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. 1d ago

    Why Grooming Matters More in the Summer

    🐾 Tick season and wildfire smoke have more in common than you'd think, and it all shows up on your pet's skin and coat. In this episode, Dr. Amber Da Silva joins Donie to break down why summer is the season to pay closer attention to grooming, even when nothing looks obviously wrong on the surface. 🧴 How often to brush, bathe, and check your pet depending on coat type and climate 🌿 What to actually look for on a shampoo label (oatmeal, aloe vera, fragrance-free formulas) 🐟 Why omega-3 fatty acids support healthy skin and a glossy coat from the inside out 🐾 Simple paw checks that catch cuts, burns, and irritation before they become bigger issues A few extra minutes of grooming each week does double duty, keeping pets comfortable while helping pet parents catch small issues early. 🧴Previous episode on fragrances and chemicals: https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-83 🥵Previous episode guide on heat and hot paws: https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-106 ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Check out our website: http://www.unleashedcuriosity.com/ ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/unleashed-curiosity-podcast ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website: www.vitalpetlife.com 🎧 You may also enjoy: Why Your Pet's Bad Behavior Is Actually Boredom And How to Fix It Today https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/why-your-pet-s-bad-behavior-is-actually-boredom-and-how-to-fix-it-today 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! #PetHealth #DogGrooming #CatGrooming #PetCare #SkinAndCoat #TickSeason #PetParents #UnleashedCuriosity Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Why Grooming Matters More in the Summer

  2. Sep 1

    Why Your Pet's 'Bad Behavior' Is Actually Boredom And How to Fix It Today

    Most pet parents know the signs when something's physically wrong - limping, vomiting, a dull coat. Far fewer recognize the signs of a bored pet, even though boredom is one of the most common (and most overlooked) drivers of "bad behavior" in dogs, cats, and even birds. In this episode, Donie and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM unpack what boredom actually looks like across species, why it's becoming more common in modern pet households, and what pet parents can do about it today - no special equipment required. 🐾 What a bored dog, cat, or bird actually looks like day to day 🏠 Why boredom is becoming more common in modern pet households 🎯 Simple, no-equipment ways to add enrichment starting today The throughline: a bored pet isn't a badly behaved pet, and a bored-behaving pet isn't a sign of a bad pet parent. It's a signal, and it's fixable. ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Check out our website: http://www.unleashedcuriosity.com/ ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/unleashed-curiosity-podcast ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website: www.vitalpetlife.com 🎧 You may also enjoy: Tick & Flea Season: What's Actually Happening to Your Dog This Summer https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/tick-flea-season-what-s-actually-happening-to-your-dog-this-summer 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 #DogBehavior #CatBehavior #PetEnrichment #PetHealth #DogCare #CatCare #PetParent #PetPodcast Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Why Your Pet's 'Bad Behavior' Is Actually Boredom And How to Fix It Today

  3. Aug 25

    Tick & Flea Season: What's Actually Happening to Your Dog This Summer

    "I found a tick on my dog and I feel terrible" - if that's you every summer, Dr. Amber Da Silva has good news: it's not on you. She joins Donie Yamamoto to explain what actually drives tick and flea activity this time of year, why it has almost nothing to do with how careful you've been, and the two-minute daily habit that catches problems before they become vet visits. In this episode: Why tick and flea activity ramps up every summer, and why it's not a parenting failureWhere ticks and fleas actually come from, even on a short walk around the blockWhat a real, thorough tick check looks like, and the areas that matter mostThe safest way to remove an attached tickWhat to watch for with fleas, and how to confirm it fastThe three-part proactive routine that catches problems early ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Check out our website: http://www.unleashedcuriosity.com/ ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/unleashed-curiosity-podcast ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife ᐧ Check out our website: www.vitalpetlife.com 🎧 You may also enjoy: The Science of Animal Consciousness: Do Dogs and Cats Really Feel Emotions? https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/the-science-of-animal-consciousness-do-dogs-and-cats-really-feel-emotions 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 #TickSeason #FleaSeason #DogHealth #PetHealth #DogCare #SummerPetCare #VetAdvice #PetPodcast Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Tick & Flea Season: What's Actually Happening to Your Dog This Summer

  4. Aug 18

    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?

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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