In this episode, I sit down with one of my mentors Dr. Kendra Pope, a board-certified veterinary oncologist with advanced training in integrative oncology. We explore why prevention is the best cure and how tools like diet, fasting, and stress management can boost your pet’s health. Dr. Pope and I also dive deep into the unique bond we share with our pets, the way they often reflect our own health journeys, and how to make empowered decisions about treatment options that align with your family’s goals. Whether you're all about prevention or supporting a pet through cancer, you’ll come away with actionable, compassionate insights.

KEY INSIGHTS:

DOWNLOAD THE PREVENTATIVE TEST GUIDE HERE

FOLLOW:

Kendra Pope, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), CVA, CVCH, CVFT, CVTP

Dr. Pope received her veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 2011, as well as certifications in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, food therapy and Tui-na at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Reddick, Florida prior to graduation. She went on to complete a rotating internship and residency in medical oncology at the University of Pennsylvania and obtained board certification in 2015. Dr. Pope is extensively trained in herbal medicine, intravenous nutrient therapy, mistletoe therapy as well as various other integrative modalities and opened Prism Integrative Veterinary Health in 2017, where she currently practices integrative medicine and oncology. She is active in clinical research through her nonprofit organization, Prism Veterinary Research Institute, whose mission is to validate and legitimize integrative modalities in the treatment of cancer and chronic disease. Dr. Pope is an active author, lecturer and teacher, authoring various book chapters, continuing education lectures as well creating a certification in Integrative Oncology for veterinarians. Dr. Pope has previously served as a visiting clinician in Integrative Oncology at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universityof Pennsylvania and past President for the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine.

Dr. Kendra Pope: https://drkendrapope.com/

Dr. Kendra Pope on Instagram: @drkendrapope

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen

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In this episode, I catch up with Shannon, my former technician at Integrative Pet, who is now in vet school. We chatted about her experience in vet school, how she used her mindset as a gymnast to help her cultivate the resilience she needed in a demanding vet program, working as a team in the veterinary space and how we need more female vets in leadership positions. And we dive deep into mental health for both vets and pet parents. Whether you're a student vet, a practicing vet, or a pet parent this episode is for you. 

KEY INSIGHTS:

RESOURCES:

Mental Health Resource For Vets: Not One More Vet.

FOLLOW:

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eve Harrison, an integrative concierge house-call veterinarian based in Los Angeles and the founder of House Call Vet Academy. Together, we dive into what concierge veterinary care looks like and why this hands-on intensive model of care creates better health outcomes and allows pet parents to have a "family vet" with whom they can cultivate a deep bond. Whether you're a devoted pet parent looking for next level health care for your fur baby or a vet curious about this model of care, this episode is for you 💜

KEY INSIGHTS:

Why the concierge model is a premium, high-value offering for the most devoted pet parents with the resources to care for their pets at that level.

Why slowing down and spending more time with a select few pet parents and their pets leads to better outcomes. 

How moving away from a reactive, emergency-driven model of care to a proactive, wellness-focused model has the potential to transform veterinary medicine. 

How concierge care fosters meaningful partnerships with pet families and deepens the connection between vets and clients.

How by addressing issues in real-time, concierge clients can often avoid emergencies, lightening the load on ER practices.

How concierge models allow vets to step away from the high-pressure, high-volume traditional practice to rediscover joy and fulfillment in their work and avoid burnout. 

And we dive into the "energetics of money" and how really investing in your pet's health often results in the best outcomes. 

RESOURCES:

Join the waitlist for the Concierge Membership with Dr. Lily here: Join the Waitlist 

Dr. Eve's house call concierge practice: Marigold Veterinary

Dr. Eve's training program for veterinarians interested in the house call model:  House Call Vet Academy

FOLLOW:

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen

Dr. Eve Harrison on Instagram: @the_house_call_vet_academy  

In this episode, I chat with Noelle, my marketing director, about the exciting new membership we're launching focused on preventative health care for pets. We talk about what it really takes to help your pet live the longest and healthiest life possible with you. And we share how you can become one of the founding members of the Concierge Membership (I’m only taking on 15 pet parents in this first cohort–so if you want a spot get on the waitlist quickly to be the first to hear when doors open on Monday the 6th of January). 

KEY INSIGHTS: 

Why prevention and early detection are game-changers in pet health.

How preventive medicine saved a Frenchie, Bacon’s, life. 

The importance of finding a vet you can build a long-term partnership with. 

How to practice revolutionary integrative medicine–even if you live in a country where there are no holistic vets. 

And how to snag one of the coveted spots in our luxury pet wellness membership. 

RESOURCES: 

The Concierge Membership is now open: 

Join the Concierge Membership 

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: ⁠www.integrativepet.com⁠

Integrative Pet Wellness Center Instagram: @⁠integrativepet ⁠

Dr Lily Chen Instagram: @⁠dr.lilychen⁠

In this episode, Dr. Lily dives into an important and timely discussion about long-term pain management for pets, addressing the concerns surrounding popular pain injections like Librela and Solensia. While these quick fixes may seem appealing, they come with potential long-term complications and risks that every pet parent should be aware of.

We explore what truly moves the needle in pain management by focusing on whole-body wellness and sustainable approaches to healing.

Key Topics Discussed:

📍The Importance of Accurate Diagnoses:

📍Rethinking Pain as a Signal:

📍Holistic and Integrative Pain Management Options:

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Using your pet’s own blood to concentrate healing factors and promote natural repair.

Amnion Therapy: Harnessing the regenerative power of stem-cell-rich amniotic fluid for safe and effective healing.

📍Non-Invasive Approaches:

📍The Long-Term Vision:

Takeaways for Pet Parents:

Ask your vet about diagnostic tools beyond standard X-rays to get a clearer picture of your pet’s condition.

This holiday season, give your pet the gift of lasting wellness and comfort by exploring integrative approaches to pain management.

🎙️Have questions about your pet’s pain management options? Reach out to us or leave a comment to keep the conversation going!

Follow Us:

Dr. Lily Chen's IG: @dr.lilychen

Join Our Website: www.integrativepet.com

Instagram: @integrativepet

Facebook: @integrativepet

YouTube: @integrativepet

It’s a holiday episode! Mistletoe isn’t just festive—it’s a powerful natural therapy for pets with cancer or chronic inflammation. With immune-boosting and anticancer properties, mistletoe targets cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, something chemo can’t actually do. It works beautifully with chemo or as part of holistic protocol alongside other natural modalities like Vitamin C therapy. And to make this episode extra special, I’ve included a meditation to help you and your pet release the stress of the past year and strengthen your bond. Happy Holidays and Merry Everything from me and the Unicorn Team! 

KEY INSIGHTS: 

How mistletoe extract has immune-modulating and anticancer properties. 

How Dr. Lily is exploring the use of mistletoe for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. 

How mistletoe can even reduce chemo side effects and the many benefits of using mistletoe in combination with chemo or a holistic cancer protocol.  

How you can learn to administer mistletoe injections at home. 

How mistletoe grows on other “host” plants and takes on some of their properties and why it’s important to choose the right mistletoe for your pet’s personality. 

And a special meditation you can enjoy with your pet! 

RESOURCES: 

The pet meditation starts in 16: 48 mins

FOLLOW: 

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com 

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: @integrativepet 

Dr Lily Chen: @dr.lilychen

What if your vet truly listened, made time for your questions, honored your bond with your pet, and supported you emotionally through the vulnerable moments? What if they treated your pet like they were special—not just another dog or cat—and gave you options for their health care? And what if they even honored the deep spiritual bond you have with your pet? That’s the reality I create at my Wellness Center every day. In this heartfelt conversation, Joyce shares how this "less ordinary" environment positively impacted her and her dog, Wooly, in a profound way. We honor Wooly's legacy, and we even dive into a few topics I never speak about publicly. This is my most honest episode yet. 

KEY INSIGHTS: 

Honoring the deep spiritual connection you share with your pet and how that bond can last beyond them being here. 

How deeply it matters to have a vet who is emotionally supportive. 

How being treated like you and your pet are special makes a big difference. 

How walking into the wellness center felt to Joyce like she was at her favorite spa (a very different experience to any vet clinic she'd been in before).

Joyce shares how every pet parent, every family, deserves a vet who really listens to them.

How in vet school, you're taught this is the disease, and these are the drug dosages, but when you're out in the world, you realize it doesn't work that way for every pet.

Lily and Joyce recognize how pet parents should really feel they are in partnership with their vet. 

And how powerful emotional wellness therapies are and how sound bowls with Maria really contributed to Wooly's quality of life.  

RESOURCES: 

Holistic Oncologist Dr. Trina: https://greennile.org/

You can book with Dr. Trina by emailing [email protected]

FOLLOW: 

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com 

Dr Lily Chen: @integrativepet @dr.lilychen

Joyce (Wooly and Kekoa's mom): @oneripley1

In this episode, I sit down with Debra, a special client who has played a big role in shaping the vet I am today. For 10 years, I cared for her beloved dogs, Sammy, Lukey, Sophie, and Allie, every single week. When I had a house call practice, I would go over to Debra every Saturday morning. And even now, I still have the privilege of caring for her new puppy. In this episode, we explore the deep bond between pet parents and their pets and the family vet who knows everything about them. If you've ever craved that old-school family doctor-style care—someone who takes the time to get to know you—this story is for you. And yes, we're always here if you want to make that dream a reality. 

KEY INSIGHTS: 

The miracle of acupuncture and how it transformed her pets' health. 

How connected we are with our pets and how they'll sometimes get the exact same illness we have. 

How fecal transplants can bring out the best in our pet's personality. 

How sometimes choosing quality of life in our pet’s older years is the kindest route. 

How the more we know, the better we get as pet parents. 

Why it's important to allow our pets to be themselves. 

And Debra tells us the touching story of how her dogs supported her through her health crisis. 

RESOURCES: 

We’ve gathered all of the episodes related to cancer on the My Dog is Better than Your Dog podcast. Just mail us at [email protected] and ask for the cancer pets podcast playlist, and we’ll send it to you to make gathering resources for your pet easier 🐶💜

FOLLOW: 

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com 

Dr Lily Chen: @dr.lilychen

Integrative Pet IG : @integrativepet

If you want to feed your dog the very best food (even if you don't have time to home cook meals or feed raw) this episode is for you. Dr. Hillary and I dive into the essentials of optimal dog nutrition covering what you won't hear from most conventional vets (spoiler: they don't teach us this in vet school!). We chat about age-appropriate diets, what's missing when the packet says "complete and balanced," and the power of whole foods. And Dr. Hillary shares a powerful story about a tiny dog with IBD who was almost euthanized but made a full recovery on a fresh food diet. 

KEY INSIGHTS: 

What vets aren't taught about nutrition in vet school. 

How pets just like us aren't meant to be eating the same thing every single meal every single day. 

The little dog with IBD who was almost euthanized but instead got on a fresh food diet and completely healed. 

How to gently transition from kibble to fresh food. 

How to give your dog the best meals even when you don't have time to home cook them. 

The benefits of feeding whole foods packed with nutrients. 

How to test if your pet is getting all the vitamins and minerals they need from their diet.

How calorie control is so important for lifespan. 

And why you want a vet who can say, "I don't know." 

RESOURCES: 

The Food List 🐶💜

Dr. Hillary’s Online Course: 

The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Pet Food

Nutrition Consults with Dr. Hillary: 

1:1 Nutrition Consult with Dr. Woolfe

FOLLOW: 

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com 

Dr Lily Chen: @dr.lilychen

Hillary Woolfe: @doctorwolfe.dvm 

If you and your dog are on a cancer journey or you’re grieving a furry friend, this is the episode for you. I chat with Diane, a very special pet patient’s mom, about her Golden Retriever, Apple—a former show dog, squirrel enthusiast, born emotional support pet, and Instagram influencer. After Apple was diagnosed with cardio hemangiosarcoma, Diane pulled out all the stops to give her the best holistic care possible and find the right vets to support her. Diane shares the journey they went on together, what options exist for cancer pet parents, and the lesson Apple taught her that allowed her to find joy again after Apple passed. 

KEY INSIGHTS: 

The benefit of being proactive with cancer testing.  

How you need to find the right team for the approach you want to take to treat your pet's cancer. 

The power of medicinal mushrooms.  

Dr. Lily shares how she believes pets are our teachers. 

The special Chinese herb you need to have on hand for emergencies if your pet has hemangiosarcoma. 

And the message Apple sent her mum that allowed her to find joy again after Apple passed. 

RESOURCES: 

We’ve gathered all of the episodes related to cancer on the My Dog is Better than Your Dog podcast. Just mail us at [email protected] and ask for the cancer pets podcast playlist, and we’ll send it to you to make gathering resources for your pet easier 🐶💜

FOLLOW: 

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: www.integrativepet.com 

Dr Lily Chen: @dr.lilychen

Dr. Trina: @greennileinc

Apple: @apple_thegolden