Hormone Health for Dogs and Our New Series
In recent months, Dr. Karen Becker and I have spent much time together recording the Hormone Health for Dogs series, which has been such a rewarding experience.
I feel like we are finally getting some traction when it comes to helping dogs who suffer from the absence of hormones.
If you know Dr. Karen through her New York Times bestselling books, her website, or our collaboration, you already know she’s feisty, funny, and deeply devoted to helping pets live healthier, longer lives.
But in Episode 3 of my Get to Know Your Vet series, you’ll meet a side of Dr. Karen the public doesn’t often get to see.
I bet you will love her even more!
Copper Toxicity and Nutrient Imbalances in Dog Food
In our conversation, one of the topics we explored was copper in pet foods.
You know I’ve been advocating for years to feed dogs real, fresh food whenever possible. Talking with Dr. Karen only reinforced why that matters so much.
She shared that while pet food standards set minimum nutrient requirements, there are often no clear maximum limits for certain minerals, including copper.
As a result, some of the most popular pet foods on the market have been found to contain copper levels six to seven hundred times higher than what’s considered safe.
Over time, that excess copper can accumulate in your dog’s body, placing stress on the liver long before obvious symptoms appear.
And that was just one of the eye-opening moments in our conversation.
Speaking the Truth
We also talked about:
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- Why staying silent can feel safer for professionals, but speaking uncomfortable truths is sometimes the most ethical choice.
- Why antibody titer testing often make more sense than routine annual vaccinations, even though they’re still misunderstood.
- How introducing change gently is often more effective than pushing people into fear or panic.
- Why relationships and connection may matter more for long-term health than diet or exercise alone.
- How fear and worries about losing our dogs can steal joy from the time we still have with them.
And yes… a few very human stories that range from deep reflection to moments that made us both laugh.
Like every conversation in the Get to Know Your Vet series, this wasn’t a lecture.
It was a candid, and personal conversation between two likeminded friends - veterinarians.
We hope you’ll feel like you are sitting down for a cup of tea and good conversation in the kitchen.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand how a veterinarian like Dr. Karen Becker thinks — not just what she recommends — I think you’ll really enjoy this episode.
About the author
Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.
English (US) · 