The One Why Cats Knead & Zoom at 3AM – 10 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained by a Vet

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 you 0:55 - What is rattlesnake aversion training (RAT)? 1:41 - Why live snakes are essential (not rubber props) 2:30 - The single-session failure problem 3:15 - What a durable multi-station program looks like 4:20 - The emergency reality: hemotoxic venom + the 30-minute window 6:45 - Antivenom locator tool every outdoor dog owner needs 8:10 - The rattlesnake vaccine: pros, cons, and what it doesn't do 10:32 - 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 [http://veterinarysnakebite911.com] - find your nearest antivenom-equipped vet by ZIP code 🐍🐕 #RattlesnakeSeason #RattlesnakeAversionTraining #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife #DogSafety ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife]ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife]ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/]ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife]ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts]ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife]ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: Dog Nutrition Decoded - Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver's https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/dog-longevity-decoded-treats-nutrition-rescue-truths-beth-jackson-of-oliver-p-toliver-s-thoroughly-tasty-treats [https://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 [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

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 [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.com [http://oliverptoliver.com] ᐧ Instagram: @oliver_p_toliver_dog_treats [https://www.instagram.com/oliver_p_toliver_dog_treats/] ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife]ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife]ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/]ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife]ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts]ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife]ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: Moving Well - The Link Between Mobility and Long-Term Pet Care https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/moving-well-living-longer-the-link-between-mobility-and-pet-longevity [https://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 [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

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/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife]ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife]ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/]ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife]ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts]ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife]ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet Insights with Dr. Karyn Kanowski https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/pet-supplements-ethical-breeding-vet-approved-health-advice-with-dr-karyn-kanowski [https://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 [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

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.kanowski [https://www.instagram.com/karyn.kanowski] ᐧ Catster: catster.com [http://catster.com] ᐧ Dogster: dogster.com [http://dogster.com] ᐧ Podcast: Chatty Cattys ᐧ Work: pangovet.com [http://pangovet.com] ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife]ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife]ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/]ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife]ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts]ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife]ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: Good Poops, Happy Dog - Getting to the Bottom of Digestive Trouble https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/good-poops-happy-dog-getting-to-the-bottom-of-digestive-trouble [https://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 [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

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/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife]ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife]ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/]ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife]ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts]ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife]ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: The Future of Pet Health - What We Saw at Global Pet Expo 2026 https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/the-future-of-pet-wellness-what-we-saw-at-global-pet-expo-2026 [https://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 [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.