Beyond Antimicrobials - The Probiotic Revolution for Animal Wellness

For years, we’ve been taught that clean means antibacterial.

Kill the germs.

Eliminate the bacteria.

Start again.

But what if that way of thinking is quietly working against our pets - and our homes?

In a recent conversation, Joe Flanagan, founder of Ingenious Probiotics, sat down with animal naturopath Poppy Phillips to explore how modern antibacterial habits have shaped our approach to hygiene - and why dogs are often the first to show us when something’s out of balance.

This episode invites us to rethink what clean, healthy, and balanced really mean - not just for our dogs (and cats and other pets), but for the homes we all share together.

We talk about:

• Why bacteria aren’t the enemy we’ve been led to believe
• The home as a living ecosystem, not a sterile box
• How working with nature can support balance, rather than disrupt it
• Why sensitive skin, recurring ear issues, and dental discomfort can be signals - not problems to suppress

This isn’t a conversation about buying more products. It’s about remembering a gentler, more connected way of caring for ourselves, our homes, and the animals we love.