How Aging Can Affect Your Dog's Brain And Behavior

Just like the rest of the body, aging affects your dog’s brain.  As your dog ages, there is a higher risk of developing neurological or cognitive disorders.   This is because the brain is highly susceptible to free radical damage (oxidative stress) due to its high oxygen use, high fat content and metabolic activity.  Free radicals are reactive oxygen-containing byproducts of metabolism and can cause damage to cell membranes.   Damage to the brain’s cells can affect your dog’s behavior, energy level and motor coordination.   

Common age-related,  neurological conditions seen in older dogs:

Canine cognitive dysfunction (doggie dementia) or Sundowner’s syndrome is similar to Alzheimer’s in people. Small changes in behavior and daily routine, such as sleeping more and seeming disconnected, can progress to confusion, disorientation, anxiety, irritability and disruption of the sleep/wake cycle.

Vestibular disease or “old dog disease” is often confused with the symptoms of a brain tumor or stroke. Dogs with these conditions may exhibit a loss of balance, uncontrolled eye movement, and difficulty in standing and maintaining balance.

Dogs may exhibit motor coordination issues as they age. Senior dogs that begin to stumble when they walk or those that knuckle and scuff their paws may be showing signs of a neurological condition.

Ask Ariel’s Dog Brain Booster is an all natural supplement that promotes dog brain health and provides important cognitive support for dogs with dementia, brain tumors and neurological motor coordination disorders. It contains powerful, science-based brain nutrients, such as phosphatidylserine and Acetyl-L-carnitine, that have been extensively researched and proven to enhance memory, improve mental acuity and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Dog Brain Booster is the most comprehensive canine brain boosting supplement available to support your dog’s brain health.

Are There Natural Antacids For Cats & Dogs?

Dogs and cats can get acid reflux just like we do. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms: burping, excessive grass eating, gulping noises and vomiting. Antacid drugs (like Pepcid or Zantac) use synthetic chemicals to reduce stomach acid. Try a natural herbal supplement as an alternative. Gastro ULC contains herbs such as bismuth and mastic gum to coat and heal your pet's stomach lining, reducing pain from acid stomach. Using Gastro ULC along with Power Probiotic, Soothing Digestive Relief (for indigestion) and Ask Ariel's digestive enzymes can give your pet natural relief from acid reflux and upset tummy. Please click here to learn more about holistic treatments for acid reflux.

Natural Remedies For Canine Cushing's Disease

Have you noticed your aging dog drinking more water, panting & urinating frequently? Is there hair loss, a pot belly or thinning skin? These can be signs of aging, but gradual changes can also be symptoms of Canine Cushing's disease. With Cushing's (hyperadrenocorticism), excess cortisol is produced and can weaken the immune system and cause these symptoms, gradually progressing over time. Medications can have harsh side effects. Ask Ariel's Canine Cushing's Support contains Phosphatidyl Serine, a natural alternative, that can lower cortisol levels, reducing the symptoms of Canine Cushing’s Disease. Adding Ask Ariel’s Liver & Gallbladder Support and making diet changes can also help. Please click here to see our testimonials.

Natural Remedies Help Pudelpointer Get Joint Pain Relief

"Our 7 year old Pudelpointer Ember suffered a devastating leg injury 2 years ago.  She suffered a committed fracture which required multiple surgeries and plating of her leg.  Her vet recommended several supplements and we even tried injections to reduce her pain and limping.  I turned to Ask Ariel for help and started Ember on Ultraflex and Arthrosoothe.  Within two weeks, she had completely stopped limping and was running like the wind!  She was doing so well, when the supplements ran out, we didn't  bother to refill.   Fast forward a few months and the poor  dog is limping again with no initiating incident.  We put Ember back on Arthrosoothe and Ultraflex and it worked even faster this time!  No more going off supplements, thank you for helping our dear, sweet Ember.     Lynette, CA 

Cats Can Get Different Types Of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are common in cats and can have a variety of different symptoms.  Cats can get  Stomatitis which affects their mouth and gums, Pillow Paw which causes sore, bleeding paws, hyperthyroidism which can cause weight loss and IBD which can cause digestive issues.  Autoimmune diseases can be discouraging for cat owners because they are usually progressive and hard to treat. Conventional treatments such as steroids and antibiotics can provide temporary relief, but it's important to address underlying causes of inflammation that cause the autoimmune disease to flare up.   While symptoms of autoimmune diseases may differ, what they have in common is inflammation and triggers that cause their immune system to overreact.  The goal of treatment with medications, diet changes and supplements is to calm the inflammation and help your cat's immune system get back into balance.  Diet, underlying viruses and stress are often triggers that can affect a kitty’s immune system. For many cat owners, adding a few supplements and changing their cat’s diet can be life changing. Immune Harmony, Power Probiotic and Olive Leaf Extract have helped many cats to finally get better! To learn more about natural treatments for autoimmune disease please click here.

Does Your Dog Smell Like Cheese?

 

Does your dog have a musty, "cheesy" odor? Does he lick his paws and scratch his ears endlessly? Do her paws smell like Cheetos or corn chips? These can be signs of dog yeast. Signs of dog yeast include doggie odor, chronic skin infections or redness, ear infections, licking genitals, chronic ear infections, rubbing their face in the carpet and darkened skin. Dogs get yeast in moist areas such as the groin, armpits and ears.

Ask Ariel's K9 Yeast Defense is an all natural remedy that provides fast relief for yeast infection symptoms. This trusted dog yeast supplement containing oregano and pau d'arco helps restore the balance of intestinal flora following antibiotic use. Use K9 Yeast Defense and put an end to doggie odor, butt scooting and constant biting and chewing of the skin.

Dogs develop yeast due to their diet (high in carbohydrates), allergies and from using medications such as antibiotics and steroids. To learn more about how to help your dog's cheesy odor and say goodbye to smelly yeast, read our indepth article.

Symptoms Of Stomatitis In Cats

Stomatitis is a painful inflammation of a cat's mouth and gums. It is a progressive autoimmune disease where the cat's mouth and gums develop a hyper sensitivity to bacterial plaque (also called Tooth Plaque Allergy). The cats suffer from red mouth sores and swollen, inflamed gums. Feline stomatitis natural treatments include a change in diet and using a few home remedies. Stomatitis symptoms can improve by feeding a hypoallergenic, low carbohydrate diet with immune support supplements to calm inflammation, infection and allergic reaction. The Immune Support Kit, , AllerEaze and Immune Harmony have been especially helpful.