Saturday, July 31, 2010

Pug Has Yeast in Ears and Red Bumps and Sores

Q: I have a 2 year old pug who gets yeast in his ears and red bumps that look like little sores on his stomach and groin and the vet puts him on antibiotics. The antibiotics help but then he gets yeast. What can I do?

John, Oklahoma

A: A lot of your pug's problems could be due to the food you are feeding him. Be sure you are using a hypoallergenic, low carbohydrate diet. Many diets claim to be "hypoallergenic" but they are still very high in starches such as potatoes and rice which can contribute to yeast overgrowth. Unfortunately, you can get into a cycle where you put your pug on antibiotics and then your pug gets better only to have him develop yeast which starts the whole cyle all over again.

1) Be sure you are avoiding key allergens such as wheat, corn, peanut butter, etc and use a low carbohydrate diet. This will help control yeast overgrowth.

2) Use natural anti-yeast products such as Myco-zyme or our K9 Yeast Defense whenever you are using antibiotics and also afterwards to rebalance your pug's digestive tract. People used to think that using a Probiotic was sufficient to prevent yeast overgrowth. Using a Probiotic is very important and is helpful for all pets, especially those that have allergies, but it is often not sufficient to fight yeast when a pet has been on multiple rounds of probiotics and steroids.

3) Give your pug plenty of fresh vegetables such as green beans to help prevent having an "acid" condition. Vegetables provide many vitamins and help alkalize the body warding off yeast which grows in an acidic environment.

4) Use allergy formulas such as AllerEaze and Allergy Combination Drops to help your pet cope with environmental allergies. This will reduce the possibility of infections and help build up your pet's immune system.
Saturday, July 24, 2010

Holistic Care For Raised Mast Cell Tumor on Beagle

Q: I have a year and a half old male Beagle named Giovanni. Giovanni has had a one week old mast pink raised cell on the back of his head. The bump went from a small bump to a larger bump in a matter of a few days. And has not become any bigger in size. Last Friday we visited a Banfield Veterinarian. And they prescribed him Resortin. The instructions were to apply the cream twice a day for two weeks. And check back in two weeks if nothing has changed. So, it has been a few days and nothing has changed. On top of applying the cream the Veterinarian said that Benadryl is good to give him as well. And we give him 25mg twice a day every 12 hours. All I can do is wait and see what happens when we hit the end of two weeks. I am also in the process of taking him to a holistic Veterinarian here by my house. I should be able to get in this week. Please help us. Is there anything we can put on it? I know surgery might be a option if nothing changes the Vet told me. The vet also said that this might be something that might clear on its own over time. He also noted that usually when he sends this down for a biopsy, they get the result backs and it shows that it was in the process of all ready healing.
A: Thank you for submitting a question to our blog. We submitted your question to Dr. David Gordon, holistic veterinarian, and here is his response:

"The only way to know what any suspicious lump is would be to do a fine needle aspirate first. If this is inconclusive, then a biopsy would be recommended. A fine needle aspirate will give some indication of the diagnosis in over 50% of cases. " dg

In addition, we HIGHLY recommend scheduling a telephone appointment with us to help with Giovanni's diet and supplement protocol. These growths can become a chronic problem and may be exacerbated by food allergies. We can really help you to address Giovanni's health going forward. In the meantime, we also recommend using the Amazing Omegas and Proaller/Notatum (Pet Skin Package) on www.askariel.com Topically, would also recommend using Argentyn which directly supports natural healing of the skin. Argentyn is a wonderful product and we use it for many types of skin inflammation and irritation.

Wishing you all the best with Giovanni. Susan Blake Davis, CCN
Saturday, July 17, 2010

Senior Dog Nutrition Needs and Prescription Diets for Senior Dogs


Pictured here is my beloved Ariel, blowing out the candles on her birthday cake at 14 years.... Ariel lived to a vibrant old age and was still running and playing as a senior. Senior dogs need more nutrition than ever. Unfortunately, most premium packaged Senior Dog foods have reduced nutrition and more fillers. Many times senior dogs are overweight but that doesn't mean they should eat less nutritious food. What that means is you need to feed less of it.

Senior dogs need a diet custom-tailored to their health condition. It is very important to get a blood panel on your senior dog so you can be sure you are aware of any potential health issues. Many times people are afraid to get the tests done because they are afraid of what they might find out. But the truth is, many diseases, when caught early can be treated successfully. For example, the liver can actually grow new tissue and repair itself IF you start using liver support supplements and change your pet's diet early on. Be sure to get a complete blood panel, including thyroid along with a urine test to check on your pet's overall health. Pets won't often act like they are sick until disease has set in so a laboratory test is the best way to find out your pet's health status.
Many senior pets have joint issues and arthritis so it is highly recommended that you use a purified, effective omega oil. Amazing Omegas is a highly potent, purified omega 3 fish oil that has been used with thousands of cats and dogs with much success. Pet owners can often see results in just a few days. Senior pets will quickly show an improvement in coat quality and flexibility. If your pet is acting stiff or showing signs of difficulty getting up, we highly recommend using  Arthrosoothe along with the Amazing Omegas.
Give your senior pet plenty of fresh vegetables. If you don't have time to steam them, then take frozen vegetables such as chopped broccoli or french style green beans and let them defrost in the refrigerator. Mix a small amount into your pet's dog food. Most pet owners are surprised that their dogs will actually eat vegetables---don't just use baby carrots, it is the green vegetable that provide vitamins, fiber and extra nutrition to your senior dog's diet.

Finally, be careful about using "senior diets". It is much better to use a healthy diet and then use less of it. You can use green vegetables as a healthy way to fill up your pet rather than giving them food that contains such "fillers" as peanut hulls or beet pulp. Senior diets tend to be lacking not only in calories, but everything else. If your pet is on a prescription diet, the best thing you can do is to schedule an appointment with a veterinary professional to develop a healthier alternative. Prescription diets are made for your convenience to address a specific problem. However, in trying to help the "mass market" and make them convenient for you, they end up skimping on what really counts--good nutrition. Check out the labels---generally they contain artificial ingredients, byproducts, chemicals you can't pronounce, etc etc and these are for pets that already are compromised with a specific health condition. 
Friday, July 16, 2010

Dry, Flaking Skin on Black Labrador--Can dogs have dandruff?

Q: Dear Ariel,
My 2 year old black labrador is so cute but he has dry, flaking skin that gets all over the place. I don't know if it is just his color that makes the flakes stand out or if there is something wrong with him. This is really bad especially when he starts itching. Is there anything natural I can do to help him?

A: This is a really good question. A dog's skin is a reflection of what is going on the inside. Dry, flaking skin (dog dandruff)--when a dog's skin is flaking, many times pet owners think the dog needs topical lotions or creams. While sure, using a topical cream rinse can help temporarily to reduce the dog dandruff, that is not a permanent answer. The problem needs to be resolved internally. The dog's coat is dry because the diet does not contain enough essential fatty acids e.g. Omega 3 fatty acids. Perhaps you have heard them referred to as Omega 3s. There are different types of Omega 3s available for pets and you need to be very careful. Many times pet owners think they are buying the "best" but getting very little for their money. Fish oil, especially in pet products can be heavily diluted with water when it is manufactured or it can be altered significantly in the manufacturing process. In addition, fish oil and flax seed oil, two important sources of Omega 3s, can contain a lot of contaminants, PCBs, toxins such as mercury.

There are a few criteria to know if the Omega 3s you are using are really as good as they claim to be. First, if they make you or your pet belch, chances are it is the contaminants in the product. A purified fish oil should not give you that continual, nasty aftertaste. It should go down and stay down! Second, you should notice a very quick improvement in your pet's coat, skin and fur. Amazing Omegas in an exceptional product that works very quickly (just a few days) and the pet's dry skin and coat will start to improve. Amazing Omegas contain the purest, most potent fish oil available. Because it is so pure, it is highly bioavailable to your dog and cat. What does bioavailable mean? It means that your pet's body is able to use it. We have had countless examples at the clinic where pet owners are already using another brand of fish oil and yet, the pet continues to have dull coat or flaky skin. This is most likely due to the fact that the oil is not a high enough quality or they are not using enough. Buyer beware--there is huge variation in fish oils.

Finally, dog skin flaking (dog dandruff) can also be due to a number of other factors such as endocrine diseases (e.g. hypothyroidism), yeast overgrowth, allergies and parasites. We definitely encourage you to first go to the veterinarian to rule this out. If nothing is determined other than dry flaking skin (dog dandruff), then be sure to use a hypoallergenic, grain-free diet along with the oils mentioned above.

AskAriel will provide a free diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with your order. Please be sure to include your pet's diet on the order form at checkout.
Pet Nutritionist Susan Blake Davis and Her Rescue Dog Legend
Join us now on Instagram! Be sure to follow @Ask.Ariel for cute pet pictures, videos and pet health tips. www.instagram.com/ask.ariel


Need help with your pet?  Email the experts at AskAriel.com at support@askariel.com

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Incredible Savings on Argentyn Anti-Infection Formula

We love Argentyn!

This terrific colloidal silver is extremely pure, easy to use, backed by significant research and really delivers! Argentyn can be used topically on any type of irritation or inflammation. Just watch as this miracle formula helps to heal the skin. Excellent for oral and topical use.


Here is how Argentyn 23 can benefit you and your pet:

* Fights infection and boosts immune response

* Promotes healing of the skin

*Reduces topical pain (great for sunburn!!!)

*Calms minor inflammation reducing the swelling, redness and heat

*Great for bug bites, itching, burns and scrapes

*Spray and drop in sore ears


The product tastes very much like water and yet offers powerful immune support. Fabulous savings through Friday July 16th!!!



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Holistic Pet Care and Pet Nutrition --Please support us on Facebook

Please join us on Facebook for the latest tips on holistic pet care, pet nutriton and product sales announcements. Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist is a holistic pet care website that is a complete library on pet health conditions and how to treat them naturally using diet and supplements. We provide advice that complements the conventional veterinary care your pet is receiving from your veterinarian.

Click here to join us on Facebook and become a fan of holistic pet care!

What is holistic pet care? holistic veterinary medicine?

Holistic pet care and holistic veterinary medicine is the examination and diagnosis of an animal encompassing the entire “whole” picture of the patient including not only the symptoms and disease patterns, but the emotions, nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle factors as well. When your pet receives a holistic examination, conventional laboratory testing and diagnostic techniques will be utilized, but these other important factors will also be addressed in developing your pet’s individualized treatment plan. Holistic veterinary medicine will treat the whole body, not just an isolated area, all the while attempting to minimize side effects and potentially harmful invasive procedures.

The goal of the holistic veterinarian is to examine the patient’s present state of disease and ask the question, “Why?”. A simple appearing symptom may have many levels of causation. While conventional veterinary medicine may use pharmaceutical agents and surgery to treat the symptom or disease, holistic veterinary medicine will use these conventional tools along with a comprehensive protocol of holistic modalities which include changing diet, adding nutritional supplements, chiropractic and acupuncture treatments to name a few.

As an example, a 5 year old dog may appear to be in relatively good health except for constant scratching and itching. The owner may be reluctant to bring the pet to the veterinarian because the pet appears “fine” and prior treatments with corticosteroids helped temporarily but the problem came back. A holistic veterinarian will look beyond the simple symptom of scratching and itching because skin is a detoxification mechanism for the body and is often the first place where diseases present themselves. The pet may have food or environmental allergies, a thyroid condition or a weakened immune system—all of which, if left untreated, could result in a more serious, chronic disease. Thus, in helping the pet attain total wellness, the holistic veterinarian will employ additional holistic modalities to heal the entire body, beyond just resolving the current scratching and itching symptom.

To learn more about our state of the art holistic pet care, please visit AskAriel.com
Saturday, July 3, 2010

Bichon Frise Has Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Crystals

Q: My 5 year old bichon frise has been getting chronic urinary tract infections and the vet told me now she has struvite crystals. He put her on a special prescription diet called C/D. My dog is gaining weight and is now itching really bad too. My vet said bichons are prone to getting bladder crystals and stones but I was wondering if there anything else I could do?

A: Yes, there is a lot you can do to help your bichon frise. Even if a breed is prone to getting certain problems, using holistic care you can help to prevent what might seem like the "inevitable". First and foremost, you need to get your dog on a healthy ph-balanced diet. When it comes to finding the right diet for your pet, one size does NOT fit all. Some guidelines though: avoid grains such as wheat, corn and oats and try to use novel protein foods such as venison or rabbit. A dietary consultation with a veterinary professional such as the telephone appointments offered through AskAriel.com is highly recommended especially when crystals are involved. This is because if you are not careful, what can happen is that a pet may have one type of urinary crystals---e.g. struvite and then by using either a prescription diet that is so acidic or the wrong diet, you can end up having your pet develop a different type of crystal, e.g. oxalate.

There are some supplements that would really help your bichon's tendency to get urinary tract infections. For starters, use Renelix Renelix helps clear toxins, accumulated gravel, protein and other sediments from the kidneys and urinary tract. We have consistently used this product with pets that have crystals in the urine and then retest them later and have had consistently positive results. Moreover, using a Probiotic and the Pet UTI Prevention Package is highly recommended.
Friday, July 2, 2010

Dog Scratching, Dry and Flaky Dandruff on Dog's Coat

Q: I have a 3 year old ShtZu that stays in the house all the time. She scratches herself all the time and her skin is dry and flaky like dandruff. What can I do for her?

A: Your dog could have BOTH food and environmental allergies. For starters, it is really important for you to use a pure and effective Omega 3 fatty acid supplement. We highly recommend Amazing Omegas to help with your dog's dry and flaky dandruff. Amazing Omegas can make your dog's coat soft and will help reduce the dandruff in just a few days. Omegas add a beautiful sheen to the coat and lubricate the skin. In addition, they reduce inflammation to help fight allergies.

You need to address your dog's food allergies as well. Be sure to look carefully at your pet's food label as it might contain grains such as corn or wheat. Also, chicken can be a big allergen too. You might want to consider a frozen raw food diet or a canned diet using a "novel protein" such as rabbit. Be sure to avoid key allergens such as wheat, corn, milk products, chicken and peanut butter. Dry food is not recommended for dogs with allergies as it can promote yeast overgrowth since many dogs don't digest it well.

To help your dog get some relief, I would highly recommend Ask Ariel's Pet Allergy and Skin Package. The Pet Allergy and Skin Package includes Proaller, Amazing Omegas and Notatum which work synergistically to reduce scratching, itching and infection. You might also want to include a Probiotic in your dog's regimen too as it helps support your dog's digestion, immune system and allergic response.