Unleashed Curiosity: Dog & Cat Health, Nutrition & Vet Advice by Vital Pet Life

Vital Pet Life
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Weekly

Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life Podcast cracks the code on pet nutrition, health tips & keeping your fur fam happy and informed! ✨ 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 care strategies backed by veterinary expertise. From Q & A with Dr. Amber to ingredient transparency, this podcast is your go-to source for today's pet care. It's time to get informed, inspired, and confident in your pet care choices. Need quality supplements? We got you! Tune in, follow & unleash your pet questions: podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto:podcast@vitalpetlife.com) ➡️ You could be next episode's superstar! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    The Science of Animal Consciousness: Do Dogs and Cats Really Feel Emotions?

    Do animals really feel things — or are we just projecting? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie and Dr. Amber dig into a new philosophy framework out of Michigan State University that's helping scientists figure out which animals are actually conscious. 🧠 The "marker" debate — what scientists look for to judge whether a creature can feel 🦀 Why hermit crabs are the surprising test case researchers keep coming back to 🐕🐈 What the science says about dogs and cats specifically (spoiler: it's good news) ❤️ Why trusting what you see in your own pet is backed by more science than you'd think Not a philosophy lecture — a grounded, real-talk look at why the science keeps landing closer to "yes, they feel more than we assumed." ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/unleashed-curiosity-podcast ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com 🎧 You may also enjoy: Therapy Dogs, Mental Health & Community Impact with Jody Williams https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/therapy-dogs-mental-health-community-impact-with-jody-williams Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at hello@unleashedcuriosity.com. Thank you for tuning in! #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #AnimalConsciousness #PetHealth #DogBehavior #CatBehavior #PetScience #DogsOfInstagram #CatsOfInstagram #PetPodcast Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Science of Animal Consciousness: Do Dogs and Cats Really Feel Emotions?

  2. Aug 11

    Therapy Dogs, Mental Health & Community Impact with Jody Williams

    Therapy Dogs in Jails, Clinics & Airports: The Human-Animal Bond in Action In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie and Dr. Amber sit down with Jody Williams, Executive Director of Therapy Dogs of America and Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara. Jody shares how her organization has taken the human-animal bond into places most people wouldn't expect - county jails, behavioral health clinics, airport terminals, and classrooms - and what she's seen change as a result. From a young man who hadn't left his jail cell in two months stepping out to meet a labrador, to clinic patients who show up because they know the dog will be there, Jody's stories from the front lines of animal-assisted support make the case better than any research paper. Topics covered: 🐾 How Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara grew from a library reading program to a multi-site behavioral health partner 🏥 What the jail-based competency treatment program is and why therapy dogs fit in ✈️ The Santa Barbara Airport therapy dog program and the unexpected moments it creates 🐕 What makes a dog (and a handler) suited for this kind of work 💙 How to get involved if your dog has what it takes 💙 Connect with our guest, Jody Williams of Therapy Dogs America: ᐧ Website: TherapydogssbTherapy Dogs of America ᐧ Instagram: @therapydogssb and @therapydogsofamerica ᐧ Facebook: FacebookTherapy Dogs of Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara CA ❤️ 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 You may also enjoy: Is Your Dog or Cat Overweight? The 2-Year Difference Pet Parents Miss https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/is-your-dog-or-cat-overweight-the-2-year-difference-pet-parents-miss 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. Thank you for tuning in! #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #PetHealth #TherapyDogs #HumanAnimalBond #DogMom #AnimalAssistedTherapy #DogTraining #PetPodcast #JodyWilliams Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Therapy Dogs, Mental Health & Community Impact with Jody Williams

  3. Aug 4

    Is Your Dog or Cat Overweight? The 2-Year Difference Pet Parents Miss

    Donie kicks things off with a confession: after a few weeks of extra treats and fewer walks in the heat, she's pretty sure her dogs Tuxedo and Jean Martin have put on some weight. Dr. Amber's in the same boat with her recently adopted dog Willow, who's on her own weight loss journey. It's perfect timing, because nearly 60% of pets in this country are overweight or obese right now, and pets at a healthy weight live an average of two years longer than those who aren't. Dr. Amber explains why this is almost never on the pet parent - it's a mix of highly palatable commercial food, treat marketing, spaying and neutering's effect on metabolism, and increasingly indoor, sedentary lifestyles for both dogs and cats. In this episode, we cover: Why overweight pets are the norm, not the exception - and why that's not your fault The 4 things every pet parent should know: daily calories, calories in current food, calories from treats, and body condition score The 3-point at-home check: rib, waist, and side profile Why it works across every breed and body type, from lean greyhounds to stout Frenchies Why keeping joints moving matters as a pet's weight comes down Whether you've got a dog, a cat, or both, tune in for a simple, no-guilt way to help your pet feel their best. 🐾 ❤️ 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 You may also enjoy: Your Pet in Bed: The Real Science on Sleep Disruption, Health Risks, and What a Vet Wants You to Know https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/your-pet-in-bed-the-real-science-on-sleep-disruption-health-risks-and-what-a-vet-wants-you-to-know 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. Thank you for tuning in! #PetHealth #DogHealth #PetWeightLoss #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Is Your Dog or Cat Overweight? The 2-Year Difference Pet Parents Miss

  4. Jul 28

    Your Pet in Bed: The Real Science on Sleep Disruption, Health Risks, and What a Vet Wants You to Know

    Should Your Pet Sleep in Your Bed? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie and Dr. Amber Da Silva break down what the science actually says about co-sleeping with your pet - and why the headlines on this topic keep leaving out the most important variable. A 2022 study from Utrecht University confirmed that sharing a bed with a healthy pet does increase exposure to certain pathogens. But increased exposure is not the same as getting sick. For healthy adults with healthy pets on a routine prevention schedule, the actual transmission risk is low. Dr. Amber walks through who the real risk conversation is for, what a responsible co-sleeping setup actually looks like from a vet standpoint, and why the study called for better owner education - not a ban on pets in the bedroom. The conversation shifts to the sleep disruption side of the story. A 2024 study found that co-sleeping with dogs was associated with poorer perceived sleep quality and greater insomnia severity - more so for dog owners than cat owners, and more pronounced in households with multiple pets. Donie and Dr. Amber unpack why both things can be true at once: the comfort is real, and so is the disruption. Dr. Amber shares a practical trial approach for anyone who suspects their dog may be affecting their sleep. Topics covered: 🐾 Who is actually at risk and what the research says 🐕 Why dogs disrupt sleep more than cats 😴 The middle-path fix and Dr. Amber's practical recommendation ❤️ 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 You may also enjoy: Should You Take Your Dog Out in This Heat? What the Research Actually Says https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/should-you-take-your-dog-out-in-this-heat-what-the-research-actually-says 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. Thank you for tuning in! #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #DogHealth #PetHealth #CosleepingPets #DogParents #PetPodcast #VeterinaryAdvice #PetCare #DogBehavior Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Your Pet in Bed: The Real Science on Sleep Disruption, Health Risks, and What a Vet Wants You to Know

  5. Jul 21

    Should You Take Your Dog Out in This Heat? What the Research Actually Says

    Should You Take Your Dog Out in This Heat? What the Research Actually Says In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie and Dr. Amber Da Silva break down why the number on your weather app isn't the one that actually matters for your dog outdoors. On a 75-degree sunny day, pavement can reach 125 degrees, hot enough to burn paw pads in under a minute, especially for puppies who haven't built up calluses yet. Dr. Amber walks through the simple hand test that tells you if the ground is too hot to walk on, boots or not. The conversation moves into the heat index, why humidity changes how effectively a dog can cool down through panting, and the rule of thumb for knowing when it's time to skip outdoor exercise altogether. Donie and Dr. Amber also cover which dogs need extra caution in warm weather, from flat-faced breeds to seniors, puppies, and dogs with thick double coats, plus the surprising risk of dogs who are too ball-driven to self-regulate. Dr. Amber closes out with the early signs your dog may be overheating, what to do the moment you notice them, and why walk timing, hydration, and a shorter, smarter walk can make all the difference during the hottest months. Topics covered: 🌡️ Why pavement temperature matters more than air temperature ✋ The 10-second hand test for checking if the ground is too hot 💧 How the heat index factors in humidity, not just temperature 🐾 Which dogs are most at risk in warm weather ⚠️ Early signs your dog may be overheating and what to do next 🌤️ Walk timing, hydration, and simple habits for summer safety ❤️ 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 You may also enjoy: The Healing Power of Dogs: Therapy Dog Training, Caregiving & the Bond That Saves Us with Susan Hartzler https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/the-healing-power-of-dogs-therapy-dog-training-caregiving-the-bond-that-saves-us-with-susan-hartzler 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. Thank you for tuning in! #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #DogSafety #PetSafety #SummerPets #DogWalking #PetHealth #DogParents #PetPodcast #VeterinaryAdvice Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Should You Take Your Dog Out in This Heat? What the Research Actually Says

  6. Jul 14

    The Healing Power of Dogs: Therapy Dog Training, Caregiving & the Bond That Saves Us with Susan Hartzler

    Dogs, Grief and Caregiving: The Human Animal Bond In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie sits down with Susan Hartzler, author and a recognized authority on therapy dogs and the human animal bond. Susan shares the story behind Sit With Me, her guided meditation practice for pet parents and their dogs, and how her own dogs, Blondie, Bliss, and Baldwin, carried her through pivotal moments in her life, from dating in her twenties to caring for her father through his Parkinson's diagnosis. Susan and Donie also talk about what it takes to train and work with a therapy dog, matching a dog's temperament to the right environment, and practical advice for caregivers and pet parents seeking more calm with their dog. Topics covered:🧘 The origin story behind Sit With Me guided meditations🐾 How dogs support human well-being through everyday connection📖 Susan's memoir on dating and her dog Blondie💙 Caregiving for a parent while navigating grief🐕 What it takes to train and work with a therapy dog❤️ Practical advice for caregivers and pet parents seeking calm 💙 Connect with our guest, Susan Hartzler: ᐧ Website: susanhartzler.com ᐧ Instagram: @susanhartzlerauthor ᐧ Books, blog, and Sit With Me meditations available on Substack: https://blissdog.substack.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 You may also enjoy: From Hype to Health: The Science Driving the Next Era of Pet Supplements https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/from-hype-to-health-the-science-driving-the-next-era-of-pet-supplements 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. Thank you for tuning in! #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #PetHealth #TherapyDogs #HumanAnimalBond #DogMom #PetCaregiving #DogTraining #PetPodcast #SusanHartzler Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Healing Power of Dogs: Therapy Dog Training, Caregiving & the Bond That Saves Us with Susan Hartzler

  7. Jul 7

    From Hype to Health: The Science Driving the Next Era of Pet Supplements

    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 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 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 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. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    From Hype to Health: The Science Driving the Next Era of Pet Supplements

  8. Jun 30

    Snake Season Is Here: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know Before It's Too Late

    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 you0:55 - What is rattlesnake aversion training (RAT)?1:41 - Why live snakes are essential (not rubber props)2:30 - The single-session failure problem3:15 - What a durable multi-station program looks like4:20 - The emergency reality: hemotoxic venom + the 30-minute window6:45 - Antivenom locator tool every outdoor dog owner needs8:10 - The rattlesnake vaccine: pros, cons, and what it doesn't do10:32 - 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 - find your nearest antivenom-equipped vet by ZIP code 🐍🐕 #RattlesnakeSeason #RattlesnakeAversionTraining #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife #DogSafety ❤️ Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlifeᐧ X:@vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlifeᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com You may also enjoy: Dog Nutrition Decoded - Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver'shttps://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. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Snake Season Is Here: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know Before It's Too Late
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About

Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life Podcast cracks the code on pet nutrition, health tips & keeping your fur fam happy and informed! ✨ 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 care strategies backed by veterinary expertise. From Q & A with Dr. Amber to ingredient transparency, this podcast is your go-to source for today's pet care. It's time to get informed, inspired, and confident in your pet care choices. Need quality supplements? We got you! Tune in, follow & unleash your pet questions: podcast@vitalpetlife.com (mailto: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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