EP #1596: Veterinary Drugs, Corporate Influence & Holistic Alternatives

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