This episode of the Dr. K show features an in-depth conversation with Rita Hogan, an herbalist and author of "Herbal Dog," who shares her journey and expertise in holistic animal health. The discussion opens with Rita reflecting on her experiences touring and promoting her book, which encapsulates two decades of work dedicated to improving the health and well-being of dogs. She describes the excitement and fulfillment of seeing her work published and the opportunity to connect with audiences worldwide who are eager to learn about natural approaches to animal care. Rita’s inspiration for writing the book stemmed from her time in rural Tennessee, where she observed a rise in chronic illnesses among dogs, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. She noticed that many of the same health issues affecting humans were increasingly present in their pets, often mirroring the emotional and physical states of their owners. This realization led her to apply her herbal knowledge to animals, focusing on organ health, system balance, and the interconnectedness of all bodily functions. A significant portion of the conversation addresses the impact of spaying and neutering on dogs’ long-term health, particularly regarding hormone balance and the increased risk of certain cancers. Rita emphasizes the importance of supporting the endocrine system with herbs and supplements, advocating for responsible pet ownership and a more mindful approach to these common procedures. She also critiques the "one-size-fits-all" mentality in both conventional and natural medicine, arguing for individualized care based on each animal’s unique constitution, environment, and needs. The episode offers practical advice for dog owners, including how to assess a dog’s temperament (warm vs. cool), the importance of diet and terrain (internal environment), and the value of preventative care. Rita discusses common conditions such as leaky gut, yeast overgrowth, and sensitivities, and highlights the role of the nervous system in overall health. She encourages owners to observe their pets closely, support organ systems proactively, and use herbs thoughtfully to address both symptoms and underlying imbalances. In conclusion, Rita underscores the deep connection between humans and their animals, noting that pets often reflect and even absorb their owners’ emotional and physical burdens. She advocates for a holistic, individualized approach to animal care that prioritizes organ health, emotional well-being, and the use of natural remedies. Her insights aim to empower pet owners to take a more active, informed role in their dogs’ health, fostering resilience and vitality for both animals and their human companions. Rita Hogan discusses her journey as an herbalist and author, focusing on holistic health for dogs and the importance of individualized care. The conversation highlights the rising incidence of chronic diseases in dogs, such as cancer, and the parallels between human and canine health. Rita emphasizes the impact of spaying and neutering on animal health, particularly regarding hormones and organ function. The episode explores the value of treating the "terrain" or environment of the animal, advocating for prevention, balanced nutrition, and emotional well-being. Practical advice is given on using herbs, understanding animal behavior, and fostering the human-animal connection for better health outcomes.
This episode of the Dr. K show features an in-depth conversation with Rita Hogan, an herbalist and author of "Herbal Dog," who shares her journey and expertise in holistic animal health. The discussion opens with Rita reflecting on her experiences touring and promoting her book, which encapsulates two decades of work dedicated to improving the health and well-being of dogs. She describes the excitement and fulfillment of seeing her work published and the opportunity to connect with audiences worldwide who are eager to learn about natural approaches to animal care.
Rita’s inspiration for writing the book stemmed from her time in rural Tennessee, where she observed a rise in chronic illnesses among dogs, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. She noticed that many of the same health issues affecting humans were increasingly present in their pets, often mirroring the emotional and physical states of their owners. This realization led her to apply her herbal knowledge to animals, focusing on organ health, system balance, and the interconnectedness of all bodily functions. A significant portion of the conversation addresses the impact of spaying and neutering on dogs’ long-term health, particularly regarding hormone balance and the increased risk of certain cancers.
Rita emphasizes the importance of supporting the endocrine system with herbs and supplements, advocating for responsible pet ownership and a more mindful approach to these common procedures. She also critiques the "one-size-fits-all" mentality in both conventional and natural medicine, arguing for individualized care based on each animal’s unique constitution, environment, and needs. The episode offers practical advice for dog owners, including how to assess a dog’s temperament (warm vs. cool), the importance of diet and terrain (internal environment), and the value of preventative care. Rita discusses common conditions such as leaky gut, yeast overgrowth, and sensitivities, and highlights the role of the nervous system in overall health. She encourages owners to observe their pets closely, support organ systems proactively, and use herbs thoughtfully to address both symptoms and underlying imbalances.
In conclusion, Rita underscores the deep connection between humans and their animals, noting that pets often reflect and even absorb their owners’ emotional and physical burdens. She advocates for a holistic, individualized approach to animal care that prioritizes organ health, emotional well-being, and the use of natural remedies. Her insights aim to empower pet owners to take a more active, informed role in their dogs’ health, fostering resilience and vitality for both animals and their human companions.