Unleashed Curiosity Podcast about Dog and Cat Health by Vital Pet Life

Vital Pet Life

Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life Podcast cracks the code on pet nutrition, wellness hacks & keeping your fur fam thriving! ✨ Join Donie Yamamoto, CEO and Founder and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM as they share practical advice, expert insights, and myth-busting truths to help you become a more confident, educated, and empowered pet parent. We’re here to dispel misinformation, break down pet ingredients, and highlight key pet wellness strategies backed by veterinary expertise. From Q & A with Dr. Amber to ingredient transparency, this podcast is your authority on today’s pet care. It’s time to get informed, inspired, and confident in your pet wellness choices. Need clean supplements? We got you! Tune in, follow & unleash your pet questions: podcast@vitalpetlife.com ➡️ You could be next episode’s superstar! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. Good Poops, Happy Dog: Getting to the Bottom of Digestive Trouble

    5d ago

    Good Poops, Happy Dog: Getting to the Bottom of Digestive Trouble

    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 to explore what most pet parents never hear: gut microbiome balance may play a central role in your dog's overall wellness — 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 your pet thrive. Follow Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life for science-backed conversations on pet health, longevity, and behavior. 👍 Like this episode if you learned something new 🔔 Subscribe for weekly pet health insights 📩 Share this with a fellow pet parent 📩 Have questions or episode ideas? Email us at podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🌐 Learn more at VitalPetLife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-98 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    29 min
  2. The Future of Pet Wellness: What We Saw at Global Pet Expo 2026

    May 26

    The Future of Pet Wellness: What We Saw at Global Pet Expo 2026

    Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM, back from Global Pet Expo 2026 with one major takeaway: pet wellness is 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 longevity, why clean sourcing and recognizable ingredients matter, and Vital Pet Life’s exciting 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. Follow Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life for science-backed conversations on pet health, longevity, and behavior. 👍 Like this episode if you learned something new 🔔 Subscribe for weekly pet health insights 📩 Share this with a fellow pet parent 📩 Have questions or episode ideas? Email us at podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🌐 Learn more at VitalPetLife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-97 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    7 min
  3. Why Your Dog NEEDS to Sniff on Walks (It's Not What You Think)

    May 19

    Why Your Dog NEEDS to Sniff on Walks (It's Not What You Think)

    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 by Vital Pet Life, veterinarian Dr. Amber Da Silva and founder 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 reduces anxiety and builds 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 completely change how you think about the daily walk. 🐾 Slow down. Let them sniff. Your dog will thank you. 🎙️ Unleashed Curiosity is brought to you by Vital Pet Life — where curiosity, compassion, and science converge to help your pet live longer, healthier, and happier. 📩 Questions or topic ideas? Email us: podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🔔 Subscribe & leave a review — it helps more pet lovers find the show! You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-96 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    12 min
  4. 60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Oatmeal for Dogs and Cats Shampoo

    May 12

    60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Oatmeal for Dogs and Cats Shampoo

    You've seen it on every pet shampoo. But do you actually know what it does? 🌾 Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life launches a brand new segment — 60 Second Ingredient Deep Dives — and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM is starting with one of the most common and most misunderstood ingredients in pet wellness. Today: Oatmeal. Not the breakfast kind. The kind that could be actively restoring your pet's skin health — or doing absolutely nothing — depending entirely on whether the brand you're using got it right. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 1:03 – What is oatmeal (in pet wellness)? 1:30 – What oatmeal does in your pet's body 2:10 – How often your pet needs it 2:35 – Red flags: low-quality oatmeal to avoid 🐶 IS THIS VIDEO FOR YOU? Watch this if your dog or cat experiences: Itchy or irritated skin Seasonal or environmental allergies Dry, flaky, or sensitive skin Post-grooming irritation Chronic skin issues despite regular bathing Or if you're simply a pet parent who wants to understand what's actually in the products you're buying. You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-95 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    3 min
  5. Dogs, Aging & the Future of Medicine: What We’re Learning from Canine Longevity, Health Science & Breakthroughs for Longer Lives

    May 5

    Dogs, Aging & the Future of Medicine: What We’re Learning from Canine Longevity, Health Science & Breakthroughs for Longer Lives

    🐾 Your Dog Is Aging Like You — And That's Changing Medicine Forever 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 - How to slow cognitive decline in dogs 06:26 - Cancer: the #1 killer in dogs & immune dysfunction 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 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. 🐶 WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS OF COGNITIVE DECLINE: • Confusion or disorientation at home • Pacing or restlessness at night • Staring at walls or getting "stuck" • Forgetting familiar people or commands Early intervention is everything. Don't dismiss these as "just aging." 🔔 SUBSCRIBE + hit the bell — next episode: small changes that extend your pet's health span. 👍 LIKE if this changed how you think about your pet's health. You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-94 #DogAgingProject #DogDementia #PetHealth #DogLongevity #CanineCognitiveDysfunction #DogCancer #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #PetWellness #IntegrativePetCare Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    13 min
  6. The One Why Cats Knead & Zoom at 3AM – 10 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained by a Vet

    Apr 28

    The One Why Cats Knead & Zoom at 3AM – 10 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained by a Vet

    Why Cats Knead, Zoom at 3AM & Knock Things Over – 10 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained by a Vet Your cat isn't weird. Science just finally caught up. 🐱 We decode 10 viral cat behaviors with Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM — and the answers will surprise you. Our Short on cat kneading just crossed 160,000 views, so we're going deeper. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Kneading / "Making Biscuits" 🍞 03:39 — The Slow Blink / Cat Kiss 😻 04:14 — "If I Fit, I Sit" 📦 04:48 — 3AM Zoomies 🌙 06:10 — Bird Watching Chatter 🐦 07:01 — The Loaf Position 🐈 08:04 — Knocking Things Off Tables 😤 09:01 — Showing Their Butt (it's a compliment) 🍑 10:10 — Sleeping on Your Laptop 💻 12:24 — Random Foot Attacks 🦶 🔬 What You'll Learn: Why adult cats still knead — rooted in nursing instinct The slow blink: your cat's version of "I love you" Why domestic cats think 3AM is hunting hour The chattering jaw reflex cats make at windows Why knocking things off tables is cause-and-effect learning How to train out foot attacks before they become a real problem Whether you're a lifelong cat parent or just deeply confused by your new kitten, this episode gives you the science and the laughs. Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share with a Cat Parent 📧 Questions? podcast@vitalpetlife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-93 #CatBehavior #WhyCatsKnead #CatParent #CatZoomies #VitalPetLife #UnleashedCuriosity #CatTips #Veterinarian #PetPodcast #CatLoaf #CatMom #CatDad #PetHealth #IntegrativePetCare Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    16 min
  7. What Your Vet Isn't Telling You About Dog Longevity: Rehab, Teeth & Mobility With Dr. Paul Toniolli

    Apr 21

    What Your Vet Isn't Telling You About Dog Longevity: Rehab, Teeth & Mobility With Dr. Paul Toniolli

    Your Dog Could Live LONGER With These 3 Habits | Canine Rehab, Dental Care & Mobility | Unleashed Curiosity Most pet parents are accidentally shortening their dog's life without even knowing it. Dr. Paul Tonioli, founder of Antelope Animal Hospital, certified canine rehabilitation practitioner and orthopedic surgeon, reveals the three biggest pillars of pet longevity that nobody talks about enough. 🔥 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Intro: The secret to adding healthy years 01:09 — Meet Dr. Paul Tonioli 05:46 — What is canine rehabilitation? 07:05 — The underwater treadmill explained 09:23 — What age should dogs start rehab? 12:19 — The 30-lb Chihuahua whose hip popped out 16:31 — Dental bacteria causes heart & kidney disease 18:00 — Dog who played fetch again after 5 years 39:51 — Why fetch is NOT real exercise 40:51 — Rehab myth busted in 12 seconds 42:17 — The car accident dog miracle ✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🐾 Fetch in the backyard does NOT count as real exercise 🦷 Dental bacteria can damage your dog's heart and kidneys 💪 Muscle strength can override poor joint health 🏊 Canine rehab is prevention, not just post-surgery recovery 🔬 90% of a dog's tooth is under the gum line — x-rays are essential 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly pet health tips and expert vet interviews. 👇 COMMENT BELOW: Does your dog get real walks or just backyard fetch? 🐕 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST, DR. T: 📧 paul@antelopevet.net 📞 801-779-7970 🏥 Antelope Animal Hospital 📩 Have questions or episode ideas? Email us at podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🌐 Learn more at VitalPetLife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️  https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-92 #petlongevity #caninerehabilitation #doghealth #petdentistry #dogwellness #veterinarycare #dogmobility #pethealthtips #unleashingcuriosity #vitalpetlife Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    48 min
  8. 60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Krill

    Apr 14

    60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Krill

    Are you wasting money on pet supplements that don’t actually work? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life, we introduce a new segment: 60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM—where we break down the real science behind the most common (and most confusing) pet wellness ingredients. No fluff. No jargon. Just what actually matters for your dog or cat’s health. Today’s spotlight: Krill Powder 🦐 You’ll learn: • What krill powder actually is • How it supports joint health, brain function, and inflammation • Why it may be more potent than fish oil • The right dosage most pet parents overlook • Red flags that reveal low-quality or misleading products Pet wellness is full of marketing—but your pet deserves better. This episode gives you the clarity to make smarter, science-backed decisions so your dog or cat can live a longer, healthier life. If you’ve ever wondered whether the ingredients in your pet’s supplements are truly effective, this rapid-fire breakdown is for you. Follow Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life for science-backed conversations on pet health, longevity, and behavior. 👍 Like this episode if you learned something new 🔔 Subscribe for weekly pet health insights 📩 Share this with a fellow pet parent 📩 Have questions or episode ideas? Email us at podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🌐 Learn more at VitalPetLife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️  https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-91 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    3 min
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About

Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life Podcast cracks the code on pet nutrition, wellness hacks & keeping your fur fam thriving! ✨ Join Donie Yamamoto, CEO and Founder and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM as they share practical advice, expert insights, and myth-busting truths to help you become a more confident, educated, and empowered pet parent. We’re here to dispel misinformation, break down pet ingredients, and highlight key pet wellness strategies backed by veterinary expertise. From Q & A with Dr. Amber to ingredient transparency, this podcast is your authority on today’s pet care. It’s time to get informed, inspired, and confident in your pet wellness choices. Need clean supplements? We got you! Tune in, follow & unleash your pet questions: podcast@vitalpetlife.com ➡️ You could be next episode’s superstar! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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