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Healing Tails

Healing Tails

By: Dr. Ruth Roberts
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 Healing Tails: Holistic Pet Health Made Simple. The Official Podcast of Dr. Ruth Roberts Welcome to Happy Tails, where holistic pet health meets heart-led care. Hosted by Dr. Ruth Roberts, a trusted Integrative veterinarian with over 35 years of experience, this podcast is your go-to source for natural veterinary care, wellness advice, and empowering pet parents and professionals to become the changemakers in pet health. Each episode, Dr. Ruth and her guest dives into practical solutions, science-backed insights, and simple, actionable steps to support your pet’s well-being naturally. Whether you’re navigating chronic conditions, seeking alternative approaches to traditional care, or just looking to give your pet the healthiest, happiest life, Happy Tails provides the guidance and tools you need. Tune in and join the movement toward holistic pet wellness—because our pets deserve more than just survival; they deserve to thrive.

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2025 Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Hidden Health Clues: How Iridology Can Save Your Pet's Life

    Hidden Health Clues: How Iridology Can Save Your Pet's Life
    Jan 28 2026
    Guest: Maggie Shellhammer, Founder of Intune Pets Health CoachingAbout Maggie: Certified dog trainer, groomer, holistic pet health coach, and canine/feline iridologist with over 20 years of experience working with dogs, specializing in brachycephalic breeds.Episode Highlights:[00:00 - 02:00] IntroductionDr. Ruth introduces the podcast and today's topic: hidden health clues in petsMeet Maggie Shellhammer and her holistic approach to pet wellness[02:00 - 07:00] Maggie's Journey to Holistic Pet HealthHow her Pug, Juliette, changed everythingFrom IVDD diagnosis to discovering acupunctureThe moment she realized there was more than conventional medicine[07:00 - 12:00] From Dog Trainer to GroomerWhy training certification didn't lead where expectedHow training knowledge made her a better groomerUnderstanding dog behavior and stress signals[12:00 - 17:00] Spotting Subtle Health ChangesWhat groomers see that pet parents missWhy "they're just getting old" isn't good enoughCommon early warning signs in aging pets[17:00 - 22:00] Hidden Health Clues Pet Parents MissBehavior changes as pain indicatorsFoot chewing: itching vs. pain reliefThe 4-6 week rule: when internal issues show externallyReverse sneezing and collapsing tracheaCoughing and potential heart issues[22:00 - 28:00] Introduction to IridologyWhat is canine/feline iridology?How the eyes reveal internal imbalancesWhy iridology can detect issues before lab workThe 70% organ damage threshold in conventional testing[28:00 - 32:00] Real-World Iridology Case: BugsyDiscovering hidden pelvic pain through eye analysisConnecting umbilical hernia to structural issuesNatural support options: herbs, massage, full-spectrum hemp[32:00 - 38:00] Empowering Pet ParentsTaking control at vet appointmentsWhy you don't have to decide immediatelyThe role of a pet health coach in sorting through informationFeeding real food without fear[38:00 - 42:00] Diet as MedicineThe power of antioxidants, polyphenols, and whole foodsMaggie's 5 superfood go-tos:BerriesFermented foodsOrgan meatsColorful vegetablesSardines/fish oilFeeding the rainbow for optimal nutrition[42:00 - 46:00] Working with VeterinariansThe challenge of integrating holistic carePet health coaches as "conductors of the orchestra"Natural support options that complement conventional treatment[46:00 - 50:00] Vision for the FutureLooking at the whole dog, not just the lab work"The paper has no cheek" - Dr. Shea's wisdomCreating collaborative care teamsMaking holistic options more accessible[50:00 - End] Closing & Contact InformationKey Takeaways:✅ Subtle behavior changes can indicate pain, not just behavioral issues ✅ Skin problems take 4-6 weeks to develop—they don't appear overnight ✅ Iridology can detect imbalances before conventional lab work ✅ You have control over your pet's health through diet and lifestyle ✅ Pet health coaches bridge the gap between conventional vets and holistic care ✅ Simple whole foods can transform your pet's healthResources Mentioned:Intune Pets Health CoachingWebsite: IntunePetsHealthCoaching.comEmail: IntunePetsHealthCoaching@gmail.comConnect with Dr. Ruth:Website: DrRuthRoberts.comHolistic Pet Health Coach Certification: HolisticPetHealthCoach.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoachInstagram: @dr.ruthrobertsYouTube: @drruthrobertsTikTok:@dr.ruthroberts Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's health care routine. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    40 mins
  • From Grief to Gratitude: Honoring Pets Through Purpose

    From Grief to Gratitude: Honoring Pets Through Purpose
    Nov 5 2025
    Episode Summary

    In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Ruth Roberts sits down with Scott Colby to explore one of the most challenging aspects of pet parenthood - loss and grief. Scott shares his profound journey caring for his beloved cats Nomar and Mia through their senior years, navigating sudden loss, chronic illness, and the overwhelming grief that followed.

    What makes this conversation truly special is how Scott transformed his deepest pain into purpose, creating resources and support systems for other pet parents facing similar challenges. From sleeping on the floor for six months to care for his declining cat, to establishing an endowment fund that will help pet families forever - this is a story of love, loss, and the healing power of helping others.


    Guest: Scott Colby

    Writer, speaker, lifelong cat dad, and founder of Golden Whiskers podcast and newsletter


    Key Topics Discussed
    • The Love Story: How Scott unexpectedly adopted Nomar and Mia in 2003 and their 20-year journey together
    • Sudden vs. Gradual Loss: Experiencing both rapid decline (Nomar) and long-term care (Mia with kidney disease)
    • Pet Grief Reality: The overwhelming emotions, guilt, and isolation that come with pet loss
    • Anticipatory Grief: Living with the constant awareness of a pet's declining health
    • Healing Through Purpose: How Scott channeled his grief into helping others
    • New Beginnings: Adopting Nico and Milo and learning to love again


    Resources Mentioned

    • University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work Program (free grief counseling)
    • Pet loss support groups on Facebook
    • Golden Whiskers newsletter and podcast

    Connect with Scott Colby
    • Website: goldenwhiskerslove.com
    • Instagram: @goldenwhiskerslove
    • Podcast: Golden Whiskers (available on all platforms)

    • Dr. Ruth Roberts — Your go‑to integrative veterinarian for natural pet care: DrRuthRoberts.com
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach
    • Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts
    • YouTube: @drruthroberts
    • TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts



    *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.
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    46 mins
  • Detoxing One Bite at a Time

    Detoxing One Bite at a Time
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode of Healing Tails, I’m joined by clinical nutritionist and holistic health expert Leah Bookhamer. Leah’s journey from chronic illness to empowered healer is deeply inspiring—and she’s now on a mission to help both pets and people detox and thrive. Together, we dive into the root causes of poor pet health and discuss why detoxification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle necessity.


    Leah opens up about her personal health struggles, how they led her to holistic nutrition, and why she created PetAmp Life, a groundbreaking detox support system for pets. From foundational nutrition to powerful drainage pathways, Leah shares the truths the pet industry often gets wrong—and what you can do starting today to make a difference for your furry family members.


    Timeline Summary:

    • [1:15] Leah’s powerful story: how illness led to her calling
    • [4:14] The missing piece that changed everything for her pets’ health
    • [7:25] What inspired the launch of PetAmp Life
    • [10:32] What “detox” really means—and why it matters for your pets
    • [16:21] Breaking down detox pathways: liver, kidneys, skin, gut, and more
    • [20:10] The three essential products in the PetAmp Life system
    • [28:10] Signs your pet may need a detox
    • [30:39] Simple detox tips every pet parent can start today
    • [33:00] Why detoxing is critical for puppies, seniors, and sensitive breeds
    • [36:50] How the pet industry is getting detox wrong—and what to do instead

    Links & Resources:

    • PetAmp Life Website: petamplife.com
    • Follow on Instagram: @PetAmpLife
    • Connect with Leah: leah@petamplife.com
    • Use code FOODIE10 for 10% off PetAmp Life products

    Additional Resources
    • Dr. Ruth Roberts — Your go‑to integrative veterinarian for natural pet care: 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.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
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