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

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

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. 7h ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Jun 23

    Dog Longevity Decoded: Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver’s Thoroughly Tasty Treats

    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.comᐧ Instagram: @oliver_p_toliver_dog_treats ❤️ 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: Moving Well - The Link Between Mobility and Long-Term Pet Carehttps://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. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Dog Longevity Decoded: Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver’s Thoroughly Tasty Treats

  6. Jun 17

    Moving Well, Living Longer: The Link Between Mobility and Pet Longevity

    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/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: Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet Insights with Dr. Karyn Kanowskihttps://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. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Moving Well, Living Longer: The Link Between Mobility and Pet Longevity

  7. Jun 9

    Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet-Approved Health Advice with Dr. Karyn Kanowski

    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.kanowskiᐧ Catster: catster.comᐧ Dogster: dogster.comᐧ Podcast: Chatty Cattysᐧ Work: pangovet.com ❤️ 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: Good Poops, Happy Dog - Getting to the Bottom of Digestive Troublehttps://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. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet-Approved Health Advice with Dr. Karyn Kanowski

  8. Jun 2

    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, 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/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: The Future of Pet Health - What We Saw at Global Pet Expo 2026https://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. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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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