The Westies & Besties Podcast

Could red light therapy help a stiff dog after exercise? What about arthritis, muscle injuries, recovery after surgery or the soreness experienced by active and sporting dogs?

In Part 2 of Ask The Expert, our brand-new series on The Westies & Besties Podcast, we continue putting YOUR questions directly to our expert panel.

We're joined by Ruth Milner of Photizo, who specialises in photobiomodulation and red light therapy, to answer more of the questions sent in by our Westie community from around the world.

• This time, we're getting into the practical side of PBM and exploring:
• Can red light therapy help muscle soreness, strains, stiffness and spasms?
• Could photobiomodulation support dogs with arthritis?
• Should you treat the joint itself or the surrounding muscles and soft tissue?
• Could PBM be used following injury or surgery and throughout rehabilitation?
• Can red light therapy support muscle recovery after strenuous exercise?
• Could it have a role in agility, flyball, working and other canine athletes?

Ruth also explains why treating the areas surrounding an affected joint or injury can be important, how PBM may be incorporated alongside physiotherapy, massage, conditioning and other forms of rehabilitation, and why veterinary assessment remains essential when a dog has suffered a suspected injury.

We also explore the growing interest in red light therapy among canine athletes, working dogs and active dogs, including its potential role as part of warm-up, cool-down and recovery routines.

If you've been searching for answers to questions such as "Can red light therapy help dogs with arthritis?", "Can PBM help a dog's recovery after surgery?", "Does red light therapy help muscle soreness in dogs?", "Can red light therapy help sporting dogs recover?" or simply want to understand more about this increasingly discussed therapy, this episode dives deep into the questions that matter to dog guardians.

And remember — this is Ask The Expert, where your questions drive the conversation.

Ask The Expert is where YOUR questions meet our panel of expert veterinarians, specialists, nutritionists, behaviourists, breeders, rescue experts and more. We dive deep into the topics that matter most to Westie guardians around the world — helping you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes.

The information discussed in this episode is educational and should not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet regarding your dog's individual health, diagnosis and treatment.

🎙️ The Westies & Besties Podcast Brought to you by Westies & Besties Magazine Hosted by Alex Griffin, Founder of Westies & Besties

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

Guest links

Facebook - Photizo Light Therapy | Pretoria | Facebook

Website's - PHOTIZO VETCARE – Photizo United Kingdom

Could a simple beam of red or near-infrared light really help support your dog's recovery, mobility and wellbeing? And what actually happens inside your dog's body when the light is applied?

Welcome to Ask The Expert, a brand-new series on The Westies & Besties Podcast, where we take YOUR questions from our Westie communities around the world and put them directly to highly qualified experts in their specialist fields.

For our first Ask The Expert episode, we're joined once again by Ruth Milner of Photizo to answer your questions about photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as red light therapy.

In Part 1, we explore:

• What exactly is photobiomodulation or PBM?
• How does red and near-infrared light interact with a dog's cells?
• What happens inside the mitochondria and why is cellular energy important?
• Why is PBM described as a non-invasive treatment?
• Are there risks, side effects or situations where extra care is needed?
• How deeply can red and near-infrared light actually penetrate into a dog's body?

Ruth explains the science in practical, easy-to-understand terms, including the role of cellular energy, inflammation, blood flow, tissue repair and the body's natural healing processes.

If you've ever searched "Does red light therapy work for dogs?", "What is photobiomodulation?", "Is red light therapy safe for dogs?", "Can red light therapy help dog pain or mobility?" or wondered whether PBM could have a place alongside other approaches to your dog's health and recovery, this episode is for you.

This is just Part 1 — and there's much more to come.

Ask The Expert is where YOUR questions meet our panel of expert veterinarians, specialists, nutritionists, behaviourists, breeders, rescue experts and more. We dive deep into the topics that matter most to Westie guardians around the world — helping you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes.

🎙️ The Westies & Besties Podcast Brought to you by Westies & Besties Magazine Hosted by Alex Griffin, Founder of Westies & Besties

The information discussed in this episode is educational and should not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet regarding your dog's individual health, diagnosis and treatment.

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

Guest links

Facebook - Photizo Light Therapy | Pretoria | Facebook

Website's - PHOTIZO VETCARE – Photizo United Kingdom

Want to write a book but don’t know where to start?

In this episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, Alex Griffin chats with author Alison Page, creator of the much-loved Corrie's Capers children's book series, inspired by her beloved Westie, Corrie.

Alison's advice for anyone who has a story inside them is wonderfully simple:

“Put pen to paper.”

Don't worry about making it perfect. Don't worry about having every word in the right order. Don't worry about whether you're good enough.

Just get the ideas out of your head and onto the page.

Alison explains how the refining process comes later, why writers shouldn't be afraid of their abilities, and how connecting with other writers can help along the journey.

She also shares an important lesson about knowing your target audience, something that helped shape the success of Corrie's Capers.

Whether you've always dreamed of writing a children's book, a novel, a memoir, a travel book – or even your own story about your beloved dog – perhaps this is the encouragement you've been waiting for.

What story have you always wanted to write?

Watch, listen and let us know in the comments!

🎙️ The Westies & Besties Podcast - Brought to you by Westies & Besties Magazine

🐾 The Westies & Besties Podcast brings together leading experts, veterinarians, breeders, behaviourists and passionate Westie owners to help you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes.

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

Guest links

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/arranwestie

Website's - https://www.westie.scot/

https://shop.marysmeals.org.uk/products/corrie-s-capers-the-complete-collection

What makes Westies so special? Are they really stubborn? What should you know about Westie health, nutrition, behaviour, training and ageing? And why was Westies & Besties created in the first place?

In this special episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, Alex Griffin steps away from the usual guest format and answers questions submitted by Westie guardians from across the UK and around the world.

From Westie behaviour and training to health, nutrition, gut health, dental care, senior Westies and choosing your first Westie, Alex shares what he has learned through years of living with Westies, researching the breed and building Westies & Besties alongside Kim.

The conversation also explores the story behind Westies & Besties and how one very special Westie, Buffy, became the inspiration behind the UK's only publication dedicated to the West Highland White Terrier.

🐾 The Westies & Besties Podcast brings together leading experts, veterinarians, breeders, behaviourists and passionate Westie owners to help you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes.

🐾 Listen. Learn. Stay curious. And give your Westie the best life possible.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to a Special Westies & Besties Q&A Why Alex is answering questions from Westie guardians around the world.

01:00 – What Makes Westies Such Special Dogs? Personality, intelligence, loyalty, independence and the famous “Westitude”.

04:50 – The Fascinating History of the West Highland White Terrier Colonel Malcolm, Clan Malcolm and the Scottish roots of the breed.

06:30 – How Do You Train a Stubborn Westie? Positive reinforcement, consistency, patience and understanding the terrier instinct.

08:40 – Westie Health: What Owners Should Know Skin allergies, digestion, dental health, Westie lung disease, ageing and mobility.

10:30 – Westies, Nutrition & The Gut Microbiome Why gut health, probiotics and prebiotics have become such important topics.

12:00 – Why Was Westies & Besties Created? The story of Buffy and the search for trusted Westie-specific information.

15:00 – From Magazine to Westie Media Network How Westies & Besties has expanded across print, digital, podcast, YouTube and social media.

16:50 – Building a Global Westie Community Why Westies & Besties has grown far beyond the UK.

18:40 – Why Not Just Google Your Westie Question? The importance of trusted, expert-backed and breed-specific information.

21:00 – Caring for a Senior Westie Ageing, mobility, cognitive changes, dental care and supporting older dogs.

23:30 – Are Westies Really Difficult Dogs? Understanding independence, behaviour and what owners can sometimes misunderstand.

25:40 – Thinking About Getting Your First Westie? Breeders, rescues, nutrition, dental care and lessons learned from Buffy.

30:30 – Why Westie Nutrition Matters Conflicting advice, fresh food, raw feeding and the importance of researching your options.

35:15 – How Westies & Besties Chooses Its Topics Listening to Westie owners and finding experts to answer their questions.

40:10 – What Is The Bigger Vision For Westies & Besties? The magazine, website, podcast, YouTube and the future of the Westie community.

42:25 – Is Westies & Besties Becoming A Global Community? Supporting Westie guardians and charities around the world.

In this episode, Tammy Fox, Tony Hofstetter, and Alex Griffin discuss the inspiring journey of Pumpkin, the disabled Westie, and the impactful work of the Pumpkin and Friends charity. They explore the success of the Disability Dog Walk, plans for a retreat, and the importance of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare laws.

🐾 Listen to The Westies & Besties Podcast for expert conversations covering Westie health, nutrition, wellbeing, natural care, business and everything that makes our dogs part of the family.

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

🔥Guest links - https://pumpkinandfriendscharity.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pumpkintheparalysedpuppy https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083236875548

key topics

The success of the Disability Dog Walk event and its impact Tammy Fox's vision for a retreat and respite center for disabled animals

The connection between Tony Hofstetter and Pumpkin and its emotional significance

The state of animal welfare laws in the UK and US and the need for stronger legislation

The importance of education and responsible pet ownership for disabled dogs

Plans for expanding the charity's reach internationally and locally

The role of social media in raising awareness and support for disabled animals

The emotional and personal stories behind Pumpkin and her supporters

Future events and projects including Pumpfest and Pumpkin's children's book

The importance of community, authenticity, and perseverance in charity work

sound bites

"Pumpkin's story has touched people worldwide"

"Pumpkin has shown me resilience and courage"

"Addressing childhood trauma through Pumpkin's story"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introductions

01:01:21 The importance of action, authenticity, and community support

01:07:29 Tony’s personal story and the tattoo of Pumpkin

01:14:46 Closing remarks and future outlook

Can nature really provide a different approach to animal health and wellbeing?

In this fascinating episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, Alex Griffin sits down with Sean Cooney, founder of Botanica International, to discover the story behind a natural health brand that began with farming, traditional remedies and a simple philosophy: go back to nature.

Sean shares how his upbringing on a farm shaped his approach to animal care, and how an unexpected challenge involving a customer’s persistent foot problem led to the creation of what would eventually become Botanica.

From horses and dogs to elephants, Sean explains the thinking behind his natural formulations, why he believes synergy between ingredients is so important, and how listening to customer experiences helped him refine his products over the years.

The conversation also explores Westie skin health, natural versus conventional approaches, non-toxic pet care, prevention, animal wellbeing and the importance of educating pet owners about what they're putting on their animals.

And then there's the incredible story of how Botanica entered the Chinese market despite being told it was a crazy idea.

If you're interested in Westie health, natural pet care, animal wellbeing, herbal products, equine health, dog skin problems and the story behind successful natural health brands, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🐾 Listen to The Westies & Besties Podcast for expert conversations covering Westie health, nutrition, wellbeing, natural care, business and everything that makes our dogs part of the family.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Sometimes the best ideas start with a problem

Botanica's story began when Sean was challenged to find a natural solution for a customer's persistent foot problem—and that unexpected experiment became the beginning of something much bigger.

2. Nature was at the heart of Sean's upbringing

Growing up on a farm gave Sean an early appreciation for natural approaches to caring for animals and people.

3. Synergy is central to his philosophy

Sean explains his belief that ingredients should work together rather than against one another—like multiple horses pulling a cart in the same direction.

4. Customer feedback can shape a product

Sean describes how customers returning with their own experiences helped him continually refine and develop his formulations.

5. Natural animal care isn't limited to one species

The conversation explores applications ranging from horses and dogs to some truly unexpected animals, including elephants.

6. Education is becoming increasingly important

The episode explores how social media and access to information are changing the way pet owners research animal health and wellbeing.

7. Prevention matters

Alex and Sean discuss whether better daily care could help owners take a more preventative approach to common skin issues in dogs.

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

🔥Guest links - Botanica International Ltd

Could your dog become the next big pet influencer?

In this fascinating episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, branding expert Will Green (Marketing Made Clear) reveals what really separates successful pet brands from the thousands of accounts that never grow.

You'll discover why some dogs generate hundreds of thousands of followers—and even lucrative brand partnerships—while others struggle to gain traction. From storytelling and consistency to AI, social media algorithms, authenticity, and monetisation, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone dreaming of building a successful dog brand.

Whether you own a Westie, Labrador, Spaniel, or any other breed, these branding principles apply to every pet owner looking to grow an audience online.

🐾 In this episode you'll learn:

• How to build a memorable dog brand from scratch
• Why storytelling beats cute photos alone
• The biggest branding mistakes most owners make
• How social media algorithms really work
• How AI is changing content creation
• When (and when not) to monetise your audience
• The secret ingredient behind every successful pet influencer
• Why authenticity will become more valuable than ever

If you've ever wondered whether your dog could become an influencer—or even a business—this episode is a must-watch.

🎧 Subscribe to The Westies & Besties Podcast for expert advice on dog health, behaviour, nutrition, branding, business and everything Westie.

Suggested Chapters

00:00 Can Dogs Really Become a Brand?

01:45 What Is Branding?

05:30 Why Coca-Cola Owns Christmas

07:00 The Power of Storytelling

09:00 Biggest Branding Misconceptions

10:45 How To Start From Zero

15:45 Posting Strategy & Consistency

20:45 Why Emotional Stories Go Viral

24:00 Five Questions To Ask Before Starting

30:45 Building Communities That Last

34:00 Which Social Media Platform Should You Choose?

36:30 Best Free Content Creation Tools

38:30 How AI Is Changing Marketing

47:30 When Should You Start Making Money?

56:00 Biggest Branding Mistakes

57:00 The Most Underrated Marketing Strategy

59:00 How To Build A Leading Dog Brand

1:00:40 Final Advice For Every Future Pet Influencer

Key Takeaways

✅ A brand is far more than a logo—it's the promise people associate with you.

✅ Emotional storytelling consistently outperforms generic "cute dog" content.

✅ Consistency beats perfection every time.

✅ Don't try to appeal to everyone—find your tribe.

✅ Build trust before trying to monetise your audience.

✅ AI should enhance creativity, not replace authenticity.

✅ The strongest pet brands are built around genuine passion and community.

✅ Focus on becoming interesting—not famous.

🐾 The Westies & Besties Podcast brings together leading experts, veterinarians, breeders, behaviourists and passionate Westie owners to help you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes every 2 weeks.

🔗 Links to Will & Marketing Made Clear below.

Website - https://marketingmadeclear.com/

What if the secret to healthier skin, fresher breath, and calmer ears isn't more cleaning, but the right kind of bacteria? In this episode, Alex sits down with Joe Flanagan, founder of Ingenious Probiotics, to unpack the fascinating world of your dog's microbiome and why wiping out bacteria might be doing more harm than good.

Joe breaks down the difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, explains why antibacterial products can trigger antimicrobial resistance, and reveals the surprising link between household chemicals and conditions like canine atopic dermatitis. He also shares his own experience with Tavati, a natural hibiscus bark oil used for generations in the Cook Islands to support joint mobility and tissue repair, and why he's now bringing it to UK and Irish dog guardians.

From ear infections to itchy skin, carpet chemicals to bedtime routines, this conversation is packed with practical, natural insights every guardian needs to hear.

Tune in and discover how balance, not bleach, could be the key to your dog's wellbeing.

🐾 The Westies & Besties Podcast brings together leading experts, veterinarians, breeders, behaviourists and passionate Westie owners to help you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes every week.

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

🔗 Links to Joe and Ingenious Probiotics below.

Website - https://www.ingenious-probiotics.com/

Join us as Carolyn Lee shares her inspiring journey of rescuing Kayla, a Westie from a puppy mill, and her ongoing fight against puppy mills through legislation, advocacy, and community efforts.

Discover how one dog's story can ignite a movement to end animal cruelty and promote responsible pet ownership.

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

🎙 Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4CggDDrDhKw3mQ3HPxhGYI?si=a0023565dac04783

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlock-the-power-of-red-light-therapy-for-your/id1845688452?i=1000771013648

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

Key topics

Kayla's rescue story from puppy mill Legislation to ban puppy mills in the US Community efforts and fundraising for rescue

The impact of social media in animal advocacy

The importance of responsible pet ownership

Sound bites

"Thanks for making my story matter."

"Kayla's story is a catalyst for change."

"It's an honour to share Kayla's story."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Kayla's Story

10:12 Transforming Heartbreak into Hope: Kayla's Foundation

20:18 Legislative Advocacy: Fighting Against Puppy Mills

30:28 The Dark Reality of Puppy Mills

33:02 Empowering Change: The Role of Awareness and Education

33:39 Navigating the Westie Adoption Process

36:39 Building a Supportive Westie Community

41:33 Growing Kayla's Foundation

45:19 The Importance of Teamwork in Rescue Work

50:16 Finding the Right Westie for You

54:20 Honouring Kayla's Legacy Resources Kayla's Foundation

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/kaylasauctiongroup

Westie Rescue Southeast - https://www.westierescuesoutheast.org

Pumpkin and Friends Rescue - https://pumpkinandfriends.org

Westies and Besties Magazine - https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

Dr. Vince McNally - Holistic Vet - https://www.vetvance.com

Guest links

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.lee.9887

Website - https://kaylasfoundation.org/

Worried about how to treat your pet with new technology without causing stress or discomfort? Discover simple, proven steps to ensure your dog feels safe before, during, and after red light therapy sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a curious newcomer, learn how to make advanced treatment accessible, effective, and stress-free.

In this episode, we dive into the crucial first step many overlook: consent. Ruth Milner explains how to desensitize your dog to red light devices, minimizing anxiety and ensuring maximum benefit. She shares insights from her experiences working with wildlife, exotics, and domestic pets, revealing why comfort is key to successful therapy. You’ll hear how the latest silent devices make treatment quieter, reducing stress and improving outcomes for your furry friend.

We also explore the nuts and bolts of red light therapy. Ruth breaks down how long treatments should last—like the precise 31-second dose for pain relief—and how to target specific areas like a pro. Whether dealing with injuries like IVDD or general trauma, you’ll discover practical tips that turn a potentially intimidating process into a stress-free routine. Plus, get insider advice on demonstrating this therapy at shows and events, making pet health accessible to everyone.

Failing to prepare your dog for therapy can lead to greater anxiety, less effective healing, and missed opportunities for rapid recovery. On the flip side, understanding these simple techniques offers a chance for faster, more comfortable healing and a calmer pet. If you’re serious about giving your dog the best care possible, this episode is your essential guide.

Perfect for pet owners, veterinarians, and animal lovers eager to incorporate innovative therapy techniques safely. Whether you’re new to red light therapy or looking to refine your approach, this episode equips you with practical, science-backed insights to support your dog’s health confidently. Hit play and unlock the calm, healing power of light — your dog will thank you.

Watch the FULL episode here - https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=pydaHzNztUOTAzJE

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

🎙 Podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

🔥Guest links

Website – https://photizo.net

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/PhotizoLightTherapy/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/photizolight/