Love Your Dogs

Bre Drake of Tailswell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

Episodes

  1. The Vaccine Conversation No One Is Actually Having (with Paula Vandervoort)

    2D AGO

    The Vaccine Conversation No One Is Actually Having (with Paula Vandervoort)

    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

    1h 19m
  2. My Dog Lived to 15 on Kibble… So What’s the Problem?

    MAR 19

    My Dog Lived to 15 on Kibble… So What’s the Problem?

    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.

    16 min
  3. Fleas, Vaccines, Fresh Food and the Cost of Opting Out

    MAR 12

    Fleas, Vaccines, Fresh Food and the Cost of Opting Out

    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

    34 min
  4. What Most Vets Won’t Say About Dog Health

    MAR 4

    What Most Vets Won’t Say About Dog Health

    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

    36 min
  5. My "Wolf with a Porch" Philosophy

    FEB 25

    My "Wolf with a Porch" Philosophy

    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

    17 min
  6. Strong Dogs Are Not Built on Diet Alone

    FEB 19

    Strong Dogs Are Not Built on Diet Alone

    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

    32 min
  7. Less Testing, More Trust: Rethinking Titer Testing

    FEB 11

    Less Testing, More Trust: Rethinking Titer Testing

    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

    23 min
  8. My Honest Flea Prevention Routine (No Monthly Pesticides)

    FEB 4

    My Honest Flea Prevention Routine (No Monthly Pesticides)

    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

    39 min
  9. The Hidden Costs of Routine Spay & Neuter

    JAN 29

    The Hidden Costs of Routine Spay & Neuter

    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

    35 min
  10. A Different Approach to Canine Immunity

    JAN 21

    A Different Approach to Canine Immunity

    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

    40 min
  11. Learning How to Feed Dogs Fresh Food

    JAN 13

    Learning How to Feed Dogs Fresh Food

    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

    45 min
  12. How Loss, Curiosity, and Dogs Led Me Here

    JAN 7

    How Loss, Curiosity, and Dogs Led Me Here

    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/

    36 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Bre Drake of Tailswell
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bre Drake of Tailswell
  • Show Website
    Love Your Dogs

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