Tails of Truth: The Truth about Veterinary Medicine

Tell Us What You ThinkMost cat parents assume rabies risk is an outdoor cat problem. Dr. Angie and JoJo disagree, and they've got two recent patient cases to explain why. In this episode, they walk through rabid bats becoming more common in the Boulder and Denver area, how a bat's behavior changes when it's infected, and what actually happens if a cat is exposed. That includes the quarantine process, why a rabies titer won't get a cat out of being vaccinated and quarantined, and the real consequences an unvaccinated, exposed animal can face. They also cover why rabies tops Dr. Angie's list of nonnegotiable vaccines, common myths about vaccine side effects, and what to look for in the vaccine itself. Listeners can grab their free course on cat vaccines at boulderholisticvet.com using code Truthtails or Truthtales. Key TakeawaysRabid bats do exist in the Boulder and Denver area, and their behavior changes when infected: daytime activity, flying into windows, being on the ground.Two of Dr. Angie's patients had confirmed or suspected bat exposure in the past year.If a cat is exposed to a potentially rabid animal and isn't current on the vaccine, the state veterinarian can require an extended quarantine, and in some cases can move to euthanize the animal.A rabies titer does not substitute for vaccination in an exposure situation. It only shows immunity status at that moment and takes too long to come back to be useful in an active exposure.Rabies is not just a bat issue. Skunks, fox, and domestic animals can carry it too.Of all core vaccines, Dr. Angie ranks rabies as the one she'd keep no matter what, because it is uniformly fatal once symptomatic. FVRCP matters, but panleukopenia is the only component in that combo with comparable severity for cats.Common vaccine hesitancy around rabies (fear it affects the nervous system) misunderstands how the vaccine works. It's a fragment of virus prompting an antibody response, not an infection.Dr. Angie uses Purevax (Boehringer Ingelheim) for cats, administered below the knee, elbow, or in the tail, per current best practice for injection site.Soundbites"We've had two in the last year of our patients be exposed to bats, one confirmed rabies, we're waiting on the second one."  — Dr. Angie "If your animal has been exposed to a rabid animal and they are not up to date on their vaccines, I mean they can try to force you to euthanize your animal."  — Dr. Angie "It's a peace of mind vaccine because rabies is fatal."  — JoJo"This is no shade to bats. Yes. Like they do so much."   — Dr. Angie "Well, I think there's like this trend right now to not vaccinate for rabies."  — JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkOn this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse, JoJo, dig into listener comments and questions, covering cat hyperthyroidism testing, Cytopoint and cancer risk, heartworm resistance to ivermectin, and the rabies vaccine recall. They also talk through saccharomyces boulardii for dogs on prednisone and the ongoing debate around gut health and allergies in dogs. Some comments are kind. Some are not. Dr. Angie and JoJo answer them anyway. Key TakeawaysCat hyperthyroidism testing is different from thyroid testing in dogs or people and a standard T4 is usually sufficient; free T3 panels are rarely needed.Oral ulcers unrelated to kidney disease can drive up BUN and creatinine through dehydration alone, which can look like kidney failure on bloodwork without being kidney failure.Saccharomyces boulardii is generally considered safe for dogs on prednisone and may ease gut side effects, though it has no known direct effect on lymphoma itself.Long-term gut-healing protocols for allergic dogs are time- and resource-intensive and haven't shown consistently reliable results in Dr. Angie's experience.Cytopoint is not linked to increased cancer risk. Cyclosporine, a different drug, does carry a small increased lymphoma risk in some patients.As of recording, there were no confirmed reports of ivermectin-resistant heartworm in Colorado; informal discussion pointed to possible resistance in the Mississippi Delta/Louisiana region, not yet a verified nationwide trend.Rabies vaccine cost and dosing intervals vary by manufacturer and formulation: a one-year and three-year version aren't automatically the same product.Soundbites"The majority of these messages are so disrespectful and unnecessarily mean."    — Dr. Angie "Sometimes intervention earlier prevents more intense toxic interventions later."  — JoJo"Cytopoint is not going to increase your dog's risk of cancer. That's real."                — Dr. Angie"That's a very privileged place to sit, to be able to say I am gonna just really spend the next two to three years working on my dog's gut health."  — Dr. Angie"If somebody had one experience with their animal and it worked out well for them, they suddenly are the expert." — JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkThorne, the supplement company millions of pet parents have trusted for over two decades, was just sold to Procter & Gamble for $3.8 billion. But the veterinary side of that business isn't part of the deal. It's now PetDomain, a fully family owned company built by the same people who ran ThorneVet for years.In this episode, Dr. Angie and JoJo sit down with PetDomain owner and CEO Alex Pearson to talk about what happened, why his family chose independence over joining a corporate sale, and what family ownership means for the quality assurances behind every product on the shelf.They cover how PetDomain sources and tests ingredients, why proprietary blends make it hard for pet parents to know what they're actually giving their pets, and what to look for when choosing a supplement brand you can trust.If you've used ThorneVet products, or you're just trying to make sense of a pet product world full of company buyouts, this episode is for you.KEY TAKEAWAYSThorneVet has rebranded to PetDomain following Thorne's $3.8 billion sale to Procter & Gamble, announced the same day as PetDomain's own brand launch.PetDomain is fully family owned and operated, run by the Pearson family who took over the ThorneVet line in 2019.Formulations, sourcing, and testing protocols have not changed with the split from Thorne.Proprietary blends can hide exact ingredient amounts from pet parents. PetDomain discloses full amounts on every label.NASC certification is one practical way pet parents can vet a supplement brand's manufacturing and testing standards.More supplements isn't always better. Both Alex and Dr. Angie agree on this.PetDomain randomly retests products already on shelves at six, twelve, and eighteen months to confirm they still deliver full potency and safety standards. SOUNDBITES  "I tell ya, integrity's probably cost me money."  — Alex Pearson"What's in there is what's in there. I know that's gonna be true."  — Dr. Angie"Luck is the residue of design."  — Alex Pearson"There's no placebo. That's the nice thing."  — Dr. Angie"We didn't want to be a part of a $3.8 billion purchase."  — Alex Pearson "I think a lot of people need to do less supplements."  — Dr. Angie "It's hard to find integrity in anything anymore." —JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkEven veterinary professionals aren't immune to chaos and medical errors. In this episode, Dr. Angie and JoJo get vulnerable about the mistakes, emergencies, and shame spirals that happened with their own pets, including a medication dosing error, an unexpected ER visit after a dog ate a pot cookie, and a cat dental emergency that came with major sticker shock. They talk through what it actually feels like to mess up in an industry where you're expected to know better, why full mouth dental x-rays under anesthesia matter, how ASPCA Animal Poison Control works, and what to do if your dog may have eaten THC. Vulnerable, honest, and possibly even relatable.  KEY TAKEAWAYSEven experienced veterinarians and vet techs can make dosing errors, and ASPCA Animal Poison Control is a resource available to any pet parent, not just veterinary professionalsFull mouth dental x-rays under anesthesia can catch problems like tooth resorption that aren't visible without themDog THC toxicity is rarely fatal but can cause serious discomfort, including body temperature swings, vomiting, and disorientationCBD may help counteract THC toxicity in dogs by displacing it from cannabinoid receptorsPet insurance (the hosts both use Lemonade) can reimburse emergency costs quicklyVeterinary professionals can feel shame asking their own colleagues questions, the same way pet parents sometimes doVeterinary medicine is expensive even for veterinariansMedical errors happen to even the best veterinarians and vet staff Mistakes happen with pet parents.  This is a judgement free zone for all of it SOUNDBITES"This is a scary episode." — JoJo"I immediately felt sheepish and small."  — Dr. Angie"She's hella uncomfortable." — JoJo"You've gotta let yourself be human."  — Dr. Angie"I think it makes us less judgmental, 'cause how can we judge?" — JoJo"I'm in metronidazole jail."   — Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkSteroids get a bad reputation, especially among holistic pet parents, but Dr. Angie Krause and JoJo break down when cats actually need them and when it's okay to explore other options. They cover the difference between prednisone and prednisolone, the real risk of steroid-induced diabetes, budesonide as a gentler alternative, and how to safely taper a cat off long-term steroids. They also dig into steroids for IBD, asthma, and skin conditions, plus what the research does and doesn't say about steroids and cancer risk. They discuss benefits and risks and potential side effects.  This conversation is for any cat parent who has felt nervous about starting their cat on steroids. Key TakeawaysPrednisolone is generally preferred over prednisone for cats because some feline livers convert it less efficiently, though exact failure rates aren't well studied.Steroid-induced diabetes in cats is rare (Dr. Angie has seen it twice in 20 years) and, caught early, is often reversible.Diabetes risk is dose-dependent and shows up early, usually within the first few weeks, not after prolonged use.Budesonide stays local to the GI tract and doesn't carry the same systemic risk as prednisone/prednisolone.Cats tolerate steroids better than dogs, with fewer personality changes or physical side effects like muscle wasting.Steroids don't have to mean a lifelong commitment, but tapering, not cold-turkey stopping, is essential after long-term use to avoid adrenal crisis.Natural alternatives (diet, CBD, herbs, probiotics) work for maintenance situations but not during an active crisis like an asthma attack.Steroids can still be appropriate for cats with kidney disease depending on severity of their disease, and current evidence doesn't support steroids causing cancer.Soundbites "Cats often need steroids. They need steroids for asthma, for inflammatory bowel disease, for their allergic disease, for all kinds of things."  — Dr. Angie"People in the holistic space really try to avoid steroids. They hear that word steroid and I feel like it's all out panic."  — JoJo"The first thing I think of is please don't become diabetic. It's happened to me twice in 20 years, but it feels bad." — Dr. Angie"I know it can feel overwhelming to dose your cat a pill every day. Just know that this can be compounded into a formulation that works for you and your cat."         — JoJo"If your cat has asthma and is struggling to breathe, steroids are the best thing... in crisis, it's not the time to think about any kind of alternative." — Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkThe veterinary industry is changing fast, and Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo are not afraid to say how they feel about it. In this episode, they get honest about why pet care keeps getting more expensive, what corporate consolidation and mergers like MWI and Covetrus mean for your local vet clinic, and how brands like Chewy are reshaping the industry in severely impactful ways. It is a conversation about what is happening to veterinary professionals trying to stay independent and to pet parents trying to keep up, and what you can actually do about it. Key TakeawaysCorporate and private equity ownership of US veterinary clinics jumped from 8 percent in 2011 to 50 percent in 2025Vet costs have risen 60 percent since 2014, pushing pet insurance from optional to functionally necessaryThe proposed MWI Covetrus merger, under FTC investigation, would give one company control of 75 percent of veterinary supply distributionChewy's $49.99 dollar telehealth consults can prescribe medication without a physical exam, straining the relationship between pet parents and their regular vetSome corporate wellness plan contracts continue billing pet parents after their pet has diedZoetis faces two lawsuits: one from shareholders over undisclosed product losses, one from an Oregon veterinary hospital alleging its VETSCAN Imagyst AI tool misdiagnosed a mass that turned out to be fatal cancerAI tools in note taking, radiology, and diagnostics are becoming standard, raising questions about how new veterinarians will learn to build differentials on their ownLifetime cost of pet ownership: 22,000 to 60,000 dollars for a dog, 20,000 to 47,000 dollars for a catDr. Angie and JoJo recommend pet insurance, filling prescriptions locally when possible, and supporting independently owned clinicsSoundbites" I felt like, okay, it's up to us to evolve or die."  — Dr. Angie "Like it's just contractual, it's not human."  — JoJo"It definitely feels like a knife in the back."  — Dr. Angie "I'm like Chewy is Voldemort."  — JoJo"What I wanna say is try to get care at non corporate veterinary clinics."  — Dr. Angie "I just want to really acknowledge that the industry is changing. You're not imagining that."  — JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIn this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo dig into the murky world of pet supplements: what's actually worth buying, what's marketing hype, and how pet parents can tell the difference. They talk through the emotional pull of supplement ads, including Dr. Angie's own impulse buy, why fear is such effective marketing, and why a page of five-star reviews doesn't mean a product works. The conversation covers what the NASC seal actually means, why CBD chews for pets can vary wildly in potency, and which supplements Dr. Angie actually trusts and stocks, including fish oil, probiotics, and Chinese herbs. They close with a simple gut check for choosing a supplement without falling down a research rabbit hole. Key TakeawaysFear is one of the most effective marketing tools in the pet supplement space. Ads leaning on "your senior pet could live longer" or reversing a scary diagnosis are designed to bypass rational decision-making.A high review count says nothing about whether a supplement is safe or effective.The NASC seal and a third-party certificate of analysis are real green flags, but neither guarantees a pet actually needs the product.Many supplements don't contain therapeutic doses of their active ingredients, partly because manufacturers balance dosing against palatability.CBD chews for pets can have inconsistent THC distribution between doses, even within the same bag.Fish oil is one of the most broadly useful supplements, supporting joint, skin, cognitive, heart, kidney, and anxiety-related health.Dogs and cats generally don't need a multivitamin if their diet is properly balanced.Probiotics need consistent long-term use to work, not a quick start right before antibiotics.A veterinary consult can save pet parents money by cutting an oversized supplement list down to what actually matters.Sound bites"Anyone can start a supplement company."  — Dr. Angie "Fear is fantastic marketing."  — JoJo"Fish oil is one of the most underrated supplements. I think that's helpful for almost any condition."  — Dr. Angie "A consultation with you might save people money."  — JoJo"My philosophy overall is if I have a good diet, I shouldn't need that many supplements."  — Dr. Angie "What really irritates me is how then you'll have people come on and say, I thought I was gonna have to euthanize my dog, but then I started this supplement and now he's totally fine."  — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIn this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo take a break from veterinary topics for an unscripted, personal catch up after two weeks apart. There's no agenda for this episode other than to give their listeners a peek into their lives. They talk through mutual, mostly unfounded worries about the podcast, chat dating and travels, and share real life updates including a health scare, a surprising pregnancy test twist, and a family court update. The conversation turns practical toward the end as Dr. Angie and JoJo map out, in real time, a sedation plan for JoJo's anxious dog, Sage, ahead of an upcoming vet visit. If your own pet turns into a different animal the moment you walk into a clinic, you'll find you're not alone in trying to figure out how to get veterinary care for your pet.Key TakeawaysAn unscripted personal catch up between Dr. Angie and JoJo after two weeks apart, including their mutual (unfounded) fears about firing/quitting each other.Dr. Angie shares a health update involving endometriosis and an ovarian health scare that turned out to be nothing.JoJo shares a startling positive pregnancy test tied to hormone shifts common in perimenopause/menopause.Real time planning for sedating JoJo's dog, Sage, who is fearful and reactive at the vet, including specific injection techniques used to reduce her stress.A reminder that vet staff have challenging pets too, and a fearful or reactive dog at the clinic is nothing to be embarrassed about.Sound BitesI have to admit JoJo like I've been really worried all week that you hate working here and you're gonna quit.  — Dr. Angie This is where I feel like a jerk... I could do it and save everybody, but I also don't want to do it.  — JoJoIt doesn't really matter who you marry. It matters who you parent with.  — Dr. Angie I've been worried all week that you're gonna fire me.  — JoJoI feel like the labradoodle and the golden doodle, those are like soft choices.  — Dr Angie If you don't subscribe, I'm gonna quit.  — JoJoRemember, Meta doesn't love us. — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkHyperthyroidism is one of the most common diseases veterinarians see in senior cats, but most cat parents don't know they have real options once a diagnosis comes in. In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo walk through the full picture: the symptoms that should prompt a T4 blood test, why the test is so straightforward compared to human thyroid testing, and all four treatment paths available today, methimazole in pill, cream, or melt form, radioactive iodine therapy, a prescription iodine-restricted diet, and surgery. They also cover a conversation most cat parents aren't prepared for: why treating hyperthyroidism often uncovers underlying kidney disease, and why that's expected rather than a red flag. If your cat is losing weight, acting ravenous, or yowling at night, or if you're already managing a hyperthyroid diagnosis, this episode covers the questions to ask your vet next. Key TakeawaysHyperthyroidism is one of the top four most common diseases in senior cats.Symptoms include weight loss, increased hunger, vomiting, night yowling, hyperactivity, and a greasy coat and it can mimic kidney disease, IBD, or diabetes.Diagnosis is a single blood test (total T4), but not every senior wellness panel includes it automatically — ask your vet to add it if your cat is over 8.There are four treatment paths: methimazole (pill, transdermal cream, or compounded melt), radioactive iodine therapy, a prescription iodine-restricted diet, and surgery (rarely performed anymore).Radioactive iodine has roughly a 90% cure rate but requires a week-long hospital stay and two weeks of limited contact at home, and typically costs $2,000–$3,000.Treating hyperthyroidism often reveals underlying kidney disease that was masked. This is expected, not a sign something went wrong.Cats on methimazole need bloodwork rechecked every 4–6 weeks initially, then every 6 months, to confirm correct dosing and monitor liver and kidney values.Dr. Angie doesn't always treat mild, asymptomatic elevations in T4. She monitors instead, due to past cases of methimazole causing negative side effects in cats that didn't need it yet.Soundbites"This is one place where Western medicine actually is pretty effective."                   — Dr. Angie "Pilling your cat every day... it's a relationship breaker for some people." — JoJo"I could talk about hyperthyroidism in cats all day long, and in fact I do."                 — Dr. Angie "Your vet is gonna want to recheck blood work in four to six weeks. This is not a money grab." — JoJo"You're going to get so much more radiation from that airplane than from a cat."   — Dr. Angie"It sounds terrifying. And if you're holistic in nature, make this make sense." — JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkWhen a senior dog has a single seizure, most pet parents end up in the emergency room the same night, and many walk out with a prescription for anti-convulsants before anyone's confirmed what caused it. In this episode, Dr. Angie Krause and JoJo unpack why that reflexive approach concerns Dr. Angie after treating six or seven senior dogs with new-onset seizures in just the last few weeks. They walk through what actually qualifies a dog as "senior" for seizure purposes, what a seizure looks like versus fainting or a vasovagal episode, and why post-ictal confusion is the tell. Dr. Angie explains what ER bloodwork can and can't reveal, why a brain tumor becomes the leading concern in older dogs, and why some dogs who seize once never seize again. They also get into the specifics: phenobarbital versus Keppra and why the wrong anti-convulsant sometimes gets prescribed, the real risks of starting steroids preemptively, when cluster seizures change the treatment decision entirely, and where CBD and Chinese herbs fit into long-term management. The episode closes with practical guidance for what to do, and what not to do, if a senior dog seizes at home. Key TakeawaysOne seizure in a senior dog doesn't automatically mean medication."Senior" for this purpose is roughly 9+, or 7+ in giant breeds.Post-ictal confusion is what helps identify a seizure, not fainting.First-seizure bloodwork rarely finds the cause — it mostly rules out things like severe hypothyroidism or electrolyte problems.The real concern in seniors is a brain tumor, but many dogs never seize again after one episode.Waiting for a second seizure gives useful information about timing and progression without meaningful added risk.Anti-convulsants become the right call once seizures recur, especially if they cluster (more than one in 24 hours).Steroids and anti-convulsants started reflexively at the ER can bring real side effects and complicate long-term management.At home: give space, don't touch the mouth, don't feed right away, protect from falls.CBD and Chinese herbs are for ongoing management once there's a pattern, not a treatment for one seizure.Sound Bites"After twenty years of practice, when I watch an animal seize, it still alarms something inside me."  — Dr. Angie "It's one of my least favorite things to witness." — JoJo"Seizures beget seizures." — Dr. Angie"After one seizure, putting your dog on an anti-convulsant, in my opinion, is incorrect." — Dr. Angie "Everybody wants to just pull them close and hold them, and your dog's just not in their normal state of being." — JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkDr. Angie and JoJo take a detour from clinical topics to explore the space where holistic veterinary medicine meets the metaphysical. From animal communicators and crystals to soul contracts and pet reincarnation, this episode is a candid, funny, and surprisingly moving conversation about everything science hasn't caught up to yet.Dr. Angie opens up about growing up in a deeply metaphysical family, her parents meeting at an ashram in India, her early experiences with psychic readings after losing her mother, and why she's been quietly wondering how much of that belongs back in her exam room. She practices Chinese veterinary medicine, acknowledges it sits on the woo-woo spectrum, and draws a thoughtful line between staying open to energetic practices and making real medical decisions for suffering animals.JoJo brings her own perspective as someone who thought she'd be the grounded one in this conversation and slowly realizes she's further along the woo-woo scale than she thought. She shares a jaw-dropping family story about a psychic horse in Florida that helped Illinois police locate two missing children, and reflects on her last words to her soul dog Bodhi before he died.Together they get into pets mirroring their guardian's health conditions, whether our animals chose us before we incarnated, intuition in clinical practice, animal communicators, homeopathy, muscle testing, and what role listeners actually want their holistic vet to play in all of it.This episode ends with a question for you: what's your woo-woo, and what do you want from your veterinarian?Key TakeawaysDr. Angie practices Chinese veterinary medicine, which she acknowledges sits on the woo-woo spectrum despite having growing scientific supportPets and their guardians frequently share similar health conditions; Dr. Angie attributes this to "the frequency of the house"Animal communicators are something Dr. Angie has personally used, though she and JoJo both hold healthy skepticism about how to vet themJoJo's family has a documented story of a psychic horse that helped locate missing children, reported in the pressBoth hosts believe in the concept of soul contract animals — pets we feel inexplicably and deeply bonded toDr. Angie draws a clear line: openness to metaphysical practices does not replace medical care when an animal is sufferingDr. Angie feels constrained by her veterinary oath and governing body in how openly she can incorporate energetic practices into her clinical workFood as energy is framed as one of the most accessible entry points into metaphysical thinking for pet guardiansBoth hosts invite listeners to share their own woo-woo practices and what they want from their veterinarianSound BitesAre we twin flames or are we just triggering the same childhood wound in each other? — Dr. Angie I came from a very metaphysical family. My parents met at an ashram in India and my family has a guru. — Dr. Angie I believe the way an animal was treated before its death impacts the way our bodies receive it. — JoJoMy last words to Bodhi when he was dying was 'make sure we meet again'. — JoJoI can feel what they feel often. Like if my patient comes in with a fever, I feel the fever. — Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkDr. Angie Krause and JoJo break down one of the most common and most misread cat health complaints: peeing outside the litter box. Your cat isn't plotting revenge. They're probably miserable.Whether it's feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), a stress response you never saw coming, or something more serious hiding underneath, Dr. Angie explains what's actually happening inside your cat's bladder and what feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) really looks like in practice versus what most people assume.They cover what helps, what doesn't, when to wait it out, and the one situation with male cats that is never a wait-and-see. Pain management, hydration, CBD, Chinese herbs, stress reduction, and yes sometimes Prozac. No judgment here.Key TakeawaysCats peeing outside the box are communicating distress not acting out of spite or revengeFeline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is stress-driven bladder inflammation; it's real discomfort, not a behavioral quirkIn young cats, it's almost never a UTI and antibiotics are rarely the right treatmentMost cases resolve on their own, but treatment matters for comfort and preventing recurrenceMale cats straining to urinate with nothing coming out = same-day emergency, no exceptionsStressors can be invisible: a cat outside the window, a moved couch, a new person in the home, a change in litterHydration is central to treatment and prevention — wet food and fountains over dry kibbleHolistic options Dr. Angie uses: HempRx Feline CBD (2 drops twice daily for a 10 lb cat), San Ren Tang, L-theanine/Composure Pro treats, subcutaneous fluidsSome cats need Prozac or amitriptyline. That's a legitimate medical decision, not a last resort to be ashamed ofSome cats are not meant to be indoor-only; chronic peeing indoors can be a sign of that mismatchSound Bites"If your cat, your boy cat, is going to the litter box and straining to pee and nothing's coming out, you are going to the clinic in that very moment. Right then and there, no waiting."  ~ Dr. Angie"Cats are just feelers with big emotions." ~ JoJo"99.9% of the time, if you have a young cat, it's not a urinary tract infection. It's urinary tract inflammation. So antibiotics aren't going to help." ~ Dr. Angie"Danger, danger. Red alert, everything on red alert." (on male cat blockage) ~ JoJo"The solution to pollution is dilution." ~ Dr. Angie"Some cats do require Prozac or amitriptyline, some kind of chemical way to feel better. And that's okay."  ~ Dr. Angie Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and subscribe to catch all the new episodes. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkTurns out there's a lot of ick in tick and in flea, worm, and whatever a screwworm fly is doing, which is frankly worse than the name suggests.Dr. Angie and JoJo recorded this episode six weeks before New World Screwworm was confirmed in dogs in the US, but it seems more timely now than ever. In this episode they cover the parasites they see in practice, where pets pick them up, and why parasite prevention looks completely different depending on where you live. It's equal parts educational and "ew" — JoJo's favorite word in this episode!  There is also a story about a microbiology professor's personal tapeworm that arrives without warning and cannot be unseen.🎓 Dr. Angie's full course — A Holistic Approach to the Creepy Crawlers — goes much deeper on prevention and treatment for every major parasite. Free at boulderholisticvet.com with code TRUTHTAILSKey TakeawaysLocation determines your prevention strategy. What works in dry, high-altitude Colorado may be completely inadequate on the coasts or in the South where humidity and bug populations are year-round.New World Screwworm is now confirmed in US dogs. This episode was recorded before it crossed the border. It's caused by a fly larva, not a worm, and it's a serious emerging threat.Heartworm comes from mosquitoes not contact with other dogs. No mosquitoes means no heartworm transmission. Skipping prevention in winter in low-risk areas doesn't make you a bad pet parent.NexGard doesn't repel ticks it kills them after they bite. Your dog can still bring ticks into your home on NexGard. It prevents disease transmission, not tick hitchhiking.Tea tree oil undiluted is toxic to pets, especially cats. Products containing it are typically heavily diluted, but that doesn't mean tea tree oil itself is safe to use at home without care.Fleas lead to tapeworms. If your pet hunts or catches small animals, tapeworm exposure is likely. You'll recognize them as rice-like segments in their stool.Mites come in two types — contagious (sarcoptic mange) and the kind dogs already carry in their skin (demodex). Lice are species-specific and intensely itchy.The Creepy Crawlers course at boulderholisticvet.com covers all of this in depth. Even holistic vets on the coasts are recommending pharmaceuticals for flea and tick prevention where natural options simply can't keep up with year-round bug pressure.Bravecto's one-year injectable — Dr. Angie's position is wait-and-see. Useful in high-tick regions, but she won't use it in Boulder where tick season is short.SoundbitesEssential oils are always a little risky with cats. I'm not a huge fan of them for cats.  — Dr. AngieI am neurotypical and very type A and I can still forget heartworm prevention.       — JoJoThis is the number one reason people visit our website according to our Google Analytics — to find out how to holistically prevent parasites. — JoJo20 years ago when I first started practicing in the front range, I hardly ever saw any bugs, ever. And now I see more because global warming. — Dr. AngieThis is why we should fund science. Just gonna say that. — Dr. AngieYou're going to know if your pet has tapeworms, most likely. It looks like little rice in their stool. That moves. — JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIf your dog or cat has ever scratched incessantly and you're left feeling helpless, this one is for you. This week Dr. Angie and JoJo sat down with veterinary dermatologist Dr. Darin Dell of Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, the specialist Dr. Angie emails almost every week with her toughest itchy cases. Dr. Dell has a gift for taking a frustrating, confusing topic and making it genuinely enjoyable, and he answers the questions pet parents often ask. Is Cytopoint safe? Does Cytopoint cause cancer? Are Apoquel and the newer drugs like Zenrelia and Numelvi something to fear? Do those at-home allergy tests for pets work? And what finally gets to the root of allergies instead of just covering them up? Whether you have an itchy dog, a cat that's itchy, or you are a vet professional filling in the dermatology gaps vet school skipped, you will leave with real hope and a clear path forward. KEY TAKEAWAYSAllergy is inflammation in the skin at its root. Itch is only one sign. It can also show up as hair loss, odor, a swollen foot, anal gland issues, or ear problems.Cytopoint is a monoclonal antibody, not a drug metabolized by the liver or kidneys, and Dr. Dell does not worry about it causing cancer. The real risk is that it can mask a symptom while the underlying allergy keeps going.Apoquel side effects are uncommon. Zenrelia is a strong option for dogs that have stopped responding to Apoquel, and the newer Numelvi is a more selective JAK inhibitor.The FDA removed the Zenrelia vaccine warning after follow-up studies showed dogs reached adequate vaccine titers, and Dr. Dell does not change vaccine or dosing protocols because of it.At-home hair and saliva allergy tests are not rooted in science. A dermatologist once submitted samples from stuffed animals and sterile saline and got positive allergy results.Skin testing is the gold standard in allergy testing. Blood testing is useful in specific cases and the lab you use matters.Immunotherapy treatment addresses the root cause and can slow the atopic march. It works best when started young. A year of testing and immunotherapy runs around two thousand dollars and is often covered if insurance was in place before symptoms began.The most allergic dog breeds Dr. Dell sees are English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Bull Terriers. Breeds he rarely sees include English Springers, smooth Collies, and Border Collies.Cats are harder to treat because there are fewer options. Atopica is the only label-approved allergy drug for cats, Apoquel is used off label, and immunotherapy works very well, in Dr. Dell's experience even better than in dogs.A part two is coming, covering diet, supplementation, and Dr. Dell's approach to cats.SOUNDBITES"Allergy at its root is inflammation in the skin." ~Dr. Dell"I see itchy dogs every day. All year round, I have itchy patients." ~ Dr. Angie "The test itself is really just to get us to immunotherapy, which is where the magic happens." ~ Dr. Dell"My dog's no longer itching, therefore problem solved." ~ JoJo"No matter what we need to rescue your dog from their itchy states." ~ Dr. Angie "If you want a constant infant, bulldog is your thing." ~ Dr. Dell "I see those test results every day and I have to just say, I'm so sorry that this isn't helpful."   ~ Dr. Angie "If you think about the return on investment over a lifetime, if you broke that down over the next 10 years, that's actually not that much money." ~ JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkSome of the best Tails of Truth conversations happen before anything is planned, so this Friday Dr. Angie and JoJo just pressed record during their weekly check-in. Dr. Angie walks through a vaccine reaction she handled this week, the kind that looks fine in the room and then swells up an hour later, and the honest call she had to make about splitting vaccines. They get into whether dogs can be neurodivergent (there is real science behind it now), why a cat pulling its hair out might be a skin issue rather than stress, a bladder stone Dr. Angie had never seen in practice, and JoJo's brush with puppy fever over a foster dog that pulled at her heart strings. They also discuss what it's like to run a small business. It is warm, a little funny, and very real. Dr. Angie and JoJo invite you into their personal and professional worlds in a way that makes veterinary medicine feel accessible. Next week brings veterinary dermatologist Dr. Darin Dell and it's a guaranteed top 10 episode.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any of the great content coming your way. KEY TAKEAWAYSVaccine reactions in dogs are uncommon, and reporting them matters so we can build real data on breed risk and informed consent.A reaction can show up fast (vomiting, then facial swelling within the hour) and is treatable with anti-nausea meds, Benadryl, and steroids.When a dog has reacted before and you do not know which vaccine caused it, splitting future vaccines is the safer path.New research out of the UK suggests dogs can carry genetic and behavioral traits that look like human neurodivergence. It is not a diagnosis, but the science is catching up to what many pet parents already sense.Cats who pull their hair out may be dealing with a skin problem rather than stress. Dermatology is moving up the list of suspects.Even an experienced veterinarian feels behind, because medicine changes constantly. That honesty is what good care actually looks like.SOUNDBITES"I think it's really important so that we can give people informed consent about how often we see vaccine reactions, which it's really truly not very often." ~ Dr. Angie"I mean, I think we're just starting to name it in women. So we're not going to name it in cats and dogs for a while." ~ JoJo"I want every patient that I see to be getting like the latest and the greatest." ~ Dr. Angie"The thought on that, at least for cats right now, is that we're shifting, that it's rarely a behavioral problem, and it's more of a dermatological problem" ~ Dr. Angie"I'm amazed at how many clinics are not reporting vaccine reactions. I'm like, make sure your vet reports that." ~ JoJo"I'm gonna tell the truth about something. I started using CBD twice a day." ~ JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkYour pet just got a cancer diagnosis. Your first instinct is to wonder what you did wrong.Dr. Brooke Fowler, veterinary oncologist at Veterinary Cancer Services in Boulder, CO, is here for that conversation. The honest answer is: we don't fully know what causes cancer in pets. Genetics, aging, and biology are doing most of the work and the guilt most pet parents carry is rarely warranted.In this episode, Dr. Brooke joins Dr. Angie and JoJo for one of the most honest, grounded conversations we've had on this show. We talk about why dogs and cats get cancer, what you can actually control, and how to make treatment decisions without losing yourself in the process.We get into mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, the real cost of chemo, newer treatment options, quality of life, financial limitations, and the question every pet parent dreads: would I actually do this for my own pet?Dr. Brooke also shares where integrative and conventional oncology work well together and when turkey tail mushroom and Yunnan Baiyao actually have the studies to back them up.Note: This episode leans heavily toward dogs and specific dog cancers. We love our cat people and we're bringing Dr. Brooke back for a dedicated feline oncology episode. Stay tuned.To reach Dr. Brooke Fowler: vetcancerservices.com | 720-414-0116Key TakeawaysCancer in pets is multifactorial. Genetics, breed, and aging play a far larger role than food, vaccines, or environment though the honest answer is we don't fully know.Immunosenescence — the immune system's declining ability to catch and correct DNA errors as a pet ages — is a primary driver of cancer in older animals.Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumor in dogs.Stelfonta injection resolves approximately 83% of mast cell tumors with a single injection, though it creates a significant wound during healing.Hemangiosarcoma remains one of the common cancers we treat, but splenectomy often restores quality of life and dogs frequently feel better post-surgery than they did in the weeks before.Chemo does not have to mean misery. Starting at the lower end of dosing ranges and adjusting is Dr. Fowler's approach.Metronomic chemotherapy is low-dose oral chemo combined with anti-inflammatories and is an accessible middle-ground option many people don't know exists.Turkey tail mushroom and Yunnan Baiyao have studies showing inhibition of hemangiosarcoma cell lines. This is where East and West medicine work well together.Your quality of life is part of your pet's care equation. Acknowledging that is not selfish. It's honest. Soundbites:"I'm saying this because a lot of people love to blame themselves. What did I not feed him? We live by power lines. And the truth is it's none of that." — Dr. Brooke"We're all gonna die. And I think it's okay to give our dogs and cats permission to die too. Which is a controversial thing to say." — Dr. Angie "So often we are buying time for ourselves more than the animal." — JoJo"You get all of the joy from your pet in their life. You get that joy and then you pay for it in the end, right? Because we lose them before we want to." — Dr. Brooke"After doing integrative medicine and being hired by people that feed raw or home cook or do all the things I can't say that I see cancer rates in that population be any less." — Dr. Angie "Your dog has no concept of what the future is or what the past is. Today's the day. That's all there is. And that is what we fundamentally love about them.  — Dr. Brooke"The difference between one kibble and the next is just not as much as you might think. It's really so small." — Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkThis week's episode is an honest, unfiltered vent session from two people who had a rough week in veterinary medicine and decided to record it. Dr. Angie and JoJo — both sick, both on their second or third round of antibiotics — talk about the client who announced to the lobby that Dr. Angie was a terrible veterinarian, the YouTube commenter who said they need empathy training, the one-star review left on a Shopify product that hadn't been opened yet, and the person who called JoJo cold-hearted after JoJo spent over an hour trying to make their cat's care work financially.This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered what it's actually like to be on the receiving end of that. Veterinarians are people. Veterinary nurses are people. And this week was a heavy one.This episode is a raw and vulnerable look at what's happening with your veterinary team. KEY TAKEAWAYSOne negative interaction can undo an entire day of positive ones. One-star reviews on small businesses have big impacts. They affect search ranking and long-term viability. Veterinary dark humor is a coping mechanism, not a character flaw.Financial pressure on clients is intensifying right now and that pressure is landing on vet teams.Reaching out before leaving a bad review costs nothing and gives the practice a chance to make it right.Two people run this entire operation. Every review and every comment lands directly on them.Empathy and professional boundaries are not opposites and holding both doesn't make someone greedy.Most veterinarians are not in it for the money.SOUNDBITES"I definitely went to my office and cried." — Dr. Angie "I have severe empathy problems, like in terms of too much of it." — JoJo "I have personally had to euthanize animals because they started growing resistant bacteria that we couldn't fix." — Dr. Angie "We care about your animal and we care about you. Facts. Full stop." — JoJo "No we only hire incompetent veterinarians here. Like what?" — JoJo "I saw one client that was so unkind to me and I probably saw 16 that were extremely kind. And the one we're talking about today was the one that was unkind." — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkNobody puts "anal glands" on their list of things to learn about when they get a pet. Then your dog scoots across the carpet,licks incessently during the night, or your cat leaves a mystery smell on the couch cushion, and suddenly it's the only thing on your mind.In this episode, Dr. Angie and JoJo get into all of it: what anal glands actually are, why chronic anal gland problems are often a sign of food or environmental allergies most pet parents never connect, whether those fiber supplements flooding your social feed are worth it, and when a scooting situation turns into a needed vet appointment. Straightforward, a little gross, and genuinely useful. KEY TAKEAWAYS Anal glands are scent-marking sacs positioned at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions just inside the anus. They're meant to express naturally with each bowel movement.Scooting, excessive rear-end licking, and a persistent foul or fishy odor are the three main signs of a problem.Chronic anal gland problems are frequently a sign of food or environmental allergies. If your pet needs regular expression, the allergy is the thing worth investigating, not just the glands themselves.Groomers routinely expressing anal glands at every visit is not standard of care. If there is no problem, it is unnecessary and can cause irritation over time.Fiber supplements marketed for anal glands work by bulking stool to support natural expression during defecation. They will not clear an existing impaction on their own. Expression first, then support.You can express anal glands at home with gloves, water-based lubricant, and a willing assistant. Your veterinarian or veterinary nurse will show you how.An abscessed anal gland requires veterinary treatment. Antibiotics often need to be instilled directly into the sac.Anal gland removal surgery carries a risk of permanent fecal incontinence. In nearly 20 years of practice, Dr. Angie has not had a single patient require it.SOUNDBITES"I wouldn't ever touch them if I didn't need to. If there isn't a problem, why get in there and muck around?"  — Dr. Angie "The marketing is butt to gut, but the product is actually gut to butt." — JoJo"If your dog is scooting a lot, has a lot of problems with their anal glands, they probably have a food allergy, or maybe an environmental allergy, but more commonly a food allergy."  — Dr. Angie "If anybody has experience with them and you've smelled anal glands, you've never forgotten that." — JoJo"Even when you give systemic antibiotics, sometimes it's hard to actually make the antibiotic get into that anal sac. And so we like to instill the antibiotics right into the anal sac."  — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIt's been one full year and 57 episodes of Tails of Truth, and Dr. Angie and JoJo are taking a minute to sit in it. In this episode, they look back at their favorite moments, the episodes that hit hardest, and a few things they've genuinely changed their minds about along the way. From pet insurance skepticism to the Lepto vaccine, from raw food hand washing habits to processing grief in this public space, this is what it looks like to learn out loud in front of an audience that keeps showing up.They also revisit the grief episode that moved so many listeners, and give a nod to Euthabag, a company creating beautiful, meaningful options for pet body care after passing. If you're in an end of life season with your pet, they are worth looking up. On the insurance front, JoJo shares why she finally put her dog Sage on a Lemonade pet insurance policy despite being highly skeptical of the industry, and what she's watching for.Coming up in year two: a dermatologist, an oncologist, a cat behaviorist, and more episodes that make complicated veterinary medicine feel like a conversation with a friend. If you've been here since the beginning, thank you. If you're just finding them, welcome. This is a podcast that tells the truth about veterinary medicine, and they're just getting started.KEY TAKEAWAYSIt's okay, even good, to change your mind when new information or lived experience shifts your perspective. JoJo opted for the Lepto vaccine and pet insurance. Dr. Angie is finally addressing Fritz's weight. Both took time and that's okay.Veterinary professionals carry shame too. The shame episode resonated deeply because naming it is the first step to doing something about it.No question is ridiculous. If you have a question, it means it hasn't been answered well enough yet.Cat episodes consistently perform because cats are underserved in veterinary content.Community matters. The Bodhi grief episode showed how powerful it is to feel held by a group of people who understand.Lifting the curtain on what it's like to be a veterinary professional is part of the mission and it's rare.Veterinary humor is a coping mechanism and it's real. The giggles stay.SOUNDBITES"I like that we're making veterinary medicine accessible and that there's information out there that is valid, truthful, safe, and free."  — JoJo"Allowing myself to feel ashamed about it and settle into it has actually now given me the space to do something about it." — Dr. Angie  "It's okay to change your mind when you learn new information and when you have life experience that shows you something different." — JoJo"Anytime we're talking about cats, I love it because they are so underserved."       — Dr. Angie "The podcast is teaching me, it's kind of shining a light on my own stuff, which is so therapeutic. And it's reminding me that I can be open to change." — JoJo"We deliver great content, but we're also giving you an inside look that a lot of veterinarians probably aren't focused on." — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkWe're not here to shame you for Googling your pet's symptoms, or researching with AI, at 2 a.m. We've done it too.This week, Dr. Angie and JoJo get real about AI and pet health advice and what it gets right, where it dangerously misses, and why no algorithm can replace 20 years of hands-on clinical practice. They test two popular AI tools live (ChatGPT and Claude) on the show using a real clinical scenario (a 12-year-old cat not eating and losing weight), compare the responses side-by-side, and break down exactly what was missing from both answers.The conversation also touches on AI hallucinations in veterinary research, the difference between a search engine and a conversational AI tool, and why the 2 a.m. symptom spiral is completely understandable as long as you know what to do next.Bottom line: use the tools. Understand their limits. Always follow-up with your vet.Book a consultation with Dr. Angie at boulderholisticvet.com.Key Takeaways: AI tools can and do hallucinate including fabricating veterinary research studies with real-sounding citations that don't exist.There is a meaningful difference between using a search engine and using a conversational AI tool. Search returns sources you choose to trust. AI returns a single answer without always disclosing where it came from.When AI was tested live with a real clinical scenario (senior cat, weight loss, not eating), one tool missed inflammatory bowel disease entirely which is one of the most common diagnoses in that presentation.A 3-pound weight loss in a senior cat equals roughly 20 to 30 percent of total body weight. That is not a "wait and see" situation. Googling pet symptoms at 2 a.m. is not something to be ashamed of. It's what people do. The goal is knowing how to use what you find.No AI tool can replicate 20 years of clinical practice or hands-on physical examination.Use AI as a starting point. Then bring it to your vet and have the conversation.Sound Bites: "AI just can't replace practitioners. It can't replace 20 years of clinical practice."     — Dr. Angie"You're going to use your AIs and you're going to Google, but they are not the end all, be all." — JoJo"When we tell people not to Google their pet's symptoms, that's so unrealistic."    — Dr. Angie"Chat GPT seems very generalized. Claude is a little bit more mature." — JoJo"This is a great reason for a consultation. If you've Googled or AI'd something that scared you in the middle of the night." — JoJo"It pulled in some really random disease that we'll often in medicine call zebras — something that's so rare. That's so unlikely." — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkWe need to talk about anesthesia-free dentistry because it is marketed everywhere and a lot of loving pet parents are spending real money on something that mostly just makes teeth look pretty.In this episode, Dr. Angie and JoJo break down what anesthetic-free (or "awake scaling") actually does, what it misses, and why the gap between those two things matters so much for your pet's health. Dr. Angie shares what she sees in practice: pets who have regular anesthetic-free cleanings and show up needing multiple extractions because the disease had been quietly building under the gum line the whole time.We also talk about approaches to home dental care with teeth brushing, periocare, and what to look for when you peek in your pet's mouth once a week.If you want to take a deep dive into understanding oral health, you'll enjoy our Tooth Truths: The Dental Episode or if you feel fearful of anesthesia for your pet check out our episode Is My Pet Safe Under Anesthesia? What to Ask & What to ExpectKey TakeawaysAnesthetic-free dental cleaning only addresses tartar visible above the gum line while the majority of dental disease in dogs and cats lives below it.The procedure is cosmetic. It makes teeth look better but does not treat, diagnose, or prevent disease where disease actually lives.Pre-anesthetic blood work, monitoring, and modern gas anesthesia have made veterinary dental procedures significantly safer than most pet parents realize.Dr. Angie saw a consistent pattern: pets receiving regular anesthetic-free cleanings often showed up needing the most extractions because disease had progressed undetected for years."Board certified veterinarian" in marketing copy is not the same as a board-certified veterinary dental specialist.Checking your pet's mouth once a week at home is genuinely valuable. You know your pet's normal better than anyone.Periоcare applied along the gum line a few times a week is a solid B+ for pets who won't tolerate regular brushing.If anesthesia fear is what's keeping you from scheduling a dental, go listen to the anesthesia episode first as it addresses that fear directly.Sound Bites: "I wish they would say this is just cosmetic — that says we're gonna miss over half of the dental disease in your dog's mouth."  — Dr. Angie "I'm not judging you as a listener or as a pet parent. I'm judging the marketing. That's what I'm judging."  — JoJo"$295, y'all, is not that cheap when you can go get one for $500 or $600, which you might end up having to do anyhow."  — JoJo "They are not cleaning under the gum and they're not assessing the tooth structure under the gum, which is where a lot of disease is." — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkFear of anesthesia is one of the most common concerns I hear from pet parents  and it makes complete sense. In this episode, JoJo and I have an honest, reassuring conversation about what modern anesthesia actually looks like, what your veterinary team does to keep your pet safe, and why vet medicine has genuinely gotten so much better over the years, making anesthesia safer for your pet. We talk through pre-anesthesia bloodwork, dedicated monitoring, heart murmurs, when to ask for a specialist, and why anesthetic time matters more than most people realize. I also share a story about a cat with a barely audible murmur that turned out to have serious heart disease caught only because we screened before the procedure. That's exactly what good preparation looks like.You can feel confident going into your pet's next procedure. This episode will help you get there.Want to talk through whether your pet is a good candidate for an upcoming procedure? Book a consultation at boulderholisticvet.com. Key TakeawaysAnesthetic deaths are very rare and continue to decrease as protocols, monitoring, and pre-screening protocols improve.Age is not technically an anesthetic risk factor but experienced veterinarians do factor it into their recommendations, especially for very senior animals.Pre-anesthesia bloodwork checks kidney and liver function, blood counts, and helps surface underlying disease before it becomes a crisis during the procedure.A dedicated monitor should not be the same person performing your pet's procedure and should be watching your pet's vitals continuously throughout.Heart murmurs require more than a stethoscope. A small murmur can hide major disease. No murmur at all can also hide major disease. Echocardiograms matter for high-risk breeds and any patient with a cardiac concern.Anesthetic time matters, especially for senior patients. It is worth asking whether a specialist could complete a procedure more efficiently.Reversible injectable sedation exists for shorter procedures but is not appropriate for every patient or situation.It is always appropriate to ask your veterinary team about their monitoring protocols, equipment, and experience before any anesthetic event.Soundbites:"You can have a small murmur and big disease. You can have a big murmur and small disease. You can have no murmur and big disease."  ~ Dr. Angie "The quality of the anesthetic protocol and the education of the team and the experience of the team that's where it's at." ~ Dr. Angie"The most common reason for an anesthetic death is there was underlying disease there that we didn't know about."  ~ Dr. Angie "I've only had one {pet that's passed}, and I've done a lot of surgeries." ~ JoJo"Do you want to resuscitate? I mean, as soon as that question is asked, that's terrifying. Like, what am I doing? What am I saying yes to?" ~ JoJo "If they're recommending a procedure, it's probably important." ~ JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkReal cases. Real talk. This week Dr. Angie pulls back the curtain on what actually came through her exam room door and what it's like to be an integrative veterinarian who cares deeply for her patients.A heartworm positive dog arrives from Texas. A cat parent introduces Dr. Angie to microchips that read body temperature at home. Giardia shows up in what feels like every stool sample of the week. An ER clinic runs an Addison's disease test on a dog that came in with diarrhea. And one mystery patient: a dog with a history of allergies, off balance, scratching without making contact is keeping Dr. Angie up at night with a suspected inner ear infection.This is what veterinary medicine actually looks like from the inside.🎓 Want help building an integrative care plan for your dog or cat? Book a consult at boulderholisticvet.comKey TakeawaysHeartworm is rare in Colorado but not impossible, especially in dogs adopted from Southern states. Prevention is far easier than treatment.The slow kill heartworm method is not recommended by the American Heartworm Society for young, healthy dogs. The fast kill protocol is the standard of care.Microchip technology now exists that can read your pet's temperature without a rectal thermometer. It's ISO compliant and it's up and coming.Giardia found in stool doesn't always mean Giardia is causing the diarrhea. That context matters a lot when deciding whether and how to treat.When a dog with chronic ear infections suddenly acts neurologically off with balance issues, scratching without making contact, leaning into walls an inner ear infection is a serious consideration. ER clinics should stabilize and return. When an ER jumps to rare, expensive diagnostics like an Addison's workup for a dog with a straightforward diarrhea history, that's worth questioning.A good integrative vet advocates for you and your pet without throwing other vets under the bus.Sound Bites:"I'm starting to get really prickly with these ER clinics that are spending way too much of my client's money." — Dr. Angie"That is a hill you will die on." — JoJo"Preventing heartworm disease is so much better than treating it." — Dr. Angie"It's not a good look to throw another veterinarian under the bus." — JoJo"Those are the thoughts that keep me up. And so she has my cell phone number." — Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkWe're recording this one still getting over being sick because this feels important. A rabies vaccine recall affecting dogs, cats, and ferrets has left pet parents across the country with an unexpected problem: a vaccine their pet already received may no longer be legally valid. In this episode, Dr. Angie and JoJo break down exactly what happened with the Boehringer Ingelheim IMRAB 3TF recall, what it means for your pet's rabies certificate, and the emotional reality for holistic pet parents who already navigate vaccine decisions carefully. Dr. Angie shares one patient story from this recall that still breaks her heart.If your pet was vaccinated between September 29, 2025 and January 8, 2026, check your rabies certificate for Serial Number 18665. If it's there, this episode is for you.Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop. https://boulderholisticvet.com/pages/signup-for-our-newsletterKey Takeaways: The recalled product is IMRAB 3TF, Serial 18665, expiration March 12, 2027, distributed to vets between September 29, 2025 and January 8, 2026.Only a small sample of vials were found to contain only sterile water but that triggered a recall of the entire lot.Any pet vaccinated from this lot is considered legally unvaccinated regardless of whether their specific vial was affected.Dogs, cats, and ferrets are all included in the recall and revaccination recommendation.Rabies titers are not a recognized substitute in this situation as most jurisdictions do not accept titers in place of a valid rabies certificate.Revaccination is considered safe. A second rabies vaccine does not pose a significant health risk for most pets.The recall placed a disproportionate emotional burden on holistic-minded guardians who made the vaccine decision carefully to begin with.The hidden cost of the recall fell largely on veterinary clinics with phone calls, lost appointment slots, follow-ups, and re-entering rabies certificates.Sound Bites:"It's its own class of vaccine because it's protecting against a disease that kills people uniformly." ~ Dr. Angie "It is the vaccine that every pet should have." ~ JoJo"And, I have one case in particular that I used this recalled vaccine for that just breaks my heart."~ Dr. Angie "Because it is rabies and it kills people too most places don't support titers and we don't know how long they last and there's not enough evidence." ~ Dr. Angie "It's not just dogs. In case you're listening and you have ferrets, they get this vaccine as well. And so can cats." ~ JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkRehoming a pet is one of the most judged decisions a pet parent can make, and this week Dr. Angie and JoJo are naming that out loud. Both have rehomed animals they loved. Both have watched clients stay in unsafe, unsustainable situations because the shame of asking for help felt worse than the situation itself.This episode is an honest conversation about when rehoming is the most loving choice, how the stigma around it can actually make outcomes worse for pets, and why matching the right pet to the right person matters from the very beginning.They also take on the adopt don't shop debate with some nuance: why responsible breeding has a place, what makes a good breeder versus a puppy mill, and why a backyard should not be a requirement to dog adoptions (rescue organizations, they're looking at you).If you've ever felt shame around a hard pet decision, or wondered whether getting a purebred dog or cat is really wrong, this one's for you.Sign up for our newsletter: https://boulderholisticvet.com/pages/signup-for-our-newsletter.  Free course available.  Discount code in episode. Key TakeawaysRehoming is sometimes the most loving decision a pet parent can make, and the shame around it can make outcomes worse for everyone.Fear of judgment can prevent people from reaching out for help, pushing them toward worse options like abandonment or unsafe living situations.Responsible breeders are not the same as puppy mills. Breed selection, when done thoughtfully, can reduce mismatches and surrenders.Rescue organizations sometimes make adoption harder than it needs to be, and their screening criteria don't always reflect what actually makes a good home.According to the AVMA, purebred dogs are not less healthy than mixed breeds.The goal is matching the right pet to the right person. That benefits everyone, including shelter populations.Sound Bites"We are pro-responsible breeding. We're pro-rehoming without shame. And we are still pro-rescue." — Dr. Angie"This is a hill that I will die on: it's okay to get your dog from a breeder." — Dr. Angie"We would have less rehomed animals if people are selecting breeds that are fit for their family." — JoJo"I'm a huge fan of rehoming. I've rehomed animals of my own when I realized it wasn't gonna be a fit. And while it was sad, in the end, it was always better for everybody involved." — Dr. Angie"There is so much shame and so much judgment. And then we find people and pets in really, really dire situations." — JoJo"Doodles are for sure not healthier. And it's too bad, because standard poodles and poodles are some of the healthiest, best dogs." — Dr. Angie "You have to be a little selfless. In most situations, most people that are rehoming are not being flippant about their decision." — JoJo Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie gets honest — really honest — about the things that have been weighing on her lately. Missed callbacks, overflowing inboxes, cases that didn't go the way she hoped, and the quiet emotional toll of caring for animals and people through hard days. This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at what a veterinarian actually carries. If you've ever felt frustrated waiting to hear back from your vet, this episode may help to soften some of your very valid frustration. And if you've ever wondered whether your vet thinks about your pet after you leave the exam room...spoiler alert: they do.Tune in for one of our more vulnerable and human episodes this year.  Sign up for our newsletter: https://boulderholisticvet.com/pages/signup-for-our-newsletterKey Takeaways: Veterinarians are managing far more than simple appointments. They also manage euthanasias, specialist reports, prescription approvals, and emergency updates and so much more. If you haven't heard back, following up again is not only okay Dr. Angie explicitly encourages it. Things genuinely get lost in a busy practice.Email can be even slower than a callback. The volume of clinical communication coming in to email can be astronomical.Getting into a specialist in many areas can take weeks, and general practitioners are often the ones getting creative and scrappy to fill that gap for their patients.The frustration clients feel when they're waiting is valid and so is the pressure a vet is under. Both things are true at the same time.Veterinary support staff are also managing multiple demands simultaneously. The system has real gaps, and no one is dropping the ball on purpose.Your pet matters to your veterinary team. Sound Bites:"I love my job. I love what I do. I want to be there for people and I want to do the things, but I feel bad sometimes." ~ Dr. Angie "We wake up in the night thinking about your pet. We wake up in the morning thinking about your pet. Like it's just, it's consuming." ~ JoJo"If you only knew how many animals I euthanized, if you only knew how many terminal diagnoses I made... if you only knew the pressure cooker that is the life of a veterinarian on any given day of practice." ~ Dr. Angie "Feeling like you're disappointing people...the emotional weight of that is taxing." ~ JoJo"I have such golden retriever energy most of the time. And so when someone's like, I was really disappointed not to hear from you. Oh no. Oh my God." ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkWe're going there. Pet pharmacies, the topic Dr. Angie and JoJo have feelings about.In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie pulls back the curtain on something that happens behind the scenes at your vet clinic every single day: the time, cost, and liability involved every time you fill your pet's prescription at a third-party pharmacy. It's not a lecture — it's context most pet parents have never had.JoJo shares a cautionary tale that will genuinely stop you in your tracks: a cat who received his owner's blood pressure medication, at the owner's dose, for five weeks from a human chain pharmacy. The prescription was completely wrong. The drug wasn't even used in veterinary medicine.Dr. Angie and JoJo also break down the difference between big box online pharmacies, human chain pharmacies, and your veterinary clinic's own online pharmacy, including why vet-specific pharmacies have safety checks that human pharmacies simply don't.This one is short, punchy, and packed with information that could literally protect your pet.Free course code mentioned: Use code TRUTHTAILS or TRUTHTALES at https://boulderholisticvet.com/collections/courses for a free course. Book a consultation: https://boulderholisticvet.com/pages/video-consultations-with-dr-angie Key TakeawaysEvery time your vet approves a prescription from a third-party pharmacy, it costs them 15–20 minutes of unbillable time and zero revenue.Filling at your vet clinic's own online pharmacy is almost always price-competitive with big-box options and often has auto-ship discounts.Human chain pharmacies don't have veterinary-specific safety checks, errors can and do happen.Vet-specific online pharmacies verify medications against your pet's species, weight, and chart, a layer of protection human pharmacies can't offer.Small independent vet practices are under genuine financial pressure from third-party pharmacy use. Where you fill a prescription is a form of advocacy.If your vet calls something into a human pharmacy, always text them a photo of the medication before giving it to your pet. Soundbites"Some of the things you can buy on Chewy, they are selling it for less than we can buy it for at wholesale."   — Dr. Angie "When you go to a third party like Chewy because you're trying to save $2... it is gutting the small practices that are left." — JoJo "I'll sign off anywhere from five to ten of these per day, sometimes more. And that takes up so much time. And the amount of revenue made on that is none."  — Dr. Angie "The benefit of using your veterinary clinic's online pharmacy is that they are veterinary focused and only have veterinary safe drugs. — JoJo "We want to please everyone. We want you to get your stuff. We want you to get it for the best price possible too. It's just right now it's coming at our expense."        — Dr. Angie  "Help us help you." — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIn this episode of Tails of Truth, we welcome our first guest: Dr. Kenneth Pierce, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and founder of VESPECON.Dr. Pierce joins us to talk about a growing challenge in veterinary medicine: access to veterinary specialists.From cardiologists to internists to ophthalmologists, specialty care is increasingly difficult to access, even in large metro areas. Dr. Pierce shares how VESPECON helps veterinarians consult directly with specialists so pets can receive expert guidance faster and closer to home. Dr. Pierce also gives Dr. Angie an impromptu live consult on her own cat, Fiona, who has chronic feline herpes and he helps us understand why many cats expereience chronic watery eyes and his go-to-treatment plan for cats with ocular manifestations of feline herpesvirus. Whether you’re a veterinary professional or a pet parent trying to advocate for your animal’s care, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how veterinary collaboration can improve outcomes for pets everywhere.Learn more about Dr. Pierce and VESPECON: https://vespecon.com/Products Recommended in this episode:I-Drop Vet Plus Ophthalmic Solution Key Takeaways: • Access to veterinary specialists is becoming increasingly limited. • Veterinarians often need specialist guidance to manage complex cases. • VESPECON connects veterinarians with board-certified specialists across disciplines. • Pet parents can advocate for collaborative care with their veterinarian. • Feline herpes virus is a common cause of chronic tearing in cats. • Tear film imbalance often explains the watery eye symptoms. • Veterinary collaboration ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. Sound Bites: "Your local vet is like your main bread and butter and the first line of defense... and sometimes they need a lifeline." — Dr. Pierce“When veterinarians can collaborate with specialists, the confidence in that case goes way up.” — Dr. Pierce“I feel really guilty packing them up and sending them to a specialty hospital because I know it’s going to be costly.” — Dr. Angie “That shared knowledge that we kind of have lost… it sounds like you are building a bridge back to that.” — JoJo“I’ve been practicing for 18 years and I’m still asking questions.” — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIf your veterinarian has ever told you to “try a novel protein diet” or mentioned a hydrolyzed protein food, and you left wondering what that actually means this episode is for you.In this episode of Tails of Truth, we break down how novel protein diets, limited ingredient diets, and hydrolyzed protein diets (like Royal Canin Ultamino) are used in real life for both dogs and cats.For cats, we most often use novel protein diets when we suspect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic vomiting, diarrhea, over-grooming, or food sensitivities. We explain what “novel” really means (think rabbit, duck, pork, venison, kangaroo, and more). For dogs, we talk about itchy skin, ear infections, food allergies, and why hydrolyzed protein diets are often the fastest and most reliable way to run a true elimination diet trial. We also discuss when simply removing chicken or another common protein may be enough and when it’s not.We cover:The difference between novel and hydrolyzed proteinWhy diet trials must be strict to be successfulPrescription vs. over-the-counter limited ingredient dietsCross-contamination in pet food manufacturingWhy ingredient labels don’t always tell the full storyIf your dog is itching or your cat is vomiting and you’re overwhelmed in the pet food aisle, this episode gives you a practical roadmap so you can make a confident next step.And if you need personalized help, you can always book a consult at boulderholisticvet.comIf you want to take a deeper dive here are some related episodes: Itchy Dogs: The Truth Behind the ScratchingWhat to Feed Your Cat: From Fancy Feast to RawDog Food Trends & Risks: From Gently Cooked to Grain-Free The Raw Dog Food Controversy Your Cat’s Vomiting Isn’t Normal: Let’s Chat About IBDKey Takeaways: A novel protein diet uses a protein your pet has never eaten before.A proper elimination diet trial lasts 6–8 weeks with zero outside proteins.Cats with vomiting, diarrhea, or suspected IBD often benefit from novel proteins.Itchy dogs with suspected food allergies may require hydrolyzed protein diets like Ultamino.Prescription diets reduce cross-contamination risk during manufacturing.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkAnxiety in dogs is far more common than most people realize and it’s often undertreated. In fact, some recent studies suggest that up to 75% of dogs exhibit at least one anxious behavior. Yet anxiety is rarely the primary focus during routine veterinary visits.In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo unpack what canine anxiety really looks like, from pacing, panting, barking, and noise phobias to hypervigilance, car ride stress, and reactivity. They explore why anxiety is frequently dismissed, why many pet parents feel hesitant about medications like Prozac for dogs, and how untreated anxiety can increase cortisol, inflammation, and long-term stress on the body.You’ll hear about integrative treatment options including whole hemp extract CBD (HempRx Forte), Nutricalm with L-theanine and L-tryptophan, and when pharmaceuticals such as SSRIs, gabapentin, trazodone, or clonidine may dramatically improve quality of life.This conversation is compassionate, practical, and grounded in the belief that mental health is health. If you’re living with an anxious dog, whether it’s mild, situational stress or more severe generalized anxiety, this episode will help you think clearly about next steps.HempRx Forte Oil and Chews Nutricalm Capsules, Chews, Liquid Book a one-one-one consultation  KEY TAKEAWAYS Up to 75% of dogs may show at least one anxious behaviorAnxiety increases cortisol and inflammationCBD works best when given twice daily, not situationallyHempRx Forte delivers therapeutic dosingNutricalm supports serotonin pathways (L-theanine, L-tryptophan)Prozac does not “change personality” Trazodone alone is often not enoughCombination therapy can be safe and effectiveAnxiety treatment may require trial and adjustment SOUND BITES"At least half of my patients have some sort of anxiety."  ~ Dr. Angie “Not treating your dog’s anxiety causes them to have so much more cortisol and stress hormones.”  ~ Dr. Angie “Imagine being in that state of hypervigilance all the time.” ~ JoJo “Anxiety is undertreated.” ~ Dr. Angie  “We’re not going to change their personality.”  ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIn this short but powerful episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo step into a hard conversation — not about politics, but about community and compassion.Across the United States, families are being detained during immigration enforcement operations. While the human impact is immense, there’s another ripple effect that isn’t being talked about enough: the pets left behind.Missed veterinary appointments are rising. Dogs aren’t being walked. Shelters are overwhelmed. Some animals are being found days or even weeks without their caregivers.If you love animals, this episode invites you to care about what’s happening to them.We discuss:The ripple effect of detainment on pets and veterinary careWhy missed appointments are increasingHow community members can step up in small, practical waysOrganizations offering temporary foster supportHow to create a pet emergency plan during uncertain timesThis conversation is about empathy. About community. And about showing up where we can.We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s be in community.Key Takeaways This episode centers on community and compassion, not politics.  Immigration enforcement and detainment operations are creating a ripple effect that is impacting pets and animal welfare.  Dogs are not being walked, and some animals are being left without immediate care when caregivers are detained.  Supporting local shelters, pet food pantries, and foster programs is a tangible way to help.  Small actions — walking a neighbor’s dog, delivering food, driving someone to the vet — strengthen community resilience.  If empathy feels complicated, start with the animals. Compassion is still compassion.  Emergency pet planning — including backup contacts and neighbor communication — can prevent animals from being left behind. Sound Bites“If I can't convince you to care about the people that are being kidnapped off the streets, I want you to at least care about their pets.”  ~ Dr. Angie  “We've decided the risk is worth it because it is too hard and irresponsible, in our opinion, to not name what's happening in our country.”  ~ JoJo “We're all beings. We have four legs, two legs, like we all are deserving of empathy, compassion, respect, care, food, shelter. Water, the basics. A walk.”       ~ JoJo “Go take a dog for a walk for a neighbor that can't. Go take a dog to the vet that a neighbor can't. Just show up, be in community.” ~ JoJo"When you're hearing this information, it's just easy to forget about all those effects." ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkPet parents have questions and in this episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian, Dr. Angie and veterinary nurse JoJo answer them unscripted and unfiltered.From concerns about Cushing’s disease in dogs and whether herbal formulas like Four Marvels are enough, to navigating kidney disease in cats, picky eaters, and when to stop forcing prescription diets — this episode tackles the real-world questions pet parents are asking every day.They also discuss:Whether calming medications like gabapentin and trazodone affect lab workWhat symptoms truly point to Cushing’s disease, and which diagnostics matter mostWhy senior cats lose weight even when blood work looks “normal”How to feed cats with kidney disease who refuse prescription foodFenbendazole as a trending treatment for cancerThe emotionally charged topic of rabies vaccines, reactions, titers, and risk assessmentThis is a non-shaming, deeply validating conversation that acknowledges uncertainty, honors pet parents’ instincts, and explains the why behind veterinary recommendations — without fear-mongering or dismissiveness.If you’ve ever thought, “I just want someone to talk this through with me,” this episode is for you. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS Not every trending treatment has evidence Cushing’s disease requires a full diagnostic pictureWeight loss in senior cats can mean "something" even if blood work looks normalFed is best for cats with kidney disease who refuse prescription dietsCalming medications do not skew blood work, and often make vet visits saferVaccine reactions aren’t always acknowledged and they deserve to be taken seriouslyRisk assessment matters when deciding on boosters, titers, or exemptions✨ SOUND BITES  “Correlation and causation are not the same thing.”   – Dr. Angie  “At no time have I ever thought, I bet this dog or cat’s doing so much better because of the fenbendazole." – Dr. Angie “I already like this. I feel like you’re very quick to get to very clear answers.”  – JoJo “Which one feels harder? Which one can you live with?” – JoJo “Veterinary medicine is kind of quick to dismiss anything that’s not anaphylaxis.” – Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkVeterinary visits, especially emergency vet visits, are stressful, emotional, and expensive — and most pet parents feel like they have no choice but to say yes to everything put in front of them. In this fiery, truth-telling episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and veterinary nurse, JoJo, pull back the curtain on what really happens in emergency veterinary medicine and how pet guardians can better advocate for their animals.Dr. Angie shares a real-world case that highlights how unnecessary and expensive diagnostics can quickly escalate costs without changing the treatment plan. She explains the difference between good medicine and overkill, why some emergency clinics present “everything at once,” and how fear, corporate protocols, inexperience, and liability concerns can drive decision-making.This episode teaches pet parents exactly what questions to ask, how to slow the process down, and how to understand which tests actually change outcomes — and which ones can safely wait. If you’ve ever left a vet visit feeling confused, pressured, or financially devastated, this conversation will help you walk in informed, confident, and empowered.KEY TAKEAWAYS You are allowed to ask what each test will change in your pet’s care plan.More diagnostics do not always mean better outcomes.Emergency vet estimates often include everything upfront — not because it’s all required immediately.X-rays can miss foreign bodies; clean imaging doesn’t always equal answers.Critical thinking and step-by-step medicine are being lost in some emergency settings.Fear, cortisol, and emotional overload make it harder for pet parents to advocate.Transparency builds trust — pressure destroys it.Saying “not right now” does not make you a bad pet parent. SOUND BITES “This is why people are going to stop trusting veterinarians.”  ~ Dr. Angie “If it’s not going to change anything I do, why would I do it?” ~  Dr. Angie “Your brain is not fully online when you’re in the ER.”  ~ JoJo“It’s never wrong medicine — but it can be wrong for people.” ~ Dr. Angie “When you’re in the ER, you feel like you need to say yes to everything.”  ~ JoJo  “That dog needed fluids — it did not need ten million x-rays.”  ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIn this practical, honest, and judgment-free episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo talk openly about fractious cats — lovingly known as “spicy kitties.” These are the cats who may be sweet at home but become anxious, aggressive, or terrified at the veterinary clinic.They break down the many types of fractious cats, why fear — not “bad behavior” — drives these reactions, and how stress escalates when cats feel trapped or unsafe. Dr. Angie explains why chemical restraint is often the kindest option, how gabapentin and trazodone can dramatically reduce fear responses, and why skipping pre-visit meds makes veterinary care harder for everyone — especially the cat.The conversation also covers modern low-stress handling techniques, the controversy around scruffing, carrier tips that actually help, and why avoiding vet visits altogether can quietly harm cats who still need preventative medicine, dental care, and bloodwork.This episode is for every cat guardian who’s ever been told their cat is “difficult" or who has avoided seeking veterinary care for their kitty. You’ll leave feeling reassured, empowered, and reminded: your cat isn’t bad — they’re scared, and there are better ways to help.💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS🌶️ “Fractious” doesn’t mean aggressive — it usually means terrified🧠 Fear activates fight-or-flight, especially in veterinary settings💊 Gabapentin and trazodone together can be game-changing for anxious cats🐾 Chemical restraint is often the most compassionate choice🚫 Skipping pre-visit meds increases stress and negative memory formation🧺 Carriers that open from the top or fully detach reduce fear immediately🩺 Avoiding vet care leads to missed dental disease, pain, and chronic illness❤️ Holistic care includes pharmaceuticals when they protect emotional wellbeing 💬 SOUND BITES  “We never blame you if your kitty is violent or aggressive with us. And we actually don’t really blame your kitty.”  ~ Dr Angie  “I have admiration for those kitties. I mean, their boundaries are so clear.”  ~ JoJo “Chemical restraint is really the nicest thing for everybody involved, including your kitty.”  ~ Dr Angie  “All that cortisol is not good for your kitty — and it’s also not good for your kitty to not get veterinary care.”  ~ Dr Angie  “I think people are really resistant to using chemical restraint.” ~ JoJo “Every time we try to push through care that a cat is resistant to, I feel like we’re creating a negative memory.”  ~ JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIn this deeply emotional and unfiltered episode of Tails of Truth, JoJo and Dr. Angie sit with grief in real time as JoJo shares the story of losing her soul dog, Bodhi, over New Year’s.This conversation explores the raw truths of pet loss—anticipatory grief, guilt, anger, tenderness, and the impossible weight of deciding when it’s time to say goodbye. JoJo opens up about Bodhi’s sudden cancer diagnosis, the choice to pursue in-home euthanasia, and the heartbreak of letting go on a “good day.” Together, they talk honestly about the bargaining, self-doubt, and self-blame that so often follow euthanasia decisions—even for veterinary professionals.Dr. Angie offers grounded veterinary insight and compassionate reassurance, reminding listeners that there is no perfect moment, no “right” amount of suffering, and no way to love an animal deeply without eventually experiencing this pain. They also discuss how society minimizes pet grief, why comments like “just get another dog” can be so harmful, and how grief can ripple through families, children, and other animals in the home.This episode is not about answers—it’s about permission. Permission to grieve how you grieve. Permission to feel devastated by the loss of an animal who was your constant companion, your comforter, your witness. And permission to honor the love that made the loss hurt so much in the first place.💛 Key TakeawaysGrief after losing a pet is real, profound, and often minimized by societySaying goodbye on a “good day” can be one of the hardest decisions pet parents faceEuthanasia guilt and self-doubt are common—even among veterinarians and veterinary nursesThere is no perfect time to say goodbye, only a loving decision made with imperfect informationChildren and other pets benefit from being included in end-of-life goodbyes when possibleLoving an animal deeply means eventually grieving them—and that pain reflects the depth of that love 🎙️ Sound Bites  “It’s not so easy to say goodbye on a good day.” ~JoJo “Your heart can’t understand a terminal diagnosis, even when your medical mind does.” ~ Dr. Angie “I feel that I lost part of myself with him, but I also loved part of myself with him." ~JoJo “Grief looks however it’s going to look.”  ~ JoJo “I feel that I lost part of myself with him, but I also loved part of myself with him.” ~JoJo “There is no sweet spot. You wrestle with it either way.” ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think📝 SUMMARYIn this fun, behind-the-scenes episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo step away from heavy medical topics for a lighthearted, honest look at life inside vet med. This is story time — the kind you won’t find in textbooks or exam rooms — filled with real moments from decades of experience as a holistic vet and vet tech.From relief work surprises and old-school x-ray darkrooms to long surgery days, early career mistakes, and imposter syndrome, this episode captures the very human side of veterinary medicine. Dr. Angie shares a powerful lesson about being wrong in the best possible way, while JoJo brings humor and grit from the veterinary technician perspective — reminding us just how much vet techs carry behind the scenes.This episode is intentionally light, a little cheeky, and deeply relatable for pet parents, vet professionals, and anyone curious about what really happens in veterinary clinics. It’s a reminder that great pet care doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from experience, humility, teamwork, and compassion.🐾 We’ll be back to medicine next episode. For now, grab a coffee, laugh with us, and enjoy getting to know the people in modern veterinary medicine.✨ KEY TAKEAWAYSVeterinary medicine is full of unexpected, very human momentsEarly career mistakes can become the most meaningful lessonsImposter syndrome is common — even decades into practiceVet nurses carry immense responsibility, grit, and humorVeterinary medicine has evolved dramatically over the yearsHumor and honesty matter just as much as medical knowledgeThis podcast is about truth, not perfection🗣️ SOUND BITES If I can bring this information to you at a middle school level, then I’m doing a really good job. ~ Dr. Angie That was the best news I’ve ever told anyone. I was wrong and you were right.      ~ Dr. Angie I don’t care. I peed my pants. I peed my pants. ~ JoJo I was like, ‘I’m a climber and a veterinarian. ~ Dr. Angie  Sometimes it feels like, what am I offering?  ~ JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think 🎧 SUMMARY Finding a lump on your dog or cat can be scary, but it doesn’t always mean cancer. Lumps and bumps are one of the most common and anxiety-provoking reasons pet parents visit the veterinarian. In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo break down what those lumps actually mean, how to monitor them, and when it’s time to take action.You’ll learn the key differences between dermal vs subcutaneous masses, why cats are not supposed to be lumpy, and why Dr. Angie follows the rule, “If you see something, do something.” The conversation covers common and concerning diagnoses including lipomas (fatty tumors), mast cell tumors, melanoma, oral tumors, mammary gland tumors, aural hematomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and vaccine- or injection-site sarcomas in cats.Dr. Angie explains how fine needle aspirates work, why eyes and hands alone aren’t enough to diagnose cancer, and how changes in size, texture, or behavior should never be ignored. They also discuss breed predispositions (including boxers), age-related considerations, and how quality of life plays into decision-making.This episode is a compassionate, practical guide to helping pet parents feel empowered — not panicked — when they find something new on their dog or cat.🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYSNot all lumps are cancer, but you can’t diagnose by touch aloneCats are not supposed to be lumpy — any mass deserves attentionMast cell tumors are one of the most common dermal cancers in dogsLipomas are usually benignFine needle aspirates are a low-risk, high-value diagnostic toolOral tumors are commonly missedInjection-site sarcomas are rare but serious in catsYour eyes are not microscopes — cells matterQuality of life should guide decision-makingPet parents are essential medical advocates 💬 SOUND BITES“Anytime I see a bump on a cat, I do something about it.”  ~ Dr. Angie “Tumor is a scary word" ~ JoJo “Your eyes are not microscopes.”  ~ Dr. Angie“Most of the time, fatty tumors that feel like fatty tumors really are fatty tumors.”  ~ Dr. Angie “Don’t be embarrassed — this happens all the time.”  ~JoJo“Oral tumors are easy to miss.”  ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You ThinkIn this special year-end episode of Tails of Truth, integrative veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo reflect on everything that made 2025 such a meaningful year—for the podcast, for their work in veterinary medicine, and for the pet parents who tune in each week.What started as casual, honest conversations between two veterinary professionals quickly became a trusted space for real talk about pet health, holistic care, and the realities of modern veterinary medicine. In this episode, Angie and JoJo pull back the curtain on what it takes to build a podcast from scratch—without a production team, without a script, and without an agenda beyond sharing useful, compassionate information.They discuss consistency, vulnerability, growth, burnout, learning new skills, launching a new website, navigating change in veterinary careers, and why unscripted conversations matter so much in an industry that often feels rushed. Most importantly, they reaffirm their mission: to empower pet parents, support veterinarians, and make people feel more confident and informed about caring for their animals.This episode is an invitation—to listen, to learn, to subscribe, and to join a growing community that values honesty, curiosity, and better conversations around pet health and veterinary medicine.To close out the year, Dr. Angie and JoJo also share two special gifts for listeners: 10% off a veterinary consultation and free access to any pre-recorded course, as a thank-you for being part of the Tails of Truth community. Listen for your discount codes to be used at www.boulderholisticvet.com✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS🐾 Tails of Truth was created to share honest, unscripted conversations about veterinary medicine and pet health 🐾 Consistency—not perfection—is what builds trust and community 🐾 Pet parents deserve clear, empowering information—not rushed explanations 🐾 Veterinary medicine is evolving, and thoughtful conversations matter more than ever 🐾 You don’t need a big production team to create meaningful educational content 🐾 Holistic and integrative care thrives when curiosity, compassion, and context are honored 🐾 2026 will bring guest experts, deeper conversations, and continued growth🎙️ SOUND BITES  “We do all this because we want it to reach you.” ~ Dr. Angie  “I got up like really happy this morning that it’s Monday because I like my job.”  ~JoJo “Angie worked her tush off this year.”  ~ Dr. Angie  “Those are my two favorite things. This podcast and the consultations.”  ~ JoJo “It was the first project I had that wasn’t trying to build anything other than I just wanted to do it with you.”  ~ Dr. Angie  “People want to hear what you’re talking about. And it turns out that’s true. And sometimes I’m still surprised by that.”  ~ Dr. Angie  “People do feel really empowered.” ~JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🎙️  SummaryVeterinary professionals enter this field because they love animals — not because they’re “in it for the money.” But in today’s episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo open up about a growing issue in veterinary medicine: unkindness, disrespect, and the emotional harm it causes behind the scenes.Using a real piece of hate mail they recently received, they unpack why harmful comments about money, motives, or “simple answers” cut so deeply — especially in a profession already battling burnout, compassion fatigue, and some of the highest suicide rates of any medical field.They discuss why email still requires time and expertise, why behavior and medical cases aren’t simple, the financial reality of being a veterinarian or vet nurse, and how kindness truly changes the culture of vet med. This episode is for everyone: pet parents, veterinary teams, practice owners, vet techs, and anyone who wants to help create a safer, kinder veterinary profession.Stay to the end for resources, free courses, and a reminder of how we can all support those caring for the animals we love. 🐾💛And, if you want to further support mental well-being in veterinary medicine, please donate to Not One More Vet Key Takeaways🧡  Kindness in veterinary medicine is not optional. Veterinarians are 2-4x more likely to die by suicide, often due to hostile communication and accusations about money or motives and financial struggles. 🧡 Complex issues like behavior, allergies, or hormone concerns cannot be solved in a “quick email.”  Veterinarians should be compensated for complex email exchanges. 🧡  Most veterinarians and veterinary nurses do not earn high incomes and often struggle with debt and lack of benefits. 🧡  Burned-out or mistreated staff leave the field, leading to less experienced people caring for animals industry-wide.  🧡  Kindness toward your veterinary team helps create a sustainable, supportive profession — for everyone involved. Sound Bites “Asking me to consult for free and then calling veterinarians greedy is toxic and harmful behavior.”  ~ Dr. Angie “I don’t think we give ourselves permission enough to set down toxic customers.” ~JoJo“Veterinarians are rarely making bank… we do it because we love it.”  ~ Dr. Angie“Vet nurses don’t make livable wages. A lot of us are on food stamps.” ~ JoJo “If you choose to take care of animals, you are choosing to be responsible for their medical care.”  ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🐈‍⬛  SummaryIn this lighthearted but deeply informative episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo dive into the surprisingly complex world of chonky cats, feline weight loss, and the emerging science behind GLP-1 medications for cats. From adorable tummy rolls to serious conversations about cat obesity, they explore why so many indoor kitties are overweight, why kibble keeps cats chunky, and how switching to high-protein, low-carb canned food can transform feline metabolism.Dr. Angie shares her real-life struggles with her own overweight cat, Fritz, and the duo breaks down why some kitties experience relentless “food noise” — constant hunger cues that sabotage weight-loss efforts. They also take listeners inside the groundbreaking Meow1 GLP-1 implant study, which may soon help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support healthy weight loss in cats who can't slim down with diet alone.Packed with relatable stories, veterinary insights, and lots of laughter, this episode is perfect for cat parents wanting practical, compassionate, evidence-based strategies to help their feline friends live longer, healthier, happier lives. 🐈‍⬛  Key Takeaways🐾 Wet food is an effective tool for feline weight loss 🐾 Free-feeding kibble almost always leads to overweight cats, even when the brand is “high quality” or “grain-free.” 🐾 Activity and enrichment matter — hunting games, food puzzles, and movement-based feeding can increase calories burned and reduce boredom-eating. 🐾 Some cats experience metabolic challenges making weight loss nearly impossible without additional support. 🐾 GLP-1 medications (like exenatide implants) are being studied for cats and may reduce food obsession, improve insulin sensitivity, and prevent diabetes. 🐾 Obesity is an inflammatory condition, increasing risk for arthritis, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. 🐾 Holistic and integrative approaches work best when combined with realistic expectations — not every cat will achieve a perfect body condition score, and that’s okay.🐈‍⬛ Sound Bites “The amount of kibble your cat actually needs metabolically is shockingly small.” — Dr. Angie  “Most cats love their kibble because it's like us — they like carbohydrates.”            — Dr. Angie “Obesity is really a problem.” — JoJo “The food noise — I didn't realize how often it was on until it was off.” — JoJo  “Most cats love their kibble because it's like us — they like carbohydrates.”            — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think⭐ Summary In this episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo break down everything dog parents need to know about arthritis in dogs—from early symptoms to diagnosis, natural remedies, pharmaceuticals, and the latest rehabilitation therapies.Dr. Angie explains why modern veterinary medicine has shifted away from relying on x-rays to diagnose canine arthritis, focusing instead on symptoms, physical exams, and response to treatment. The conversation covers the most effective natural supplements such as fish oil and CBD, plus why glucosamine and chondroitin may not always be worth the hype.They explore holistic veterinary medicine approaches, including weight management, muscle strengthening, acupuncture, underwater treadmills, chiropractic care, PEMF therapy, and lifestyle modifications to support aging dogs. Dr. Angie also shares her candid take on pharmaceuticals like NSAIDs, gabapentin, and the injectables Adequan and Librela, including current concerns around safety.If your dog is slowing down, struggling with stairs, stiff after naps, or losing mobility, this episode offers compassionate, practical veterinary advice to support their comfort and quality of life—using a comprehensive, integrative approach to dog health and wellness.⭐ Key TakeawaysArthritis in dogs is extremely commonDiagnosis relies on symptoms, physical exams, and response to treatmenr.Keeping dogs lean and well-muscled is the #1 way to prevent arthritis and improve comfort.Fish oil is one of the most effective, underrated natural supplements for canine arthritis.CBD can help with inflammation, mobility, and anxiety—especially helpful for multi-symptom dogs.NSAIDs (like carprofen/Rimadyl) are often life-changing and safe for most dogs when monitored.Adequan is safe but inconsistent; Librela shows promise but carries safety concerns.Rehab therapies like acupuncture, underwater treadmills, chiropractic care, laser therapy, PEMF, and Assisi loops can significantly improve mobility.Simple at-home adaptations (rugs, ramps, supportive beds) greatly improve a dog’s confidence and stability.A holistic, multimodal approach creates the best outcomes for dogs with arthritis.⭐ Sound Bites“Sometimes we're literally saving a dog's life with Rimadyl.”  ~ Dr. Angie “I treat my patients like I would my own animal.” ~ Dr. Angie “I am so interested in your take on Librela.”  ~ JoJo“Fish oil is the most underrated supplement because not only does it have great anti-inflammatory properties for the joints, but it has anti-inflammatory properties for all the organs.”  ~ Dr. Angie “I was like wow…the number of different brands just trying to capitalize on that is far-reaching.” ~ JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🌟 SummaryIn this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo explore both sides of the ongoing debate around indoor cats vs. outdoor cats—a topic packed with nuance, emotion, and passionate opinions. Together, they explore the benefits, risks, and lifestyle differences that shape a cat’s overall well-being.JoJo shares how her thinking has evolved from a strict indoor-only stance to recognizing the real joy and quality of life many outdoor cats experience. Dr. Angie echoes that sentiment, adding clinical insight into the behavioral and health differences she sees every day in veterinary practice.They break down everything from cat behavior, cat stimulation, and mental wellness to the dangers outdoor cats face—from cars to predators to ecosystem impact. The conversation also highlights common challenges indoor cats face, such as boredom, obesity, and under-stimulation—and offers practical ways to keep indoor cats mentally enriched.Listeners also learn about best practices for cat care, including vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter, and communicating with neighbors about community cats. The duo also dives into modern solutions like catios, supervised outdoor time, leash walks, and enrichment strategies that help meet a cat’s instinctual needs safely. The episode wraps with an invitation for community discussion—because this is a topic with strong feelings on all sides. Dr. Angie and JoJo want to hear from cat parents about their experiences, environments, and what choices have worked best for their cats.Whether you're team indoor, team outdoor, or somewhere in the messy middle, this episode offers grounded veterinary advice, real-life stories, and thoughtful exploration to help you make the best decision for your individual cat.📝 Key Takeaways🌿 Outdoor cats may experience greater joy and quality of life, though this comes with higher immediate risks. 🏡 Indoor cats often struggle with boredom, under-stimulation, and obesity without intentional enrichment. 🐾 Knowing your cat’s personality is essential—some cats are street-smart explorers, others are anxious homebodies. 🪟 Catios, supervised time, and leash walks offer a safe compromise for outdoor access. 💉 Outdoor cats need consistent vaccines and deworming to stay healthy. 🤝 Community awareness (neighbors, feeders, urban impact) matters for outdoor cat safety and harmony. 🎣 Indoor cats need enrichment—vertical spaces, play routines, toy rotation, food puzzles, and social interaction. 💬 Every household and cat is unique—there is no one-size-fits-all answer.🎙️ Sound Bites"A cat's gotta live the cat life." — JoJo"The most miserable cats we've seen in practice are those feral community cats that have been forced to be indoor cats." — JoJo"This cat doesn't have what it takes to make it on the street." — Dr. Angie"Some cats will like start whole families on the side." — Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think📝 SummaryAs we step into the holiday season, I’m feeling especially grateful for community, connection, and the feeling of truly belonging — both in my personal life and in the world of veterinary medicine. In this episode of Tails of Truth, I open up about a big, heartfelt update: I’ve found a veterinary practice to call home.JoJo and I explore what it means to trust your gut in a profession that’s rapidly changing, why community matters now more than ever, and how the challenges of the pandemic reshaped the veterinary landscape. From relief work drying up for me, to the loneliness of jumping clinic to clinic, to the joy of finding a supportive, aligned environment — this episode is all about alignment, intuition, and honoring the work you’re called to do.We also talk candidly about the growing demand for holistic care, the emotional cost of losing community during COVID, and the unique pressures female veterinarians face while balancing career and family. Whether you’re in vet med, love someone who is, or simply appreciate candid and vulnerable conversations — we hope this one will resonate.📌 Key TakeawaysGratitude and belonging shape how we show up in veterinary medicine.Dr. Angie shares the exciting news of finding a new practice home.Community, connection, and collaboration are essential for veterinary well-being.Holistic and integrative care remain in high demand but are still difficult to find.A supportive practice environment enhances both doctor and client experience.The pandemic created lasting emotional and logistical challenges for vet teams.Trusting your gut is crucial when making career decisions in veterinary medicine.Female veterinarians often face unique pressure when balancing work and family.🎧 Sound Bites“There is something different in being welcomed for who you are.” — JoJo“There was a point where 250 people were on our waitlist.” — Dr. Angie"At no point did I feel like, ‘This might not be right.’” — Dr. Angie“I go to these clinics and I have great days… and then I leave and it’s so lonely.”     — Dr. Angie“We were so horrified at the thought of bringing COVID into someone’s home.”     — Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think⭐ SummaryIn this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo unpack one of the most debated topics in veterinary medicine: raw diets for dogs. They explore why raw feeding creates such strong opinions, what “raw done correctly” really means, and the two must-have criteria for safe raw diets: a true kill step like HPP and AAFCO nutritional balancing.Dr. Angie explains why grocery-store meat and DIY blends aren’t safe or complete, how to evaluate raw food brands, and which dogs are not good candidates for raw — including immunocompromised pets. They also discuss the benefits many dogs experience on raw diets, from improved digestion to better coat quality, while emphasizing proper sanitation and realistic expectations around cost, safety, and fit for your household.Whether you’re raw-curious, raw-committed, or raw-skeptical, this episode gives you grounded, practical guidance straight from a veterinarian. 🔑 Key TakeawaysMany veterinarians oppose raw diets due to legitimate public health concerns, not dislike of the diet itself.Raw diets can be beneficial, but only when executed safely and when nutritionally balanced.A kill step (ideally HPP) is essential to reduce pathogens like salmonella.Commercial raw diets must meet AAFCO nutrient standards to be considered complete and balanced.Grocery-store meat or DIY mixes made without formulation tools are not safe or balanced.Raw diets often improve digestive health, microbiome diversity, stool quality, and coat condition.Raw diets may be inappropriate for chemotherapy patients and immunocompromised pets.Proper sanitation, hand-washing, and safe food handling practices are crucial for all pet foods — raw or otherwise.Transparent companies willing to disclose safety protocols are the safest choice. 🎤 Sound Bites"Not all dogs do well on a raw diet" - Dr. Angie "I don't hesitate to feed Stella & Chewy's because I feel so good about their safety protocols." - Dr. Angie "Let us be the advocates for feeding your dog raw." - JoJo"I feel that this is one of the most controversial topics in veterinary medicine when it comes to dogs and diet.” - JoJo" Most people want to feed their dogs raw diets because someone on the internet told them to." - Dr. Angie  “I see a lot of improvement in digestive issues going raw.” - Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🐾 SummaryIn this thought-provoking episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse, JoJo, dive into the complicated and ever-evolving world of dog food, exploring everything from fresh cooked diets and home cooking to the latest findings on urinary stones linked to certain fresh dog food brands.Listeners get an inside look at how pet food industry trends often mirror human diet fads, from paleo to grain-free, and how these shifts can sometimes lead to unintended health consequences for dogs. Dr. Angie draws on her firsthand experience working for major brands like I and Love and You, Open Farm, and Stella & Chewy’s to explain what’s behind the marketing, where nutrition meets science, and how pet owners can make informed choices.They unpack the University of Minnesota’s discovery of a new type of urinary stone (calcium tartrate tetrahydrate) linked to choline bitartrate — an ingredient found in several popular fresh food brands, including The Farmer’s Dog, Nom Nom, and Just Food for Dogs. Dr. Angie discusses how the industry is likely to adapt, the importance of transparency in pet nutrition, and why dog food trends should always be guided by science, not social media.The duo also explores the role of BalanceIt.com in creating nutritionally sound home-cooked diets, how AAFCO standards determine nutrient minimums and maximums, and the delicate balance between convenience, cost, and canine health. They end the episode by addressing grain-free diet myths, legume-based diets, and taurine deficiency in breeds like Golden Retrievers, tying it all together with a call for balanced, evidence-based feeding choices.If you’ve ever wondered whether fresh cooked diets are safer, healthier, or simply trendy — this episode is your science-driven, judgment-free guide to understanding the truth behind your dog’s bowl.🎧 Key TakeawaysFresh cooked diets like The Farmer’s Dog and Nom Nom are growing in popularity for their palatability and whole-food appearance.Home cooking requires precise nutrient balancing AAFCO standards guide nutritional minimums and maximums for complete diets.University of Minnesota researchers discovered a new type of urinary stone (CTT urolith) linked to choline bitartrate used in some fresh dog foods.Past grain-free diet trends led to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) concerns, showing how industry trends can have medical consequences.Pet food trends often mirror human diet fads, from paleo to veganism.Diet consultations are increasingly popular as pet parents seek personalized nutrition guidance.🎙️ Sound Bites "I love this segment of the market — the fresh cooked.” - Dr. Angie “University of Minnesota discovered a new urinary stone called calcium tartrate tetrahydrate linked to choline bitartrate in some fresh dog foods.” - Dr. Angie “Everyone’s going to fix this. The pet food companies don’t want this — they’ll change the ingredient.” - Dr. Angie “This episode became more about trends in diet — what happens when we follow human fads in our dogs’ food.” - JoJo “I still love fresh cooked diets, despite the fact that, for a short time, they accidentally gave some dogs urinary stones. I think we can fix that.” - Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🧠 SummaryIn this candid and fiery episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo pull back the curtain on some of the most misleading claims circulating in holistic pet care. Aptly titled “$#*% Holistic Vets Say,” this conversation dives deep into the rhetoric, misinformation, and oversimplifications that too often cloud the world of integrative and holistic veterinary medicine.From the false claim that “vaccines last a lifetime” to the myth that “a healthy dog can’t get heartworm disease,” Dr. Angie breaks down the science, the risks, and the real-life implications of these dangerous statements. She and JoJo also unpack guilt-based marketing around flea and tick prevention, the polarizing debate about raw diets and kibble, and how fear-driven messaging steals joy from pet guardians who just want to do their best.This episode isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about restoring nuance, honesty, and compassion to veterinary care. With nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Angie offers a grounded perspective on how pet guardians can make informed decisions without falling prey to shame, fear, or pseudoscience.Listeners will walk away feeling informed, empowered, and seen—reminded that doing your best for your pet means focusing on connection, not perfection. Whether you identify as “holistic,” “conventional,” or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge your thinking and reignite your confidence in balanced, evidence-based pet care.🐾 Key TakeawaysBlanket statements in holistic veterinary medicine can be misleading and harmful.Vaccines do not last a lifetime for all pets; immunity varies by pathogen.Honest conversations about flea and tick prevention are more helpful than fear-based avoidance.Heartworm disease cannot be prevented through diet or immune health alone—it requires medication.Diet influences health but isn’t the sole cause or cure for cancer.Guilt and shame have no place in pet care; joy and connection matter more.Sweeping statements and fear-based marketing erode trust and happiness in pet guardianship.🎧 Sound Bites “You can’t compare every vaccine technology and say they all last a lifetime—it’s just not true.” ~ Dr. Angie “I promise you, there’s probably corruption in the pharmaceutical industry, but it’s not at the level of your dog’s flea and tick prevention.” ~ Dr. Angie “From a consumer standpoint, I’ve felt shame and guilt that I work in holistic medicine and use those medications on my dogs.” ~ JoJo“Fear will keep people buying.” ~ JoJo“Using herbs alone for itchy dogs is like pissing in the wind.” ~ Dr. Angie “If your vet won’t work with you because you feed raw, or because you don’t—that’s a red flag.” ~ Dr. Angie  “Anything that’s being sold in fear is probably something to look underneath.” ~ JoJo Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🐾 SummaryIn this episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo explore the sometimes confusing world of cat nutrition. Drawing on Dr. Angie’s extensive experience working for major pet food brands—including Open Farm, Stella & Chewy’s, and I and Love and You—they unpack the pros and cons of raw feeding, kibble, canned food, homecooked and prescription diets.Listeners will learn how to safely feed raw during the avian influenza era, why HPP (High-Pressure Processing) doesn’t diminish nutrients, and how to balance homemade cat food with resources like Balance.it. The duo also covers common myths about kibble, discusses why Fancy Feast isn’t the enemy, and explores how prescription diets can be beneficial for cats with IBD, kidney disease, or urinary blockages.Through candid, unscripted conversation, Dr. Angie reminds cat parents that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to feline nutrition—genetics, palatability, and practicality all play a role. Whether your cat eats raw, canned, or kibble, this episode empowers you to make informed choices and find what works best for your feline family.🐱 Key TakeawaysTails of Truth keeps cat care conversations unscripted and authentic.Dr. Angie’s pet food industry experience offers rare behind-the-scenes insights into formulation.Raw feeding supports high protein and moisture with low carbs.Safe raw feeding requires a kill step (like HPP) and balanced nutrition, not grocery store meat.Kibble is convenient but too high in carbs for obligate carnivores; it can contribute to obesity, inflammation, and dental disease.Canned food (even Fancy Feast!) is often a better option—higher moisture, more protein, fewer carbs.Prescription diets are helpful for conditions like IBD, kidney disease, and urinary blockages.Homemade and gently cooked diets can work if properly balanced with vitamin/mineral mixes.Every cat is different—genetics, texture preferences, and practicality matter more than perfection.The goal: Do your best, love your cat, and enjoy life together. 🎙️ Sound Bites“HPP does not diminish the nutrition in the raw food.”  ~ Dr. Angie “My cat poo doesn’t stink. What an elitist thing to say.” ~ JoJo“The downside of canned, if we’re going to talk about it, is the lining. That lining has chemicals that we are linking to hyperthyroidism.”  ~ Dr. Angie  “Prescription diets are so painful for people who come to our practice.” ~ JoJo“With cats, it’s only going to get better and better, right? Because they’re decades behind on the research.”  ~ JoJo “Canned is much better than kibble—and almost any type of canned—and this is going to be controversial—but Fancy Feast is not that bad.” ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🐾 SummaryIn this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo discuss the multifaceted issue of accessibility in veterinary medicine.  From financial barriers and the emotional weight of hard decisions to the privilege of pet insurance and the evolving role of house calls and telehealth, they explore what it really means to make veterinary care available to everyone. The conversation highlights disparities between urban and rural veterinary care and emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in the veterinary community. Schedule a one-on-one consultation: https://boulderholisticvet.com/pages/video-consultations-with-dr-angie💡 Key TakeawaysFinancial accessibility is one of the biggest challenges in veterinary care today.Shame and guilt often accompany financial decisions around pet treatment.Veterinarians can ease that shame through open, compassionate communication.Pet insurance remains a privilege many families can’t afford.House calls and telehealth are helping make care more accessible.Rural areas face longer waitlists and fewer resources for even basic care.The veterinary industry must balance compassion with financial sustainability.Empathy and respect are essential to every client conversation.Accessibility isn’t just financial — it includes emotional, physical, and geographic barriers.The future of veterinary care must prioritize inclusivity and understanding for all pet parents.🗣️ Sound Bites“It’s hard to not be able to afford treatment. I see it tear people up. The guilt is high.” — Dr. Angie"Insurance has its own accessibility issues, right? Because to ask someone to pay a monthly amount is actually a privilege — to have any kind of leftover money to spend on pet insurance.” — JoJo“Veterinary medicine doesn’t have great margins and it’s actually hard to run a clinic and be profitable.” — Dr. Angie“I could write a book on how many times we’ve been told 'you obviously don’t care about animals if you’re not willing to treat them'.” — JoJo“People are going to value those relationships more than ever, so it’s important to stay aligned with places where you can have relationships with people and figure it out together.” — Dr. Angie“I hope my want is that people still feel accepted, people still feel respected, and people feel that they can have the conversations about where they need more support.” — JoJoFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🐾 SummaryIn this episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie and veterinary nurse JoJo discuss the essential topic of dog vaccines. They focus on the importance of proper vaccination schedules for puppies, the significance of core vaccines like rabies and distemper/parvo, and the nuances of other vaccines such as Bordetella and Canine Influenza. They emphasize the need for individualized vaccination protocols based on the dog's environment and health status, while also addressing common misconceptions and the evolving nature of vaccine recommedations in veterinary medicine. Dr. Angie shares the truth about early breeder vaccinations, socialization timing, the debate around reduced rabies doses, and why “one size fits all” doesn’t always fit.🎧 Whether you’re a new puppy parent or an experienced dog guardian, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a practical guide to keeping your pup protected. 🧠 Key TakeawaysVaccines given before 8 weeks often don’t count due to maternal antibodies.Parvo and distemper are critical puppy vaccines.The Leptospirosis vaccine varies by region; discuss with your local vet.Modern Lepto vaccines are much safer than they used to be but still short-lived.Rabies vaccine timing should reflect the dog’s lifestyle, size, and local risk.Small dogs shouldn’t automatically get smaller vaccine doses.Bordetella and canine influenza vaccines help reduce spread in group settings.Vaccination schedules should be individualized — not “one size fits all.”💬 Sound Bites"This isn’t big pharma — it’s about ethics and what’s acceptable when testing vaccines.” — Dr. Angie "Vaccines before eight weeks are actually null and void.” — Dr. Angie “I think rattlesnake training would probably be a better option.” — JoJo“Basically when your dog gets parvovirus, they slough their entire intestines. Talk about leaky gut — it’s the epitome of gut damage.” — Dr. Angie “It’s so reasonable that people ask, ‘Why does my two-pound Chihuahua get the same dose as a Great Dane?’ But it just doesn’t work that way.” — Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think🐾 SummaryIn this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and JoJo take a thoughtful look at vaccine titers—what they measure, how they’re used in veterinary medicine, and how they can help pet parents make decisions about vaccination.They break down the science behind antibody levels, discuss why rabies vaccines are mostly non-negotiable, and unpack the complexities of distemper and parvo vaccination protocols. Cats get their spotlight too, as Dr. Angie explains how panleukopenia protection develops and why feline vaccine reactions are relatively rare. Whether you’re a cat guardian wanting to avoid over-vaccination or a dog parent trying to understand titers, this conversation helps you feel informed, empowered, and ready to partner with your vet in protecting your pet’s long-term health.💡 Key TakeawaysVaccine titers measure a pet’s antibody response to specific viruses, showing whether they’re likely protected.Rabies vaccination remains essential for both pets and public safety.Titers help reduce unnecessary vaccines, but they have limitations veterinarians must consider.Distemper and parvo titer interpretations and recommendations for vaccination are complex.Cats benefit from early vaccination against panleukopenia, a preventable but dangerous virus.Each pet’s individual health history should guide vaccination decisions.Titers can offer peace of mind for guardians concerned about vaccine reactions.Veterinarians navigate uncertainty when making recommendations without standardized data. 🎙️ Sound Bites  “We’re just testing your pet’s antibodies in this one moment in time, but I can’t guarantee how long it’s gonna stay that way.” — Dr. Angie “It’s tricky because we don’t have any studies that show a certain level of antibodies means your pet is protected—and that makes it really tricky for me as the practitioner.” — Dr. Angie “People and pets have been injured by vaccines—that’s fact. And people and pets have been saved by vaccines—that’s fact.” — JoJo “If I got one of those results that said everything looks good and we can just push it off another year—that would feel so good. That’s one or two less vaccines my dog has to get over his lifetime.”  — JoJo “If your pet interacts with a rabid animal, the health department isn’t going to care about that titer—and it could cost your dog or cat’s life.” — Dr. AngieFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo