Lyme disease is one of the biggest health concerns for pet parents—but are we looking at it the right way?

In this episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we take a deep dive into Lyme disease from a holistic veterinarian’s perspective, uncovering what’s often overlooked in conventional conversations. From tick exposure to immune resilience, this episode goes beyond fear-based messaging and into a more balanced, whole-body approach to prevention and care.

We explore what Lyme disease actually is, how it impacts dogs, and why some pets develop symptoms while others don’t. You’ll also learn how terrain, lifestyle, and overall health play a critical role in your pet’s susceptibility—and what you can do to support them naturally.

But this isn’t about perfection or panic. It’s about understanding your options, asking better questions, and making empowered choices for your pet’s long-term health.

In this episode, we cover:
• What Lyme disease really is and how it affects dogs
• Common symptoms (and why they’re often missed)
• The role of the immune system in disease expression
• Holistic prevention strategies beyond tick control
• Natural support options for dogs diagnosed with Lyme
• How to think differently about risk, resilience, and health

Whether you’re new to holistic pet care or deep into your journey, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew—and give you practical, grounded insight you can actually use.

Resources:

Lyme Prevention- A homeopathic Lyme prevention protocol by Dr Jessica Levy

TickCheck- Tick testing that can determine with 99.99% accuracy if the tick that bit you carries Lyme or 10 additional tick-borne diseases.

Standard Process- Immune supporting for Lyme are Canine Immune System Support and Echinacea C

Gussy Gut- Daily Boost is an incredible immune support option as it addresses the health of the gut microbiome. Save 10% with code GUSSY116431

Helios- A trusted homeopathic pharmacy where you can find thousands of remedies. Top choices for Lyme are:

Rhus tox 30c, Bryonia alba 30c, Hypericum perforatum 30c, or Ledum palustre 30c

Natural Flea and Tick Prevention- Check out Wellspring's guide to prevent and treat a wide variety of pests all done with natural and non-toxic options.

Foundations Bundle- Learn how to build immunity with homeopathy, feed a raw diet, as well as prevent and treat pests naturally. Get everything you need to learn the foundational pieces of raising your dog the way nature intended with Wellspring's Foundations Bundle!

Don't miss future episodes!

Make sure to follow to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast.

Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa

Instagram | wellspring_haa

YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube

Website | wellspringhaa.com

Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

Join us as we explore what it is like to go from the conventional animal world and cross over into the holistic approach from the perspective of an average dog mom. Air Gustafson met Dr. Levy in 2015 when her little mutt named Morty was in a health crisis as she had completely stopped eating. After seeking out 2 other opinions beforehand and not even receiving a diagnosis, Dr. Levy assessed Morty and prescribed her a treatment plan. Air decided to heed her recommendations and in only 3 short weeks Morty went from undiagnosed and sick back to healthy and thriving! This has led Air on an incredible journey that, through many ups and downs, has opened her eyes to holistic health and wellness and is now turning it into an amazing business venture to partner with other dog owners and organizations who share her same passion.

Resources:

Currently on rotation for both the Morty and Zephyr:

• Liver support: Liver Tonic from Adored Beast

• Gut support: Healthy Gut from Adored Beast

Rotate pre- and probiotics between different brands once each bottle runs out, rather than staying on just one long-term.

• Joint / connective tissue support: Sound Dog Viscosity by Herbsmith

Follow Air's journey with Morty's Bark & Brew at mortysbarkbrew.com

Don't miss future episodes!

Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast.

Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa

Instagram | wellspring_haa

YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube

Website | wellspringhaa.com

Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

What does “raw” actually mean when it comes to your dog’s food — and are all raw diets created equal?

In this eye-opening episode, we're pulling back the curtain to unpack the truth about raw feeding. Because here’s the reality: just because a label says “raw” or "natural" doesn’t mean it delivers the biological nutrition your dog was designed to thrive on.

We’ll dive into:

• What truly makes a food raw — and how processing can quietly strip away the very benefits you’re paying for
• Why high-pressure processing (HPP) and sterilization methods matter — and how these techniques may alter enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and nutrient integrity
• Why ingredient sourcing and quality are non-negotiable — from muscle meat to organ balance to the often-overlooked importance of variety
• How to read beyond marketing claims and confidently choose food that supports your dog’s gut health, immune resilience, skin, coat, and long-term vitality

We’ll share practical guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls — and empower you to make decisions rooted in facts, not sales tactics.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog’s “raw” food is as natural as it sounds… this episode may change the way you look at the bowl forever. Because when it comes to your dog’s health, quality isn’t optional — it’s everything.

Resources:

"The Good And The Bad Of HPP Dog Food" - Great article by Dogs Naturally

"Pet Food Ingredients: The Disclosed and the Non Disclosed" - by Susan Thixton

Examples of Pet Food Companies That Currently DO NOT Use HPP

BJ's Raw, Raw Feeding Miami, My Pet Carnivore, and Hare Today

Want some help with feeding raw or doing things more naturally?

Raise 'Em On Raw - Our simple yet thorough guide on the foundations of feeding raw

NR Foundations Bundle - Our top 3 guides to set you and your dog on the natural path

Don't miss future episodes!

Make sure to follow to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast.

Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa

Instagram | wellspring_haa

YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube

Website | wellspringhaa.com

Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com