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Short Leash Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Feed Real Institute
Short Leash is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart that breaks down the latest stories in canine health, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and the pet industry, minus the noise and misinformation. Each episode explores what’s happening in the dog world and what it actually means for dog owners from a wellness and longevity perspective. From species-appropriate nutrition and behavior to integrative therapies and emerging research, Short Leash brings expert context to the conversations shaping modern canine care. Because your dog’s health doesn’t happen once a year at the vet...it happens every day at home.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days ago1h 1m
Healing Beyond the Diagnosis: The Future of Integrative Veterinary Medicine
What does it really mean to treat the whole dog?In this episode of Short Leash, Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart, RVT, CPCN, look beyond isolated symptoms to explore factors that can influence health—from sleep and movement to stress, environment, lifestyle, and the human-animal relationship.They begin with three stories from the latest Short Leash newsletter: a study examining how women perceive sleeping with their dogs, shockwave therapy for canine osteoarthritis, and how nutrition, stress, environmental exposures, and lifestyle may influence healthy aging through epigenetics.Then, emergency and integrative veterinarian Dr. Barrie Sands joins the conversation to explore what whole-patient care can look like in practice.Dr. Sands shares her BioEPIC approach to integrative medicine and discusses connections between physical health, emotional state, environment, and the relationships animals share with people. The conversation moves into heart-brain coherence, nervous system regulation, stress, light and sound therapies, and her perspective on how human and animal physiology may influence one another.She also shares a powerful emergency-room story illustrating something central to her philosophy: integrative medicine doesn't have to mean choosing between conventional and complementary approaches. Sometimes the most meaningful care comes from understanding where each fits—and recognizing the individual animal and family in front of you.In this episode:Why sleeping beside a dog may feel different from sleeping beside another personWhat research says—and doesn't say—about dogs and human sleepHow shockwave therapy is used in canine rehabilitationWhy healthy aging begins long before the senior yearsHow epigenetics connects lifestyle and environment with gene expressionWhat Dr. Sands means by treating the “whole” patientThe BioEPIC framework for integrative veterinary careStress, the nervous system, and the human-animal relationshipWhat heart-brain coherence is and how Dr. Sands uses itWhere light, sound, and frequency-based therapies may fit alongside conventional veterinary medicineWhy integrative care should be individualizedWhat the future of veterinary medicine could look likeArticles discussed:Do Women Really Sleep Better with Their Dogs?https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/08927936.2018.1529354?needAccess=trueWhen Sound Becomes Medicine: Shockwave Therapy in Canine Arthritis Carehttps://ivcjournal.com/when-sound-becomes-medicine-shockwave-therapy-in-canine-arthritis-care/Healthy Aging Starts Long Before the Senior Yearshttps://ivcjournal.com/healthy-aging-in-dogs-and-cats-epigenetic-influences/About Dr. Barrie SandsDr. Barrie Sands is an emergency and integrative veterinarian who combines conventional veterinary medicine with complementary approaches. She is also an author, lecturer, certified HeartMath trainer, and researcher interested in heart-brain coherence and the human-animal relationship.Short Leash is dog news with real context. Each episode starts with stories shaping the dog world, then goes deeper with experts helping us understand what they mean for the dogs we care for.
- 2 weeks ago33 min
From Kibble to Context: What “Feeding Better” Actually Means | Ruby Balaram
Dog parents are being told to feed better...but what does “better” actually mean?With pet food marketing, social media advice, veterinary recommendations, homemade recipes, and supplements all competing for attention, making a better choice can quickly feel overwhelming.In this episode of Short Leash, Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart, RVT, CPCN, are joined by Ruby Balaram, Director of Feed Real Institute and Founder & CEO of Real Dog Box, to talk about why dog parents get stuck; and how better context can make feeding feel a lot simpler.They discuss what pet food labels tell us (and what they don’t), the difference between real food and nutritionally thoughtful feeding, dietary variety, purposeful supplementation, and why fresh food is only part of the conversation.In This EpisodeDr. Sue and Kay also discuss a lawsuit involving The Farmer’s Dog, research comparing higher-carbohydrate and higher-fat diets in dogs, and the rapid growth of the fresh pet food category.Topics DiscussedWhy dog parents feel overwhelmed by nutrition adviceFresh food vs. complete nutritionPet food labels and transparencyFat, carbohydrates, and canine metabolismDietary variety and homemade dietsSupplementing with a purposeMaking fresh feeding simplerArticles MentionedFresh Dog Food Under Legal Scrutiny (The Farmer’s Dog Lawsuit)https://www.classaction.org/news/the-farmers-dog-foods-grossly-out-of-line-with-canine-nutritional-needs-class-action-lawsuit-allegesDogs May Process Fat Better Than Carbshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023325001662?via%3Dihubhttps://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/dogs/canine-metabolism-responds-better-fat-carbs-research-suggestsThe Fresh Pet Food Movement Is Explodinghttps://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/fresh-pet-food-movement-trends-evidence/About Short LeashShort Leash is dog news with real context.Hosted by Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart, RVT, CPCN, each episode goes beyond the headlines to unpack what’s happening in canine health, nutrition, and wellness, and what it actually means for your dog.Get bite-sized dog news straight to your inbox at shortleash.co.
- Sep 7, 202643 min
How Integrative Veterinary Medicine Helps Dogs Age Better | Dr. Tejinder Sodhi
What does it really mean to care for the whole dog?In this episode of Short Leash, Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart explore how movement, cognition, nutrition, pain, and healthy aging are connected.They first break down new research on canine rehabilitation, physical activity and cognitive health, and TCVM food therapy.Then, integrative veterinarian Dr. Tejinder Sodhi joins the conversation to discuss Ayurveda, acupuncture, chiropractic care, rehabilitation, nutrition, hydrotherapy, and how these approaches can work alongside conventional veterinary medicine.A major theme of the episode: there is rarely one treatment, food, or modality that works for every dog. Supporting long-term health means looking at the individual dog and taking a multimodal, proactive approach.IN THIS EPISODE• Canine rehabilitation and healthy aging• Movement and cognitive health• TCVM food therapy• Ayurveda and individualized nutrition• Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hydrotherapy• Preserving mobility and muscle• Integrative + conventional veterinary care• Prevention and early interventionABOUT DR. TEJINDER SODHILearn more:https://ayushprofessional.com/pages/dr-tejinder-sodhiSHORT LEASH #184https://shortleash.co/issues/the-short-leash-184-september-1-3ARTICLES DISCUSSEDEffects of a structured rehabilitation program on joint range of motion and limb circumference in dogshttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1836746/fullCan an Active Lifestyle Help Keep Your Dog’s Mind Sharp?https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1833531/fullTCVM Food Therapy Can Open New Doors for Patient Carehttps://ivcjournal.com/tcvm-food-therapy-can-open-new-doors-for-patient-care/Subscribe to Short Leash:https://shortleash.co
- Aug 24, 202652 min
Medicinal Mushrooms, Herbal Medicine & the Science Behind Natural Dog Health
Medicinal mushrooms are everywhere right now...but what does the science actually say?In this episode of Short Leash, Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart, RVT, CPCN are joined by medical herbalist and educator Lee Carroll to explore medicinal mushrooms, herbal medicine, and the science behind natural dog health.Lee breaks down lion’s mane and cognitive health, the gut-brain connection, mushrooms vs. mycelium, ergothioneine and longevity, and what to look for when choosing a mushroom product.Before the deep dive, Sue and Kay unpack three stories from the latest Short Leash: mushrooms and canine cognitive decline, inconsistencies in gut microbiome testing, and whether changes in human food regulation could eventually influence what goes into our dogs’ bowls.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS01:27 — This week in dog news02:37 — Mushrooms & aging dogs08:32 — The problem with gut microbiome testing13:03 — Could MAHA influence pet food?17:53 — Meet Lee Carroll19:11 — Mushroom science or hype?20:20 — Ergothioneine & longevity22:06 — The growing interest in herbal medicine26:09 — Mushrooms & cognitive decline26:56 — Lion’s mane & the gut-brain axis32:06 — What makes lion’s mane different?35:42 — Mushroom vs. mycelium40:56 — Understanding mushroom chemistry43:24 — Is “What’s the best herb for ___?” the wrong question?45:20 — Herbs, mushrooms & pharmaceuticals49:24 — Natural medicine as a lifestyle50:19 — Mushrooms for everyday wellness51:26 — The future of mushroom research52:03 — Separating science from hype52:12 — Where to see Lee next52:44 — Lee’s Feed Real Summit workshop52:50 — What’s next on Short Leash🔗 LINKS & RESOURCESCan Mushrooms Help Aging Dogs Stay Mentally Sharp?https://athenaeumpub.com/evaluation-of-a-mushroom-derived-nutraceutical-for-canine-cognitive-decline/Same Sample, Different Results: The Problem with Gut Microbiome Testshttps://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-09301-3Will the MAHA Movement Reach Your Dog’s Bowl?https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/20648-the-maha-effect-how-evolving-human-food-regulations-could-impact-pet-food-down-the-lineRead these stories + more in The Short Leash, Issue 183:https://shortleash.co/issues/the-short-leash-issue-183-aug-18-2026Learn more about Lee Carroll:https://realmushrooms.com/pages/science-medical-team/lee-carroll-medical-herbalist🎙️ COMING UP NEXTDr. Tejinder Sodhi joins us to explore how Ayurveda, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and other integrative approaches can work together to support the whole dog.Short Leash: Dog news, with real context.
- Aug 10, 202648 min
Can Red Light Therapy Help Dogs Heal? | Healing With Light ft. Jackie Jolie (Animasol)
Can red and near-infrared light therapy help dogs heal? In this episode of Short Leash, Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart sit down with Jackie Jolie of AnimaSOL to explore photobiomodulation (PBM), current veterinary research, and what dog owners should know about light-based therapies.The episode begins with a review of three recent articles highlighting the growing interest in non-invasive therapies that support the body's natural healing processes. The conversation then explores how red and near-infrared light are being used alongside conventional veterinary care, what photobiomodulation is, and why interest in this technology continues to grow among veterinarians, rehabilitation professionals, and dog owners.In this episode, we discuss:• What photobiomodulation (PBM) is and how it differs from traditional laser therapy• Current evidence for red and near-infrared light in veterinary medicine• Supporting recovery from arthritis, soft tissue injuries, wound healing, and chronic inflammation• Why mitochondrial health and cellular energy are central to the discussion• How light therapy may complement, rather than replace…conventional veterinary care• The importance of nutrition, movement, circulation, and inflammation in the healing process• Practical considerations for dog owners interested in light-based therapiesArticles DiscussedHealing With Light: Why Laser Therapy Is Gaining Momentumhttps://animalwellnessmagazine.com/healing-with-light-laser-therapy-for-dogs-and-cats/Healing Beyond the Prescription Pad: Integrative Approaches for Chronic Wound Managementhttps://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/13/5/418Beyond Medications: Natural Tools for Managing Chronic Inflammationhttps://ivcjournal.com/natural-approaches-to-chronic-inflammation-in-dogs-and-cats/Learn more about Jackie Jolie and AnimaSOL:https://www.animasol.life/Subscribe to Short Leash for evidence-informed conversations that cut through the noise surrounding canine health, nutrition, longevity, and integrative veterinary medicine.#DogHealth #RedLightTherapy #Photobiomodulation #CanineHealth #VeterinaryMedicine #DogWellness #IntegrativeVeterinaryMedicine #DogPodcast #PetHealth #Healing
- Jul 27, 202655 min
Healthy Dog Aging: Why Everything in Your Dog's Body Is Connected | Dr. Madeline Yamate
Is healthy aging just about joints...or is everything in your dog's body connected?In this episode of the Short Leash Podcast, Dr. Madeline Yamate explains how inflammation, the nervous system, mobility, nutrition, and whole-body health are connected—and why understanding these connections may help dogs live healthier, longer lives.We also discuss three recent headlines making waves in the dog health world, including a newly approved arthritis drug, why companionship is essential for dogs, and fascinating new research exploring the connection between nerves and cancer.In this episode:🐾 Why every system in the body influences the others🐾 How chronic inflammation impacts long-term health🐾 The connection between the nervous system and healing🐾 Why mobility is about more than muscles and joints🐾 The role of acupuncture in integrative veterinary medicine🐾 How nutrition, movement, and lifestyle support healthy aging📰 Stories We Discussed1. New Long-Acting Arthritis Drug Approved for DogsVet Times:https://www.vettimes.com/news/vet-nursing/small-animal/milestone-as-vmd-approves-zoetis-lenivia-for-oaZoetis:https://news.zoetis.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Zoetis-Receives-Approval-for-Lenivia-izenivetmab-in-Great-Britain-2026-xoBv8eyLOL/default.aspx2. Dogs Need More Than Food and Walks: The Importance of Companionshiphttps://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/animal-expert-explains-four-hour-339519893. What Nerves Can Teach Us About Cancer—and Why Your Dog's Neck Mattershttps://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/15/7064🎤 Hear Dr. Madeline Yamate LiveDr. Yamate will be speaking at the 2026 Feed Real Summit on October 10–11 in San Diego, California, alongside leading experts in canine nutrition, longevity, and integrative veterinary medicine.🎟️ Learn more:https://feedreal.com/summit📬 Subscribe to the Short Leash Newsletter:https://shortleash.co🌎 Learn more about Feed Real courses and events:https://feedreal.com👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with another dog lover.
- Jul 13, 202640 min
Functional Foods for Dogs: Are We Asking Too Much From Dog Food? Gut Health, Supplements & Omega-3s
Functional Foods: Are We Asking More From Our Dog's Food?Dog nutrition has evolved beyond simply providing calories. Today's dog owners want food that supports gut health, immunity, mobility, healthy aging, and more.But are we asking too much from our dogs' food?In this episode of Short Leash, Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart discuss three major trends shaping canine nutrition:• Why digestive health is becoming the new baseline for pet food• What a new study on insect protein may (and may not) tell us about inflammation• Why the supplement industry is booming—and whether more supplements actually mean better healthThey're joined by Chef Scot Hill, Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and founder of Woof Creek Wellness, for a conversation about functional foods, whole-food supplements, omega-3s, ingredient quality, and why building a strong nutritional foundation matters more than chasing the next miracle ingredient.If you've ever wondered whether nutrition influences more than just your dog's weight, this episode is for you.In This Episode• Digestive health and whole-body wellness• Functional foods vs. marketing claims• Insect protein research• Whole-food supplements• Bioavailability and nutrient absorption• Omega-3s and inflammation• Why variety matters• Building health from the foundationGuestChef Scot Hill is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, former executive chef, and founder of Woof Creek Wellness, where he develops whole-food supplements designed to support long-term canine health.Short Leash Listener OfferSave 25% at Woof Creek Wellness through January 31, 2027 with code SHORTLEASH:https://www.woofcreek.com/discount/SHORTLEASHSourcesDigestive Health Is Becoming the New Baseline for Pet Foodhttps://www.petfoodindustry.com/regions/latin-america-carribean/article/15824859/digestive-health-is-baseline-pet-owners-want-multifunctional-nutritionStudy Finds Insect Ingredient Shows Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Dogshttps://www.petfoodindustry.com/nutrition/research-notes/news/15824581/study-insect-ingredient-shows-antiinflammatory-properties-in-dogsNASC Conference Report: Trends Fueling Pet Supplement Growthhttps://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/20546-nasc-conference-report-trends-fueling-pet-supplement-growth?utm_source=Pet+Food+Processing+Daily+Scoop&utm_medium=Newsletter&oly_enc_id=6866E8018034D1ASubscribe to the Short Leash newsletter for bite-sized dog news and new podcast episodes every other week: https://shortleash.co🐾 Dog news, minus the nonsense.#DogNutrition #FunctionalFoods #DogHealth #FreshFeeding #GutHealth #Omega3 #DogSupplements #HolisticDogs #ShortLeash #FeedRealInstitute
- Jun 29, 202652 min
Are We Treating Dog Anxiety or Building Resilience? | Rita Hogan on Holistic Dog Health
Is dog anxiety becoming more common...or are we missing the bigger picture?In this first episode of Short Leash, Rita Hogan joins Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart for an honest conversation about what may really be driving anxiety in dogs. Rather than viewing anxiety as simply a behavioral problem, they explore how stress, nutrition, movement, the nervous system, and the human-animal bond all influence long-term emotional health.The discussion covers recent dog news, including new medications for separation anxiety and emerging longevity drugs, before diving into a practical conversation about building resilience instead of only treating symptoms.In this episode you'll learn:• Why so many dogs show signs of anxiety today• How human stress can affect canine behavior• The difference between treating anxiety and building resilience• Herbs, mushrooms, and omega-3 fatty acids that may support the nervous system• Why movement, enrichment, sleep, and fresh air matter more than many people realize• How energetics, seasonal feeding, and individualized nutrition fit into holistic care• Why gut health, liver function, and the lymphatic system can influence behavior• What dog owners should consider before relying solely on medicationWhether your dog struggles with separation anxiety, reactivity, fear, or chronic stress, this episode offers a broader framework for thinking about canine wellness and resilience.Subscribe for new episodes every other Sunday where we break down the biggest stories in dog health and bring expert context to the headlines.🎙️ Short Leash is dog news, with expert context.Sign up for our newsletter at Shortleash.coHosted by:Dr. Sue Howell, DVMKay Stewart, RVT, CPCNSpecial Guest:Rita Hogan, Canine Herbalisthttps://www.canineherbalist.comAbout Short LeashShort Leash is a Feed Real Institute original, hosted by Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart. Created by Turk and Ruby, with executive production by Ruby and Nelly. Every episode cuts through the noise surrounding dog health, nutrition, and longevity by combining the latest news with expert conversations that help dog owners make more informed decisions.Learn more at Shortleash.co#DogAnxiety #SeparationAnxiety #DogHealth #HolisticDogHealth
About Short Leash Podcast
Short Leash is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart that breaks down the latest stories in canine health, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and the pet industry, minus the noise and misinformation. Each episode explores what’s happening in the dog world and what it actually means for dog owners from a wellness and longevity perspective. From species-appropriate nutrition and behavior to integrative therapies and emerging research, Short Leash brings expert context to the conversations shaping modern canine care. Because your dog’s health doesn’t happen once a year at the vet...it happens every day at home.
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