Mystic Dog Mama

Dr Alexia Mellor

Mystic Dog Mama is the podcast for soul-led dog mamas where you will discover how to best nourish your dog - and yourself - mind, body, and soul. Join me, Dr. Alexia Mellor, as I talk with some of the most inspiring pet experts, spiritual leaders, health professionals, and more, as we explore how our dogs are teaching us about what it means to be human. This is the place for inspiring stories, along with practical tips and tricks on how to lead a more holistic, nourished, and soulful life with your canine companion.

  1. 2d ago

    Revisited: Dampness - The Hidden Pathogen You Need to Know About with Dr Neal Loh

    Could “dampness” be part of what’s going on with your dog? Maybe your dog has recurring yeast or ear problems. Maybe their digestion seems to be constantly up and down, or you’re dealing with symptoms that improve for a while only to come back again. What if, instead of looking at each of these things as a separate problem, we started to look at the bigger picture? In this Revisited episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m bringing back my conversation with Dr. Neal Loh, holistic and integrative veterinarian, because there is so much in this conversation that continues to shape the way I think about nourishment and whole-dog health. Neil introduces us to the traditional Chinese medicine concept of dampness — a pattern that can sit beneath and contribute to a whole range of health imbalances. We talk about what dampness is, how it can show up in our dogs, where stagnation fits into the picture, and why food and food energetics can be such an important part of supporting the individual dog. But perhaps what I love most about this conversation is that it moves us away from the idea that there is one perfect food, one perfect diet, or one perfect solution. Because in traditional Chinese medicine, context matters. The individual dog matters. Their constitution matters. Their digestion, their environment, their emotional state and the foods they are eating all form part of a much bigger picture. In this episode, we explore: Dampness in traditional Chinese medicine — what it is, how it develops, and why it can be such a stubborn patternHow dampness can show up in our dogs — including recurring yeast, ear problems, digestive upset and other patterns of imbalanceStagnation and damp heat — and how these concepts can help us think differently about chronic or recurring symptomsFood energetics and individual constitution — why the same food can have very different effects on different dogsWhy “balanced” doesn’t have to mean perfect — and how TCM can help us move away from the pressure to get everything right in every single bowlLooking beyond the symptom — and beginning to see health as an interconnected picture rather than a collection of isolated problems The question I really want you to take away from this conversation is: What changes when we stop asking only “What symptom are we trying to fix?” and start asking “What is the whole dog telling us?” So whether you’re completely new to Traditional Chinese Medicine or you’ve been exploring food energetics and constitutional approaches for years, I think there’s something here for you. Continue the conversation Learn more from Dr Neal Loh https://www.holisticpetvet.com.au/ Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Join me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs! Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT) Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

  2. Sep 5

    Revisited: A Deep Dive into Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities with Dr Katie Woodley

    Is your dog “allergic” to everything? Maybe they can only eat one protein. Maybe you’ve been told to avoid chicken, beef, grains, dairy, or a whole list of other foods. Maybe you’ve tried food after food, supplement after supplement, and you’re still dealing with itchy skin, recurring ear problems, digestive upset or unexplained reactions. But what if we’ve been too quick to call all of these things an allergy? In this Revisited episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m bringing back my conversation with Dr. Katie Woodley, holistic veterinarian and founder of The Natural Pet Doctor, because this conversation feels particularly relevant right now. Since announcing my upcoming cook-along, I’ve had several dog guardians get in touch to ask whether it’s suitable for their dogs because they have allergies, sensitivities or intolerances — and some dogs apparently have an ever-shrinking list of foods they’re “allowed” to eat. And it got me thinking about how much fear and confusion can surround food when our dogs are struggling. Because allergies, intolerances and sensitivities are not necessarily the same thing. In this conversation, Katie helps us untangle some of that confusion and look beyond the ever-growing list of foods our dogs supposedly can't have. In this episode, we explore: Allergies vs intolerances vs sensitivities — what’s actually happening in the body, and why these terms are so often confusedFood and allergy testing — which types of testing can provide useful information, and why some tests may leave you with more questions (and fewer foods) than you started withThe gut–immune connection — and why gut health can be such an important piece of the puzzle when we’re seeing skin and digestive symptomsWhy it isn’t always about the food — and what digestion, absorption, the microbiome, stress and the nervous system might have to do with the picture The question I really want you to take away: instead of only asking “What food is causing this?”, what happens when we start asking “Why is my dog reacting in the first place?” So if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of food elimination, testing, changing diets and wondering what on earth your dog can actually eat anymore, this conversation is for you. And if you’re wondering whether my upcoming cook-along might be appropriate for your dog, I’d definitely give this episode a listen first. Come with your curiosity switched on. And let's look beyond the label. Continue the conversation Learn more from Dr Katie Woodley https://thenaturalpetdoctor.com Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Join me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs! Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT) Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

  3. Aug 29

    Revisited: Redefining Reactivity, Recognizing Trauma in Your Dog with Dr Laura Donaldson

    What if “reactivity” isn't the whole story? What if the behaviour we find difficult in our dogs is actually communication - an expression of fear, overwhelm, a nervous system on high alert, or a dog who simply doesn't feel safe? In this Revisited episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I return to my very first conversation with Dr Laura Donaldson, a conversation that had a profound impact on how I understood Lucky and the way I approached our relationship. I first discovered Laura's work when I was desperately looking for help with Lucky's reactivity. At the time, I was experiencing so much of what can come with living alongside a dog who finds the world difficult: overwhelm, fear, isolation, grief, and the constant worry that somehow you're letting your dog down. Laura introduced me to a different way of seeing things. Rather than asking “How do I stop this behaviour?”, she encouraged me to become curious about what was happening underneath it - and to ask: “What do I need to learn from you to help you feel safe in this context?” That question has stayed with me. And over time, it became part of a much bigger shift in how I related to Lucky. Learning to listen differently, understanding regulation, paying attention to my own nervous system, supporting his gut health, and bringing together the physical, emotional and relational pieces of his wellbeing have all played a part. Today, Lucky is a dog who genuinely enjoys being in the world, and I enjoy being in it with him. That's why I wanted to revisit this conversation. In this episode, we explore: Why the language of “reactivity” can sometimes limit how we understand our dogsWhat might be happening underneath behaviours such as reactivity and aggressionUnderstanding trauma and its potential impact on our dogsThe importance of safety and emotional resilienceHow our own nervous systems and experiences can become part of the pictureAsking better questions of our dogs rather than simply trying to stop unwanted behavioursHow we can become stronger advocates for our dogsSupporting dogs who carry emotional charge in their bodiesLaura's approach to grounding and regulationEFT and energy work as possible tools for supporting emotional wellbeingThe relationship between compassion for our dogs and compassion for ourselves Continue the conversation Learn more from Dr Laura Donaldsonhttps://fourpawsfourdirections.com/ Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Join me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs! Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT) Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

  4. Aug 22

    Revisited: The One Key Ingredient for Your Dog's Health with Dr Tom Lonsdale

    What if understanding what dogs need begins with a much simpler question: What is a dog? In this revisited episode from the Mystic Dog Mama archives, I return to my very first conversation with veterinary surgeon and author Dr. Tom Lonsdale - a conversation that laid the groundwork for so much of my own thinking about canine nourishment. Tom has spent decades challenging conventional approaches to feeding and caring for carnivores, and in this conversation we explore one of the foundations of his work: why he believes raw meaty bones are so important to canine health and wellbeing. But this conversation goes far beyond what belongs in the bowl. We explore the dog as a facultative carnivore and what that might tell us about nourishment, behaviour and physiology. Tom also introduces his thinking around cybernetics — the idea that living systems are interconnected and regulated through feedback — and how this framework led him to develop a hypothesis about the relationship between periodontal disease and the wider health of carnivores. In this episode, we explore: Why Tom believes raw meaty bones are fundamental to the health of carnivoresWhat it means to consider the dog as a facultative carnivoreThe relationship between food, behaviour, physiology and environmentWhy the mouth may be far more significant to whole-body health than we traditionally consider Continue the conversation Learn more from Dr Tom Lonsdale https://www.thepetfoodcon.com/ Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join the waitlist for my Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deck! https://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deck Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

  5. Aug 15

    Revisited: Why Neutering Is No Longer an Option with Dr Lise Hansen

    What does it mean to be a responsible dog guardian when science asks us to rethink what we've always believed? In this Revisited episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I'm joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Lise Hansen for one of the podcast's most listened-to and talked-about conversations. For many of us, routine neutering was simply part of responsible dog ownership. It was the advice we were given, and we made those decisions with the best information available at the time. But science evolves. As our understanding of the body's interconnected systems has deepened, so too has our understanding of the long-term health implications of routinely removing a major part of the endocrine system. This conversation explores what that growing body of research means for our dogs, and how it invites us to rethink not only neutering itself, but our wider role as their guardians. Together, we explore: ✨ Why routine neutering has become one of the biggest paradigm shifts in modern canine healthcare ✨ What the latest research tells us about the role of the endocrine system and why sex hormones influence far more than reproduction ✨ The changes to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's reproductive guidelines and what they mean for dog guardians ✨ Common concerns around pyometra, testicular cancer and population control, and how these fit into the current evidence ✨ Alternative approaches, including hormone-sparing procedures, and when they may be appropriate ✨ Why holistic health isn't about focusing on one decision in isolation, but supporting the whole dog through nutrition, lifestyle and informed healthcare choices ✨ What this conversation teaches us about curiosity, discernment and allowing our understanding to evolve as new evidence emerges One of the themes I return to throughout this conversation is that we all make the best decisions we can with the information available to us at the time. This episode isn't about blame or guilt. It's about remaining open to learning, asking thoughtful questions, and becoming more informed advocates for the dogs who share their lives with us. Whether you're making decisions for a young puppy, caring for an adult dog, or simply interested in how science continues to shape the future of canine health, I hope this conversation gives you plenty to reflect on. Continue the conversation Learn more about Dr. Lise HansenVisit Dr. Hansen's website to learn more about her work and her book The Complete Book of Cat and Dog Health: https://alternative-vet.co.uk/ Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join the waitlist for the Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deckhttps://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deck Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonated with you... Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

  6. Aug 8

    Revisited: When We Don't Know the Way - Tarot, Dogs & Trusting the Journey with Sarah Vrba

    What if your dog isn’t just your companion, but also your teacher? In this episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I’m joined by intuitive tarot and astrology expert and fellow Mystic Dog Mama, Sarah Verba, for a conversation about dogs, the mystical path, intuition, and what our animal companions reveal about ourselves. I have followed Sarah’s work for years, and I’ve always been drawn to the way she uses tarot and astrology not as tools for predicting a fixed future, but as invitations to reconnect with ourselves, explore our inner landscapes, and move through life with curiosity and compassion. Together, we explore what it means to embrace the unknown, to question the conditioning we’ve inherited, and to allow ourselves to be works in progress rather than constantly striving towards some imagined finished version of ourselves. In this conversation, we dive into: ✨ How intuitive tarot differs from traditional approaches and why tarot can be a tool for self-reflection rather than fear ✨ The mystical path as a process of deconditioning, unlearning, and reconnecting with our own inner wisdom ✨ Why being “in process” can feel so uncomfortable — and why allowing ourselves to be seen while we’re figuring things out can create deeper connection ✨ The appearance of dogs in tarot, particularly in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, and what the dog archetype can teach us about companionship, instinct, intuition, and returning to our wild selves ✨ Why dogs are such powerful guides back into nature, the present moment, and the magic of everyday life ✨ The wisdom of Chihuahua time (something Lucky has taught me very well!) Sarah shares her own journey with her rescue dog and the ways he has challenged her to embrace her instincts, her needs, and her wild nature. We talk about how our dogs often invite us into the very places we might otherwise avoid — uncertainty, vulnerability, change, and the unknown. This episode is a beautiful reminder that our dogs are not just animals who walk beside us. They are beings who can help us see ourselves more clearly, reconnect with the natural world, and remember that the path is rarely a straight line. Continue the conversation Learn more from Sarah VrbaVisit Sarah’s website to explore her resources https://sarahtarot.com Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com Join the waitlist for my Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deck! https://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deck Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

  7. Aug 1

    Revisited: Your Dog's Microbiome - An Unexpected Window to the Soul with Dr Odette Suter

    What if the microbiome is about more than digestion? When we hear the word microbiome, the conversation usually turns to probiotics, gut health, allergies, or finding the perfect supplement. While those topics matter, this revisited conversation with holistic veterinarian Dr. Odette Suter invites us to explore something much deeper. Together, we ask what the microbiome might reveal about the nature of health itself. If we—and our dogs—are made up of trillions of microbes that influence everything from immunity and behaviour to our relationship with the natural world, what does that mean for how we understand ourselves? Where does consciousness begin? And what if supporting the microbiome isn't simply about fixing the gut, but about remembering that we are part of a much larger living system? Alongside these bigger questions, Dr. Suter shares practical insights into nurturing your dog's microbiome, the limitations of many probiotic products, why early life matters so much, and how nutrition, movement, stress, and connection all influence health. Whether you're curious about gut health or simply love exploring the deeper lessons our dogs offer us, I hope this conversation leaves you seeing both your dog—and yourself—a little differently. In this episode, we explore: What the microbiome actually is—and why it matters far beyond digestion.Why microbes may influence far more of our lives than we realise.How the microbiome challenges our ideas of health, identity, and consciousness.Why true healing requires looking beyond symptoms.The connection between the gut, nervous system, emotions, and environment.The role of nature, movement, and diversity in supporting a healthy microbiome.Why many probiotic products don't always live up to their promises.How our dogs invite us back into relationship with ourselves and the living world.Continue the conversation 🌿 Learn more from Dr. Odette SuterVisit Dr. Suter's website to explore her educational resources, masterclasses, and programmes:https://odettesuterdvm.com 🌿 Start your holistic journeyDownload my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:https://mysticdogmama.com 🌿 Join The Nourished PackContinue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack If this episode resonated with you… Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them. Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

  8. Jul 25

    Revisited: What Archaeology Reveals About Dogs (and Why It Matters Today) with David Ian Howe

    Part of the Mystic Dog Mama Revisited summer series – conversations that continue to shape the way I think about dogs, nourishment and what it means to be human. This was the very first interview I ever recorded for the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, and looking back, I couldn't have chosen a better place to begin. Before we can talk about nutrition, behaviour, training or holistic health, we first have to ask a more fundamental question: What is a dog? In this fascinating conversation, archaeologist and anthropologist David Ian Howe invites us to step back in time and explore the extraordinary relationship between humans and dogs. Together, we discuss co-evolution, ancient mythologies, and what archaeology can teach us about one of humanity's oldest and most enduring partnerships. Listening back nearly three years later, I'm struck by how many of the ideas that now sit at the heart of Mystic Dog Mama were already quietly present in this conversation. It reminds us that understanding our dogs isn't just about learning more about them - it’s also about learning more about ourselves. In this episode, we explore: Why the story of dogs is also the story of humansWhat archaeology and anthropology reveal about our relationship with dogsHow dogs have appeared in myths and cultures throughout historyWhy understanding what a dog is changes how we care for themWhat our relationship with dogs can teach us about being human Continue your journey Follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama Download the free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter KitA gentle introduction to the five foundations of whole-dog nourishment and holistic care.https://mysticdogmama.kit.com/nourishmentkit Join The Nourished PackA free community for curious dog guardians exploring a more thoughtful, relationship-led approach to caring for their dogs.https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack Connect with David Follow David Ian Howe on Instagram: https://instagram.com/ethnocynology If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love it if you subscribed, left a review, or shared the episode with someone who sees dogs as so much more than pets. Because sometimes the oldest stories still have the most to teach us. Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Mystic Dog Mama is the podcast for soul-led dog mamas where you will discover how to best nourish your dog - and yourself - mind, body, and soul. Join me, Dr. Alexia Mellor, as I talk with some of the most inspiring pet experts, spiritual leaders, health professionals, and more, as we explore how our dogs are teaching us about what it means to be human. This is the place for inspiring stories, along with practical tips and tricks on how to lead a more holistic, nourished, and soulful life with your canine companion.

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