My Dog Is Better Than Your Dog

• Could AI Be the Secret Tool to Smarter Pet Care?

  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 Leadership⁠FOLLOW:Ron Sosa on Instagram: ⁠@ron.sosa84⁠Ron Sosa on Linked In: Ronald Sosa, CVPM, CCFP, PgD-CLDIntegrative Pet Wellness Center: ⁠https://integrativepet.com/⁠Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: ⁠@integrativepet⁠Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: ⁠@dr.lilychen⁠⁠@the.unicorn.vet⁠⁠Sign up for our newsletter to get more pet health tips and behind-the-scenes insights.

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• Vet Bills Got You Stressed? How to Prepare Today & Skip the Panic Tomorrow

  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.sosa84FOLLOW:Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com/Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepetDr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @[email protected] up for our newsletter to get more pet health tips and behind-the-scenes insights.

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• The Hidden Risks of Vaccines, Flea & Tick Meds, and Heartworm Prevention for Dogs

  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: @healthydogworkshopIntegrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com/Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepetDr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @[email protected] up for our newsletter to get more pet health tips and behind-the-scenes insights.

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• Becoming a Pet Parent 2.0: The honest conversation you won’t hear anywhere else

  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: @rodneyhabibRESOURCES:FOLLOW:Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepetDr. 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.

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• Could a New Diet Add Years to Your Dog’s Life? w/ Ruby Balaram

  In this episode, I sit down with Ruby Balaram, CEO of Real Dog Box and founder of the Feed Real Institute, for a heart-to-heart about one of the most overwhelming—and important—topics in pet care: food. From her start as a paralegal to becoming a bold voice in the fresh food movement, Ruby shares how a deeply personal journey with her partner’s 12 year old dog lit a fire to bring truly nourishing, species-appropriate ancestral food back to dogs’ bowls. We dive into what’s actually in commercial pet food, why you need to read the labels carefully, the biggest debates shaking the industry, and how pet parents can cut through the noise to make feeding choices they feel proud of. If you’ve ever stood in the pet food aisle feeling lost, or felt side-eyed for wanting to feed differently, this is the conversation your heart (and your dog!) needs. KEY INSIGHTS:✨ How adding even one fresh, whole ingredient can start transforming your dog’s health.✨ Why ingredient quality matters more than the marketing on the bag (and why “human grade” is a non-negotiable).✨ The difference between real preventive care and the “wellness” most pets get at annual checkups.✨ How transparency from pet food companies should look and the red flags when it’s missing.✨ Why feeding variety is key to a healthy microbiome, nutrient balance, and resilience against disease.✨ The surprising emotional benefits of mealtime joy for your dog. ✨ How intolerance testing can help take the guesswork out of diet decisions.✨ Why the raw food bacteria debate is more nuanced than it seems and what the research really says.✨ How the Feed Real Summit is bringing together pet parents, vets, and industry leaders for practical, immersive learning on canine longevity.RESOURCES:🐾 The Feed Real Summit (Oct 11–12, 2025 in San Diego)DM us on Instagram @integrativepet if you want 20% off your ticket (we have a limited number of coupon codes so come grab yours). 🐾 Real Dog Box Follow Ruby on Instagram: @realdogboxFollow the Feed Real Summit: @feedrealsummitFOLLOW:Follow Dr. Lily: @[email protected] Integrative Pet Wellness Center: @integrativepetSign up for our newsletter for more holistic pet care tips

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