This week on Healing Tails, I’m joined by two visionary voices in pet wellness—Penny Wood (aka Dr. Zoolittle), a longevity zoologist and creator of Raw 360, and Mark Parsekian, co-founder of Go Natural Pets and co-formulator of the groundbreaking supplement, PetREGEN.

We’re diving deep into the cutting-edge world of regenerative medicine and how blending wild animal wisdom, species-appropriate nutrition, and innovative supplements can radically improve your pet’s healthspan not just their lifespan. If you're curious about how to extend the vibrancy and vitality of your pet’s life, this conversation will blow your mind.

[2:22] - Penny shares what inspired her to bridge zoo animal science with pet longevity.

[10:44] - Why chronic diseases in captive animals sparked a red-alert “aha moment.”

[16:03] - Mark’s personal journey from severe allergies to pet nutrition innovator.

[27:40] - What stem cells really do and how regenerative healing rewrites the rules.

[34:00] - When pets stop naturally making stem cells and how to help them now.

[45:21] - The secret power of species-appropriate diets in cellular regeneration.

[58:15] - Why proactive care always beats reactive and how PetREGEN bridges the gap.

• Learn more about PetREGEN: petregen.com
• Explore Penny Wood’s programs: drzoolittlel.co
• Follow Penny on Instagram: @drzoolittlel
• Grab your tickets to WholePetCon (Sponsored by PetREGEN!): wholepetcon.com
• More tools & support from me: DrRuthRoberts.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach
• Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts
• YouTube: @drruthroberts
• TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts

Enjoyed the episode? Please rate, follow, and review Healing Tails wherever you get your podcasts. Share it with a fellow pet parent who wants to help their fur baby thrive!

*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. You‘re encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Ruth and her guests express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Dr. Ruth Roberts neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could help your dog’s arthritis, your cat’s eye condition, or even a colicky horse—without a vet trip or a needle in sight? In this episode of Healing Tails, Dr. Ruth Roberts sits down with Donna Woods, co-founder and CEO of Photonic Health, to explore the power of red light therapy for pets.

From a life-changing first experience with a colicking horse to years of refining safe, easy-to-use devices, Donna shares the science, the success stories, and the surprising ways light therapy can fit into your holistic pet care toolkit.

Whether you’ve got a senior dog, a competition horse, or a curious kitten, you’ll discover why photonic therapy is more than a gadget—it’s a gateway to supporting your pet’s well-being at home.

📌 Bonus: Photonic Health is a proud sponsor of WholePetCon—your front-row seat to the best in holistic pet health education.

What You’ll Learn:

• How red light therapy stimulates healing from the inside out
• The difference between cold laser and Photonic Health’s medical-grade LED devices
• Why inflammation is the #1 target for photonic therapy
• Real-life success stories that will make you a “red light junkie” too
• How light therapy complements acupuncture, chiropractic, and other holistic modalities

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Photonic Health: PhotonicHealth.com
• WholePetCon 2025 info: WholePetCon.com

Get your tickets to WholePetCon: https://wholepetcon.com/

• Want more support? Visit 👉 https://drruthroberts.com/ to learn more
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach
• Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts
• YouTube: @drruthroberts
• TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts
• Pinterest: @drruthroberts

*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. You‘re encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Ruth and her guests express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Dr. Ruth Roberts neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Healing Tails, Dr. Ruth Roberts chats with Emily from Bernie's Best, the brand behind the gut-loving supplement, Bernie's Perfect Poop. They unpack why gut health is the unsung hero of pet wellness, what makes Bernie's different (hint: it’s the fiber AND the philosophy), and how even the pickiest pups can get back to tail-wagging health with a little digestive TLC. Whether your dog eats raw, kibble, or something in between, you'll walk away with a better understanding of how to support their health from the inside out.

What You’ll Learn:

• The origin story of Bernie's Best (spoiler: it started with a dog named Bernie!)
• Why gut health isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of true wellness
• The unique four-in-one formula of Bernie's Perfect Poop
• How fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes can transform your dog’s digestion
• Why poop is a powerful clue to your pet’s health
• Tips for introducing fiber-rich supplements without the... explosions

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Bernie's Perfect Poop
• Bernie's University (new free education hub!)
• WholePetCon – September 13th in Kansas City! Proudly sponsored by Bernie's Best

Where to Learn More:

• Visit bernies.com for supplements, education, and customer support
• Follow @berniesbest on Instagram and TikTok
• Come meet us in person at WholePetCon! Info at wholepetcon.com

Get your tickets to WholePetCon: https://wholepetcon.com/

• Want more support? Visit 👉 https://drruthroberts.com/ to learn more
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach
• Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts
• YouTube: @drruthroberts
• TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts
• Pinterest: @drruthroberts

*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. You‘re encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Ruth and her guests express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Dr. Ruth Roberts neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m thrilled to bring you this episode of Healing Tails, where we dive way beyond kibble and bowls and into the neuroscience of feeding. I chat with feeding pioneer Dr. Carol Smeja, creator of the Original Mine Pet Platter, about how mealtime dynamics shape digestion, behavior, and emotional well‑being in our pets. You'll hear how a seemingly simple shift in feeding method can revolutionize your pet’s health. We explore the science behind why dogs and cats need to engage with their food—how sensory perception, visual territory, smelling, and slower eating can reduce anxiety, improve nutrient absorption, and even rescue feeding‑averse pets. We also guide you through actionable steps to enrich mealtime, whether you're feeding one pet or many.

Dr. Carol Smeja, a trailblazer in pet nutrition science, emphasizes that "HOW you feed your pet is just as important as WHAT you feed them." With a PhD in psychology and sociology, she initially studied human eating behaviors, collaborating with U.S. and global food companies and government agencies to enhance public health. Her passion for animals inspired her to apply her expertise to understanding the eating behaviors of dogs and cats. Through ancestral research on wolves and wildcats, combined with animal observational studies in zoos and wildlife habitats, Dr. Smeja developed The Original mine Pet Platter. She shares her groundbreaking insights through conferences, podcasts, and consultations, empowering pet parents to improve their pets' health and wellbeing through mindful feeding practices.

• Mine Pet Platter – Learn more or locate your platter at minepetplatter.com discount code: DRRUTH as a 10% discount code

Get your tickets to WholePetCon: https://wholepetcon.com/

• Want more support? Visit 👉 https://drruthroberts.com/ to learn more
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach
• Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts
• YouTube: @drruthroberts
• TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts
• Pinterest: @drruthroberts

*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. You‘re encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Ruth and her guests express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Dr. Ruth Roberts neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Healing Tails, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Sara Paplham, one of our certified holistic pet health coaches, a seasoned dog trainer, and an energy healing practitioner who’s transforming lives with her unique approach. With over 15 years of experience specializing in fear-based behavior, Sara shares how combining traditional training with modalities like Reiki and the Emotion Code is helping pets move from fear to freedom.

We dive into her personal healing journey, how trauma affects both pets and people, and what signs might indicate that your furry friend could benefit from energy healing. If you’ve ever struggled to help your pet manage anxiety or reactive behavior, this conversation is a game-changer. You'll walk away with insights, hope, and tools you can use at home today.

Episode Timeline Highlights

[2:22] - Meet Sara Paplham: dog trainer, Reiki Master, and Emotion Code practitioner

[10:14] - How trapped emotions impacted Sara’s health — and her daughter’s remarkable transformation

[17:09] - Recognizing fear-based behaviors and how owners unknowingly reinforce them

[25:33] - How Reiki and Emotion Code work — explained simply for pet parents

[34:40] - Training meets energy healing: helping dogs open up on their own terms

[50:18] - How your household’s energy could be the root of your pet’s behavior

[1:10:02] - Why trusting your gut matters and how to become your pet’s healing partner

🔗 Links & Resources

Websites: https://koala-dahlia-byab.squarespace.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarasplayfulpals

Instagram: @sarasplayfulpals10

Want more support? Visit 👉 https://drruthroberts.com/ to learn more

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach

Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts

YouTube: @drruthroberts

TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts

Pinterest: @drruthroberts

💬 Enjoyed the episode?

Please rate, follow, and share Healing Tails and don’t forget to leave a review! Your support helps more pet parents find natural solutions for their fur babies.

*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. You‘re encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Ruth and her guests express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Dr. Ruth Roberts neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Healing Tails, I’m joined by my dear friend and brilliant holistic pet health coach, Melissa Knievel-Natanson, to explore one of my absolute favorite topics: gut health. Melissa is a professional canine nutritionist who specializes in gut and kidney health, chronic inflammation, and senior pet wellness. Her passion for healing from the inside out shines through every story and insight she shares.

Melissa opens up about her personal journey that began with her mom’s battle with a rare GI cancer and her rescue Yorkie, Darla, who faced severe IBD and food intolerances. Together, we dive deep into how antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome, why restoring gut balance is key, and how innovative approaches like fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) can be game changers. We also discuss the powerful role of diet, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), and why supporting the gut is truly the foundation for lifelong health. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to help your pet heal and thrive.

Links & Resources

HolistiPaws Pet Health Coaching -https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557491475519

Website:https://linktr.ee/HolistiPawsPetHealth?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Welcome back to Healing Tales! In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the incredible Dr. Chris Bessent, a true trailblazer in holistic veterinary medicine. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Bessent has transformed the way we think about pet health, merging Eastern and Western medicine to create whole food-based therapeutic diets and herbal solutions that empower pets to heal naturally. We dive into her journey from clinical practice to founding Herbsmith and Medicus Veterinary Diets, and explore why using real, whole foods is so critical for our pets' long-term health.

If you’ve ever wondered how food can truly be medicine for your pets, or why so many traditional prescription diets fall short, you won’t want to miss this conversation. We discuss the challenges of formulating therapeutic diets with whole foods, the importance of species-appropriate nutrition, and how to support pets battling conditions like kidney disease, cancer, and more. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about pet nutrition!

Links & Resources

• Herbsmith: herbsmithinc.com
• Simple Food Project: simplefoodproject.com
• Medicus Veterinary Diets: medicusveterinarydiets.com
• Curate the Bowl Quiz: Available on Herbsmith’s website
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HerbsmithInc/
• Instagram: @herbsmithinc

👉 https://drruthroberts.com/ to learn more

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach

Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts

YouTube: @drruthroberts

TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts

Pinterest: @drruthroberts

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, and share Healing Tails with your fellow pet lovers. And please leave a review to let us know how Bridger's story inspired you!

• *DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. You‘re encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Ruth and her guests express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Dr. Ruth Roberts neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.