Love Your Dogs

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Hosted by holistic dog health educator Bre Drake of Tailswell (@tailswellhealth), Love Your Dogs was born from the loss of her two golden retrievers and the reckoning that followed when grief exposed the ways mainstream veterinary care and human convenience quietly compromise canine health. This podcast is warm, candid, deeply informative, and meant to change how you care for your dog...for the better. Love your dogs.
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In this episode of Love Your Dogs, Bre Drake sits down with Jackie Jolie, founder of AnimaSol, to explore one of the most overlooked yet foundational aspects of health, for both humans and dogs, light. While modern dog care focuses heavily on food, supplements, and medications, this conversation uncovers a deeper layer of how light exposure (or lack of it) is influencing everything from hormones and metabolism to behavior, recovery, and long-term disease. Jackie shares her journey into quantum biology after battling Lyme disease, and how understanding the role of sunlight, circadian rhythm, and cellular energy transformed her health and now the way she approaches animal wellness.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tailswellhealth/

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tailswell.com/ ⁠⁠


Sponsors


Venjenz Motherboard for Pets (code TAILSWELL): ⁠⁠https://venjenz.com/products/motherboard-for-pets⁠⁠


Show Notes


Follow Jackie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anima__sol/

AnimaSol Website (use code TailswellSOL for 10% discount): https://www.animasol.life/tailswellsol

Light Shapes Life Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ-H7f_mz0k

Light Shapes Life Webinar Handout (includes tips, referrals, references, and product recommendations): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pB6EPThgcikjvbNQ_8gqH3DTnIlmMyl3/view?usp=drive_link

Quantum Biology Collective: www.quantumbiologycollective.org


Most of what we’ve been taught about health—human or animal—is backwards.


In this conversation with wholistic and homeopathic anveterinarian, Dr. Jeff Feinman, we get into what’s really going on beneath symptoms… and why the constant urge to suppress, label, and “fix” the body might be the very thing making our dogs sicker. We talk about vitality, stress, energy, and why happiness, movement, and connection often matter more than anything you can buy. This one goes deeper than diet, deeper than supplements—this is about how the body actually works… and what happens when we finally stop fighting it.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tailswellhealth/

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tailswell.com/ ⁠


Sponsors


Venjenz Motherboard for Pets (code TAILSWELL): ⁠https://venjenz.com/products/motherboard-for-pets⁠


Show Notes


Dr. Feinman's Website: https://www.holisticactions.com/

Dr. Feinman's Instagram @holisticactions: https://www.instagram.com/holisticactions/

Dr. Feinman's book - The Path to Pet Wellness: https://amzn.to/4exED67

Pet Care 101 Course: https://www.holisticactions.com/holistic-pet-care-course/

How a Holistic Approach to Animal Care Can Awaken Human Consciousness: https://observatory.wiki/How_a_Holistic_Approach_to_Animal_Care_Can_Awaken_Human_Consciousness

The holistic pet parent’s guide to better well-being and connection: Insights from a veterinary homeopath: https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/living/wellness/article298657753.html#storylink=cpy

Dr. Bekoff's short and powerful book foreword: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17ocTSyXaGpFdgZaYvhZ1hPm53_yU4yPh/view?usp=drive_linkhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/17ocTSyXaGpFdgZaYvhZ1hPm53_yU4yPh/view?usp=drive_link

In this episode, Are sits down with holistic veterinarian Dr. Judy Jasek, the vet who helped shape how she thinks about dog health after walking through cancer with her own dogs. They get into the uncomfortable reality of modern veterinary medicine… the one-size-fits-all model, the over-reliance on diagnoses, and why so many dogs are stuck in cycles of chronic illness.

This is a conversation about stepping outside the system, questioning what we’ve been taught, and starting to look at dogs as individuals again by considering their environment, lifestyle, stress, and overall terrain instead of just managing symptoms. If you’ve ever felt like the conventional approach isn’t adding up… you’re not wrong.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tailswellhealth/ Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tailswell.com/


Sponsors


Venjenz Motherboard for Pets (code TAILSWELL): https://venjenz.com/products/motherboard-for-pets


Show Notes


Dr. Jasek's website: https://ahavet.com/

Dr. Jasek's Substack: https://substack.com/@jjdvm?r=4ujgjh&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=blur

Book an appointment: https://ahavet.com/telemedicine/

Resources: https://ahavet.com/resources/

Angela Ardolino is the founder of CBD Dog Health and MycoDog and one of the most outspoken voices in the natural pet health space. In this conversation we dive into hemp, medicinal mushrooms, the wild west of the pet supplement industry, and why she believes so many dogs today are suffering under a system that suppresses symptoms instead of supporting the body. Angela shares the experiences that shaped her views — from rescuing sick dogs to witnessing firsthand the damage modern veterinary medicine causes when it ignores nature.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tailswellhealth/

Visit Tailswell Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tailswell.com/


Sponsors


Venjenz Motherboard for Pets (code TAILSWELL): https://venjenz.com/products/motherboard-for-pets

Show Notes


Angela's Websites:

https://angelaardolino.com/

https://cbddoghealth.com/

https://mycodog.com/


Mushroom Support for CCD "Doggy Dementia" Study:

Evaluation of a Mushroom-Derived Nutraceutical for Canine Cognitive Decline

https://www.seniordogstudy.com/

Cognitive Support Products: https://mycodog.com/collections/cognition


Bre Drake welcomes natural rearing breeder Nicole Nelson to the Love Your Dogs podcast for a conversation about epigenetics, genetic diversity, and the future of dog breeding. Together they explore how the health of today’s dogs may be influenced by decisions made generations ago. This episode sheds light on an important conversation happening quietly within the dog world.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tailswellhealth/ Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tailswell.com/ Show Notes


Sponsors


Venjenz Motherboard for Pets (code TAILSWELL): ⁠https://venjenz.com/products/motherboard-for-pets⁠


Show Notes


Follow Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puppies_from_truenorth/

Natural Rearing Breeder Connection: https://www.nrbreeder.com/

Wellspring HAA Puppy Search Guide: https://stan.store/WellspringHAA/p/puppy-search-guide

Natural Rearing by Jeannette Thomason (wonderful and important read for all dog parents): https://www.thedogbreederstore.com/Natural-Rearing--Breeding-and-Raising-Dogs-The-Way-Nature-Intended_p_171.html

Embark COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) testing: https://embarkvet.com/breeders/genetic-coi/

Canine Nomographs (maternal antibody wear off detection): https://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/lab/cavids/canine-nomograph-what-is-it/


Relevant Studies


Tiffon, 2018 – “The Impact of Nutrition and Environmental Epigenetics on Health and Disease”

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6275017/

Gudsnuk & Champagne, 2012 – “Epigenetic Influence of Stress and the Social Environment”

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4021821/

van Otterdijk & Michels, 2016 – “Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in Mammals”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27037350/



In this episode, Bre speaks with integrative veterinary oncologist Dr. Kendra Pope about cancer in dogs, the limitations of conventional thinking around prevention, and the deeper questions more dog parents are beginning to ask about environment, lifestyle, and long-term health.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tailswellhealth/Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tailswell.com/Show Notes


Dr. Kendra Pope's Website (her philosophy, research, education programs, how to support her mission): https://drkendrapope.com/

Her Cancer Prevention Course for Pet Parents: https://drkendrapope.com/pet-parents/

Prism Integrative Veterinary Healthy: https://www.prismvethealth.com/

Dr. Kendra Pope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkendrapope/

Prism Vet Health Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prismvethealth/


Oncotect At-Home Cancer Screening: https://oncotect.co/?bg_ref=l8NQZr9dOT

Sponsors:

Venjenz Motherboard for Pets (code TAILSWELL): https://venjenz.com/products/motherboard-for-pets



Flea and tick preventatives are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in veterinary medicine, but how do they actually work? In this episode, holistic dog health educator Bre Drake takes a closer look at the class of drugs behind popular products like Bravecto, NexGard, and Simparica. She explores how these medications function inside the body, how they’re tested for safety, and what dog owners should understand before using them. Bre also discusses the concept of cumulative toxic load in modern dogs and why parasite prevention doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing conversation. This episode invites dog owners to step back from fear-based decision making and take a more informed look at the tradeoffs involved in protecting dogs from parasites.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tailswellhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tailswell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Show Notes

Venjenz Motherboard for Pets (code TAILSWELL)

Holistic Flea & Tick Support Guide

Adored Beast Liver Tonic (Post-Med Support)

Nexguard, Simparica & Bravecto - Are they safe for dogs? by Dogs Naturally

Affordable Pet Labs - at home pet diagnostics

FDA Fact Sheet for Pet Owners and Veterinarians about Potential Adverse Events Associated with Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products

FDA Warning: Flea & Tick Products (issued Sep 2018)


Studies:

The canine blood-brain barrier in health and disease: focus on brain protection

Comparative analysis of isoxazoline activity on human and canine GABA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Survey of canine use and safety of isoxazoline parasiticides

Pharmacokinetics of fluralaner in dogs following a single oral or intravenous administration

Suspected neurological toxicity after oral application of fluralaner (Bravecto®) in a Kooikerhondje dog




In this in-depth conversation, Bre sits down with Paula Vandervoort — a 50+ year Boxer breeder, natural rearing expert, homeopath, naturopath, and founder of The Dog Breeder Store — a space dedicated to bringing holistic tools and education to breeders and dog parents alike.

Together, they explore the origins and intention behind vaccines, how they function in the body, and where the conversation often falls short when it comes to understanding true immunity. Paula shares her perspective and research on adverse reactions, the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach, and why building a dog’s internal resilience and terrain matters more than any single intervention. They also dive into the disconnect between policy and biology when it comes to rabies, the role of titers, and the broader question of what actually creates a robust, adaptable immune system in dogs. This episode invites dog parents to step out of fear, ask better questions, and begin thinking about health in a more individualized, biologically aligned way.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tailswellhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tailswell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Show Notes

Paula Vandervoort:

The Dog Breeder Store

The Natural Rearing Breeder Connection

Facebook Group: Naturally Reared Holistic Dog

Creating Immunity w/o Vaccinations Ebook

Dr. Todd Cooney's Parvo Data

Facebook Group: ⁠The Unvaccinated Pet Community⁠

Purdue Unvaccinated vs Vaccinated Study

Dr. Pitcairn's Website

What Every Dog Parent Should Know About Vaccines (Referencing the work of Dr. Ronald Schultz)

⁠Dr. William Falconer's Parvo/Distemper Nosode Protocol


Affordable Titer Testing (vet draws blood, you mail in )

HemoPet

Texas A & M Veterinary Diagnostics Lab

Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostics Lab


What if your dog “doing fine” isn’t the full story?

In this episode, Bre addresses the unfortunately all-too-common mindset: "my dog lived to almost 15 on kibble and vaccines… so just do what works.” Longevity feels like proof, but one dog doing okay doesn’t define what’s optimal. It shows what that dog was able to tolerate. She talks about genetic resilience, the difference between surviving and thriving, and why “it worked for my dog” isn’t a complete picture, especially when more and more dogs aren’t doing fine.

In this episode, Bre questions the holistic flea and tick conversation, the pressure around vaccines, and the growing realization that truly holistic care often means stepping outside the modern dog industry. She also share insights from homeopathic veterinarian William Falconer on fresh feeding, veterinary narratives, and the difference between curing, palliating, and suppressing disease. A thoughtful episode about what it really means to care for dogs holistically.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tailswellhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tailswell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

(downloadable guides, book one-on-one consultation)


Show Notes

Holistic Flea & Tick Support Guide

Facebook Group: The Unvaccinated Pet Community

Adored Beast Rebalancer - formerly called "anti-vaccinosis," a homeopathic remedy product for post-vaccine support

Vaccine Detox Protocol for Dogs


Vitalanimal.com - Dr. William Falconer, DVM


"The Fresh Pet Food Movement" - article discussed in this episode (from Dr. Falconer's Vital Animal News email)


Trusted Supplement Brands

Venjenz

Adored Beast Apothecary


Listener Discounts:

East Perry Sheepskin Products, Code: TAILSWELL15


Resources:

Find a holistic vet: ⁠ahvma.org⁠

Find a homeopathic vet: ⁠theavh.org⁠

Most dog owners believe their veterinarian is responsible for their dog’s health, but the truth is that conventional veterinary medicine was designed to meet a standard of care, not to create optimal health.

In this episode, Bre breaks down the limitations of the current veterinary model and why dogs benefit from a team-based approach to care.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tailswellhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tailswell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

(downloadable guides, book one-on-one consultation)


Show Notes

East Perry Sheepskin Products, Code: TAILSWELL15

Find a holistic vet: ahvma.org

Find a homeopathic vet: theavh.org




Published 2026-02-25

My "Wolf with a Porch" Philosophy

16 min
Open

Bre Drake shares her holistic approach to dog ownership, emphasizing natural rearing, diet, movement, and respecting dogs as descendants of wild animals. She discusses practical tips for raising resilient, healthy dogs aligned with their natural instincts - specifically, advice for dogs who live in cities and spend a lot of time indoors.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@tailswellhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tailswell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠


Show Notes


Natural Immunity: Nosodes & Safe, Natural Exposure


For indoor dogs:

Green Juju's Probiotic Line: Leaf, Soil & Farm

Dogs Treadmill: DogPacer


Published 2026-02-18

Strong Dogs Are Not Built on Diet Alone

32 min
Open

After a weekend at SEWE in Charleston, part birthday celebration, part wildlife expo, Bre left with lots of ideas for discussion here. Surrounded by powerful, purpose-driven working dogs and heavy Purina Pro Plan sponsorship, she couldn’t ignore the messaging that these dogs looked and performed the way they did because of the food (the kibble). In this episode, she reflects on lifestyle shifts (including her move toward natural fibers and reducing consumption), observations from the event, and the bigger biological picture behind canine performance. From movement and metabolic resilience to AAFCO standards and ultra-processed diets, she challenges the assumption that survival equals optimal. Because sponsorship isn’t the same as causation, and what truly builds a dog may not fit on a bag.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@tailswellhealth⁠⁠⁠

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠⁠Tailswell.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Love Your Dogs podcast, Bre Drake discusses the complexities of titer testing in dogs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the immune system and the role of vaccines. She explains the difference between core and non-core vaccines, the significance of natural exposure, and the limitations of relying solely on titer tests. Bre advocates for a holistic approach to dog health, encouraging pet owners to trust their dogs' natural immunity and to be informed about the science behind vaccinations and immunity.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠⁠@tailswellhealth⁠⁠

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠⁠Tailswell.com⁠⁠


Show Notes


Vital Animal Website & Podcast


Mail-in Titer Tests:

HemoPet.org

Kansas State University Diagnostics Lab


Duration of Immunity Research:

Duration of Immunity After Rabies Vaccination

Lifelong Immunity: Why Vets Are Pushing Back

Duration of Immunity for Canine & Feline Vaccines

Rabies Vaccination Status & Laws


In this episode of the Love Your Dogs podcast, Bre Drake discusses the complexities of flea and tick prevention for dogs, contrasting conventional methods with holistic approaches. She shares her personal experiences with her dog, Pine, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with both types of treatments. Bre advocates for a layered management system for fleas, including daily checks and natural remedies, while also acknowledging the effectiveness of conventional medications in certain situations. The conversation highlights the significance of supporting a dog's immune system and focusing on basic care practices to ensure overall health and well-being.


Follow Bre on Instagram: ⁠@tailswellhealth⁠

Visit Tailswell Website: ⁠Tailswell.com⁠


Show Notes

Holistic Flea & Tick Support Guide

Natural Flea & Tick Sprays, Shampoons, Flea Comb, Etc.


Trusted Immune Support Supplements

⁠Venjenz Motherboard for Pets⁠

Bor-L Immune


"Break in case of emergency" flea pressure reset:

Capstar (24 hour flea kill) - be sure to check weight on box






Published 2026-01-28

The Hidden Costs of Routine Spay & Neuter

34 min
Open

In this episode of the Love Your Dogs podcast, Bre Drake discusses the complexities surrounding spaying and neutering dogs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the hormonal impacts and potential health risks associated with these procedures. She advocates for responsible pet ownership and explores alternative sterilization options, while also addressing the myths surrounding cancer prevention and behavioral issues in dogs. Bre encourages dog owners to prioritize their pets' well-being and make informed decisions about their health care.


Follow Bre on Instagram ⁠@tailswellhealth⁠

Visit ⁠Tailswell website ⁠for downloadable guides & to book a one-on-one consultation


Show Notes


⁠WSAVA 2024 Guidance on Reproduction Control in Dogs & Cats⁠


Oncotect At-Home Cancer Screening


Dogs Are Individuals Podcast Episodes - Herbal Support for Spayed & Neutered Dogs:

⁠Ep. 145 How Spay & Neuter Really Affect your Dog's Health⁠

⁠Ep. 149 What Really Happens Inside Your Dog After Spay or Neuter⁠


Directory for Veterinary Reproductive Specialists - finding a vet that is experienced in hormone sparing sterilization procedures: ⁠American College of Theriogenologists⁠

Published 2026-01-21

A Different Approach to Canine Immunity

40 min
Open

In this episode of the Love Your Dogs podcast, Bre Drake passionately discusses the alarming rise in canine cancer rates and the importance of holistic health approaches for dogs. She shares her personal experiences with her dogs, emphasizing the need for informed decisions regarding vaccinations and the benefits of natural rearing. Bre introduces the concept of homeopathic nosodes as a safer alternative to traditional vaccines, advocating for a more natural approach to dog health. The episode concludes with a call to action for dog owners and breeders to prioritize the health and well-being of their pets.


Follow Bre on Instagram: @tailswellhealth

Visit Tailswell Website: Tailswell.com


Resources shared in this episode:


Vital Animal: Website & Podcast

The Problem with Puppy Vaccines

Parvo & Distemper Homeopathic Nosodes

Venjenz Motherboard for Pets

Nature's Premium Goldens (Pine's Breeder)

HemoPet.org (mail-in, affordable titer testing)

Natural Rearing Breeder Connection



Published 2026-01-13

Learning How to Feed Dogs Fresh Food

45 min
Open

In this episode of the Love Your Dogs podcast, Bre Drake shares her personal journey from feeding her dogs a kibble diet to transitioning to fresh food. She discusses the challenges and learning curves involved in making this change, emphasizing the importance of understanding ingredients and the benefits of whole foods. Bre also provides recommendations for dog food brands, highlights the significance of education through workshops, and encourages dog owners to build confidence in feeding their pets a raw (or gently cooked) diet. The conversation is filled with practical tips and insights for anyone looking to improve their dog's nutrition.


Follow Bre on Instagram @Tailswellhealth

Visit Bre's Website (shop her guides, book a one-on-one consultation)


SHOW NOTES

Dr. Judy Jasek, Holistic Veterinarian

Bre's Fresh Food Feeding Guide: Recommended Dog Food Brands for Healthier Dogs

Feed Real Institute (workshop, courses, Feed Real Calculator)

Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst


Digestive Enzymes (add to kibble and during transition to fresh food)

Adored Beast Healthy Gut

Dr. GoodPet Digestive Enzymes


RAW INGREDIENT SOURCING

Raw Feeding Miami

My Pet Carnivore

Raw Delivery Minnesota

Published 2026-01-07

How Loss, Curiosity, and Dogs Led Me Here

36 min
Open

In this episode, I share the story behind Love Your Dogs and why I can’t practice dog care the same way anymore. After losing my two golden retrievers, Skip and Ann, to cancer, I began asking harder questions about food, vaccines, preventatives, and how much of what we call “normal care” is actually built for convenience, not long-term health. I’m not a veterinarian, but I am a holistic dog health educator who has spent years learning, questioning, and applying this work with my own dogs. This podcast exists to help dog parents think more critically, trust their observations, and make more informed choices for the dogs they love because loving your dog means being willing to look closer.

Love your dogs.


Connect & Learn More:

Follow Bre on Instagram: @tailswellhealth https://www.instagram.com/tailswellhealth/


Book a one-on-one consultation with Bre and grab her downloadable guides for healthier dogs: https://www.tailswell.com/