by Sasha Riess | 06.08.26. | Nutrition
Stories like Obi’s no longer represent isolated cases that we can simply ignore. Consequently, increasing numbers of owners around the world now connect severe neurological reactions, epileptic seizures, behavioral changes, and even sudden deaths in dogs with ectoparasite tick tablets from the isoxazoline group. A single dose of a popular preventative can, overnight, turn a healthy puppy into a chronically ill dog dependent on strong anti-epileptic medication.
Even if a dog appears to tolerate these substances well for years, there always exists the possibility that, at some point, a internal trigger initiates toxic overload within the body.
What Lies Behind Aggressive Marketing?
Perhaps the saddest question behind stories like these does not merely ask what happened, but rather: did we receive true information before administering the product? Under the pressure of routine veterinary visits and aggressive advertising, we often accept solutions that appear simple and convenient.
However, we forget that these tick tablets function as systemic insecticides—substances that circulate through the dog’s bloodstream for months in order to kill parasites efficiently.
Therefore, when we begin to understand the ultimate price paid by the dog’s nervous system, it becomes completely clear that we must search for safer alternatives.
Returning to Natural Protection and Immunity
Sometimes loving a dog means having the courage to ask difficult questions, to conduct independent research, and to refuse to accept something blindly simply because it enjoys popularity. Dogs do not represent statistics. Simultaneously, they do not constitute a commercial market or a clinical experiment.
Sometimes loving a dog means having the courage to research and choose natural protection over chemical exposure.
It is time to return to strengthening the organism from within, supporting immunity naturally, practicing conscious nutrition, and radically reducing unnecessary chemical exposure. Ultimately, toxic overload in the body can often be minimized through an individualized approach to each dog and through the use of natural repellents that protect against parasites without compromising the vital functions and nervous system of our best friends.
To discover more about how emotional alignment, balanced lifestyle, and authentic energy restore internal balance, read ourcanine nutrition guidelines.
At Sasha Riess, we look past commercial labels to honor the unique biological blueprint of your companion. True health requires addressing the subtle internal patterns that create lasting vitality and pureloveandharmony. Discover the customized path to your dog’s longevity:Linktree Sasha Riess
👉 Follow our Facebook page and never miss our latest articles, news, and updates.
by Sasha Riess | 03.08.26. | Behaviour
How did we begin believing it is normal for a dog to ingest neurotoxic substances every single month? “Have you given your dog tablets against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes?” With the arrival of warmer days, the season of fear begins. Dog owners increasingly reach for oral tablets, believing they are protecting their dogs. Advertisements promise safety, veterinarians often routinely recommend these products, and very few people stop to ask the essential question: what exactly are these tablets, and how do they work inside the dog’s body?
The truth is simple and uncomfortable. Most oral ectoparasite preventatives function as pesticides. The dog swallows a chemical substance that enters the bloodstream and turns the dog’s body into a “toxic meal” for the parasite. When a flea or tick bites the dog and consumes blood, it also ingests the neurotoxic substance that kills it. However, the question rarely asked is this: if a substance is strong enough to attack the nervous system of a parasite, how can we assume it has no long-term effect on the nervous system of the dog?
The Risks of Chemical Preventatives and Natural Tick Protection
Pharmacological products from the isoxazoline group have been associated with neurological symptoms in dogs, including tremors, coordination problems, anxiety, behavioral changes, and epileptic seizures. Back in 2018, the FDA issued a warning stating that products from this group may trigger neurological reactions even in dogs with no prior history of epilepsy.
Many owners never connect behavioral changes with the tablet they gave “preventively.” The dog becomes more nervous, reactive, withdrawn, sleeps differently, develops tics, experiences itching, digestive issues, or seizures. Consequently, the organism often does not react immediately. Sometimes it takes months or years of continuous strain on the liver, nervous system, and immune balance before symptoms appear. A holistic approach does not mean ignoring the dangers of ticks. On the contrary, it means understanding that protection should not simultaneously damage the organism we are trying to protect.
Garlic as an Ally: Myths and Truth
One of the most controversial natural allies in the fight against ectoparasites is garlic. For decades, it has been demonized through claims that it is “toxic to dogs.” However, what available sources rarely mention is how those claims originated.
According to available analyses, studies that labeled garlic as dangerous used extremely high doses, approximately 5 grams of fresh garlic per kilogram of body weight daily. For an average Beagle, this would mean around 25 large cloves every day for an entire week. Even at such extreme doses, none of the dogs in the study died.
Today, many premium formulas use small amounts of garlic because of its support for immunity and circulation. This is where natural tick protection may play a role. Sulfur compounds in garlic alter the scent of the skin, making the dog less attractive to parasites.
Dr. Karen Becker’s Guidelines for the Safe Use of Garlic
-
Small dogs up to 4.5 kg: about 1/4 clove
-
Dogs from 5 to 7 kg: about 1/2 clove
-
Dogs from 9 to 18 kg: about 1 clove
-
Dogs from 20 to 31 kg: about 2 cloves
-
Large dogs over 32 kg: about 2.5 to 3 cloves
The recommendation is to use fresh, crushed garlic that has rested for several minutes before being added to food.
A comprehensive natural approach involves proper skin care, a healthy microbiome, and safe natural allies like garlic.
A Comprehensive Natural Approach to Tick Protection
Natural tick protection is never about “one magical solution.” Therefore, it involves the combination of multiple factors:
-
High-quality nutrition to strengthen the skin barrier
-
Proper skin care and maintenance of a healthy microbiome
-
Natural repellents such as hydrolates and essential oils of lavender, mint, and lemongrass
-
Stress reduction, because stress alters body odor and can make dogs more attractive to parasites
A dog that is metabolically exhausted and fed ultra-processed food often becomes far more attractive to parasites. The problem of the modern world is that we want quick solutions without understanding the consequences. One tablet per month seems simple, but the body, the liver, and the nervous system remember everything.
Ultimately, a holistic approach is a return to one essential question: does the way we protect the dog support life in the long term, or does it merely remove the problem temporarily? Perhaps it is time to stop asking only, “What kills the tick?” and begin asking, “What protects the dog at the same time?”
To discover more about how emotional alignment, balanced lifestyle, and authentic energy restore internal balance, read our canine communication and behavior guidelines.
See you next time.
At Sasha Riess, we look past commercial labels to honor the unique biological blueprint of your companion. True health requires addressing the subtle internal patterns that create lasting vitality and pureloveandharmony. Discover the customized path to your dog’s longevity: Linktree Sasha Riess
👉 Follow our Facebook page and never miss our latest articles, news, and updates.
by Sasha Riess | 05.06.26. | Behaviour
In the modern world, we have become somewhat lost. We call dogs our babies, souls, and angels, yet we forget one essential fact: you are the dog owner. Between that role and a stable, happy companion, there is nothing except clear responsibility. For a dog to be balanced and able to follow your guidance, it must have a leader who understands not only its heart but also its biology.
The Right to Regulation and Perception
Being a conscious dog owner means giving yourself the right to self-regulation. You cannot guide a dog if you have not regulated your own energy and understanding of the world. This includes working with the physiology of the dog’s heart and respecting the way the dog perceives its surroundings. A dog does not experience the world through words, but through energy, minerals, and the biological processes taking place within its body.
The Price of Health and Mineral Balance
When we speak about health, people often question the cost of supplements and minerals. However, the real question for a responsible dog owner is: what is the cost if we do not provide them?
Mineral balance is not a luxury, but a biological foundation without which the organism cannot function properly. We cannot expect stable behavior from a dog whose physiology is out of balance. As a dog owner, it is your duty to understand that health cannot exist halfway. It is either present as a whole, or it is absent. That is the price we must be willing to pay for the true wellbeing of our dogs.
At Sasha Riess, we empower every dog owner to lead through biological understanding. True health is a whole, and it starts with pureloveandharmony. Take responsibility for their balance: Linktree Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 17.04.26. | Wellbeing
Many dog owners wonder what kind of water should dogs drink — bottled brands like Rosa or Prolom, or plain tap water. Veterinarians often disagree, but Sasha Riess offers a clear and practical answer: The best water for dogs is tap water that has been left to stand.
Why Tap Water Is the Best Choice
Tap water goes through a strict control and safety system. Although many people doubt its quality because of various “conspiracy theories” about chemicals and treatments, tap water actually undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it’s safe for consumption.
To make it even better, let it sit for a few hours — this allows volatile molecules and disinfecting chemicals to evaporate naturally.
“I always prefer tap water — the kind that’s been standing and to which I add a pinch of parsley. That’s the safest water for dogs.” — Sasha Riess
The Problem with Bottled Water
Although bottled water might seem cleaner and safer, it usually comes in plastic containers that go through sterilization processes. These include chemical and physical treatments (sometimes even UV radiation), which can affect the water’s composition. Plastic must be completely sterile to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, or pathogens in the water.
A dog drinks clean water from a glass bowl – a healthy, plastic-free choice.
However, over time, the interaction between plastic and water causes the release of micro-degraded particles into the liquid. That’s why long-term consumption of bottled water isn’t ideal — for dogs or for humans.
The Ideal Solution — Filtered Tap Water
If possible, use a water filter. It will purify tap water even further, providing your dog with clean, natural water — free from plastic and chemical residues. When considering what kind of water should dogs drink, filtered tap water stands out as the premium choice for long-term health. Clean water supports better digestion, kidney health, and overall vitality. Sometimes, the simplest choice is truly the healthiest.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that health starts with the simplest elements. From the water they drink to the energy we share, every detail matters for pureloveandharmony. Learn more about our holistic approach:Linktree Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 03.02.26. | Coat Care
Problems with dog cosmetics rarely come from bad intentions on the part of owners. Much more often, they come from a lack of knowledge and from the need to care for dogs in a way that suits humans more than dogs themselves. The industry understands this very well and profits from it.
The Myth of 2-in-1 Dog Cosmetics
If you are holding a dog shampoo that claims to be both shampoo and conditioner in one product, it is important to understand this: That product is not made for the dog’s needs, but for the owner’s convenience.
The idea of “everything done in one wash” does not exist in chemistry. Shampoo and conditioner cannot function properly within the same formula because they have different chemical roles.
Why do products claiming to be 2-in-1, 3-in-1, or even 10-in-1 exist?
The reason is simple. If people do not want to use shampoo and conditioner separately, the market will provide an „all-in-one“ solution. These products are not developed to improve the dog’s health, but to sell more easily. In other words, this is not dog cosmetics for dogs—it is cosmetics designed for people.
How to Recognize When Someone Is Simply Taking Your Money
If you come across a cosmetic line for dogs that includes nose balm, paw balm, and special creams for every possible body part, this is a clear sign that the focus is on your wallet.
A dog does not need a softer nose or silky paws. These are not canine needs; they are human projections. A dog is not a baby and not an aesthetic object.
Shampoo and conditioner have different roles – that is why they are not used together.
What Does a Dog Truly Need?
A dog does need a hydrated nose, but that hydration comes from within, not from external products. It comes from:
-
High-quality and properly balanced nutrition.
-
Adequate water intake.
-
A healthy mineral balance, especially sodium and potassium.
When these basic conditions are met, the dog’s body regulates the condition of the skin, nose, and paws on its own.
The Importance of Separate Shampoo and Conditioner
Shampoo and conditioner have different purposes. That is why they should never be used as one product. Less dog cosmetics, less chemistry, and more understanding of canine biology lead to a healthier and more stable dog.
A dog does not ask for luxury. A dog asks for a solid foundation.
This understanding of a dog’s emotional and physical state is at the heart of everything we do. At Holistic Grooming Education, we teach people how to apply these principles of stability and care in their everyday lives with their dogs, helping create calm, healthy, and happy results.
