We don't wait for a cavity to start brushing our teeth, so why wait to support our pets? In this episode, Donie Yamamoto sits down with Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM, to unpack what's really driving the pet supplement boom - and how pet parents can tell a quality product from marketing noise. Dr. Amber Da Silva breaks down what separates credible formulation from hype: ingredient-specific research, transparent sourcing, and serving sizes that actually match what the science supports. She and Donie also dig into why format matters as much as formula. A great ingredient does nothing if a pet won't take it or an owner won't stick with it consistently. The conversation moves into gut health and the microbiome - an area Dr. Amber Da Silva calls "cutting edge" - with connections extending well beyond digestion. They also talk candidly about industry frustrations: overcomplicated labels, serving-size math that doesn't add up, and the gap between marketing claims and what shows up in the exam room. Looking ahead, Dr. Amber Da Silva shares three trends she's watching: personalized formulations tailored to breed, age, and life stage; strain-level probiotic research; and a shift toward stronger accountability across the supplement category. This is a conversation about consistency over hype, and about treating pet parents as informed partners in their animals' long-term care. In this episode: What's really driving the daily-supplement shift for pets The three drivers of product quality: formulation, format, and transparency Why serving-size transparency matters more than ingredient count The microbiome's expanding role in companion animal health Where the supplement category is headed next #PetHealth #PetCare #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #PetSupplements ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife (http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife) ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife (https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife) ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife (https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/) ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife (https://x.com/VitalPetLife) ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife (https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts) ᐧ LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife (http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife) ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: Snake Season Is Here: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know Before It's Too Late https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/snake-season-is-here-what-every-dog-owner-needs-to-know-before-it-s-too-late (https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/snake-season-is-here-what-every-dog-owner-needs-to-know-before-it-s-too-late) Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

That dry, sprinkler-like buzz on a trail with your dog. If you've heard it, you know. Rattlesnake season is here - and this year it's already running hot. Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM and co-host of Unleashed Curiosity, breaks down what rattlesnake aversion training actually is, why the single-session class often fails, and what every dog owner in rattlesnake territory needs to do before they need it. If you hike or live in rattlesnake country, this episode is for you. This goes deeper than basic tips - into the canine fear memory science that makes training stick, the hemotoxic reality of pit viper bites, and the emergency prep gap most dog owners don't know they have. What's covered: 0:00 - Intro: the sound that changes you 0:55 - What is rattlesnake aversion training (RAT)? 1:41 - Why live snakes are essential (not rubber props) 2:30 - The single-session failure problem 3:15 - What a durable multi-station program looks like 4:20 - The emergency reality: hemotoxic venom + the 30-minute window 6:45 - Antivenom locator tool every outdoor dog owner needs 8:10 - The rattlesnake vaccine: pros, cons, and what it doesn't do 10:32 - Final action items Whether you're looking for rattlesnake tips for dogs, trying to understand if rattlesnake aversion training is worth it, or want to know what to do if your dog gets bitten - this episode covers all of it with real veterinary insight, not just general advice. Resources: veterinarysnakebite911.com (http://veterinarysnakebite911.com) - find your nearest antivenom-equipped vet by ZIP code 🐍🐕 #RattlesnakeSeason #RattlesnakeAversionTraining #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife #DogSafety ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: Dog Nutrition Decoded - Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver's https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/dog-longevity-decoded-treats-nutrition-rescue-truths-beth-jackson-of-oliver-p-toliver-s-thoroughly-tasty-treats Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the treats you give your dog every day are getting in the way of their care? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM sit down with Beth Jackson, founder of Oliver P. Toliver's Thoroughly Tasty Treats, for a conversation that will change how you think about every snack you hand your pup. Beth's brand was born from a 10-week-old rescue puppy who nearly died from Parvo - and one simple rule: every ingredient must earn its place. In this episode, you'll discover: 🐾 Why "natural" and "grain-free" labels are largely marketing jargon 🦮 Why 15 minutes of sniff-led walking beats a 2-mile run ❤️ How two rescue dogs became UCLA therapy dogs 🍠 Beth's ingredient standard: "If I can't explain why it's in there, it shouldn't be" 📉 How daily treats contribute to pet obesity - and what the calorie math really looks like Whether your dog is a rescue, a senior, a puzzle-loving genius, or a treat-motivated chaos machine, this episode is for you. 🐾 #OliverPToliver #DogTreats #DogNutrition #BethJackson #VitalPetLife 🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT - VPL × Oliver P. Toliver! We've teamed up with Oliver P. Toliver's to give away a prize bundle for your pup! How to enter: Head to our Instagram 👉 https://vitalpet.life/VPLxOliverPToliverGiveaway ⏰ Giveaway runs June 23 - July 3, 2026 | U.S. residents only. 💙 Connect with our guest, Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver's: ᐧ Website: oliverptoliver.com (http://oliverptoliver.com) ᐧ Instagram: @oliver_p_toliver_dog_treats (https://www.instagram.com/oliver_p_toliver_dog_treats/) ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: Moving Well - The Link Between Mobility and Long-Term Pet Care https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/moving-well-living-longer-the-link-between-mobility-and-pet-longevity Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Is your dog or cat slowing down? Before you chalk it up to normal aging, this episode might change how you see your pet's everyday movement. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM dig into one of the most overlooked topics in pet health: joint mobility and what it really means for your pet's long-term quality of life. Dr. Amber busts some of the biggest myths pet parents believe, including why a dog that isn't limping or crying out can still be in significant discomfort. She walks through the subtle behavioral signs that often go unnoticed - from stiffness after sleep, to avoiding stairs, to changes in litter box behavior in cats - and explains why catching these signs early can make a real difference. You'll also hear what actually happens inside a joint as pets age - how cartilage, fluid, and surrounding tissue are affected, and why visible signs are often the last to show up. Dr. Amber and Donie also cover: Why proactive daily support matters more than waiting for a diagnosis What to look for in a joint supplement and how to evaluate ingredients The key ingredients showing real research-backed promise for joint support How NSAIDs work, when they're appropriate, and what to monitor The vicious cycle of poor mobility, muscle loss, and weight gain - and how to interrupt it Comfortable daily movement matters. Supporting your pet's movement may be one of the most important things you do for them. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If this resonated, share it with a fellow pet parent who wants more comfortable, active time with their animal. 🐾 #PetMobility #DogJointHealth #CatJointHealth #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet Insights with Dr. Karyn Kanowski https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/pet-supplements-ethical-breeding-vet-approved-health-advice-with-dr-karyn-kanowski Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if your vet's training was shaped more by pharmaceutical companies than by nutrition science? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, hosts Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM sit down with Dr. Karyn Kanowski, veterinary content creator, supervisor at Pango Vet, and co-host of the Chatty Cattys podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about pet health, supplements, and the future of animal care. In this episode, we cover: Why Dr. Karyn believes pet nutrition and supplements deserve more attention in everyday care The real welfare issues behind ear cropping, tail docking, and cat declawing What water quality (yes, really) could be doing to your pet's urinary health Why building a loose daily routine - not a rigid one - may help ease anxiety in your pets Dr. Karyn's #1 advice for every pet parent: have a financial contingency plan before your pet gets sick Whether you're a new pet parent or a longtime advocate for animal welfare and care, this episode will challenge the way you think about pet health, proactive pet care, and what it truly means to advocate for your animal's care. 🐶🐱 #DrKarynKanowski #PetSupplements #EthicalBreeding #VitalPetLife #PetHealthAdvice 💙 Connect with our guest, Dr. Karyn Kanowski: ᐧ Instagram: @karyn.kanowski (https://www.instagram.com/karyn.kanowski) ᐧ Catster: catster.com (http://catster.com) ᐧ Dogster: dogster.com (http://dogster.com) ᐧ Podcast: Chatty Cattys ᐧ Work: pangovet.com (http://pangovet.com) ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: Good Poops, Happy Dog - Getting to the Bottom of Digestive Trouble https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/good-poops-happy-dog-getting-to-the-bottom-of-digestive-trouble Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What's Behind Your Dog's Digestive Discomfort - And Why Diet Alone May Not Be Enough You've switched the food. You've been patient. But occasional loose stools, digestive gas, and coat issues keep coming back. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto sits down with integrative veterinarian Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM to explore what most pet parents never hear: gut microbiome balance may play a central role in your dog's overall health - and diet changes alone may not be enough to support it. Dr. Amber breaks down: ✔️ Why occasional loose stools, gas, and coat appearance may all relate to gut microbiome balance ✔️ The gut-skin connection and how probiotic support may benefit healthy skin and coat ✔️ What can affect microbiome balance (stress, diet changes - and how to support it) ✔️ Why even a nutritious diet works best when digestion and nutrient utilization are supported ✔️ The difference between single-strain and multi-strain probiotics - and why strain diversity matters ✔️ Why species-appropriate probiotic strains may better support your dog's gut microbiome than human-formulated products If you're looking for a new framework for understanding your dog's digestive health from the inside out, this episode is for you. 🔔 New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss a science-backed conversation that helps you make better-informed decisions for your pet. #DogGutHealth #DogProbiotics #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife #PetDigestiveHealth ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: The Future of Pet Health - What We Saw at Global Pet Expo 2026 https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/the-future-of-pet-wellness-what-we-saw-at-global-pet-expo-2026 Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM are back from Global Pet Expo 2026 with one major takeaway: pet health and nutrition are evolving fast - from personalized nutrition and microbiome innovation to sustainability and ingredient transparency, today's pet parents are increasingly conscientious about the ingredients in the treats and supplements they give their pets. In this episode, they discuss the biggest trends shaping the future of pet health and nutrition, why clean sourcing and recognizable ingredients matter, and Vital Pet Life's launch at the show of Only Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats - the first pet supplement oil in the U.S. to carry the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) label. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly pet health insights and share with a fellow pet parent! #GlobalPetExpo2026 #VitalPetLife #OnlySalmonOil #ASCCertified #PetHealthTrends ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: Why Your Dog Needs to Sniff on Walks (It's Not What You Think) https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/why-your-dog-needs-to-sniff-on-walks-it-s-not-what-you-think Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your dog isn't walking - they're reading. Every fire hydrant, every blade of grass, every invisible trail left by a passing stranger - your dog is processing all of it through a nose that's up to 100,000x more powerful than yours. But most walks are designed entirely around human priorities: speed, distance, calories burned. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM and Donie Yamamoto break down the fascinating science of canine olfaction and why sniffing isn't a bad habit - it's a biological necessity. What you'll learn: Why dogs have 300 million olfactory receptors (vs. our 5-6 million) How sniffing may ease stress and build confidence in dogs The difference between a "march walk" and a mentally enriching sniff walk What your dog is actually detecting when they stop at a fire hydrant Why restricting sniffing is like making your dog wear a blindfold Whether you have a high-energy pup or a couch potato, this episode will change how you think about the daily walk. 🐾 Slow down. Let them sniff. Your dog will thank you. #DogSniffing #CanineOlfaction #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife #DogWalkTips ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: 60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM - Oatmeal in Pet Shampoo for Dogs and Cats https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/60-second-ingredient-deep-dive-with-dr-amber-dvm-oatmeal-for-dogs-and-cats-shampoo Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You've seen it on every pet shampoo. But do you actually know what it does? 🌾 In this 60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM breaks down one of the most common and most misunderstood ingredients in pet care: oatmeal. Not the breakfast kind. The kind that could be actively supporting your pet's skin care - or doing absolutely nothing - depending entirely on whether the brand you're using got it right. Timestamps: 1:03 - What is oatmeal (in pet care)? 1:30 - What oatmeal does in your pet's body 2:10 - How often your pet needs it 2:35 - What to look for on a pet shampoo label Is this episode for you? If you want to better understand what's in your pet's grooming products, this episode is for you. 🌾🐾 #OatmealForPets #PetShampooIngredients #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife #IngredientDeepDive ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: Dogs, Aging & the Future of Medicine - What We're Learning from Canine Aging Science & Health Breakthroughs https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/dogs-aging-the-future-of-medicine-what-we-re-learning-from-canine-longevity-health-science-breakthroughs-for-longer Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your Dog Is Aging Like You - And That's Reshaping Medicine. The Dog Aging Project is tracking tens of thousands of dogs nationwide - and what researchers are finding could reshape how we approach health for both dogs and humans. Dogs don't just mirror us emotionally. They mirror us biologically. Same diseases. Same environment. Same aging pathways. Just on a faster timeline. Timestamps: 00:00 - The Dog Aging Project: What It Is 01:16 - Why dogs are the perfect human aging model 02:57 - Canine dementia & Alzheimer's parallels 04:28 - What pet parents miss about cognitive decline 05:20 - What Dr. Amber says about supporting cognitive function in aging dogs 06:26 - Cancer: the #1 concern in dogs & immune function 08:02 - Why dogs outperform mice as research models 09:07 - Rapamycin & the future of health span 10:20 - Shifting from reactive to proactive pet care 11:44 - What you can do as a pet parent right now In this episode, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM and Donie Yamamoto break down canine dementia, cancer, chronic inflammation, and what the Dog Aging Project means for the future of veterinary and human medicine. Signs worth discussing with your vet: Confusion or disorientation at home Pacing or restlessness at night Staring at walls or getting "stuck" Forgetting familiar people or commands Early conversations with your vet can make a difference. Follow Unleashed Curiosity for weekly conversations on pet health and science-backed care. 🐾 #DogAgingProject #DogDementia #PetHealth #DogAgingScience #CanineCognitiveDysfunction #DogCancer #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com (http://www.vitalpetlife.com) You may also enjoy: Why Cats Knead & Zoom at 3AM - 10 Cat Behaviors Explained by a Vet https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/the-one-why-cats-knead-zoom-at-3am-10-weird-cat-behaviors-explained-by-a-vet Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com). Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.