills feel so stressful and what you can actually do to feel more prepared. We talk about setting a clear budget, asking about follow-ups upfront, and preparing for emergencies—whether that’s with a dedicated credit card, a savings fund, or simply knowing your options. We also explore why choosing a vet who fits your values and communication style makes money talks feel easier. If you’ve ever panicked over an estimate, wondered how to afford care without cutting corners, or wished vet bills felt less overwhelming, this episode is for you.

KEY INSIGHTS:

• Why money conversations at the vet are so emotionally charged for pet parents.

•  The hidden factors behind rising vet costs, from wages to overhead.

•  How setting a budget upfront helps your vet prioritize care within your means.

• The importance of asking about follow-ups so you’re not blindsided later.

• Simple ways to prepare for emergencies—like a pet savings fund or a dedicated credit card.

•  Why choosing a vet who aligns with your values can make all the difference. 

• How transparency and collaboration can transform stressful conversations into empowering ones.

RESOURCES:

🐾 Learn more about the Uncharted Veterinary Conference

🐾 Explore Synap Neuro-Inclusive Leadership

🐾 Listen to our podcast episode with Vet Billing to learn more about this payment plan option. 

Ron Sosa on Instagram: @ron.sosa84

FOLLOW:

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com/

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen

@the.unicorn.vet

Sign up for our newsletter to get more pet health tips and behind-the-scenes insights.

So many pet parents want to do the right thing and so they vaccinate on schedule, give monthly parasite prevention, and follow the “standard” advice from their vet. But what if those very routines are putting your dog (or cat) at risk?

In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian Dr. Laurie Coger to unpack the hidden risks of routine care and what’s actually safe for your pup. We talk about vaccines, flea and tick medications, heartworm prevention, and how to make decisions that protect your dog’s long-term health.

This conversation is full of practical takeaways you can use right away, like the questions to ask your vet, when titer testing makes sense, how to know if parasite prevention is really necessary, and why building your dog’s microbiome may be the best defense of all.

If you’ve ever felt confused about what your dog really needs (and what they don’t), this episode will give you clarity and confidence to make the best choices for your pet.

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ The crucial difference between vaccination (giving a shot) and immunization (achieving immunity), and why titer testing matters.

✨ Why protocols are designed for the weakest pets, and how that can mean overdosing the strongest.

✨ The hidden risks of long-acting parasite preventives (and why convenience can sometimes come at a cost).

✨ Safer, smarter ways to approach flea, tick, and heartworm prevention based on region, lifestyle, and your dog’s health history.

✨ How the microbiome is your dog’s first line of defense, and why antibiotics and kibble diets can undermine resilience.

✨ The environmental ripple effects of vaccines and parasite medications we rarely consider.

✨ Why building a veterinary dream team—integrative vets, conventional vets, specialists, and emergency care—is the best way to cover every stage of your dog’s life.

✨ How to approach conversations with your vet with respect, even when you disagree, and find practitioners who align with your values.

RESOURCES:

🐾 Dr. Laurie Coger’s book 👇

 Vaccines Explained:The Wholistic Vet’s Guide to Vaccinationing Your Dog 

FOLLOW:

Dr. Laurie Coger Website: https://healthydogworkshop.com/

Dr. Laurie Coger on Instagram: @healthydogworkshop

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com/

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen

@the.unicorn.vet

Sign up for our newsletter to get more pet health tips and behind-the-scenes insights.

If you’ve ever wished you could be a fly on the wall for a totally unfiltered, heart-to-heart between a leading pet health educator and an integrative vet… this is your episode. In this conversation with the incredible Rodney Habib, we go deep into what it really means to be a Pet Parent 2.0, one who’s informed, empowered, and unafraid to ask the hard questions about their pet’s health. From over-vaccination to new spay/neuter research, from longevity drugs to nutrition myths, this isn’t a “here’s the protocol, just follow it” kind of talk. It’s a raw, nuanced exchange about evolving science, emotional truths, and how to navigate the overwhelming amount of information out there as a devoted pet parent. We also open up about the moments that changed the trajectory of our lives, the heartbreaks, the mistakes, and the lessons that shape how we care for pets today. If you’re ready to move beyond “basic pet care” and into the next level of advocacy for your pet, this conversation is for you.

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ What it means to be a “Pet Parent 2.0” and why curiosity, openness, and self-advocacy are your superpowers.

✨ Why “over-vaccination” doesn’t mean anti-vaccination — and how to make personalized vaccine decisions with your vet.

✨ The new spay/neuter research pet parents need to know about, including hormone-sparing options and why timing matters.

✨ Why ultra-processed food is still the default in vet med, and how even small changes toward fresh food can have big health impacts.

✨ How to navigate polarizing topics without burning bridges (and why finding a vet you trust matters more than ever).

✨ The truth about emerging longevity drugs —what’s unknown and the questions to ask before saying yes. 

✨ Why the most important thing you can do for your pet’s health is to trust your intuition, even when it goes against the norm.

🐾 Explore the Planet Paws community for pet parents: https://www.planetpaws.ca

🐾 Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker’s Dog Cancer Series:  https://www.dogcancerseries.com/

Rodney Habib: @rodneyhabib

RESOURCES:

FOLLOW:

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet 

Sign up for our newsletter to get more pet health tips and behind-the-scenes insights.