Mitch Seavey, musher and winner of the 2013 Iditarod, knows the value of taking care of his dogs. “There’s a saying among mushers [sled drivers] that goes, ‘No feet, no dog,’” he explains. “We have to have animals with tough feet or they won’t do well in the races. But even with tough feet, the dogs need extra care.

His concern for his animals is understandable. The Iditarod, called the Last Great Race on Earth, is a demanding trek across the Alaskan tundra stretching more than 1,000 miles. During this grueling race, drivers and dogs develop a strong sense of partnership. Young Living is proud to sponsor Mitch Seavey as he strives for the 2014 Iditarod championship.

Seavey has looked to Young Living products to improve his wellness and that of his dogs for more than 15 years. One of his favorite oils is Melaleuca Alternifolia, commonly called tea tree oil. Even though they use protective boots on their feet, dogs can still suffer from splits and cracks on their pads and between their digits. Seavey employs Melaleuca Alternifolia to help the dogs recover.

That isn’t the only oil that Seavey uses on his dogs, though. From using Wintergreen to help soothe aching muscles to Geranium to help calm anxious dogs, Young Living products are key to his dogs’ success. “I think using oils can help the dog from the feet to the ears,” he says. “It also prevents future problems. We’ve tried a lot of different things but we always come back to the oils.”

However, not just any oil will do, and Seavey always makes sure to find the highest quality products available. He says, “We’ve tried to use bulk essential oils that are cheaper, but we just don’t get the same results. All I can say is that from my experience if I’m going to do anything with oils, I’m going to use Young Living. Buying anything else is just a waste of money.”

Click here to visit the Seavey’s Facebook page and follow his progress during the race, which begins on March 1!