Friday, July 29, 2011

Mr. Bojangles Is Dancing Again!

From Worthless and Abandoned To Cherished & Loved: Mr. Bojangles is Dancing Again!

Pictured above is Mr. Bojangles, a 4 year old Italian Greyhound Miniature Poodle mix. Mr. Bojangles came into the Orange County Shelter as a stray. He was covered with mats and you couldn't even see his face under all his matted hair. His skin was in very bad condition due to having fleas and matted fur.

The Orange County Animal Care Center had a special adoption event where all the adoption fees were waived and the dogs could be adopted for free. Still Mr. Bojangles did not get taken out of the shelter. His value was "worthless" and no one was even willing to take him.

The next day, Ariel Rescue adopted him and gave him a "beauty bath and haircut". A brand new dog emerged from all that matted hair. Mr. Bojangles was a happy, healthy dog ready to play and have fun!

Mr. Bojangles was adopted by a couple who have a female Bichon Frise. Mr. Bojangles never has to worry about being overlooked ever again. He is now the pampered, cherished pup that he should be.



Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist promotes and supports the rescue of unwanted cats and dogs in shelters. Please consider adopting your next pet from an animal shelter. Homeless pets of all breeds can be found on http://www.petfinder.com/



Please click here for more information and products available at Ask Ariel. And don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Supplements Can Help A Dog With Lymphoma

Is It Too Late To Try Pet Cancer Supplements When My Dog Has Lymphoma?

Q: Have a 12 1/2 yr old shiba inu dx 1/2010 with b-cell lymphoma, stage 3a. Did 19 wk CHOP protocol and she went into clinical remission after 4th treatment. Very few side effects. Immediately changed diet to hi protein/fat, low carb, no grain. Added l-arginine pills (n/d food wasn't tolerated). Finished proto - went 3 1/2 mos before it re-emerged. Started CHOP again, went into clinical remission quickly, finished protocol this past April - held remission for another 3 1/2 months - started to re-emerge again. Changed to elspar/lomustine as her response to CHOP was slower than the first two times. So far - so good - nodes are very close to being completely down.

Feel like I am missing an all important supplement for her. She takes metacam daily (hip dysplasia and arthritis) and soloxine for her thyroid. Was thinking of arteminisin but not sure about the dosing requirements. Am open to homeopathic supplements - is it to late to use the Canine Lymphoma Supplements for her? She still has good vitality and bright, clear eyes...

Thank you! Ann L.

A: First, let me say I am so sorry that your dog has lymphoma and complement you for all that you have done to try to help. I am sure you have had a lot of emotional ups and downs through this time period. One of the most common questions we receive comes from pet owners wondering if it is too late to try supplements with their sick pet. The answer really depends upon the state of the pet's current condition. When a pet is no longer eating, spends most of the time lying down or sleeping and there are more bad days than good days, then the best thing a pet owner can do is to let them go peacefully. But, most of the time, the pet still has some spunk left, has good vitality, bright clear eyes and is eating on his own.

The benefit of supplements for treating canine lymphoma or any type of cancer is that it gives your pet a boost. The canine lymphoma supplements  include time tested products such as Immune Harmony and Curcumin that have been used safely and successfully by many dog and cat owners.    We have seen dogs with lymphoma tolerate the chemotherapy much better  when using these products and their quality of life and longevity is improved. 

Act your age!! But your pets don't have to

Keep Your Senior Pets Alive and Alert with Ask Ariel Supplements
Senior pets don't have to act old! Senior cats and dogs have special needs. They need a reduced fat, moderate protein diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids to keep their brains functioning and their joints moving---just like us! Senior pets need plenty of antioxidants, fish oil, heart and joint support. Here are some great choices to keep your senior pet alive and alert!
Here are a few great vitamin supplement options for your senior cat or dog:


  • Oxicell SE--The No Hassle, Pill-Free Vitamin For Pets! Now available in a convenient pump. The same great formula for people is also excellent for pets! Easy to use-- just rub on their ear tips and neck! This is great news for people with "brat cats" that scratch and are nearly impossible to administer pills! The fabulous antioxidants are directly absorbed into the skin--backed by research--this is one special product. Excellent value too--a little goes a long way.
    This is a one-of-a-kind cream that delivers critical antioxidants into the body helping fight free radical damage and inflammation. Oxicell SE is a great option if your pet is suffering from liver problems, cancer, arthritis, kidney disease or other inflammatory conditions.

  • Vitality NOW!--Gives Pets Energy, Supports Heart Health, Burns Fat, Helps Muscle Spasms

  • Amazing Omegas potent formula for lustrous skin and coat, joint support

  • Resveratrol Synergy Longevity, heart support, energy

  • Ocuforce vision, eye support, vital antioxidants

  • Lipoic Synergy blood sugar regulation, liver support
    For more information on these products and others, please visit our website!

Monday, July 25, 2011

14 year old Boxer With Dementia Keeps Going Strong!



















Sophie, our sweet boxer, is now 14 years old. Boxers generally only live 8 - 10 years.Thanks to Ask Ariel's Brain Vitale and diet program, Sophie is going strong physically and mentally. As many senior dogs do, Sophie had developed pancreatitis and was having digestive issues; she did not want to eat. Susan Davis, Ask Ariel Nutritionist, formulated a low fat diet for Sophie and recommended using the supplements, K9 Digestive Enzymes and Lypozyme. Sophie no longer has pancreatitis and she is back to chowing down her meals.  The K9 Digestive enzymes stopped her tummy rumbling and the Lypozyme cleared up her pancreatitis.

As Sophie got older, she started to bark and bark for no reason. It seemed like she had dementia which affects some senior dogs. She seemed to not even know that she was barking. Susan recommended the supplement Brain Vitale for healthy brain function and we got our Sophie back. She is back to her old self, playing with our other boxer, and the barking has all but stopped.  Nothing helped with the doggie dementia until we started using the Brain Vitale.  It made a big difference in her temperament and energy level.

We know that we would not have our senior dog, Sophie with us today if is wasn't for Ask Ariel's help with Sophie's diet and supplements.


Friday, July 22, 2011

Constipation, IBD and MegaColon in Cats



Dear Dr. Gordon,
Can you please help? My 13 year old cat has recently developed a problem with having a bowel movement. It seems as if she gets into position to defecate and then passes only a small quantity of poop. I haven't changed her diet on done anything different. What could be wrong?
- P.B.

Dear P.B,
Although your kitty's inability to pass stool is not normal, there could be a lot of reasons why this is now occurring. Perhaps she is in pain and cannot maintain the position long enough to facilitate a bowel movement or maybe she is drinking less water than she should and has now become constipated. Another scenario could be that she is drinking adequate amounts of water, but her kidney function has deteriorated, not allowing her body to absorb necessary fluid. A normal hydration status is very important in maintaining proper digestive tract health. She may also have lost some strength with her advancing age and could be having problems "pushing" the stool out.

It is essential to use Amazing Omegas for your cat to help make her feel better. Amazing Omegas may help lubricate the bowel and reduce inflammation, thereby helping increase bowel movements.

There could also be a mechanical obstruction to the outflow of the stool. If something is blocking the passage of the stool (a growth or tumor), your kitty may strain and strain but will be unable to pass normal quantities of stool. The stool that is passed may be blood tinged and very hard.

Often veterinarians are presented with elderly cats that have become so constipated that the stool is, literally, rock hard in the colon. It takes a very perceptive owner to realize that their pet is having problems passing stool since most cats are fairly discreet and secretive about their bathroom habits. The first sign is usually a decrease in the normal quantity of stool that must be cleaned from the litter box. If undetected, some of these cats will have distended the walls of the colon to such a degree that nothing can possibly pass. If this rock hard stool is present for more than a day or two, they may also lose the ability to feel how much stool becomes stagnant there. The resulting condition is termed "megacolon" which is the presence of a large, distended colon devoid of any feeling.

Veterinarians are not really sure why certain elderly cats develop megacolon and others are able to have normal bowel movements their entire lives. This condition is currently under investigation at many university hospitals. Usually, once a cat has developed this condition, it can be managed with diet, laxatives, and medicines, but it is seldom reversible. It certain severely affected patients, surgery may be considered to eliminate the portion of the colon that has become devoid of sensation.

Usually your veterinarian will try to determine if there are any underlying causes for this condition. This may necessitate a battery of tests (bloodwork, urine analysis) if the doctor is not able to palpate "or feel" a mass in the distal colon that is causing the obstruction. The doctor may want to take xrays to determine how obstructed or constipated your cat is. To relieve the obstruction, many of these patients must be anesthetized to allow the doctor to relieve the obstruction.Warm water enemas with stool softeners are used to try to break down the rock hard stool. Digital manipulation is sometimes successful.

Management of these cats after relieving the obstruction involves using oral laxatives and stool softeners to "keep things moving" and motility modifiers to inhibit re-obstruction. Dietary changes and supplements such as fish oil and Probiotics may also help. The most successful motility modifier is called "Propulsid". This used to be readily available for human patients but has since been withdrawn by the FDA. Your veterinarian can still get this medication compounded by a special pharmacist. Unfortunately, once a kitty has presented for a severe case of megacolon, it is usually something that will need attention for the rest of the cat's life. With some guidance, good nutrition, and good veterinary care, any of these cats can go on to lead a fairly normal life.

Natural Holistic Treatments For Cats with Constipation and Megacolon:

1) Change your cat’s diet. Be sure your cat is eating a high fiber, high moisture diet. Avoid potential allergens such as grains and poultry. Dr. David Gordon and Susan Blake Davis are available by telephone to assist you in developing a comprehensive program for your kitty. Click here for more information about scheduling a telephone consultation.

2) Amazing Omegas may help lubricate the bowel and reduce inflammation, thereby helping increase bowel movements.

3) Power Probiotic can reintroduce “friendly bacteria” which are instrumental in improving the overall strength of the intestinal tract

4) Liver & Gallbladder Nutritional Supplement For Pets is a gentle liver support product increases bile flow which may be helpful for some cats

5) Adding a teaspoon of pumpkin per meal mixed into food can help







Saturday, July 16, 2011

Labrador Has Allergies, Skin Problems and Yeast in Ears--Gets Better Using Natural Alternatives To Cortisone

"Bruiser, our labrador retriever, had chronic yeast, ear infections and skin problems. We had been to the veterinarian many times but the problem would just come back. We scheduled a consultation with Susan Davis and followed her dietary and supplement recommendations. Bruiser's yeast finally cleared up and I receive many complements on how nice his coat looks. It was the best consultation fee I could have spent"

-Genette, Hawaii

An integral component of dog allergies is inflammation as the immune system reacts to the unwanted substance. One conventional veterinary treatment for allergies is cortisone which treats the symptoms of allergies (e.g. itching) but not the root cause. Cortisone has many long-term side effects, especially if used for more than a few weeks.  If your dog or cat has chronic, severe allergies and you have already tried modifying the diet, then Immune Harmony should be your next step in supporting your pet's immune function.

Another thing you can try is an air purifier which can be very helpful in reducing environmental allergies. Our natural anti-infection formula can be used topically to help heal hot spots. Allergy testing and desensitization can also be effective, although rarely 100% effective, in eliminating allergies in dogs and cats.

REMEMBER: Allergies in dogs and cats are a symptom rather than a cause in themselves. They often occur as a result of the long-term build-up of toxins and so the goal is to detoxify the body and enhance the immune system as well as to treat the overall allergy symptoms.

1) Be sure you are using a hypoallergenic, low carbohydrate diet.
2) Try using basic allergy support such as Amazing Omegas fish oil
3) Bathe your pet regularly during the hot summer months using a medicated shampoo from your veterinarian. Ask your vet for the best shampoo.

Please click here for more information and products available at Ask Ariel. And don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!



Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Save Money and Extend the Life of Your Pet!

                                   


With the current economy, we are all looking for ways to save money. It is hard to make ends meet and cutting costs is a priority for everyone. However, short-term gains may result in long-term negative consequences for your pet. Take a look at our handy tips and see where you can save and where to invest for the long-term health of your pet.

Stop and think the next time you buy your pet’s food. Look at the label. What’s really in there? Is there corn, wheat gluten, brewer’s rice and other fillers? Are there names you can’t pronounce such as ethoxyquin? What are they doing in your pet’s food anyway?

Your pet’s food label should list fresh ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables and healthy omega 3 fats. Invest in a high quality brand and you’ll find that instead of spending more on the high quality brand you’re actually SAVING money because you’ll end up using about ½ the recommended amounts (it takes a lot more food to fill up a pet using food that is loaded with fillers) AND the long-term benefits to your pet are immeasurable. Please visit the Animal Protection Institute to learn more about pet food and how it is prepared.

Avoid purchasing those cleverly marketed, commercially prepared treats that make you think you are actually doing good for your pet. You know—the ones in pretty shapes and colors (e.g. orange carrot-shaped treats made to give you the impression you are giving your pet a carrot) or with dogs begging on the front of the package. Don’t be fooled either by those “all natural” economy packs (sold at the big warehouse stores). Many of these “all natural” jerky treats are manufactured with harsh chemicals and contaminants. Pets can get upset tummies and health problems from eating them. The "bargain" treat bag can actually end up costing you money because of the long-term health consequences on your pet.

Instead, use fresh ingredients right from your kitchen. There are lots of affordable, healthy options. For dogs, give them apple slices, baby carrots, a slice of potato, a piece of hardboiled egg or a piece of fresh, LEAN meat. Your cat would much prefer a piece of salmon or fish anyday over a treat that looks like fish made with corn flour, by-products and syrup.

Veterinary bills will most likely be the single largest expense for your pet. By far though, the highest veterinary bills arise from emergency, unplanned visits. You can actually keep your veterinary bills under control by planning ahead and making smart choices NOW! With a bad economy comes bad decisions that can have permanent effects on your pet’s quality of life and longevity. How many of us have thought about switching to a lower cost food, skipping on the vet exam or delaying much needed laboratory work for our pets??? DON’T! A penny saved today will not result in a pound tomorrow—just the opposite. There are plenty of other healthy ways you can save—e.g. drinking less coffee, bringing lunch to work, cutting back on alcohol, candy bars or cigarettes and still do your best for your pet.

Exercise! Exercise with your pet and you will see the dollars flow in over the years. Want to know one of the main reasons pets end up at the veterinary office with emergency, unplanned visits? Well, many of the them have diabetes, cancer, joint problems, liver problems—all have strong correlations with obesity and being overfed and underexcercised. Obesity, lack of exercise is not just a matter of style or looks—it is a matter of good health. Take out a feather or laser toy for your cat--- go for a walk with your dog and everybody benefits! Not only will you save money on your veterinary bills but you will build a stronger bond with your pet and give them a happier, healthier life!

Please click here for more information and products available at Ask Ariel. And don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!