Unleashed Curiosity: Dog & Cat Health, Nutrition & Vet Advice by Vital Pet Life
Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life Podcast cracks the code on pet nutrition, health tips & keeping your fur fam happy and informed! ✨ Join Donie Yamamoto, CEO and Founder, and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM, as they share practical advice, expert insights, and myth-busting truths to help you become a more confident, educated, and empowered pet parent. We're here to dispel misinformation, break down pet ingredients, and highlight key pet care strategies backed by veterinary expertise. From Q & A with Dr. Amber to ingredient transparency, this podcast is your go-to source for today's pet care. It's time to get informed, inspired, an...
Keeping Your Pets Safe During Wildfire Season
🐾 Wildfire smoke can affect your pet long before the flames are anywhere close to your home.
In this episode, Dr. Amber Da Silva joins Donie to cover two wildfire scenarios every pet parent should know: smoky air with no evacuation, and an actual evacuation order.
🔥 How to protect your pet when outdoor air quality drops, even if the fire itself is far away
🧩 Indoor enrichment ideas to keep pets from getting restless when walks and yard time aren't an option
🎒 What actually belongs in a pet emergenc...
Why Grooming Matters More in the Summer
🐾 Tick season and wildfire smoke have more in common than you'd think, and it all shows up on your pet's skin and coat.
In this episode, Dr. Amber Da Silva joins Donie to break down why summer is the season to pay closer attention to grooming, even when nothing looks obviously wrong on the surface.
🧴 How often to brush, bathe, and check your pet depending on coat type and climate
🌿 What to actually look for on a shampoo label (oatmeal, aloe vera, fragrance-free formulas)
🐟 Why omega-3 fatt...
Why Your Pet's 'Bad Behavior' Is Actually Boredom And How to Fix It Today
Most pet parents know the signs when something's physically wrong - limping, vomiting, a dull coat. Far fewer recognize the signs of a bored pet, even though boredom is one of the most common (and most overlooked) drivers of "bad behavior" in dogs, cats, and even birds.
In this episode, Donie and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM unpack what boredom actually looks like across species, why it's becoming more common in modern pet households, and what pet parents can do about it today - no special equipment required.
🐾 What a bored dog, cat...
Tick & Flea Season: What's Actually Happening to Your Dog This Summer
"I found a tick on my dog and I feel terrible" - if that's you every summer, Dr. Amber Da Silva has good news: it's not on you. She joins Donie Yamamoto to explain what actually drives tick and flea activity this time of year, why it has almost nothing to do with how careful you've been, and the two-minute daily habit that catches problems before they become vet visits.
In this episode:
Why tick and flea activity ramps up every summer, and why it's not a parenting failureWhere ticks and fleas actually...The Science of Animal Consciousness: Do Dogs and Cats Really Feel Emotions?
Do animals really feel things — or are we just projecting? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie and Dr. Amber dig into a new philosophy framework out of Michigan State University that's helping scientists figure out which animals are actually conscious.
🧠 The "marker" debate — what scientists look for to judge whether a creature can feel
🦀 Why hermit crabs are the surprising test case researchers keep coming back to
🐕🐈 What the science says about dogs and cats specifically (spoiler: it's good news)
❤️ Why trusting what you see in your own pet is backed by...
Therapy Dogs, Mental Health & Community Impact with Jody Williams
Therapy Dogs in Jails, Clinics & Airports: The Human-Animal Bond in Action
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie and Dr. Amber sit down with Jody Williams, Executive Director of Therapy Dogs of America and Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara. Jody shares how her organization has taken the human-animal bond into places most people wouldn't expect - county jails, behavioral health clinics, airport terminals, and classrooms - and what she's seen change as a result.
From a young man who hadn't left his jail cell in two months stepping out...
Is Your Dog or Cat Overweight? The 2-Year Difference Pet Parents Miss
Donie kicks things off with a confession: after a few weeks of extra treats and fewer walks in the heat, she's pretty sure her dogs Tuxedo and Jean Martin have put on some weight. Dr. Amber's in the same boat with her recently adopted dog Willow, who's on her own weight loss journey. It's perfect timing, because nearly 60% of pets in this country are overweight or obese right now, and pets at a healthy weight live an average of two years longer than those who aren't.
Dr. Amber explains why this is almost never...
Your Pet in Bed: The Real Science on Sleep Disruption, Health Risks, and What a Vet Wants You to Know
Should Your Pet Sleep in Your Bed?
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie and Dr. Amber Da Silva break down what the science actually says about co-sleeping with your pet - and why the headlines on this topic keep leaving out the most important variable.
A 2022 study from Utrecht University confirmed that sharing a bed with a healthy pet does increase exposure to certain pathogens. But increased exposure is not the same as getting sick. For healthy adults with healthy pets on a routine prevention schedule, the actual...
Should You Take Your Dog Out in This Heat? What the Research Actually Says
Should You Take Your Dog Out in This Heat? What the Research Actually Says
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie and Dr. Amber Da Silva break down why the number on your weather app isn't the one that actually matters for your dog outdoors. On a 75-degree sunny day, pavement can reach 125 degrees, hot enough to burn paw pads in under a minute, especially for puppies who haven't built up calluses yet. Dr. Amber walks through the simple hand test that tells you if the ground is too hot to walk on, boots...
The Healing Power of Dogs: Therapy Dog Training, Caregiving & the Bond That Saves Us with Susan Hartzler
Dogs, Grief and Caregiving: The Human Animal Bond
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie sits down with Susan Hartzler, author and a recognized authority on therapy dogs and the human animal bond. Susan shares the story behind Sit With Me, her guided meditation practice for pet parents and their dogs, and how her own dogs, Blondie, Bliss, and Baldwin, carried her through pivotal moments in her life, from dating in her twenties to caring for her father through his Parkinson's diagnosis.
Susan and Donie also talk about what...
From Hype to Health: The Science Driving the Next Era of Pet Supplements
We don't wait for a cavity to start brushing our teeth, so why wait to support our pets? In this episode, Donie Yamamoto sits down with Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM, to unpack what's really driving the pet supplement boom - and how pet parents can tell a quality product from marketing noise.
Dr. Amber Da Silva breaks down what separates credible formulation from hype: ingredient-specific research, transparent sourcing, and serving sizes that actually match what the science supports. She and Donie also dig into why format matters as much as formula. A great...
Snake Season Is Here: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know Before It's Too Late
That dry, sprinkler-like buzz on a trail with your dog. If you've heard it, you know. Rattlesnake season is here - and this year it's already running hot.
Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM and co-host of Unleashed Curiosity, breaks down what rattlesnake aversion training actually is, why the single-session class often fails, and what every dog owner in rattlesnake territory needs to do before they need it. If you hike or live in rattlesnake country, this episode is for you.
This goes deeper than basic tips - into the canine fear memory...
Dog Longevity Decoded: Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver’s Thoroughly Tasty Treats
What if the treats you give your dog every day are getting in the way of their care?
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM sit down with Beth Jackson, founder of Oliver P. Toliver's Thoroughly Tasty Treats, for a conversation that will change how you think about every snack you hand your pup.
Beth's brand was born from a 10-week-old rescue puppy who nearly died from Parvo - and one simple rule: every ingredient must earn its place.
In this episode, you'll discover:
🐾 Why "nat...
Moving Well, Living Longer: The Link Between Mobility and Pet Longevity
Is your dog or cat slowing down? Before you chalk it up to normal aging, this episode might change how you see your pet's everyday movement.
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM dig into one of the most overlooked topics in pet health: joint mobility and what it really means for your pet's long-term quality of life.
Dr. Amber busts some of the biggest myths pet parents believe, including why a dog that isn't limping or crying out can still be in significant discomfort...
Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet-Approved Health Advice with Dr. Karyn Kanowski
What if your vet's training was shaped more by pharmaceutical companies than by nutrition science? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, hosts Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM sit down with Dr. Karyn Kanowski, veterinary content creator, supervisor at Pango Vet, and co-host of the Chatty Cattys podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about pet health, supplements, and the future of animal care.
In this episode, we cover:
Why Dr. Karyn believes pet nutrition and supplements deserve more attention in everyday care
The real welfare issues behind ear cropping...
Good Poops, Happy Dog: Getting to the Bottom of Digestive Trouble
What's Behind Your Dog's Digestive Discomfort - And Why Diet Alone May Not Be Enough
You've switched the food. You've been patient. But occasional loose stools, digestive gas, and coat issues keep coming back.
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto sits down with integrative veterinarian Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM to explore what most pet parents never hear: gut microbiome balance may play a central role in your dog's overall health - and diet changes alone may not be enough to support it.
Dr. Amber breaks down:
✔️ Why...
The Future of Pet Wellness: What We Saw at Global Pet Expo 2026
Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM are back from Global Pet Expo 2026 with one major takeaway: pet health and nutrition are evolving fast - from personalized nutrition and microbiome innovation to sustainability and ingredient transparency, today's pet parents are increasingly conscientious about the ingredients in the treats and supplements they give their pets.
In this episode, they discuss the biggest trends shaping the future of pet health and nutrition, why clean sourcing and recognizable ingredients matter, and Vital Pet Life's launch at the show of Only Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats - the first pet...
Why Your Dog NEEDS to Sniff on Walks (It's Not What You Think)
Your dog isn't walking - they're reading.
Every fire hydrant, every blade of grass, every invisible trail left by a passing stranger - your dog is processing all of it through a nose that's up to 100,000x more powerful than yours. But most walks are designed entirely around human priorities: speed, distance, calories burned.
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM and Donie Yamamoto break down the fascinating science of canine olfaction and why sniffing isn't a bad habit - it's a biological necessity.
What you'll...
60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Oatmeal in Pet Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
You've seen it on every pet shampoo. But do you actually know what it does? 🌾
In this 60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM breaks down one of the most common and most misunderstood ingredients in pet care: oatmeal.
Not the breakfast kind. The kind that could be actively supporting your pet's skin care - or doing absolutely nothing - depending entirely on whether the brand you're using got it right.
Timestamps:
1:03 - What is oatmeal (in pet care)?
1:30 - Wha...
Dogs, Aging & the Future of Medicine: What We're Learning from Canine Aging Science & Health Breakthroughs
Your Dog Is Aging Like You - And That's Reshaping Medicine.
The Dog Aging Project is tracking tens of thousands of dogs nationwide - and what researchers are finding could reshape how we approach health for both dogs and humans. Dogs don't just mirror us emotionally. They mirror us biologically. Same diseases. Same environment. Same aging pathways. Just on a faster timeline.
Timestamps:
00:00 - The Dog Aging Project: What It Is
01:16 - Why dogs are the perfect human aging model
02:57 - Canine dementia & Alzheimer's parallels
04:28...
The One Why Cats Knead & Zoom at 3AM – 10 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained by a Vet
Your cat isn't weird. Science just finally caught up. 🐱
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM decodes 10 cat behaviors that puzzle pet parents most - from kneading and 3AM zoomies to that unmistakable slow blink.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Kneading / "Making Biscuits" 🍞
03:39 - The Slow Blink / Cat Kiss 😻
04:14 - "If I Fit, I Sit" 📦
04:48 - 3AM Zoomies 🌙
06:10 - Bird Watching Chatter 🐦
07:01 - The Loaf Position 🐈
08:04 - Knocking Things Off Tables 😤
09:01 - Showing Their Butt (it's a compliment) 🍑
10:10 - Sleeping on Your Laptop 💻
12:24 - Random Foot Attacks 🦶
Wh...
What Your Vet Isn't Telling You About Dog Long-Term Care: Rehab, Teeth & Mobility With Dr. Paul Tonioli
Three habits that could make a real difference for your dog - but most pet parents are missing out on them. Dr. Paul Tonioli, founder of Antelope Animal Hospital, certified canine rehabilitation practitioner and orthopedic surgeon, shares three underappreciated pillars of long-term dog care that don't get enough attention.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro: Three pillars of proactive dog care
01:09 - Meet Dr. Paul Tonioli
05:46 - What is canine rehabilitation?
07:05 - The underwater treadmill explained
09:23 - What age should dogs start rehab?
12:19 - The 30-lb Chihuahua whose hip popped out<...
60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Krill
Are you unsure which pet supplement ingredients are actually worth it? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, we spotlight: Krill Powder 🦐
Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM breaks down the real science behind one of the most talked-about pet health ingredients - no fluff, no jargon.
You'll learn:
What krill powder actually is
How it may support joint health and brain function, and how it relates to the body's normal inflammatory response
Why some vets consider krill a noteworthy omega-3 source
The right serving size most pet parents ove...
Why Dogs Chase Their Tails, Follow You & Act Strange: 10 Hidden Behaviors Every Pet Parent Must Understand for a Happier, Healthier Dog
Why do dogs chase their tails, scratch your bed, lick you, or suddenly bark at nothing? What if those "cute" or "weird" behaviors are actually your dog trying to communicate something important about their health, stress levels, or environment?
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM break down the 10 most common dog behaviors - and what they really mean.
From tail chasing and zoomies to bed scratching, licking, barking at nothing, and the "guilty look," you'll discover what's normal, what's not, and when it might be time to...
Pet Anxiety Explained: How to Calm Nervous Dogs & Stressed Cats
Is your dog pacing, panting, or showing signs of stress? Is your cat hiding, overgrooming, or acting differently? Pet anxiety is more common than most pet parents realize - and it can impact your pet's gut health, immune system, behavior, and overall long-term health.
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM break down:
The real signs of anxiety in dogs and cats
Why anxiety is often misdiagnosed or overlooked
How stress affects your pet's physical health and daily wellbeing
Vet-guided strategies for...
Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats: Omega-3 Support for Skin, Coat & Joints | 60-Second Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM
What does fish oil really do for your dog or cat - and how do you know if it's quality-verified? In this 60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive episode, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM and Donie Yamamoto from Vital Pet Life break down one of the most popular pet supplements: fish oil for dogs and cats.
No fluff. Just science-backed clarity.
You'll learn:
What fish oil may support: skin & coat, joint function, heart health, and immune function
Why EPA and DHA omega-3s matter
How...
Pets in Dreamland: Stares, Barks & What Pet Parents Should Know About Their Dogs and Cats' Sleeping Behavior
Why does your dog bark, twitch, or run in their sleep? Why do cats suddenly stare at walls like they see something you can't? And when should pet parents actually worry?
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM and Donie Yamamoto explore the science behind some of the most mysterious pet behaviors - from dogs barking during dreams to cats freezing mid-stare.
Many pet parents notice blank stares, sleep barking, twitching legs, zoomies, or cats staring at nothing. Most of the time these behaviors are completely normal. But sometimes they can...
Holistic Vet Dr. Judy Morgan on Natural Health, Diet & Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
Want to make more informed choices for your dog or cat's care? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM sit down with holistic veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan - a pioneer in integrative veterinary medicine with more than 40 years of experience.
Dr. Morgan shares six approaches to supporting pets naturally, including whole-food nutrition, responsible vaccination, reducing chemical exposure, dental health, mental stimulation, and holistic veterinary care. The conversation also explores how the pet food industry and pharmaceutical companies influence veterinary medicine, and what pet parents can do to...
Proactive Pet Care Begins Before the Gray Hair: Why Early Care Matters More Than Age
Proactive pet care isn't something you start later - it's something you build early. Most pet parents associate aging with gray muzzles and slower walks. But what if the biggest opportunity is in the years before visible changes appear?
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM explore why early, consistent care matters more than age - and how small daily habits can support your pet's care years before visible changes appear.
You'll discover:
The changes happening in your pet's body that accelerate the aging process
<...The Secret Life of Cats: What Independent Pets Really Need to Live Longer, Happier Lives ft. Megan Merriman
Are cats really "low maintenance" - or are they just quiet about what they need? In this heartfelt episode of Unleashed Curiosity, we uncover the truth about feline independence and long-term care - and the silent health signs many cat parents miss.
From rescuing a kitten off the 405 freeway to volunteering with at-risk shelter cats in Los Angeles, Megan Merriman shares powerful rescue stories, real-life lessons, and what cats have taught her about resilience, stress, and unconditional love.
We also dive into one of the most commonly overlooked health concerns in cats - chronic kidney...
Inside VMX 2026: Vital Pet Life on the Future of Pet Wellness
What does the future of pet health really look like - and how does it impact your dog or cat today? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, we take you inside VMX 2026, one of the world's largest veterinary conferences, where Vital Pet Life joined thousands of veterinarians, researchers, and industry leaders shaping the next era of pet health.
Join Donie Yamamoto, CEO and Founder of Vital Pet Life, and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM, as they share firsthand insights from the VMX show floor - from the growing focus on long-term care and proactive...
Toxins at Home: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know About Hidden Household Hazards
Your home might be putting your pet at risk - without you even realizing it. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM reveal the hidden household toxins that quietly affect your dog or cat's health and daily comfort.
Because pets live closer to the ground, sniff everything, lick surfaces, and share our space, they're exposed to chemicals designed for humans - not animals.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How common cleaning products (bleach, ammonia, fragrances) impact lungs, skin, hormones, and organs
...
60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM) for Dog & Cat Joint Health
60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive: Green-Lipped Mussel 🐚
What does green-lipped mussel actually do for your pet? In this rapid-fire episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM breaks down:
What green-lipped mussel is
How it may support joint comfort and mobility
How much dogs and cats really need
What to look for on a product label
No fluff. No jargon. Just clear, science-backed insight for pet parents who want to make better-informed choices for their pet's care.
Follow Unleashed Curiosity for more 60-se...
Unlocking the Secret Language of Animals ft. Kylie Wade for Pet Parents, Dogs, Cats, Pets
What if animals - here and beyond the rainbow bridge - could truly communicate with us? Former CEO Kylie Wade shares how a life-changing encounter with 50 humpback whales opened her intuitive abilities and later helped her connect with her cat, Cortez, in profound ways.
Inspired by Telepathy Tapes and even moments in Bluey, Kylie reveals how energy, presence, and emotion can help us hear what animals are trying to say - without words.
A conversation about animal communication, the rainbow bridge, and the energy that connects us with the...
Four Strategies to Jumpstart Your Pet’s Longevity for Dogs, Cats, Pet Parents
Ever wonder how some pets stay active and joyful well into their senior years? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto, CEO of Vital Pet Life, and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM break down four strategies to support your pet's long-term care.
We dive into:
Nutrition - why ingredient quality matters more than you think
Movement and weight management - the impact on activity levels and daily comfort
Emotional health - how calm, comfortable pets tend to do better day to day
Proactive vet care - the small...
Introducing Pet Longevity with Donie & Dr. Amber for Dogs, Cats, Pet Parents
Join Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM as they explore how your pets can live comfortable, well-cared-for lives. In this episode, they lay the foundation for long-term care and whole-life health - sharing science-backed insights, practical tips, and the steps every pet parent can take.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What long-term care really means for pets: lifespan and healthspan
How nutrition, supplements, and gut health influence your pet's overall health
The impact of emotional connection and shared routines on pets' daily lives
Why...
2026 Pet Wellness Reset: Vet-Approved Tips You Can Start Today for Dogs and Cats that Pet Parents Should Save or Follow
🎙️ Season 3 Premiere | A Fresh Start for Your Pet
What if one small change in 2026 could make a real difference for your pet? In this New Year episode of Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM share simple, practical ways pet parents can support gut health, joint care, and overall health in dogs and cats.
You'll learn:
Dr. Amber's supplement tip for pet parents
How to spot early signs of health concerns at home
Why your stress affects your pet more than you think...
Holiday Pet Health Guide: Prevent Diabetes, Boost Longevity for Your Dog and Cat
Pet diabetes is rising faster than most pet parents realize—and too often, it’s diagnosed when it’s already advanced. In this must-listen episode of Unleashed Curiosity, host Donie Yamamoto, founder of Vital Pet Life, sits down with Dr. Amber De Silva, DVM to break down what every dog and cat parent needs to know now to protect their pet’s long-term health.
As we head into a new year filled with fresh starts (and plenty of treats), this conversation dives deep into why diabetes is becoming more com...
Breaking It Down with Dr. Amber: Why Gut Health Is the Key to Your Pet’s Happiness A Podcast For Dogs Taking Probiotic Supplement
Pet diabetes is becoming more common - and too often, it's caught late. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM break down what every dog and cat parent needs to know to support their pet's long-term care.
Whether you're heading into the holiday season or a new year with fresh starts (and plenty of treats), this conversation covers why diabetes is rising in pets, how it affects dogs and cats differently, and the early signs worth discussing with your vet. Dr. Amber explains what's happening inside your pet's body...
Unleashing Sustainability: How the Pet Sustainability Coalition Is Driving Change in the Pet Industry
In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM sit down with Allison Reser, Director of Sustainability & Innovation at the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) - leading the transformation toward a more ethical, transparent, and climate-smart pet industry.
From PSC's founding story to ingredient transparency, responsible sourcing, and sustainable packaging, Allison breaks down what every pet brand and pet parent needs to know - including what's next for packaging, recycling, and supply chain resilience.
You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Vital Pet Life's own journey toward PSC...
