In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Dr. Josie Beug, DVM – a pioneer in holistic veterinary care and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). Dr. Josie shares her powerful insights from over two decades in veterinary medicine, detailing the evolution of veterinary drugs, the rise of corporate influence in pet care, and why some commonly prescribed drugs may be doing more harm than good.
This conversation is packed with jaw-dropping revelations about pharmaceutical industry tactics, drug safety concerns, and what every pet parent must know before agreeing to certain treatments.
💡 What You'll Learn:
- How corporate interests are shaping veterinary treatment protocols
- The dangers of popular drugs like Apoquel, Cytopoint, Librela, Gabapentin, and Trazodone
- Why some monoclonal antibody drugs might disintegrate your dog’s joints
- The hidden risks of injectable treatments like ProHeart
- How shelter use of medications like Trazodone can affect animal behavior long-term
- The difference between sedating symptoms and actually treating them
- Why reading the package insert might save your pet’s life
- Safer, holistic alternatives and how Dr. Josie approaches pain, arthritis, and skin issues
- Tips on being your pet’s strongest health advocate
🧠 Key Takeaways:
- "I'd take steroids over some of these new drugs any day."
- Veterinary schools today may be focusing more on tech than touch – creating a gap in critical diagnostic skills.
- Corporate veterinary chains often pressure young vets to follow treatment protocols designed by pharmaceutical reps.
- Librela and similar drugs were rejected for humans due to severe side effects – and are now repackaged for pets.
- Gabapentin is not a proven painkiller for animals, and in some cases, can become addictive or even dangerous.
- Apoquel’s own package insert lists "neoplasia" (cancer) as a side effect – and yet it's still widely prescribed.
- Injectable drugs can cause irreversible harm — don’t agree to anything on the spot.
- Flea/tick meds like Bravecto have seizure warnings hidden under vet labels — peel that sticker back!
- Always ask: Who benefits from this drug? Is it your pet — or the company?
👩⚕️ About Our Guest: Dr. Josie Beug, DVM
- Earned her veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin (1998)
- Specializes in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and other holistic healing modalities
- President of the student chapter of the AHVMA during veterinary school
- Runs a thriving holistic house call practice in South Florida
- Faculty member at Q University
- Passionate about integrating ancient wisdom and modern science to help pets live longer, happier lives
- Offers telehealth consultations nationwide
📣 Resources & Links Mentioned:
- PetAdvCare.com
– Informational site about Librela & similar drugs - Dr. Josie’s article on Gabapentin dangers: [Link here if available]
- FDA Package Inserts Database
– Lookup any veterinary drug - Facebook Groups: Search for “Librela Side Effects” to join community discussions
- Judy Morgan, DVM – Holistic vet & educator (frequently referenced)
🐕 Listener Tip of the Week:
Never agree to an injection for your pet without researching the drug first. Ask for the name, go home, look it up, and come back if you feel safe.
🛑 Dr. Josie’s “Red Flag” Drugs:
Avoid or deeply research the following before using:
- Librela
- Cytopoint
- Gabapentin
- Apoquel
- Trazodone
- ProHeart 12
- Bravecto / Simparica (flea & tick meds)
🎧 Listen Now On:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podc
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.