Healing Tails

The Healing Gap: Why Holistic Care Is Facing New Challenges and How We Can Adapt

Healing Tails

Show Notes

In this deeply insightful episode of Healing Tails, Dr. Ruth Roberts is joined by renowned holistic veterinarian Dr. Odette Suter to unpack the widening gap in holistic veterinary care. As chronic illness in pets becomes more complex, Dr. Suter shares why outdated approaches—even within holistic medicine—are failing, and what needs to shift for true healing to take place.

From symptom-chasing to spiritual growth, they dive into the root causes of illness, the need for deeper knowledge and support, and how pet parents can begin to navigate overwhelm with compassion. If you're feeling frustrated by "trying everything" and getting nowhere, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics covered include: Why symptom-based care (even with herbs and supplements) is falling short The hidden impact of environmental toxicity and hormone imbalance How deeper self-examination ties into your pet’s healing journey What "integrative" really means—and why sometimes pharmaceuticals are necessary Practical advice for pet parents navigating guilt and overwhelm Resources mentioned: Dr. Odette Suter’s book: What Your Vet Never Told You (available on Amazon) Pet Health Accelerator Program & Masterclass Connect with Dr. Ruth Roberts: Website: DrRuthRoberts.com Instagram: @DrRuthRoberts Facebook: @DrRuthRoberts

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*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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Guest: Maggie Shellhammer, Founder of Intune Pets Health Coaching About 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] Introduction Dr. Ruth introduces the podcast and today's topic: hidden health clues in pets Meet Maggie Shellhammer and her holistic approach to pet wellness [02:00 - 07:00] Maggie's Journey to Holistic Pet Health How her Pug, Juliette, changed everything From IVDD diagnosis to discovering acupuncture The moment she realized there was more than conventional medicine [07:00 - 12:00] From Dog Trainer to Groomer Why training certification didn't lead where expected How training knowledge made her a better groomer Understanding dog behavior and stress signals [12:00 - 17:00] Spotting Subtle Health Changes What groomers see that pet parents miss Why "they're just getting old" isn't good enough Common early warning signs in aging pets [17:00 - 22:00] Hidden Health Clues Pet Parents Miss Behavior changes as pain indicators Foot chewing: itching vs. pain relief The 4-6 week rule: when internal issues show externally Reverse sneezing and collapsing trachea Coughing and potential heart issues [22:00 - 28:00] Introduction to Iridology What is canine/feline iridology? How the eyes reveal internal imbalances Why iridology can detect issues before lab work The 70% organ damage threshold in conventional testing [28:00 - 32:00] Real-World Iridology Case: Bugsy Discovering hidden pelvic pain through eye analysis Connecting umbilical hernia to structural issues Natural support options: herbs, massage, full-spectrum hemp [32:00 - 38:00] Empowering Pet Parents Taking control at vet appointments Why you don't have to decide immediately The role of a pet health coach in sorting through information Feeding real food without fear [38:00 - 42:00] Diet as Medicine The power of antioxidants, polyphenols, and whole foods Maggie's 5 superfood go-tos: Berries Fermented foods Organ meats Colorful vegetables Sardines/fish oil Feeding the rainbow for optimal nutrition [42:00 - 46:00] Working with Veterinarians The challenge of integrating holistic care Pet health coaches as "conductors of the orchestra" Natural support options that complement conventional treatment [46:00 - 50:00] Vision for the Future Looking at the whole dog, not just the lab work "The paper has no cheek" - Dr. Shea's wisdom Creating collaborative care teams Making holistic options more accessible [50:00 - End] Closing & Contact Information Key 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 health Resources Mentioned: Intune Pets Health Coaching Website: IntunePetsHealthCoaching.com Email: [email protected]

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