Mystic Dog Mama

Where do flea and tick treatments really go?
For many of us, protecting our dogs from fleas and ticks has become part of responsible care. But what happens when the products we use to protect our dogs raise wider questions about environmental health, scientific uncertainty and the choices we make every day?
In this thought-provoking conversation, I'm joined by Dr Tilly Collins, Senior Fellow & Deputy Director of Imperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy, whose research is transforming our understanding of how flea and tick pesticides move beyond the animals they're applied to.
Together, we explore what happens after these products are used, how residues have been found not only in rivers and waterways but within our homes, and why this is opening up important new conversations about parasite management, environmental responsibility and the need for further research.
Rather than offering simple answers, this episode invites us to ask better questions.
Because perhaps the future of parasite management isn't about eliminating every risk—it's about understanding risk more deeply and making thoughtful, evidence-informed decisions for the individual dog in front of us.
In this episode we discuss:
Why flea and tick control is far more complex than many of us realise
How modern flea and tick pesticides work
What Dr Collins' research has revealed about pesticide residues in homes, including household dust, mop water and dog bedding
Whether fleas may be developing resistance to some commonly used products
What we really mean when we talk about "risk"
How to move towards a more personalised, risk-based approach to parasite management
The need for further independent research into the long-term impacts on animals, people and the environment
How we can begin shifting from routine intervention towards thoughtful stewardship

Resources
🐾 Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Low-Tox Parasite Prevention Toolkit
Learn how to assess your dog's individual parasite risk and explore practical strategies for creating a balanced, integrated approach to parasite management.
👉 https://mysticdogmama.com/the-81-percent
🌿 Join The Nourished Pack
Come and continue the conversation with a community of thoughtful dog guardians exploring holistic canine care together.
👉 https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama

Connect with Dr Tilly Collins
Senior Fellow & Deputy DirectorImperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy
https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/t.collins/about
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The more we can create space for thoughtful, evidence-informed conversations, the better equipped we'll all be to care for our dogs—and the wider living world they're part of.

Disclaimer
This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Decisions about parasite prevention should always be made in consultation with your veterinary professional, taking into account your dog's individual health, lifestyle and level of risk.

How do you know if your dog is living with arthritis?
The truth is, many dogs show signs of arthritis long before they're diagnosed. What we often dismiss as "slowing down with age" can actually be subtle signs of chronic pain—changes in behaviour, movement, sleep, or the way they engage with the world around them.
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Hannah Capon, veterinary surgeon and founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), to explore how we can better recognise arthritis in dogs, support dogs living with chronic pain, and help them continue to live full, meaningful lives.
Together, we discuss the early signs of arthritis in dogs, why arthritis isn't simply an "old dog" disease, the importance of maintaining a healthy body condition, and why there is no single supplement, medication, or therapy that can manage arthritis on its own. Instead, Hannah shares why the best arthritis care is always multi-modal - bringing together veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, nutrition, movement, environmental adaptations, and compassionate day-to-day support.
But this conversation goes far beyond canine arthritis.
We talk about caregiver fatigue, grief, kindness, and why supporting ourselves is an important part of supporting our dogs.
This episode is a reminder that arthritis doesn't have to mean the end of adventure, connection, or joy.
As Hannah says so beautifully:
"Arthritis isn't the end of the road—it's a new direction."
In this episode, you'll learn:
🐾 The early signs and symptoms of arthritis in dogs
🐾 How body condition, breeding, sport and previous injuries influence joint health
🐾 What a multi-modal arthritis management plan looks like
🐾 How movement and appropriate exercise support dogs with arthritis
🐾 Why protecting your own wellbeing is part of caring for a dog with chronic pain
About Dr Hannah Capon
Dr Hannah Capon is a veterinary surgeon and the founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), an award-winning organisation dedicated to improving the lives of dogs living with arthritis through education, evidence-based resources, and practical support for both veterinary professionals and dog guardians.
Content note
This episode includes a brief discussion about the impact of chronic pain on mental health, including a mention of suicide.
If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your reflections. Share it with someone navigating an arthritis diagnosis, leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts, or come and continue the conversation with me on Instagram.
Because living well isn't about avoiding life's challenges.
It's about learning how to walk through them - together.
Connect with Hannah and her team
Canine Arthritis Management (CAM): https://caninearthritis.co.uk/
Instagram https://instagram.com/canine_arthritis
FREE RESOURCE
Download my free Nourishment Starter Kit where you'll find practical guidance to help you evaluate your dog's diet and supplements, identify potential gaps, and focus on what truly matters without falling into overwhelm.
https://mysticdogmama.com
JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK
If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack.
It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care.
Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
Connect with me on Instagram @mysticdogmama or visit mysticdogmama.com.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

It's 4th of July weekend and the start of fireworks season in the US, so I'm revisiting this beautiful interview with Lisa Spector of Canine Classical, to give you some tips on how to use music and sound to support your dog. Enjoy!
You are in for a TREAT! Today, my guest is Lisa Spector of My Zen Pet. Lisa has such an incredible story. From graduating from the world renowned Julliard School, to pursuing a concert career, opening up a music school, and even raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Lisa has been on an incredible journey that has shown her the power that music holds - for dogs and humans alike.In this episode, Lisa talks about her journey into canine sound therapy, and she shares with us some really useful ways we can use music to calm our dogs’ nervous systems to both prevent and treat all kinds of anxiety. And she also shares why just putting any ol’ classical music on for your dog when you go out during the day, or during fireworks, might not actually be a helpful thing! Don’t worry, Lisa shares exactly what IS helpful to your dog’s nervous system, too.AND you’ll be treated to a mini concert you can share with your dog, as Lisa plays for us some of her calming music. It’s so beautiful, and you’re going to feel just as relaxed as your dog, so get comfy!Check out Lisa’s website https://myzenpet.com to learn more about her Dog Gone Calm Training Program and to stream her Dog Gone Calm album for your dog! You can also follow Lisa on Instagram https://instagram.com/my_zen_pet.Visit https://mysticdogmama.com for more information on booking a holistic nutrition and wellness consultation, and to get your copy of my ebook The N.E.W. Approach to feeding your dog!Finally, can I please ask you for a favour? If you are enjoying the podcast, a simple and really meaningful way you can support me is by rating the podcast and leaving a review on Apple podcasts. I know, I wish Spotify allowed reviews, too! Alas! But seriously, it really helps me to know what you are enjoying, and it is SO HELPFUL for helping others to find the podcast, and find this beautiful community we are creating together. I am so grateful for each an every one of you!OK, until next time!
Connect with Lisa on Instagram at https://instagram.com/canineclassical or visit her website https://https://canineclassical.com/
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama or visit https://mysticdogmama.com.
Download your free copy of my Nourishment Starter Kit! https://mysticdogmama.kit.com/nourishmentkit
JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK
If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack. It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care. Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

We live in a time where it can feel like there's a supplement for everything.
One for the gut. One for the joints. One for calm. One for detox. One for immunity. And somewhere along the way, many dog guardians find themselves managing an ever-growing collection of powders, capsules, tinctures, and "just-in-case" products—all in the name of doing the best for their dogs.
But when does supplementation become supportive, and when does it become too much?
In this episode, I'm joined by Alison Daniel of My Pet Nutritionist to explore the role supplements actually play in canine health. We discuss what supplements are designed to do, when they're genuinely needed, and why they should never be seen as a replacement for good nutrition.
Together, we unpack:
• The difference between supporting health and chasing the latest trend
• Why food should always be the foundation
• How to identify when a supplement may actually be beneficial
• The common mistakes guardians make when supplementing
• How to prioritise supplements when budgets are limited
• The rise of all-in-one supplements and "just-in-case" supplementation
• What to look for in a high-quality supplement
• Red flags and misleading marketing claims to watch out for
• The risks of over-supplementation and why more isn't always better
Whether your dog takes no supplements at all or has an entire cupboard dedicated to them, this conversation will help you approach supplementation with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
FREE RESOURCE
If today's episode has you questioning what's in your dog's bowl—or supplement cupboard—download my free Nourishment Starter Kit. Inside you'll find practical guidance to help you evaluate your dog's diet and supplements, identify potential gaps, and focus on what truly matters without falling into overwhelm.
Download your free copy at https://mysticdogmama.com.
JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK
If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack.
It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care.
Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
CONNECT
Find Alison at https://mypetnutritionist.com or on Instagram https://instagram.com/mypetnutritionist
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama or visit https://mysticdogmama.com
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

As the solstice approaches, I wanted to offer something a little different.
In this reflective episode, I explore the themes of nourishment, intuition, creativity, and the Wild Woman archetype inspired by Women Who Run With the Wolves. Together, we'll consider what this seasonal threshold might be asking of us, what wants to emerge, and how our dogs can help guide us back to presence, connection, and our own inner knowing.
A gentle invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and remember your light.
This episode is sponsored by Aspirationery, creator of books, notebooks, and stationery to help you become all you aspire to be! If you are looking for a safe space to explore and embrace your Wild Woman self, the moon magic and shadow work journals and workbooks might be a useful support for you. You can take a peek at them on our Aspirationery instagram account https://instagram.com/aspirationery

✨ Free Resource: Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit
If today's episode resonated with you, I'd love to gift you a free copy of my Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit. Inside, you'll discover simple ways to begin supporting your dog's wellbeing through the lens of nourishment - exploring the idea that true health is about so much more than what's in the bowl. It's an invitation to bring more curiosity, connection, and intention into life with your dog. https://mysticdogmama.com
Connect with me!
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.