The Natural Dog Mum – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What if your dog’s “allergies” aren’t actually allergies?

In the Season 2 premiere of The Natural Dog Mum podcast, Master Canine Herbalist and The Herbal Dog author Rita Hogan joins Sherry to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in natural dog health.

From itchy skin, ear infections and gut sensitivities to antibiotic damage, liver congestion and immune dysfunction, Rita explains why many chronic skin issues are signs of deeper imbalance - and why true healing starts by supporting the nervous system, lymphatics and gut.

If your dog struggles with recurring itch, reactivity or unresolved sensitivities, this episode offers a fresh perspective on healing from the inside out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

- Many “allergies” are actually sensitivities caused by immune dysregulation

- Antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome for years if recovery isn’t supported

- Skin symptoms often reflect gut, liver and lymphatic imbalance

- Suppressing symptoms can delay deeper healing

- Nervous system regulation plays a critical role in recovery

- Environmental toxins can contribute to chronic skin irritation

- Healing chronic sensitivities requires patience and a whole-body approach

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to Season 2

02:15 What if it’s not actually allergies?

07:40 How antibiotics disrupt the gut

13:10 The liver, lymphatics & skin connection

18:45 Rita’s herbal recovery approach

24:30 Environmental triggers pet parents overlook

28:15 Vaccines, puppies & immune support

31:40 Real recovery stories + practical first steps

CONNECT WITH RITA HOGAN

Website: http://www.canineherbalist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canineherbalist/

JOIN OUR NEW COMMUNITY

Join The Natural Dog Mum Community for natural dog health conversations, episode discussions and practical support for raising healthier dogs naturally. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1942943969673136

ABOUT US

The Natural Dog Mum podcast is produced by Bear + Kind Apawthecary founder and canine herbalist Sherry Cooper-Smith.

Bear + Kind creates award-winning organic skincare for sensitive dogs.

CONNECT WITH US

Website: http://www.bearandkind.com.au

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bearandkindapawthecary

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bearandkindapawthecary

WHAT'S NEXT?🔔 Subscribe for practical natural dog health education

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#TheNaturalDogMum#DogAllergies#NaturalDogHealth#DogGutHealth#HolisticDogCare#CanineHerbalism#RitaHogan#BearAndKind

In our final episode for 2025, Michelle Cummins from Natural Pet Farmacy discusses her role in the pet care industry, focusing on empowering pet owners to manage minor health issues at home with natural remedies. She talks about the dangers of fillers and synthetic ingredients in many pet products, the hidden health risks associated with vaccines and other traditional medical treatments and the importance of education in managing pet health. Michelle also chats about the Canine Masters event and some of the natural pet health experts headlining the event.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

•  Colloidal silver is great for cuts and abrasions.

• Not every issue requires a vet visit.
• Understanding minor health issues is crucial for pet owners.
• Alternative remedies can reduce unnecessary vet visits.
• Confidence in pet care leads to better outcomes.
• Education is key in managing pet health.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Michelle Cummins
03:00 Journey into the Pet Industry
09:00 The Birth of Natural Pet Pharmacy
15:00 Challenges in the Pet Industry
21:00 Importance of Natural Pet Care
27:00 Canine Masters Event Overview

CONTACT NATURAL PET FARMACY

www.naturalpetfarmacy.com.au

Instagram: @naturalpetfarmacy

CANINE MASTERS

www.caninemasters.com.au

ABOUT US

The Natural Dog Mum podcast is produced by Bear + Kind Apawthecary founder and canine herbalist Sherry Cooper-Smith. Bear + Kind formulates award-winning organic skincare for sensitive dogs.

CONTACT US

⁠www.bearandkind.com.au⁠

Instagram/Facebook: @bearandkindapawthecary and @thenaturaldogmum

YouTube: @bearandkind

Linkedin: Sherry Cooper-Smith

🔔 Subscribe to learn more about natural health and wellness for dogs.

💬Got questions or stories? Drop them in the comments - we love hearing from our pack!

In this episode of the Natural Dog Mom podcast, Sherry chatswith Advanced Canine Nutritionist Kristie Ainsworth from Rawspirit Canine Nutrition about the importance of gut health and nutrition for dogs. They discuss Kristie's journey into canine nutrition, the benefits of raw feeding, common health issues in dogs, and the connection between diet and behaviour. Kristie shares insights on healing the gut, Detoxing, and the energetic bond between dogs and their owners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Raw feeding has shown significant health benefits for dogs, including improved skin and coat health.
• Gut health is crucial for overall canine health, with manyissues stemming from an unhealthy gut.
• Chronic inflammation in dogs can lead to serious healthproblems, often originating from gut issues.
• Diet plays a significant role in a dog's behaviour andoverall well-being.
• Detoxing is essential for dogs, especially those exposed to antibiotics or processed foods.
• The liver is vital for detoxification and overall health indogs.
• Dogs can absorb their owner's stress and emotions, impacting their health.
• A holistic approach to nutrition considers the mind, body, and spirit of the dog.
• Pet owners should be aware of the ingredients in their dog's food and the potential health risks.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Canine Nutrition and Gut Health

02:54 The Journey to Raw Feeding and Its Benefits

05:40 Common Canine Health Issues: Yeast and Gut Health

08:20 The Impact of Diet on Canine Health

11:31 Healing the Gut: Strategies and Ingredients

14:14 The Importance of Detoxification

17:08 The Energetic Connection Between Dogs and Owners

20:00 The Link Between Stress and Canine Health

22:51 Behavioural Changes Through Diet

24:31 The Joy of Nourishing Pets

25:01 Connecting with Your Dog

25:52 Holistic Nutrition for Dogs

27:03 Convenience in Pet Food Choices

28:45 Exploring Unique Protein Options

30:12 Balancing Variety in Dog Diets

30:54 The Importance of Quality Ingredients

33:27 The Shift to Organic Ingredients

35:56 Understanding Pet Food Quality

38:01 Educating Pet Owners on Nutrition

CONTACT KRISTIE

www.rawspirit.com.au

Instagram: @⁠rawspiritcanine

THE PET FOOD SHOPS

www.thepetfoodshops.com.au

Instagram: @thepetfoodshops

ABOUT US

The Natural Dog Mum podcast is produced by Bear + KindApawthecary founder and canine herbalist Sherry Cooper-Smith. Bear + Kind formulates award-winning organic skincare for sensitive dogs.

CONTACT US

www.bearandkind.com.auInstagram/Facebook: @bearandkindapawthecary and@thenaturaldogmum

YouTube: @bearandkind

Linkedin: Sherry Cooper-Smith

🔔 Subscribe to learn more about natural health and wellness for dogs.

💬Got questions or stories? Drop them in the comments - we love hearing from our pack!

In this episode, Sherry chats with Amanda Falconer from Bestie Health about her journey from rescuing dogs to creating a line of nutritional supplements and raw feeding products for pets. They discuss the importance of fresh food, the challenges of transitioning from kibble, and the role of nutraceuticals in supporting dog health. Amanda shares insights on formulating balanced diets for busy pet parents and the need for pet owners to make informed choices about their dogs' diets while considering both health andenvironmental impacts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

•  Transitioning from kibble to fresh food can bestraightforward.
• Working with nutritionists is crucial for formulating petsupplements.
• Nutraceuticals can address specific health issues in dogs.
• Balancing a dog's diet requires understanding proteinsources and their nutritional profiles.
• Antioxidants are important for aging dogs and can supportcognitive function.
• Lightly cooking food can aid digestion without losingnutrients.
• Sustainability is a key consideration in pet nutritionchoices.

CHAPTERS

 00:00 The Journey Begins: From Rescue to Bestie Health

03:10 Navigating Nutrition: The Shift from Kibble to FreshFood

05:57 Formulating for Health: Collaborations and Innovations

08:53 Understanding Nutraceuticals: Supplements for SpecificNeeds

11:50 Balancing Act: The Science of Dog Nutrition

14:41 Transitioning to Fresh: Tips for Dog Owners

17:53 Broths and Chews: Expanding the Product Line

20:36 The Importance of Antioxidants and Gut Health

23:41 Sustainability in Pet Nutrition: A Holistic View

26:23 Final Thoughts: The Future of Dog Nutrition

CONTACT BESTIE

www.bestiehealth.com.au

Instagram: @⁠bestiehealth.au

ABOUT US

The Natural Dog Mum podcast is produced by Bear + KindApawthecary founder and canine herbalist Sherry Cooper-Smith. Bear + Kind formulates award-winning organic skincare for sensitive dogs.

CONTACT US

www.bearandkind.com.auInstagram/Facebook: @bearandkindapawthecary and@thenaturaldogmum

YouTube: @bearandkind

Linkedin: Sherry Cooper-Smith

🔔 Subscribe to learn more about natural health and wellness for dogs.

💬Got questions or stories? Drop them in the comments - we love hearing from our pack!

#naturalpetcare #animalmedicine #dogmumsofinstagram#probioticsforpets #rawfeeding #dogdiet #naturopathy #dognutritiontips#petnutrition

In this episode, we chat with Animal Naturopath and Nutritionist Pru Crompton from Whiskey's Animal Goods Store, about the importance of proper nutrition for dogs. Prue shares her background in health and nutrition, emphasising the need for dog owners to be educated about their dogs' diets. The conversation highlights common health issues in dogs, the significance of a balanced species appropriate diet, and practical feeding tips to improve dog health. Prue advocates for raw feeding and the use of probiotics, while also addressing dental health and the importance of making gradual dietary changes for your dog.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Pets require a balanced diet rich in protein and fat.
• Environmental factors contribute to increasing health issues in pets.
• Probiotics are essential for gut health in pets.
• Incremental changes in diet can lead to significant improvements in pet health.
• Raw feeding can enhance a pet's energy and overall well-being.
• Pet owners should read and understand pet food ingredients.
• Dental health is crucial and can be maintained through proper feeding practices.
• Listening to pets' needs is vital for their health and happiness.
• Education and support for pet owners are key to improving pet care.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Animal Naturopathy and Nutrition

06:01 Common Health Issues in Pets

11:50 The Importance of Probiotics and Nutrition

18:29 Feeding Practices and Dental Health

24:20 Advice for Pet Parents on Nutrition

CONTACT PRUwww.whiskeysanimalgoodsstore.com.auInstagram: @whiskeys_animal_goods_storeKELPY BONE

www.kelpybone.comInstagram: @⁠kelpyboneABOUT US The Natural Dog Mum podcast is produced by Bear + Kind Apawthecary founder and canine herbalist Sherry Cooper-Smith. Bear + Kind formulates award-winning organic skincare for sensitive dogs. CONTACT US www.bearandkind.com.au Instagram/Facebook: @bearandkindapawthecary and @thenaturaldogmumYouTube: @bearandkind Linkedin: Sherry Cooper-Smith 🔔 Subscribe to learn more about natural health and wellness for dogs. 💬 Got questions or stories? Drop them in the comments - we love hearing from our pack!

In this episode, Sherry chats to Tara Medina, founder of Aussie pet food brand Eureka, known for air-dried, nutritionally balanced raw dog food. Tara shares her journey from starting a wild game harvesting business to creating a unique dog food product that focuses on high-quality ingredients and convenience. The conversation delves into the benefits of air-dried food compared to kibble, the importance of understanding dog nutrition, and the concept of hybrid feeding. Tara also discusses future developments for Eureka and emphasises the need for better education on pet nutrition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Tara's journey into the pet industry began with wild game harvesting.
• Eureka focuses on air-dried dog food made from high-quality ingredients.
• Air-dried food retains more nutritional value compared to kibble.
• Hybrid feeding allows for a balanced diet tailored to individual dogs.
• Education on dog nutrition is often lacking among pet owners and vets.
• Eureka aims to provide convenient and high-quality food options for dogs.
• Tara emphasises the importance of variety in a dog's diet.
• Air-dried food can be used as treats or mixed with other foods.
• Eureka is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing of ingredients.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Eureka and Tara's Journey

05:46 The Benefits of Air-Dried Pet Food

10:00 Nutritional Insights: Comparing Air-Dried and Kibble

15:54 Hybrid Feeding: Finding the Right Balance

22:17 Future Plans for Eureka

24:23 Sustainable Practices in Pet Food Production

CONTACT EUREKAwww.eurekapet.co

Email: tara@eurekapet.coInstagram: @eurekapetcoABOUT US The Natural Dog Mum podcast is produced by Bear + Kind Apawthecary founder and canine herbalist Sherry Cooper-Smith. Bear + Kind formulates award-winning organic skincare for sensitive dogs. CONTACT US www.bearandkind.com.au Instagram/Facebook: @bearandkindapawthecary and @thenaturaldogmumYouTube: @bearandkind Linkedin: Sherry Cooper-Smith 🔔 Subscribe to learn more about natural health and wellness for dogs. 💬 Got questions or stories? Drop them in the comments - we love hearing from our pack!

In this week’s episode, Sherry chats with Dog Trainer and Behaviour Specialist Sarah Rutten about the complexities of dog behaviour, particularly focusing on anxiety and reactivity in dogs. They discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dog socialisation, the importance of understanding reactivity as a fear-based response, and methods for ddressing these behaviours through patience and proper training techniques. Sarah also shares her journey in writing a book on dog training, emphasising the need for a compassionate and an informed approach to dog behaviour.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

•  Dog training is not a regulated industry, so qualifications vary.
• COVID-19 has led to an increase in anxiety and reactivity in dogs.
• Reactivity in dogs often stems from fear and anxiety, not aggression.
• Proper socialisation during puppyhood is crucial for healthy behaviour.
• Desensitisation and counter conditioning are effective methods for training.
• Patience is key; behaviour change takes time and consistency.
• Recognizing early signs of stress can prevent reactive behaviours.
• Force-free methods are essential for effective dog training.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Dog Behaviour and Training

02:48 The Impact of COVID-19 on Dog Behaviour

05:49 Understanding Reactivity in Dogs

08:43 Assessing and Addressing Reactivity

11:35 The Role of Medication in Dog Training

14:41 Desensitisation and Counter Conditioning

17:28 The Importance of Patience in Training

20:40 Recognising Early Signs of Stress in Dogs

CONTACT SARAH RUTTEN

www.thecanineperspective.com.au

Instagram: @thecanineperspective 

ABOUT US

The Natural Dog Mum podcast is produced by Bear + KindApawthecary founder and canine herbalist Sherry Cooper-Smith. Bear + Kind formulates award-winning organic skincare for sensitive dogs.

CONTACT US

www.bearandkind.com.auInstagram/Facebook: @bearandkindapawthecary and @thenaturaldogmum

YouTube: @bearandkind

Linkedin: Sherry Cooper-Smith

🔔 Subscribe to learn more about natural health and wellness for dogs.

💬 Got questions or stories? Drop them in the comments - we love hearing from our pack!

In this episode, Sherry chats with Kal, dog trainer and co-founder of Bark Botanica, a natural supplement brand for dogs. Kal shares his journey from investment banking to dog training and ultimately to creating the brand. He discusses the challenges faced with his dog Elsa's health issues, the importance of diet in managing these issues, and how it led to the development of their product line. The conversation also touches on the link between diet and behaviour in dogs, the significance of gut health, and the importance of using a holistic approach to canine nutrition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Elsa's health issues sparked the creation of Bark Botanica.

• Dietary changes significantly improved Elsa's health.

• Holistic approaches are essential in dog care.

• Gut health is crucial for overall dog wellness.

• Behavioural issues in dogs can be linked to diet.

• Quality of snacks and treats matters in dog nutrition.

• Education on dog nutrition is vital for pet owners.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Bark Botanica

02:15 Kal's Journey: From Banking to Dog Health

06:26 Dietary Changes for Dog Health

09:56 The Link Between Diet and Behaviour

14:42 Understanding Dog Nutrition

19:59 Bark Botanica's Product Line

CONTACT BARK BOTANICA

www.barkbotanica.com.au

Instagram: @barkbotanica

ABOUT US

The Natural Dog Mum podcast is produced by Bear + Kind Apawthecary founder and canine herbalist Sherry Cooper-Smith. Bear + Kind formulates award-winning organic skincare for sensitive dogs.

CONTACT US

www.bearandkind.com.au

Instagram/Facebook: @bearandkindapawthecary

YouTube: @bearandkind

Linkedin: Sherry Cooper-Smith

🔔 Subscribe to learn more about natural health and wellness for dogs. 💬 Got questions or stories? Drop them in the comments - we love hearing from our pack!

In this week's episode, Sherry chats with Naomi, Master Groomer and Australia's first Master Pet Aesthetician, about the importance of skincare for dogs. They discuss Naomi's journey in the grooming industry, the most common skin issues faced by dogs, and the significance of using quality, natural products. Naomi emphasises the need for dog owners to nourish their dogs' skin and the important role of groomers in maintaining overall pet health. They also touch on the importance of understanding ingredients in grooming products and the potential health implications of poor skin care.

Key Takeaways

• Protecting the skin is crucial for your dog's overall health.
• A significant percentage of dogs suffer from dry skin.
• Nourishing the skin should start from the first grooming session.
• Skin acts as the first line of defence against allergens.
• Underlying health issues can manifest as skin problems.
• Transparency in product ingredients is essential for safety.
• Regular grooming can significantly improve skin health.
• Groomers play a vital role in monitoring pet health.
• Quality natural grooming products can be used daily without harm.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Grooming and Skin Care

01:05 Naomi's Journey in Pet Grooming

03:49 Common Skin Conditions in Pets

07:49 Innovative Treatments for Skin Health

10:34 The Importance of Skin Health

13:24 Understanding Ingredients for Pet Care

16:00 Ingredients to Avoid in Pet Products

19:34 Tips for Home Grooming and Skin Care

In this conversation, Holistic Vet Dr. Kate Millhouse shares her journey into the field of natural therapies for pets. She discusses the importance of questioning traditional veterinary practices, the benefits of holistic approaches, and the significance of nutrition in pet health. Dr. Millhouse emphasises the role of acupuncture, homeopathy, and dietary management in treating various health issues, particularly skin problems. She also highlights the need for pet owners to be informed about vaccinations and the potential to minimise medications through natural methods.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Nutrition plays a crucial role in pet health, with fresh whole foods being preferable to processed diets.
• Acupuncture is not only for pain relief but can regulate various bodily functions.
• Skin issues in pets often respond better to natural therapies than conventional medicines.
• Holistic approaches can improve gut health, which is linked to overall well-being.
• Vaccination protocols can be adjusted based on antibody testing rather than routine schedules.
• Minimizing the use of medications can lead to healthier pets in the long run.
• Pet owners should seek out holistic veterinarians for alternative treatment options.
• Continuous learning in veterinary medicine opens up new possibilities for treatment.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Holistic Veterinary Medicine

02:31 The Journey to Holistic Practices

05:01 Exploring Homeopathy and Acupuncture

08:02 The Impact of Nutrition on Animal Health

10:25 The Role of Herbs and Traditional Medicine

12:47 Addressing Skin Issues and Inflammation

14:40 Vaccination and Preventative Care

16:42 The Future of Holistic Veterinary Practices