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

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

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

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

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