LEARN TO FEED RAW
What’s In Our Winter Hiking Kit For Dogs + Safety Tips

What’s In Our Winter Hiking Kit For Dogs + Safety Tips

by | Dec 18, 2022 | Blog, Lifestyle, Outdoors, Product Reviews

Winter Hiking Kit For Dogs

Papa Wolf Jc blissed out with the pups in fresh powder.

What’s In Our Winter Hiking Kit For Dogs + Safety Tips

“What’s in your winter hiking kit for dogs ”? We’ve been adventuring with the Husky Squad in the winter for over ten years, and I’m excited to share with you what’s in our packs for our dogs, for the humans, and what’s in our vehicle for the winter too. I also include LIFE-SAVING SAFETY TIPS you NEED to know BEFORE heading out to play in winter wonderland.

WHY WINTER HIKING GEAR IS ESSENTIAL

Winter conditions require different gear for more enjoyment and safety precautions. The snowy winter wonderland regions in the world are absolutely stunning and become our playground for humans and dogs who can’t get enough of this magical season. BUT… We must be careful. We don’t want these magical experiences to turn into nightmares, and we also want to maximize the fun while we’re out there. All of this is possible when you put together a fantastic winter hiking kit for dogs and humans included!

winter adventure
Dogs in Zermat
Yuna & Kimahri in winter
hiking ie Europe with dogs

OUR WINTER HIKING KIT INCLUDES

DOG KIT

R Musher’s Secret
R Compact trail water bowl
R Water bladder
R High-calorie treats
R Microfiber towels
R Emergency kit

HUMAN KIT

R Snowshoes
R Cleats
R Gaiters
R Meal Bars

CAR KIT

R Large musher’s secret
R No-Spill water bowl
R Large emergency kit
R Emergency cones
R Emergency muzzles
R Good winter tires
R Tire chains
R Reflective emergency kit
R Jump starter
R Emergency food
R Additional Microfiber towels
R Recovery traction boards (pick a neon color for higher visibility if needed!)

SHOP OUR ENTIRE WINTER KIT

You’ll find a curated list of all products we use. Click the button below.

SHOP AMAZON

YOUR DOG COULD BE EATING LIKE THIS

...and it's easier than you think!

Kibble to Raw

DOGGO LIFE MEMBERSHIP CLUB

DIY TOE BEANS THERAPY CREAM and so much more is coming to the Doggo Life Membership Club.

LIFE-SAVING TIPS FOR ADVENTURING IN THE WINTER WITH DOGS

 

  1. ICE BALLS. If your dog gets ice-balls in the paws, you didn’t put enough Musher’s Secret. If your dog is walking differently or limping, check immediately and remove those ice-balls. They hurt!
  2. YOUR DOG IS FIRST. Understand our dog’s breed, health, age – and individual. It can be TOO cold, even for some huskies. We all know some dogs like to literally chill in winter storms, but you will know your dog best. Take shorter trips first to allow your dog to acclimate and for you to become a keen observer. Things change, and age changes things too! Always keep a close eye.
  3. KEEP IT MOVING. This is how you and your dog stay warm and that is critical in winter conditions, especially for your dog. Standing around static for a while without continued movement speeds up feeling colder which can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. Taking a photo is fine, but I’m sure you understand what I mean. This especially applies when it’s single digits (Fahrenheit) and lower, windy, or storming.
  4. PAW TLC. Chemical exposure in trail parking lots and roads due to ice melt products is REAL, SERIOUS, and VERY DANGEROUS to dogs. Dogs often ingest products while cleaning and grooming themselves. Soak, wash, and care for paws after each adventure to avoid health implications. Add your name to the DOGGO LIFE CLUB MEMBERSHIP list for our home-made holistic Toe Beans Winter TLC Routine and so much more!
  5. SLICK ICE can be very harmful to dogs and can cause painful injuries. These injuries can impact your dog’s entire life! AVOID ice filled trails, and get non-slip booties if absolutely needed. It’s best to avoid icy, slippery trails altogether.
  6. FROZEN LAKES can be deceiving and VERY dangerous. Learn, research, test again and again and be patient. When in doubt – just don’t do it! Early in the winter season is usually the most dangerous. We keep the pups on a leash before arriving at any lake in the winter just to be safe. Once we test and feel 100000% confident, we PLAY!
  7. STAY DRY. Hypothermia is even more dangerous in the winter, but the most dangerous enemy is moisture and being wet. Watch the video below where we talk about what we do and use to stay dry in the winter with our pups!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

MY CLOSING THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR WINTER ADVENTURE KIT FOR DOGS

I loved writing this blog, and I’m excited for you to enjoy safe winter hikes with your dog.  I hope you find our winter adventure kit highly beneficial! For our hands-free leash and belt kit, visit this blog. Remember, safety is always the number one priority. If your intuition tells you not to go too deep, too far, or anything in between – listen! Your intuition is hardly ever wrong. Be safe and enjoy this magical season with your dog!

What’s In Our Winter Hiking Kit For Dogs + Safety Tips

What’s In Our Winter Hiking Kit For Dogs + Safety Tips

Papa Wolf Jc blissed out with the pups in fresh powder.“What’s in your winter hiking kit for dogs ”? We’ve been adventuring with the Husky Squad in the winter for over ten years, and I’m excited to share with you what’s in our packs for our dogs, for the humans, and...

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The Best Camera For Dog Photography (Compact+ Affordable!)

The Best Camera For Dog Photography (Compact+ Affordable!)

Kimahri photogpraphed in France with the Canon M50 Mirorless CameraThe best camera for dog photography is ultimately the camera you can use every day with ease. “What camera do you use for the Husky Squad”? This is one of the most common questions we’re asked on...

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Hands-Free Dog Leash Walking Kit

Hands-Free Dog Leash Walking Kit

I love the freedom and focus of the hands-free leash setup.“Which Hands-Free Dog Leash and Belt do you use for the Husky Squad”? This question is hands-down one of the top three dog product related questions we receive on Youtube and Instagram. In this blog, I’m...

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The Best Camera For Dog Photography (Compact+ Affordable!)

The Best Camera For Dog Photography (Compact+ Affordable!)

by | Dec 5, 2022 | Blog, Product Reviews

The Best Camera For Dog Photography

Kimahri photogpraphed in France with the Canon M50 Mirorless Camera

The Best Camera For Dog Photography (Compact+ Affordable!)

The best camera for dog photography is ultimately the camera you can use every day with ease. “What camera do you use for the Husky Squad”? This is one of the most common questions we’re asked on Instagram about our photos. I’m excited to share with you our lightweight, compact, affordable, and super versatile camera setup we use for dog photography. 

WHY A COMPACT CAMERA IS ESSENTIAL

Size and weight matter, and it matters more when you want to take pictures at a whim, any time you feel like it. Sure, your smartphone will do for some candid moments and memories, and I’m guilty of having hundreds on my iPhone, but these photos will always be lower quality. These one-size-fits-none phone cameras simply don’t cut it, especially when you want to learn how to take better photos. Lightweight, compact, mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses are the perfect solution. Due to their small size, they will fit into any handbag, and the fantastic tech packed into such a small body easily competes with entry-level DSLRs, without their weight and bulk. THIS IS HOW YOU BEGIN TAKING PHOTOS ALL THE TIME.

Switzerland with dogs
Dogs in Zermat
Belgium dog friendly
hiking ie Europe with dogs

BUT ARE LARGE DSLRs BETTER FOR DOG PHOTOGRAPHY?

If I had a lens for every person I’ve encountered who went out and bought an expensive, heavy, large DSLR after seeing my professional photography kit, only to turn around and sell it after a month of use, I’d be loaded with every lens on the market.

I can’t count how many times I’ve had to say: “It’s not the camera, it is the photographer!”

Sure, a good camera is essential, and everyone has their favorite, but in the end, the most important piece of the puzzle is: learning your camera, learning how to shoot in “manual” mode, and practicing every day.

 

THE BEST CAMERA FOR DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

Ultimately, if your photography kit is portable enough to take with you everywhere you go, the more you’ll practice on your own, and with your pup. A compact camera is fun, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I enjoy mine more than my large DSLR – simply because of how often I get to use it, and how happy I am with the results every time!

MY DAILY PACK HAS THIS PHOTOGRAPHY KIT INSIDE

Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Canon Lens Hood EW-60F

Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM Lens

What To Get First

If I had to choose from the top list, I’d begin with the camera of course, and the 15-45mm kit lens. Once you’re comfortable and have been practicing with your dog in various scenarios, it’s time to get the amazing 18-150 you’ll fall in love with!

Shop my entire photography gear on Amazon

GET THE KIT

YOUR DOG COULD BE EATING LIKE THIS

...and it's easier than you think!

Kibble to Raw

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

A full review of my daily dog photography kit. Learn how we use this setup and why we think it’s amazing! I also share my top 3 tips for taking photos of your dog.

ONE CLICK LIGHTROOM PRESETS FOR DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

These are our personal Lightroom presets we use to bring specific vibes to our Husky Squad instagram account. These presets are built specifically for dogs to bring out the best in their fur and features. Our Seasons Stories Lightroom Preset Pack is built to cover all seasons to enhance your images with a single click. All presets include a user guide to help you along the way.

Use code COMPACT10 for a discount on the Lightroom Preset Packs.

Season Stories Pack

Classic Pack

BUILT FOR ADOBE LIGHTROOM CLASSIC CC & ADOBE LIGHTROOM CC, DESKTOP ONLY

SHOP PRESETS

Hands-Free Dog Leash Walking Kit

Hands-Free Dog Leash Walking Kit

by | Nov 13, 2022 | Blog, Lifestyle, Product Reviews

hands free dog leash husky squad

I love the freedom and focus of the hands-free leash setup.

Hands-Free Dog Leash Walking Kit

“Which Hands-Free Dog Leash and Belt do you use for the Husky Squad”? This question is hands-down one of the top three dog product related questions we receive on Youtube and Instagram. In this blog, I’m excited to share with you our unique, durable, and flexible dog leash setup we’ve been using for our huskies since 2018.

WHY WE USE A HANDS-FREE DOG LEASH WALKING KIT

Almost since day ONE of dog parenthood, we quickly realized that using the typical leash-in-hands method is inconvenient, unsafe, and unpleasant. We thought about innovating a system that would give us more convenience and security, with added multiple fail safe features. We also pictured having the ability to hold treats and other items easily. I especially wanted my hands to be free to enable better focus on training and bonding while enjoying the outdoors with our fur kids. That was in 2009.

Back then, hardly any products existed to create this system for daily walks, so we started building our own belt methods and attached existing leashes to those belts. We quickly realized how durable these belts need to be, and the only belts that were secure enough were extremely bulky climber’s belts. You can even see us using them in some of our older Youtube videos!

We tried various setups through the years, including ready kits you can buy, until we fine-tuned exactly what we wanted in a hands-free dog leash system. We pieced simple and durable components together, and we’ve been using this system successfully since 2018. We’ve literally traveled around the world with the Husky Squad using this setup.

BENEFITS OF OUR HANDS-FREE DOG LEASH SETUP

  1. Extra Security 
  2. Lean, Non-Bulky
  3. Enables Better Training
  4. Enables Easier Walking Management
  5. Bungee Setup
  6. Multiple Grab Handles
  7. Multiple Ways To Use The System
  8. Multiple Dog Setup
  9. Safe Metal Connectors Throughout

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Learn why our current setup is amazing! I also show you -in detail- the multiple ways we use this setup.

WILL THIS SYSTEM TRAIN MY DOG TO WALK BETTER ON LEASH?

YES AND NO. Let me explain.

Let’s define “better, well mannered, or well-behaved”, shall we? You may be tired of your dog pulling your hands on the leash, or suddenly jolting you by the leash because there’s a squirrel across the street. This can be an extremely frustrating experience! This behavior can often lead to dogs getting less exercise, and for dog parents not experiencing the joy of having a dog to begin with. After all, walking and hiking with our dogs is one of the most (if not the best) rewarding activities we can enjoy with our fur kids. But, I UNDERSTAND you. Walking with your dog needs to be a pleasant experience for your dog, AND for you.

So what’s the “YES” part I mentioned above in my answer?

This hands-free leash system CAN ABSOLUTELY assist you in working with your dog. Because your hands will be freed up, you can focus more on proper walking manners, bonding, and enjoying one of the most beneficial activities you can do together. However, no system will do the training work for you, this is where you take charge and guide your dog in this process.

I’ve been using THIS hands-free dog leash setup to work with our huskies, as well as other dogs we’ve fostered, rehabilitated and adopted out to loving families. Although our method is not what you’ll get from classically trained dog trainers, we’ve found incredible success in the way we use it. Training our dogs in our own ways has even eventually led us to trust our huskies to be off-leash and enjoy the great outdoors even more – and beyond. I feel every dog parent deserves to experience this special and trusting dog connection.

OUR HANDS-FREE DOG LEASH WALKING KIT INCLUDES

Tactical Rigger’s Belt

Short 25 Inch Bungee Leash

Bungee Coupler Leash

Heavy Duty Carabiner

Front Range Harness

Shop our entire hands-free kit on Amazon

GET THE KIT

NOBODY TALKS ABOUT THE CAUTIONS OF A HANDS-FREE SETUP

It’s extremely important to learn if this setup is safe for your current physical health condition, as well as the safety precautions you need to be mindful about for your dog. Be sure to watch the video above for detailed explanations.

Additionally, I would not recommend starting to use a hands-free dog walking system during pregnancy. I also suggest checking with your midwife or health care provider if you can use this setup during pregnancy, even once you and your dog are already used to it.

MY CLOSING THOUGHTS ABOUT HANDS-FREE DOG LEASHES

I really enjoyed writing this blog, and I’m excited for you to open up this new, convenient, safe, and more enjoyable chapter with your dog. Remember, tools are just tools, and only when we use them properly with PURPOSE and INTENT, is when we experience the most benefits. You and your dog will enjoy and benefit from this hands-free dog leash system the most when your dog is well mannered and deeply bonded with you. This hands-free dog leash kit will certainly help you in your dog training journey.

HOW TO FEED RAW

OUR TRAINING AND BONDING COURSES ARE COMING SOON

Training and Bonding Course For Dogs

Here's your chance to let us know what you need most in your life with your beloved pup!

SAVE YOUR SEAT

Living in a Tiny House with Dogs

Living in a Tiny House with Dogs

by | Aug 19, 2022 | Blog, Lifestyle

tiny house with dogs huskysquad

After sunset at our beatiful tiny house.

Living in a Tiny House with Dogs

Are you curious what life is like living in a tiny house with dogs? Are you a dog parent who’s intrigued by tiny house living? You found the right blog! We’ve been living tiny with our three Siberian Huskies since summer 2021, and we’re excited to share with you tips & hacks on making it an amazing experience. Be sure to watch the full video tour included!

I also have a special love for interior design & natural aesthetics, so this blog will give you ideas on how to make tiny living a comfortable and extremely pleasant experience for the long-term.

WHY WE WENT TINY

We’ve been intrigued by tiny living for many many years, and current life circumstances made this become an exciting opportunity to try the lifestyle. With our never-ending thirst for adventure and exploration with our pack of three huskies, owning a home on wheels made so much sense! Our tiny house provides us a true sense of home, but her wheels allow us to stay ready for the next adventure.

LET’S TALK SPECS, APPLIANCES & HOOK-UPS

Our Tiny House is 30 feet long x 8 ½ feet wide, excluding the tongue. The width allows for easy mobility without the need for flag cars or special permits for transit. Its typical 13 ½ foot height makes for easy maneuvering under most bridges.

Our tiny house runs on propane and energy efficient appliances and lights. We have a propane tankless (on-demand) water heater, and a propane stove/oven. For water, the tiny house is connected to a water well, and the kitchen tap water gets purified with our amazing Epic Smart Shield.

The Husky Squad ordered a Mini Split AC system to keep their husky needs met in the summer, and we opted for a mini wood stove for the frigid long northern winters. A reliable air conditioning system is essential for living in a tiny house with dogs. The mini wood stove is one of our favorite features of our home, and we use it throughout late fall, winter, and early spring.

NON TOXIC COOKWARE

Toxic-free cookware is essential for good health, and we LOVE our gorgeous Caraway Cookware set. It’s durable, aesthetically pleasing, non-stick, pleasure to cook in, and so easy to clean.

Because we love our set so much, we teamed up with Caraway to give you a discount on your healthy cookware set!

EXPLORE COLORS

TINY CHALET AESTHETICS

The interior design is inspired by our adventures with the Husky Squad around the world. Our love for nature, camping, mountaineering, and cabin hopping inspired us to design our exterior to blend into the environment, and our interior cladded with natural looking materials like wood and stone. Instead of going for the typical big bright white color palette (to make the small space feel bigger) we chose to deck out our interior with wood and grays to mimic the soothing feeling we experience in European chalets and the natural elements of trees and rocks in nature. This decision is probably our favorite aspect of our tiny house, even a year later. The cozy and soothing vibe is unreal and impossible to describe with words.

HACKS FOR TINY HOUSE LIVING WITH DOGS

We designed our tiny house with open space in mind. Instead of cramming-in as much furniture and “things” as possible, we opted for open space to roam more freely. We also went for medium tones because light and dark colors show dog hair even more. These elements pay off tremendously, especially whenliving in a tiny house with dogs.

1. Practical Large Sofa & Sleeping Spaces

We designed our U-Shape sofa to mainly cater to the Husky Squad’s needs for lounging, sleeping, and relaxing with us. We all fit very comfortably as a family, and there’s ample room for one more big fur kid if we wanted to go that route 😉

I handmade and sewed the cushion casings as well as the cushion covers. Both are machine washable, but we usually wash the cushion covers weekly.

2. Outside Living

One of the reasons to go tiny is to spend more time outside, and yes that’s even for our home. We have a large garden where the Husky Squad spends a lot of time. We eat outside by the fire, we do training sessions with the pups, and enjoy coffee breaks outside too. Nikolai LOVES doing zoomies outside! I recommend being mindful when choosing a place for your tiny house. Pick a place that will give you and the dogs the ability to spend a lot of time outside.

3. Dog Manners

Well behaved pups with great manners are always essential, but it’s even more important when living tiny. The Husky Squad is trained to eat together in small spaces without getting into quarrels. Each family member understands their place, respects each other’s space, and enjoys a life with proper boundaries, which gives us all an incredibly tranquil life. To learn the Husky Squad Method, be sure to save your seat here for our upcoming Training & Bonding Course.

4. The Dog Glitter (ehm, fur)

Jc and I have always had a weekly home cleaning routine, but with three huskies in a smaller space, we do a five minute vacuum as part of our morning routine. It’s fast, and AMAZING how much it helps! We also recommend a healthy home-made diet for healthier coats, a weekly grooming session, and a bathing routine at least every three months. Washable sofa covers do absolute wonders, too!

5. Clean Water

Put the water bowl on the wheel-well space! Dirt can accumulate faster in smaller spaces therefore raising the water bowl on the wheel well area helps so much! Choose a sturdy glass water bowl, and always wash it at least once a day, tiny or not

6. Food Space

We feed our dogs a healthy, affordable, home-made, raw food diet, and therefore a tall, full-size fridge/freezer is essential. Drawer style freezers store food a lot better, and opting out of ice makers and built-in water filters gives so much more room. Square glass storage containers fit more food and store better than round. Feeding raw doesn’t take up much more space! Kibble bags are huge, kibble containers are big too – and kibble is extremely unhealthy. Since we healed our Kimahri from cancer in 2018 using real food, we’ve not looked back since. Learn how to feed your dog a healthy raw food diet in our Kibble to Raw Course.

7. Exercise

Tiny or not, daily exercise is oh so important for our overall health and well-being, but when you live tiny, you’ll have to make sure you get everyone’s fitness needs met. We take the Husky Squad to #GetTheHuskyOut every day, and they are always happy to come home and lounge on the sofa for hours.
HOW TO FEED RAW

NO COMPROMISES

In order to make tiny living realistic, we designed our space with longevity in mind. There are some things we knew we needed in order to feel comfortable for the long run.

1. A Full-size Tub

I love baths and a large comfortable shower space.

2. Independent Stackable Washer & Dryer

Combo units are not that reliable, and more expensive to replace.
Here’s our washer, and here’s our dryer. We’re very happy with both!

3. Dishwasher

Hand washing dishes takes more time and makes counters feel way more cluttered, especially when you live in your kitchen 24/7. We LOVE our 18 inch three-rack silent Bosch.

4. Full Size Fridge Freeze

Because the five us like eating healthy, fresh food, a small counter height version simply wouldn’t cut it. We researched the heck out of our 24 inch fridge/freezer!

5. Dedicated Work Space

We’ve been working from home for over ten years, and a dedicated workspace is essential. We have efficient Mac Minis plugged into large 27 inch monitors with ample space for all work needs. Jc hardwired our internet which makes our home safer and healthier than using Wifi consistently.

6. Ultra Comfortable, thick Queen Size Mattress

Because there’s nothing like a good-night rest. Our amazing mattress is 10 inches thick, and we love it!

7. Mini Wood Stove

Because nothing heats a home better in deep winter than wood. With five sets of lungs breathing in a small space, moisture and condensation can build easily. Therefore, propane heating was a no-go and it’s also extremely expensive to run for extended deep winter months. And honestly, the vibe of this little wood stove makes our fall and winter cozy and magical.

8. Full sized Non Toxic Cookware Set

Our Caraway cookware set is the highlight of our meals, healthy living is something I refuse to compromise on. The entire beautiful sage color set fits perfectly in our big drawer, and compliments our kitchen and decor when in use.

SHOP MINI STOVES

FULL TINY HOUSE TOUR

Watch the tour of our Tiny House here.

BONUS TINY HOUSE HACKS

European Style “Tilt & Turn” windows are a must for tiny homes. These style windows allow you to have better airflow during rain and snow since tiny houses hardly ever allow for roof overhangs.

Washable rugs are essential for any home. Runners make for a perfect option in the main area, and an entry rug is important to catch anything as soon as you walk in. Rugs are also amazing for dogs since most floors are slippery, which can cause mobility issues long term.

We keep a big soft laundry basket in the bathtub when the tub is not in use. It’s just another great way to make dual use of space comfortably.

Finding a triple purpose shoe rack was space changing! Ours has a coat rack and mini table which makes the space even more usable and compact.

Husky Squad’s Amazon Shop

You’ll find a curated list for many of our products in our Tiny House. Click the button below.

Amazon Shop

SHOP AMAZON

MY CLOSING THOUGHTS

About Living Tiny With Dogs

We covered a lot in this blog about living in a tiny house with big dogs. I recommend thinking vertically when you design your space, and opting for soothing, natural color palettes instead of bright white or strong contrasting colors. Gentle natural tones create a space that feels good subconsciously, which feels good for the long term. As an interior designer, bright whites feel more aggressive to the mind in the evenings or nights which is the time you spend in your home most of the time. Soft evening ambient and mood lighting is essential for unwinding and relaxation for all household members. Using candles during winter evenings and nights  makes our living space extra cozy. Be sure to watch our tour video to see how our Tiny House feels in the evening.

Did we cover everything you were curious about? Was this blog helpful and enjoyable to read? Drop us a comment below, or ask us any questions you may have. We’re planning to film an exterior autumn video where we show you the magical space we’re creating outside our tiny house.
What’s In Our Winter Hiking Kit For Dogs + Safety Tips

What’s In Our Winter Hiking Kit For Dogs + Safety Tips

Papa Wolf Jc blissed out with the pups in fresh powder.“What’s in your winter hiking kit for dogs ”? We’ve been adventuring with the Husky Squad in the winter for over ten years, and I’m excited to share with you what’s in our packs for our dogs, for the humans, and...

read more
The Best Camera For Dog Photography (Compact+ Affordable!)

The Best Camera For Dog Photography (Compact+ Affordable!)

Kimahri photogpraphed in France with the Canon M50 Mirorless CameraThe best camera for dog photography is ultimately the camera you can use every day with ease. “What camera do you use for the Husky Squad”? This is one of the most common questions we’re asked on...

read more
Hands-Free Dog Leash Walking Kit

Hands-Free Dog Leash Walking Kit

I love the freedom and focus of the hands-free leash setup.“Which Hands-Free Dog Leash and Belt do you use for the Husky Squad”? This question is hands-down one of the top three dog product related questions we receive on Youtube and Instagram. In this blog, I’m...

read more

Prevent and Get Rid Of Ticks & Fleas On Dogs Safely

Prevent and Get Rid Of Ticks & Fleas On Dogs Safely

by | Apr 30, 2022 | Blog, Wellness

prevent ticks and fleas

Yuna & Kimahri trail smiles

Prevent and Get Rid Of Ticks & Fleas On Dogs Safely

Before we begin sharing how to prevent and get rid of ticks & fleas on dogs safely, keep in mind the following:

1. There’s no way to prevent ticks and fleas 100%, FOREVER. Yes, you’re reading this correctly. Not even with pills, shots, toxic drugs or topicals. Proper care can prevent at least 95% of the oncurrences. However, knowing how to provide care holistically is essential knowledge for every dog parent.

2. This blog is complementary to the video embedded here. Be sure to watch the entire video, read this blog, and check the resources provided to get the full picture on the subject of ticks and fleas on dogs.

3. I highly recommend you dig into this subject yourself. I’m not a vet, and I’m not sharing what you should do. I’m sharing what we’ve decided to do based on a lot of research, as well as discussions with our holistic veterinarians over the years. Our method is working for us, but you’ll have to do some of your own research and decide what’s best for your pup. Any general recommendations we make are not substitutes for veterinary care and are for informational and educational purposes only.

LET’S WATCH THE VIDEO FIRST

TICKS AND CHEMICALS

Even before we switched to holistic care for the Husky Squad, Jc and I have never felt comfortable using chemicals for our dogs. Those chemicals are in all conventional sprays, topicals, bombs chewables and collars. You may slightly reduce the risk of Lyme (and other diseases), and it’s NOT guaranteed, but… instead, your dog may likely experience side effects such as chronic digestive issues, internal organ damage, cancer, and a host of other overall health problems. The list is SCARY.

LYME DISEASE INJECTIONS

After researching and learning about Lyme disease, and discussing this disease with holistic veterinarians, Lyme disease injections is not something we give our dogs. We don’t inject them with any drugs for that matter, but that’s an entirely separate subject that is controversial to those who are unaware of the associated health risks in dogs. Unknown to some dog parents, injections never prevent ticks from latching on to any coat. Regardless, Lyme disease injections have a low efficacy rate and their toxic health effects don’t merit their use.

THE LYME DISEASE TOPIC

Although perpetuated to be one of the scary monsters out there, Dr. Karen Becker calls it: “The Feared Canine Disease that’s Mostly Benign.” Lyme disease can be an issue and should be taken seriously, but it’s definitely over-hyped. There’s a lot of money to be made from fear and selling subscription-style drugs.

I was reluctant to discuss this “sensitive” subject publicly, but for many years now we’ve been receiving so many questions from health-conscience dog parents who are desperately seeking alternatives to the conventional, toxic approach to ticks and fleas, so I feel it’s important to open the conversation on this topic.

7 STEPS TO PREVENT TICKS & FLEAS ON DOGS

Before you continue further, if you’re ONLY looking for medications, sprays, and conventional (toxic) solutions, this blog is not for you. But if you’re a dog mom like me who understands the logic of preventive, and holistic care – read on! I’m sharing with you transparently what Jc and I have been doing to prevent ticks and fleas for over a decade, and how we deal with it on the rare occasion it happens.

1. Raw Garlic:

According to all holistic veterinarians we’ve discussed this with, tiny, properly measured doses of raw garlic makes your pup less attractive to ticks during tick season. Dr. Karen Becker recommends 1/4 tsp freshly raw chopped garlic per 15lbs of body weight per day. I always slowly introduce any new natural medicines and foods, on a steady pace over the course of at least two weeks. Check with your holistic veterinarian on what’s best for your dog.

2. A Clean Environment

I learned over time that a clean home is not enough. I put extra care into washing dog bed covers often, using washable rugs and sofa covers, and I vacuum frequently. All these steps are especially helpful for flea breakout prevention.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Giving your dog 1/2 tsp of apple cider vinegar per day, per 25 lbs of body weight can be another helpful addition for your dog if you live in a tick and flea prone region. Add it to your dog’s food or water bowl. The apple cider vinegar will make your pup less appealing to ticks and fleas.

4. A Grooming & Bathing Routine

A proper grooming and bathing schedule helps tremendously. We like to groom our dogs twice a week, and bathe them at least every 2 to 4 months, depending on where we live and how dirty they get during that season of the year.

5. A Healthy And Toxic-Free Lifestyle

I only use purified water, healthy dog dishes, toxic-free shampoos, and healthy cleaning supplies. Holistic veterinary care, daily exercise, and reducing the use of conventional toxic medicine, antibiotics, and injections, help your dog have a healthy immune system to fight off disease with ease, Lyme disease included!

6. Natural Topicals

Natural topicals are a great tool if you live in a region that is more prone to ticks and fleas. I use natural sprays and rubs after bathing and before hikes when we live in or visit a tick and flea-prone region. However, keep in mind, these will help drastically, but they won’t prevent ticks and fleas 100%. I like the brands below, and I also make my own topicals using natural ingredients.

7. Nothing Impacts Health & Immunity More Than Food

Kibble is highly processed, filled with additives, chemicals, void of nutrition, and lacks essential species-correct food for dogs. Ticks & fleas are drawn to animals with weaker immune systems. We all know a healthy, fresh food diet impacts our own health tremendously, and it goes the same for all living creatures, dogs included. Learn about ditching kibble and feeding your dog real food. A simple, and species-correct diet has incredible overall health benefits for your dog. A healthy body fights off disease with ease.

YOUR DOG COULD BE EATING LIKE THIS

...and it's easier than you think!

Kibble to Raw

HOW TO GET RID OF TICKS

In tick prone regions, it is imperative to check your pup right after being outside or spending time in nature. Catching ticks early before they attach is your best bet! Check yourself too.

Post Outdoors

The steps I take after spending time outdoors:

  1. Ticks would not be attached at this phase which is a great opportunity to prevent latching and disease transmission.
    Keep an eye out if I see a tick on our pups while we’re outdoors, and remove immediately if I do.
  2. As soon as we get home, I gently check for ticks floating on their coat while combing with my hands and fingers.
  3. I proceed with brushing them to remove matting or clumps of fur to prepare for easy combing.
  4. I gently proceed with combing with a lice comb or a long toothed comb through the entire body. Any ticks will easily be found and combed out.
  5. After that, I use a short fine-toothed comb (or flea comb) on the entire length of their legs and paws. Any ticks will come out quickly!

Husky Squad’s Amazon Shop

In our Amazon Shop, you’ll find the preventive products we use, and what we use to manage tick and flea incidents.

Amazon Shop

SHOP AMAZON

Tick Removal

Removing ticks incorrectly can cause infections. The most common mistake is using a tweezer which often leaves the tick’s head attached to your dog’s skin, which can become very difficult and painful to remove. Be safe and use a proper tick remover according to the size of the tick.

TIP: Buy a small clear container with a tight twistable lid to safely store a tick in case you’ll need it for testing.

Immediately flush the tick down the toilet to avoid it finding a new host. Be sure to wash your hands.

Cleaning the Tick Bite Area

After removing the tick, Dr. Karen Becker recommends cleaning the bite area with diluted betadine. After it’s clean, use a soothing natural skin spray to heal the wound.

Next Steps

Be sure to dive into the Additional Reading & Resources section below. These are additional recommendations from Dr. Karen Becker and other veteranarians we trust.

Sure, it will take you about 15-20 minutes per pup once you have the routine in place, but it’s so worth it. Ticks don’t attach immediately, so it’s worth catching them before they do!

If you missed a tick, or if you’ve forgotten to do tick-care after spending time outdoors, you may find a tick attached to your pup and you will need to remove it safely as soon as possible. The longer the tick is attached, the higher the chances are for disease transmission.

SKIN SPRAY

How to Get Rid of Fleas

Although I only found three fleas on one of our pup’s in our entire time of dog parenthood, I followed parts of this natural protocol aggressively, and we prevented a full breakout! We were staying in an AirBnB in Croatia at the time during our European adventure, and we were adamant to get rid of the problem the moment we identified the issue. We’ve traveled and lived in so many countries, states and cities by now, and I’m fairly confident that focusing on natural preventatives is the reason why we’ve not had ongoing flea problems or periodic breakouts. If you ever see a single flea, it’s best to attack the situation as if you’re experiencing a full breakout. Doing this will prevent the rapid, explosive outbreaks fleas can bring.

MY CLOSING THOUGHTS

We covered a lot in this blog about how to prevent and get rid of ticks & fleas, and my hope is that you gained clarity, and you’re feeling empowered to tackle this subject with confidence and actionable steps based on what you feel is best for your dog. We’ve unnecessarily outsourced so much of our fur-kids (and our) health wisdom to conventional toxic drug companies and “(sick) care”. Only in very recent years of human history, we got ourselves stuck in perpetual cycles of disease without solutions due to this modern, toxic riddled lifestyle. However, many of us are seeking to re-learn ancient wisdom, and find newer toxic-free solutions. I hope this blog gave you what you were looking for, and helped expand your arsenal of holistic living for you and your dog.

ADDITIONAL READING & RESOURCES

Dr. Karen Becker’s Holistic Approach to Ticks and Fleas

Dr. Karen Becker on How to Protect Your Dog From Ticks

Dr. Peter Dobias’ Complete Guide to Natural Tick Prevention and Lyme Disease in Dogs

Dr. Karen Becker on Lyme Disease in Dogs

More from Dr. Karen Becker on Lyme Disease

Dr. Karen Becker’s Guide to Natural Tick & Flea Prevention

Useful USA & Canada Tick Maps by Region and Years

A Natural Protocol to Get Rid of Fleas

Natural Solutions For Tick Season

How To Remove Ticks From Your Dog & More

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