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

Are supplements the missing link in your pet’s health—or just clever marketing?

In this episode, listen in to how we break down the truth about supplements for your pets. With so many powders, chews, and tinctures lining pet store shelves, it’s easy to assume “more is better.” But does your dog actually need supplements? And if so, which ones?

We dive into:

• How to determine whether your dog truly needs supplementation
• Why falling for trendy marketing can do more harm than good
• The critical importance of ingredient sourcing, bioavailability, and quality control
• What it really means to “supplement with purpose”
• How to build a thoughtful, individualized supplement plan based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health history

You’ll learn how to move beyond hype and make confident, informed decisions that support long-term wellness—not just quick fixes.

If you’ve ever stood in the pet aisle and looked online just to find yourself overwhelmed by options or wondered whether you’re doing enough (or too much), this episode will give you clarity, practical guidance, and a more holistic perspective on supporting your animal’s health.

Resources:

"Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's Life" - This book is your go-to resource for helping your pet with natural remedies!

"What's in Your Vitamins?" - Great list of synthetic vitamin names to help you navigate ingredient lists

National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) - A list of some of the responsible suppliers of animal health and nutritional supplements

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

Ever heard the term "vaccinosis" and wondered… is there actually science behind holistic dog care?

In this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Paula Vandervoort—an expert breeder and show veteran with over 50 years of experience—to explore one of the most debated topics in the dog world: vaccines, holistic practices, and what truly supports long-term canine health.

Paula brings a rare perspective shaped by decades in both conventional and Natural Rearing spaces. Her journey didn’t start with theory—it started with heartbreak. Through firsthand experiences that challenged everything she thought she knew, she began to question the status quo and ultimately transformed her approach to breeding and raising dogs.

This conversation dives deep into the concept of vaccinosis, the credibility of holistic practices, and the real-life results that have shaped Paula’s success today. Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or already on a natural path, this episode will challenge your thinking and expand your perspective.

In this episode, we cover:
• What “vaccinosis” is and why it’s so controversial
• Is there scientific backing behind holistic dog care?
• Paula’s 50+ year journey in breeding and showing dogs
• The shift from conventional methods to Natural Rearing
• Lessons learned through loss, resilience, and long-term success
• What every dog owner and breeder should consider

This is a powerful, thought-provoking conversation for anyone who wants to better understand the intersection of tradition, science, and holistic dog health.

Resources:

"Creating Immunity Without Vaccines" - Paula's e-book including vaccinosis checklist

V-tox Starter Kit - A great start to detox your pet from vaccines, chemicals and environmental toxins

Dr. Todd Cooney's Parvo Data - Data on the use of nosodes compiled by Dr Todd Cooney

NRBreeder.com - Find a NR education and a directory for NR Breeders

Gentryboxers.com - Paula's breeding program

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

Could something as simple as massage be the missing piece in your dog’s health routine?

In this eye-opening episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked yet incredibly powerful tools in holistic pet care: animal massage and bodywork.

Joining us is Victoria from The Balanced Orchid, an animal massage and bodywork specialist, who breaks down exactly what this practice is, how it works, and why more pet owners are turning to it for support with common issues like allergies, ear infections, mobility challenges, and more.

If you’ve only ever thought of massage as a luxury—you’re about to see it in a whole new light.

This conversation dives into how touch, circulation, and nervous system support can play a major role in your dog’s overall wellness—and how small, intentional practices at home can make a big difference over time.

In this episode, we cover:
• What animal massage and bodywork actually is
• How it can support issues like allergies, ear infections, and more
• The connection between circulation, tension, and health
• Simple do’s & don’ts every dog owner should know
• How to proactively support your dog’s body before problems start
• Why this modality is often overlooked—but incredibly effective

Whether you’re deep into holistic care or just starting to explore natural options, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of supporting your dog’s health—naturally.

Resources:

The Balanced Orchid- Learn more about animal massage and bodywork

@the_balanced_orchid- Follow Victoria on Instagram

IIAMB.org- Find an animal & bodywork specialist near you

UKCDogs.com- Learn all about what it takes to earn The Total Dog through the UKC

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

Detox is one of the biggest buzzwords in the wellness movement and we're going to break down this often-misunderstood concept. Let's define what it really is, what we should detox our pets from, how it works in the body, and what we should expect when it comes to helping our animals with it. Whether you've raised you pets naturally or are just coming over from a more conventional mindset, you'll want to listen in on this one!

Resources:

Affordable Pet Labs.com- Easy home collection kits

Wellspring HAA- find all of our guides and resources

Cancer Is Not a Disease – It’s a Healing Mechanism- by Andreas Moritz

Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats- by Kymythy Schultze

Give Your Dog a Bone- by Dr Ian Billinghurst

Feed Real Institute- Excellent raw feeding education and resources

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

Have you ever wondered what types of things go into raising a puppy naturally? Listen in as we discuss some important things to think about when choosing to go the Natural Rearing (NR) route. We'll bring some clarity to some topics that are often swirling with confusion in all of the info online and on social media as well as touch on some things most people don't discuss. There are SO many benefits to raising a puppy the way that nature intended. We invite you into that approach and are here to help you learn how to find success in every area!

Resources:

Puppy Culture- Education for breeders, puppy owners,
and dogs of any age.

Natural Rearing- Breeding and Raising Dogs the Way Nature Intended- by Dr Jeannie Thomason

Standard Process- Capitalize on the first 6 months to build puppies immune system - Canine Enteric Support & Canine Immune System Support

NR Foundations Bundle - Our top 3 guides to set your puppy on the natural path

Sound Proof Puppy Training App- For Apple

Sound Proof Puppy Training App- Google Play

CranioSacral Therapy- Learn about yet another fabulous modality to add to your NR toolbox

IAHP.com- Find a craniosacral therapist near you, just enter your state and search

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