Your dog can be “old” long before they look old, and that blind spot is where so many heartbreaking problems start: pacing at night, accidents on the rug, getting stuck in corners, or suddenly forgetting a familiar backyard hazard. We talk with Angela Ardolino, a longtime senior dog rescuer and holistic animal advocate, about what those changes can really mean and why canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), often called dog dementia, deserves the same seriousness we give mobility or appetite.
We also dig into the endocannabinoid system in dogs, how Angela’s rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis led her into medical cannabis education, and why CBD for dogs is only as trustworthy as its sourcing, formulation, and dose. From there, we get candid about the pet industry: supplements built on hype, products that borrow human ingredients, and pharmaceuticals that can help in emergencies but may cause real harm when used casually or long term. If you’ve ever wondered whether the “number one” joint supplement is actually doing anything, or why your dog seems painful but stoic, this conversation brings clarity.
Angela shares what she sees in aging pets every day, including the patterns of sundowning, the role of inflammation, and how adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane and bacopa are used to support cognition. We also talk about the small daily choices that add up: real food, fewer toxins in the home, smarter label reading, and getting a second opinion from a holistic veterinarian through telehealth when something feels off.
If this helps you think differently about your senior dog’s health span, subscribe, share the episode with a fellow pet parent, and leave a review so more people find it when they need answers.
