Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino - Formerly It's A Dog's Life

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by Danielle Ruccia, a holistic wellness educator and detox-focused influencer known for helping pet parents simplify health decisions. Together, they talk about why so many pets end up stuck on a “hamster wheel” of processed food, pesticides, and stacked pharmaceuticals, and how stepping back into a food-first, low-toxin approach can make a real difference. Angela and Danielle also unpack common toxin exposures (from flea and tick treatments to household chemicals), why ingredient lists and fillers matter so much in pet supplements, and how to take practical detox and diet steps without getting overwhelmed or trying to do everything at once.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Danielle Ruccia and they discuss the backlash holistic voices can face, and how it's not about being “anti-vet,” just pro-education and advocating for your pets. (00:00)Angela and Danielle talk about how many pets arrive severely sick after years of processed food, pesticides, and stacked pharmaceuticals. (02:10)Danielle explains her core approach: keep it simple, because confusion and “too much info” leads to paralysis and no action. (05:05)Angela calls out the lack of consequences in pet care and criticizes common conventional meds and the “add another drug” cycle. (06:45)They talk about how common major toxin exposures are, including conventional flea/tick products and everyday household chemicals. (08:23)Danielle describes her own health story, years of skin issues, digestive problems, antibiotics, hormonal disruption, and aggressive medications; and how she started healing through education, and trial-and-error. (13:51)Both emphasize becoming your pet’s advocate and not blindly outsourcing health decisions to anyone, even “experts.”, and remember even trusted brands can change formulas and why reading ingredients and checking COAs matters. (23:36)They warn that more ingredients isn’t better, 10–12+ ingredient blends can be a red flag and make reactions impossible to troubleshoot. Trendy products can look good, but often rely on fillers, binders, and marketing over real formulation. (25:52)They discuss how even “better” pet foods can still be loaded with synthetic vitamin/mineral packs and why sourcing matters. (40:00)Angela and Danielle reinforce: it’s never too late, older pets can still thrive with the right changes and support. (45:25)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources including her Pet Detox Guide and Additives to Avoid at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Follow Danielle Ruccia on Skool, Instagram and TikTokHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela sits down with Dr. Jannine Krause, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, herbalist, and proud dog lover, for an honest conversation about what naturopathic medicine actually is (and isn’t), why “holistic” can be a misleading label, and how our dogs often seem to reflect what we’re going through emotionally and physically. They also dig into nutrition education gaps, pet food myths, and practical tools Dr. Krause uses at home with her own dogs.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Dr. Jannine Krause and previews the big themes: naturopathic vs. holistic care, why true naturopathic-style training doesn’t really exist in vet med, and the way pets can mirror our stress and health patterns. (00:00)Dr. Krause explains what a naturopathic doctor is, including the scope of her training and how it compares to conventional medical training, especially the emphasis on nutrition, whole foods, and botanical medicine. (01:10)The conversation shifts into veterinary care: Angela shares why it’s frustrating that pet parents don’t have the option to see someone with the combined depth of conventional + nutrition + herbal training specifically for animals. (06:20)They discuss a common industry issue: “pet versions” of supplements that are simply lowered-potency versions of human formulas—often without strong rationale—plus how pricing doesn’t always reflect those changes. (09:45)Dr. Krause shares how she supported her dog Brian through chronic ear issues and how real food and diet changes were a turning point, along with the uncomfortable experience of being aggressively questioned by her “integrative” vet when her dog lost weight and improved. (12:30)They dig into vaccination conversations and why it can feel confusing when preventive checklists show up during sick visits, plus how both human and veterinary systems often default to “pharmaceutical-first” approaches. (17:09)Dr. Krause expands on the “mirroring” theme: how our stress, mood, and household energy can show up in our pets, and why she sees this connection repeatedly with clients and her own dogs. (19:10)Angela and Dr. Jannine unpack how deeply pet parents have been conditioned to trust kibble, pharmaceuticals, and one-size-fits-all protocols—despite minimal nutrition education in veterinary medicine—and how real healing often begins when we question conventional advice, prioritize real food, and stay curious instead of accepting “there’s nothing else to try.” (24:28)They break down the difference between naturopathic doctors, functional medicine practitioners, and loosely used “holistic” labels, emphasizing how training, education length, board exams, and clinical depth matter. The takeaway is that titles alone don’t tell the full story, and pet parents (and human patients) need to ask questions, look at credentials, and trust their instincts. (30:50)Dr. Krause shares practical, at-home tools she uses with dogs: acupressure points (especially hips/back/spine/jaw), gentle bodywork, tuning forks, PEMF and red light, while making sure she is observing how pets respond in real time. (37:40)Diet and environmental toxins play a massive role in both human and pet health. They discuss how preservatives, synthetic vitamins, and chemicals in kibble and household products can accumulate in the body, contribute to weight issues and lumps in dogs, and disrupt overall balance, often improving only when real food and a cleaner, low-toxin environment are prioritized. (40:44)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Guides including Comparing Pet Health Care Types: Naturopathic/Holistic vs Integrative vs Conventional at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Dr. Jannine Kraus’ Website & The Health Fix PodcastFollow Dr. Jannine Krause on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by holistic pet health coach Naja Muller of Tonka’s Journey and Green Paws Holistic Pet Care. Naja shares how she’s helped her handicapped and chronically challenged dogs stay comfortable, mobile, and joyful using a holistic pain management toolkit, without relying on long-term pharmaceuticals. Angela and Naja dive into the five pain pathways, why conventional pain meds often lead to stacking multiple drugs with serious side effects, and how whole-plant cannabis, psilocybin, nutrition, and at-home therapies can work together to support dogs living with pain.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Naja Muller, Tonka’s Journey and sets the stage for a deep dive into chronic pain, handicapped dogs, and holistic pain support. (00:00)They break down the five pain-signaling pathways and explain how conventional drugs usually target just one, while cannabis and other botanicals can influence multiple pathways at once. (03:13)Naja shares her dog Tripp’s osteosarcoma story, how conventional pain meds quickly caused severe constipation, and how switching to high-THC and CBD plus a wheelchair transformed his final six months. (05:17)Naja shares about her dog Tonka’s congenital deformities, and how she committed early to a holistic pain plan instead of cycling through combinations of dog pain meds and their side effects. (07:19)They discuss their shared experiences using full extract cannabis (THC-rich oil) and CBD for pain support in dogs, including why whole-plant cannabis works differently than pharmaceuticals and practical tips for balancing THC and CBD for comfort without heavy sedation. (09:45)Angela and Naja unpack the problem with NSAIDs, opioids, steroids, Librela and other popular pain drugs for dogs, highlighting issues like gut damage, liver and kidney strain, and long-term fallout. (13:50)Why the conversation should actually be about being proactive with food and lifestyle, rather than adding more synthetic supplements and pharmaceuticals. Naja shares her go-to foods for joint support and inflammation. (18:24)Angela discusses the need to reframe hemp, functional mushrooms and adaptogens as functional food, rather than “supplements”, stressing clean sourcing, COAs, and why real liquid mushroom extracts beat cheap powders with fillers. (21:02)Naja shares the at-home modalities she uses with her dogs, including light therapy, infrared and PEMF mats, cold laser, tuning forks, Reiki, ozone and bodywork, to support comfort and recovery. (26:49)Naja describes her own experience microdosing psilocybin, then using it with Tonka, and the subtle but noticeable shifts she saw in his mobility, reactivity and emotional balance over time. (32:42)They close by urging pet parents not to blindly trust every prescription, to learn the real risks of dog pain meds and steroids, and to build proactive, “do no harm” holistic pain plans that protect quality of life. (40:02)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources including Natural Alternatives for Arthritis Pain in Dogs and Cats & her Cosequin Ingredient Breakdown at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Follow Tonka’s Journey on Facebook, Instagram and TikTokLooking for a Holistic Pet Health Coach - Green Paws Holistic Pet CareHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela sits down with Kelly Bone, founder of Saving Pets One Pet at a Time, to talk about a topic a lot of pet parents are quietly struggling with: who can you actually trust with your pet’s health? Kelly shares the heartbreaking story of losing her dog, Duncan, to a recalled prescription pet food and how that grief turned her into a fierce advocate, lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit, and the creator of a 175,000-member Facebook community. Angela and Kelly dig into what “holistic” really means, why the word is now slapped on everything from vet clinics to online coaches, and how pet parents can spot red flags in veterinarians, nutrition courses, supplements, and online “experts.” You’ll hear real talk about pet food recalls, dangerous drugs still on the market, unregulated supplements, and the rise of under-trained “holistic” practitioners. Most importantly, Angela and Kelly share practical ways to vet potential vets and coaches, read labels, build a trustworthy holistic team, and step fully into your role as your pet’s primary advocate.Episode Recap:Angela starts by defining what holistic truly means: treating the whole being, addressing root causes, and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. (00:00)Kelly shares her dog Duncan’s story, how her healthy service dog suddenly became critically ill and died after eating contaminated Hill’s Science Diet dog food, and realizing how little these companies care about our pets, after Hill’s offered her $10 in coupons as recompense for killing her dog. (02:34)She explains how Duncan’s death led her to join a class action lawsuit against Hill’s and launch the Saving Pets One Pet at a Time Facebook group, which grew rapidly as thousands of grieving or worried pet parents reached out. (05:04)Angela and Kelly talk about the guilt of blindly following conventional vet advice, from prescription food, flea/tick meds, heartworm drugs, to constant vaccines, and why they now refuse to hand over full control again. (06:58)Angela calls out the explosion of inexperienced “certified” holistic pet coaches and pet nutritionists, many with less than 30 hours of training, yet charging hundreds of dollars per consult. (10:00)They outline red flags in “holistic” vet clinics, like pharma posters, prescription diets, annual vaccine postcards, and automatic chemical preventatives. Plus practical tips for vetting your vet: from visiting clinics in advance and asking the right questions, to being willing to drive or use telehealth to work with a truly holistic vet. (16:43)Angela and Kelly talk about the shocking lack of consequences when pet food companies harm or even kill thousands of pets, who are seen as merely property, and misleading pet food labels and supplements, warning about companies changing ingredients for profit, many with long lists of synthetic vitamins, fillers, and “other ingredients.” (22:21)Why long ingredient lists are a red flag and why nutrients should primarily come from real, whole foods rather than isolates sprinkled on top. (27:12)They discuss influencers who suddenly flip from promoting raw feeding to pushing kibble and prescription diets, and why pet parents should always follow the money and check for sponsorships. (30:10)Kelly shares about the 175,000 pet parents looking for help in her Facebook group, Saving Pets One Pet at a Time, many joining after their pets get sick because of commercial pet food, and why saving money by feeding your dog cheap kibble often leads to bigger vet bills later, plus ways to “freshen the bowl” on a budget. (36:19)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Do No Harm Holistic Vet Checklist & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Finding a Holistic Vet: What Pet Parents Should Know by Angela ArdolinoFind more resources on Kelly’s website Saving Pets One Pet at a TimeFollow Kelly & Saving Pets One Pet at a Time on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

Ever dream of hopping on a plane and exploring the world with your dog by your side? In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Larry and Charly Pruden, founders of Pawdega, an ethical, non-toxic pet marketplace that makes it easy for pet parents to find the safest holistic brands all in one place. Larry and Charly have traveled across the globe with their French Bulldog, Milka, and they share their best tips for international and domestic pet travel, from navigating airline policies and import permits to choosing stress-free accommodations and maintaining holistic pet care routines on the road. If you’ve ever wished you could take your dog everywhere, or are simply curious about what life looks like on the road with a pup, this episode will give you the confidence (and checklists) to make it happen.Episode Recap:Angela opens the episode introducing Larry & Charly, founders of Pawdega, who travel all over the world with their frenchie Milka (01:00)How Larry and Charly started traveling with Milka, and the research involved with meeting requirements from country to country (02:10)Flying with your dog, from in-cabin pets and service animals to dogs flying in cargo, how to prepare your dog (04:41)Charly and Larry share the steps you can take to start traveling with your dog around the world, from checking embassy resources to first hand tips from experienced travelers (10:26)How they feed Milka while traveling in different countries, from local sources to freeze-dried raw dog food packed in a suitcase (12:44)Angela shares the realities of traveling from airbnb to hotel to airbnb all over the country with her dogs, and the everyday toxins present in cleaning products and household products in these hotels and homes across the country (16:22)Being prepared for any situation, as access to homeopathics or veterinary care isn’t always speedy or possible when traveling (18:00)Why supporting your pet’s immune system, and being proactive with natural support is vital, before a problem or diagnosis (20:40)Larry and Charly’s top tips for pet parents interested in traveling with their dogs, including considering whether your dog will do well traveling, double checking vaccine expiration dates, and calming CBD oil for dogs (21:47)Sharing Milka’s encounter with freeroaming dogs in Thailand, plus how to follow and support Milka, Charly, Larry, and Pawdega (27:10)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Pet Travel Checklist & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsPawdega.usFollow Pawdega on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.