The Alternative Dog Moms

Kimberly Gauthier (Keep the Tail Wagging) and Erin Scott (Believe in Dog)
  • 4.7 (19)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Two content creators chatting about what's happening in the fresh food community and pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier of the blog Keep the Tail Wagging joins Erin Scott of the podcast Believe in Dog each week to share their thoughts on what's happening on social media and in the news. Join us each week to hear our thoughts and share your own.

  1. Hot Topics: New Year, Rising Vet Costs, Vaccine Conversations & Trust Issues in the Pet Industry

    1D AGO

    Hot Topics: New Year, Rising Vet Costs, Vaccine Conversations & Trust Issues in the Pet Industry

    Send us a text In this episode, Erin and Kimberly catch up on life, dogs, and the pet industry — starting with Erin’s big news and why activated charcoal is always on hand. Kimberly shares updates from home, including more human cooking, Buffy’s recent vet visit, and navigating the lepto vaccine conversation. They break down a confusing article on rising veterinary costs, reflect on lessons learned in 2025, and talk New Year’s Eve plans. The conversation then turns to growing concerns about trust in the pet and veterinary industries, including the mainstream recognition of a veterinarian whose work has been debunked. The episode wraps with updates on their dogs and what they’re looking forward to in 2026 — with honesty, curiosity, and plenty of real-world dog-mom perspective. CHAPTERS: Erin's big news and why we keep Activated Charcoal on-hand (0:55)Kimberly is doing more cooking [for humans], Buffy had a recent vet visit and lepto vaccines (8:30)A recent article about rising vet costs was rather confusing (20:08)New Year's Eve plans, what we learned in 2025, and other stories of the year (29:47)How the mainstream vet industry is honoring a veterinarian whose work has been debunked (51:37)Lack of trust in the pet & vet industries (56:54)Catching up with Kimberly's & Erin's dogs plus what we're looking forward to in 2026 (1:09:15)LINKS DISCUSSED: NOW Activated Charcoal (https://amzn.to/49iWNWl)Justice Dept calls for affordable vet care (https://san.com/cc/justice-department-calls-for-affordable-vet-care/)AKC's Honoring Dr. Lisa Freeman (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QRTuUAy3A/)Who Killed JFK podcast (https://pod.link/1714611578)SOCIAL MEDIA: Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comRaw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 25m
  2. Canine Enrichment Explained: Meeting Your Dog’s Mental and Emotional Needs with Tori Mistick

    12/17/2025

    Canine Enrichment Explained: Meeting Your Dog’s Mental and Emotional Needs with Tori Mistick

    Send us a text Many pet parents focus on diet, exercise, and supplements to support their dogs’ health—but physical care is only part of the picture. In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we sit down with dog trainer and educator Tori Mistick to explore the critical role of canine enrichment and engagement in raising emotionally balanced, fulfilled dogs. This conversation helps dog parents understand why unmet mental and emotional needs often show up as “behavior problems,” and how small, thoughtful changes to daily routines can dramatically improve a dog’s quality of life. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction01:16 About Tori Mistick's 03:38 Limited podcast series about engagement06:37 Engagement in a multi-dog home09:24 Definition of enrichment10:26 Variety is important to dogs11:35 Food-based enrichment - treat trail mix14:11 Sound/music + engagement18:15 Enrichment + senior dogs20:41 Novel enrichment - The Bubble Machine26:34 Social engagement32:12 Understanding limits/boundaries35:05 It's not about trying them out / bonding+togetherness37:35 Enrichment is good for pet parents too39:40 Fetching a toy by name41:44 The importance of choice45:00 Dogs pay attention and learn from us all the time49:02 Hemangiosarcoma (another commonality)52:27 Wear Wag Repeat SocietyLINKS DISCUSSED: Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick Podcast: https://wearwagrepeat.com/dog-enrichment-podcast/Tori's website: https://wearwagrepeat.com/Tori's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToriMistickGet Tori's Dog Enrichment Activity Pack: https://wearwagrepeat.com/dog-enrichment-mental-activity-pack/Tori's Wear Wag Repeat Society for Petpreneurs: https://wearwagrepeat.com/society/Hemangiosarcoma Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1A3h25H92G/SOCIAL MEDIA: Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comRaw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_Mom Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    55 min
  3. REPLAY: How to Support Your Dog Naturally: Insights from Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, Gold Standard Herbs

    12/09/2025

    REPLAY: How to Support Your Dog Naturally: Insights from Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, Gold Standard Herbs

    Send us a text In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with Dr. Steve Marsden — renowned holistic veterinarian and founder of Gold Standard Herbs — to talk about what it really means to raise dogs naturally. Dr. Marsden blends Eastern and Western veterinary medicine, and his integrative approach has helped countless dogs thrive through herbs, nutrition, and a deeper understanding of how the body heals. We dive into how herbs can support digestion, immunity, inflammation, skin health, and emotional balance — and why traditional formulas still have a place in modern pet care. Dr. Marsden also shares how Gold Standard Herbs came to be, why sourcing and energetics matter, and how pet parents can confidently use herbs alongside conventional care. CHAPTERS: When did Dr. Marsden know he wanted to become a veterinarian? (2:00)The experiences that led Dr. Marden to learn homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (4:23)What led Dr. Marsden to create the first direct-to-consumer line of Chinese pet herbal formulas? (17:13)Should Pet Parents be concerned about Chinese herbs interacting with medications or other treatments? (27:13)How long does it take for Chinese herbs to start working and make an improvement? (32:02)How important is our dog's diet compared to other treatments? (33:08)Why does the veterinary profession have such a bias against feeding fresh food? (38:14)What can Pet Parents incorporate from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in caring for our dogs? (46:21)How to search the Ask Dr. Steve DVM Facebook Group (1:01:04)LINKS MENTIONED: Ask Dr. Steve DVM Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158575954706282OUR BLOG/PODCASTS... Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comINSTAGRAM... Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 4m
  4. Dog Mom Friendsgiving: Wine, Laughter & Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Erin & Kimberly

    12/03/2025

    Dog Mom Friendsgiving: Wine, Laughter & Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Erin & Kimberly

    Send us a text It’s our annual Thanksgiving Happy Hour on The Alternative Dog Moms! Erin and Kimberly pour a glass (or two) of Mamamango wine and go completely off-script — as friends do. Once a year, we put structure aside and let the conversation wander wherever our dog-mom brains take it. This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and those “wait… how did we get here?” moments that only happen with your closest friends. And honestly? That’s the magic. It’s also wild to think that we’re wrapping up Season 4 of the podcast — and Season 5 is just around the corner. In this cozy, slightly chaotic holiday hangout, we talk about:  • Life updates and dog mom confessions  • The random topics that come to mind when wine is poured  • What we’re grateful for this year  • Favorite moments from past seasons  • Excitement for what’s coming in Season 5 If you love relaxed, real-life dog mom energy, this is the perfect episode to unwind with — glass of Mamamango optional, but highly recommended. SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 15m
  5. What Ayurveda Reveals About Your Dog: Doshas, Energy & Wellness with Amanda Ree of Sama Dog

    11/29/2025

    What Ayurveda Reveals About Your Dog: Doshas, Energy & Wellness with Amanda Ree of Sama Dog

    Send us a text In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly explore the world of Ayurveda for dogs with Amanda Ree, founder of Sama Dog. Amanda introduces us to the Ayurvedic approach to understanding a dog’s unique personality, energy patterns, and overall wellness — and why this ancient system can be such a powerful tool for modern dog parents. Before the interview, we took Sama Dog’s canine Ayurveda test with our own pups. In the episode, we share our results, what surprised us, and what made complete sense once we heard Amanda break down each dosha type. Together, we talk about:  • The basics of Ayurveda and how it applies to dogs  • What your dog’s dosha says about their personality and needs  • How to support your dog’s energy type through food, environment & daily habits  • Practical lifestyle tips to help dogs feel more balanced  • Why small energetic shifts can lead to big improvements in behavior and wellbeing If you’re curious about holistic healing, energy work, or simply want a deeper understanding of your dog’s unique nature, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to see your dog through a whole new lens. CHAPTERS: How Amanda was introduced to Ayurvedic Medicine for people and for pets (it involves Deepak Chopra!) (0:54)The connection between ourselves and our pets - both physically and emotionally (7:36)The 3 Doshas and the characteristics of each - and where to take the quiz to determine your dog's dosha (15:27)Qualities in Erin & Kimberly see of their dogs' doshas and strategies for balancing these (23:49)Do doshas impact relationships between dogs? and balancing dosha personalities in a household (33:28)How to incorporate Ayurvedic principles in our dogs' daily lives (39:52)Qualities of each dosha commonly seen in people (50:16)Can doshas change throughout our dogs' lives? And can life experiences impact our doshas? (53:40)Amanda's experiences as an Animal Chaplain (1:00:14) LINKS DISCUSSED: Sama Dog (https://www.samadog.com/)Quiz: Find Your Dog's Dosha (https://www.samadog.com/quiz)Animal Chaplaincy at the Compassion Consortium (https://www.compassionconsortium.org/act) Canadian government kills ostriches affected by Avian Flu (https://www.science.org/content/article/canadian-government-kills-ostriches-afflicted-h5n1-despite-appeal-rfk-jr) SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 7m
  6. Fighting Inflammation Naturally: Glutathione for Dogs ft. Sean Zyer from Earth Buddy Pet

    11/17/2025

    Fighting Inflammation Naturally: Glutathione for Dogs ft. Sean Zyer from Earth Buddy Pet

    Send us a text In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with Sean from Earth Buddy Pet to talk about one of the most powerful antioxidants in the dog world: glutathione. We break down what glutathione is, how it supports liver health, detoxification, immune function, and why so many dogs today are running low on it. Sean explains how environmental toxins, chronic inflammation, poor nutrition, and everyday stress deplete glutathione — and how supporting your dog’s natural glutathione levels can make a big difference for seniors, allergy dogs, cancer-prone breeds, and dogs recovering from illness. You’ll learn:  • What glutathione does in your dog’s body  • Signs your dog may need extra antioxidant support  • The difference between liposomal and S-acetyl glutathione  • When supplementation makes sense  • How Earth Buddy Pet formulated Maxx Life (and why it’s a favorite among senior dog parents) If you're passionate about natural wellness, functional supplements, and practical, science-backed ways to support your dog’s long-term health, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. CHAPTERS:  Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy Pet returns (0:55)Why do our dogs need to detox? (3:39)The difference between Earth Buddy's 2 different glutathione products - and when to use each (8:13)Understanding why liposomal glutathione is an ideal product for our dogs (11:52)Are there any contraindications or side effects to using glutathione? (17:32)Kimberly's experience using Earth Buddy's glutathione with her dogs (21:12)Did you know CBD can cause increased liver values in dogs? (26:38)Glutathione production decreases as pets (and people) get older (32:34)Which pets would benefit from glutathione (36:58)What is the sourcing of Earth Buddy's glutathione? (45:17)The importance of sleep to our dogs' health (46:47)What else is Earth Buddy working on? (52:19) LINKS DISCUSSED: Earth Buddy Liposomal Glutathione for Dogs - Liver Detox System  (https://www.earthbuddypet.com/)Earth Buddy Maxx Life (https://www.earthbuddypet.com/)Erin's Dog Health Journal (https://believeindogpodcast.com/dog-health-journal) SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    57 min
  7. REPLAY: When a Dog Is Diagnosed with Cancer: Guidance, Support & Hard-Won Wisdom with Peter Ciancarelli

    11/11/2025

    REPLAY: When a Dog Is Diagnosed with Cancer: Guidance, Support & Hard-Won Wisdom with Peter Ciancarelli

    Send us a text In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with Peter Ciancarelli to talk about one of the most difficult journeys a pet parent can face: a canine cancer diagnosis. Peter has supported countless dog owners through the shock, fear, grief, and overwhelming decisions that come with hearing the words “your dog has cancer.” We explore how he guides families through options, emotions, hope, and the search for quality of life. Peter shares what he’s learned from working alongside both dogs and their humans — the resilience, the honesty, the intuition dogs bring, and the powerful lessons they leave behind. In this heartfelt and deeply informative conversation, Peter discusses:  • How to emotionally navigate a canine cancer diagnosis  • What pet parents often struggle with most (and how to get support)  • How to communicate with your veterinary team  • The importance of celebrating small wins and good days  • The lessons dogs teach us about presence, trust, and letting go Whether you’re currently supporting a dog with cancer or simply want to understand this journey more deeply, this episode offers comfort, clarity, and a reminder that we’re never alone in loving our dogs through every chapter of their lives. CHAPTERS: Peter's background and how his dog, Allie, changed his life (1:42)Keeping the Allie's Crew Facebook Group a positive place for pet parents and some of the negative experiences in other Facebook Groups (2:38)Some of the health and behavioral challenges Peter faced with Allie (7:39)After losing Allie, how is Peter finding balance and navigating life with his new dog, Tucker? (9:45)Information overwhelm and how Peter's life has changed since losing Allie (15:55)Peter's work with Pet Parents, self-care, and boundaries (18:28)The importance of building a network of supportive Pet Parents on social media and/or IRL (22:47)How Peter started working with Dr. Margo Roman, the microbiome and poop (33:10)Gut health and diversifying our dog's diets and supplements (40:22)Kibble, budget constraints, and meeting Pet Parents where they're at (47:22)Continually learning and navigating our own emotions when our dog gets a cancer diagnosis (58:34) LINKS DISCUSSED: Allie's Crew on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/724785157871642)AHVMA to find a holistic vet (https://www.ahvma.org/)King Harvest (https://kingharvest.org/)Dr. Margo Roman's Microbiome Restorative Therapy (https://microbiomerestorativetherapy.com/)Peter on the Believe in Dog Podcast (https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-23-peter-ciancarelli-of-allies-canine-crew) SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 16m
  8. How Woof Creek Pet Care Turned the Pandemic Into a Mission to Heal Dogs Naturally

    11/04/2025

    How Woof Creek Pet Care Turned the Pandemic Into a Mission to Heal Dogs Naturally

    Send us a text In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with the founders of Woof Creek Pet Care to explore how a pandemic slowdown turned into an unexpected opportunity — and ultimately sparked the creation of their natural, high-quality supplement line for dogs. When COVID brought their thriving pet-sitting business to a halt, they didn’t fade into the background. Instead, they leaned into research, healing, and wellness - for dogs. What started as a pause became a purpose: developing clean, effective, small-batch supplements to support allergies, immunity, gut health, inflammation, and overall vitality in dogs. We talk about:  • How Woof Creek transformed a challenging moment into a mission to help dogs  • Why sourcing, purity, and transparency matter in supplements  • Their approach to supporting gut health, allergies, inflammation & detox pathways  • How their formulas are helping dogs feel better, age better, and thrive This episode is equal parts inspiration and education, especially for dog parents who want to understand what goes into a trustworthy supplement — and how the right ingredients can make a real difference. CHAPTERS:  Woof Creek's origin story and mission (0:55)Kimberly's evolving thoughts on using a base mix and Woof Creek's emphasis on sourcing clean ingredients (19:58)The benefits of staying a small business (24:22) Thoughtful details about Woof Creek's products and packaging that make life easier for pet parents (28:31)Some of the "whys" behind Woof Creek's product decisions (30:55)How Woof Creek incorporates their eco-friendly and sustainability values into their products and packaging (35:31)Scot & Lisa are furthering their education and certifications to better serve pet parents (41:09)Trust in the pet industry and what Woof Creek won't compromise on (43:22)Meeting pet parents where they're at (47:16)Why Woof Creek has numerous Omega-3 products and the benefits of each (54:12) LINKS DISCUSSED: Website (https://www.woofcreek.com/)Woof Creek on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/woofcreekwellness)Basis Stainless Steel Pet Bowls (https://www.basispet.com/products/stainless-steel-pet-food-bowls) DISCOUNT CODE: ALTDOGMOM20 20% off - One-time use, No minimum, All wellness products SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook.com/BelieveInDogPodcastInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeInstagram.com/Erin_the_Dog_MomNewsLetter/RawFeederLifeThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 5m
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4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Two content creators chatting about what's happening in the fresh food community and pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier of the blog Keep the Tail Wagging joins Erin Scott of the podcast Believe in Dog each week to share their thoughts on what's happening on social media and in the news. Join us each week to hear our thoughts and share your own.

Information

  • Creator
    Kimberly Gauthier (Keep the Tail Wagging) and Erin Scott (Believe in Dog)
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    169
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Alternative Dog Moms
  • Show Website
    The Alternative Dog Moms

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