Saturday, November 26, 2011

Diet For Bichon Frise Bladder Stones (Calcium Oxalate Stones and Struvite)


Q: We have a lovely soon going to be 8 yr old Bichon Frise that has had 3 operations to remove bladder stones. I believe the first two were Struvite in nature but the last one was Cal Oxalate. She is scheduled for another surgury next week for more Cal Oxalate stones. Are there any proven diets that you are aware of that reduce the chances of forming Cal Oxalate stones? We love our dog but aren't sure how many surguries she can take without harming her??? Thank You, Ron & Carolyn Began

A: Sorry to hear that your dog has had constant bladder stones (struvite and calcium oxalate stones). While it is true that some breeds such as Bichon Frise are more prone to developing bladder stones, we have worked successfully with many of these pets to prevent future bladder stones from reoccurring. Diet has everything to do with it! Using the appropriate diet along with some key supplements can make a tremendous difference in preventing future bladder stones. From a conventional veterinary perspective, pets are given prescription diets that manipulate the urinary pH which are often unsuccessful. These diets contain corn, byproducts and other fillers and there are much healthier, nutrition options. In addition, by altering the pH of a pet's urine one way using prescription diets (e.g. in your dog's case, she had struvite which grow in alkaline urine) the pet then becomes too acidic and develops calcium oxalate stones which grow in acidic urine. The key is to get your pet on a diet that is pH neutral using wholesome, hypoallergenic foods.

It's essential to give your Bichon supplements to prevent future bladder stones.  Renelix 
is a veterinary-recommended product used successfully with cats and dogs that have recurring crystals and stones.  This natural remedy is beneficial for cats and dogs with urinary tract crystals, stones, kidney disease and accumulation of toxins in the urinary tract.  Power Probiotic  is a must for any dog or cat that has stones, crystals or chronic UTIs.  These pets have taken multiple rounds of antibiotics which can destroy the beneficial bacteria in your pet's immune system.  Many probiotics don't survive a pet's stomach acid and are manufactured in such a way that they are only "live" at the time of manufacture.  If your Bichon has had constant infections, then it is essential to keep your dog on Power Probiotic, a multi-strain probiotic to help fight infections and recurrences.  Using herbs such as cranberry, uva ursi and d-mannose found in the Pet UTI Prevention formula will also help.  Finally, for dietary assistance, there are much more natural alternatives. Ask Ariel 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.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Dangerous Foods For Pets - Keep Your Pets Safe on Thanksgiving!


At Thanksgiving, it is very tempting to want to “treat” our pets to something special such as gravy, turkey drippings and table food. These high fat foods can cause diarrhea, vomiting and overload the pet’s digestive system. Many small pets, especially, can be adversely affected from what might seem, is a tiny piece of Thanksgiving dinner.

It is quite common for emergency animal clinics to be filled with dogs and cats suffering from a severe bout of pancreatitis during the holidays. Giving pets table scraps such as fat from meat, cooked bones, turkey drippings and gravy, even in small amounts, can make them sick. Pet owners and doting relatives who overindulge the pet in holiday food are not only causing a change in the pet’s diet (which can make them sick on its own) but combining that with high fat foods can lead to serious, sometimes even fatal consequences.

If you really want to give your pet an extra snack, then please plan ahead. Keep safe treats such as your pet’s favorite treat available or consider having fresh vegetables (steamed or raw), a piece of baked yam or a small piece of LEAN meat set aside. Show family members the "safe" treats for your pet and have an appropriate amount clearly displayed in a special dish. Once the treats run out, be sure the "treating" stops.
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Dangerous Foods For Pets

The following foods can be dangerous to pets:

* Chocolate

* Grapes or raisins

* Onions (cooked or raw)

* Sweets (cookies, cake, ice cream, etc.)

* Rolls/bread (many pets are allergic to gluten)

* High fat foods such as butter, gravy or drippings

* Cooked bones (they can cause choking and tearing in the GI tract)


Monday, November 14, 2011

What's In Pet Food? Ingredients That Should Not Be Included In Pet Food

Recently I spoke at the Pet Food Industry Advisory Committee Meeting at the Palms in Las Vegas. Many of the leading pet food industry manufacturers were present. I spoke about the ingredients that should be included and NOT included in pet food. Specifically requested that corn, byproducts, wheat, gluten and chemicals such as ethoxyquin be eliminated from pet food. Explained to them about how these ingredients are not natural foods that pets should eat and how they contribute to health problems in pets.

At Ask Ariel.com, we focus on holistic pet care and pet nutrition. Pet nutritionists play a crucial role in guiding pet owners on proper dietary choices to address various health issues in animals. Our goal is to  provide specialized nutritional advice, supplements, and holistic approaches to support the overall well-being of pets.  Our website has a complete library of articles about how you can use holistic pet care to improve the health of your pets.  What you feed your pets is very important and greatly affect their overall well being.  


 Here is a clip:




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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Malamute with IBD--What diet and supplements can help?

Q: My 8 y/o Alaskan Malamute has IBD. He is currently going through a flare up due to stress because we recently moved to New Mexico from Nevada with the military. Lab tests have ruled out parasites and other diseases so the vet diagnosed it as stress induced IBD flare up. I agrees since I can see that he is stressed at home. What can I do to calm his mind and digestive tract? Please help. when my baby is not feeling well I don't feel well.

A: IBD is generally a result of food allergies. There are supplements that will definitely help your malamute such as the Ask Ariel IBD Kit. In addition, it is really important that the diet you give your malamute avoids the allergic foods indicated in this webinar:

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Cat is Vomiting and Has IBD

Q: I have a 15 yr old kitty who has always been a barfer, believe me tests and money spent--nothing except maybe she had hairballs and she has had enemas when she gets constipated which is also something from time to time she has had even as a kitten. We did bloodwork, no prob; ultrasound showed IBD or IBS---she has lost weight, a lot for her size, vomits most of her wet food several times a week. likes dry food---i just now got her to eat only wet w/pumpkin, probiotics, flax, etc...and a small course of pred to help the inflammation. Everything fine for a couple days now she just barfed her prednisone and her food. She is a real pain to subQ; the older cat gets fluids 2x a week, he is easy but she hates it! i havent attempted since she bit me so hard i lost feeling in one of my joints. She is ordinarily a sweet cat but seems cranky and unhappy. I am adding glutamine to her diet and i think the wet is going to be ok w.fiber, etc...but she now threw up. it has been 4-5 days i thought we had it taken care of. she also leaves hard little pellets outside the box. can i give her Colace? I also give her lactulose which she doesnt like but i think helps--but even i can tell she needs hydration. thanks--

A: So sorry your kitty has been so uncomfortable. Chronic vomiting is usually due to food allergies. The most common food allergies in cats are poultry, grains and sometimes fish. Try using a grain-free diet with novel protein such as rabbit. That should definitely reduce the vomiting and IBD symptoms. Definitely use the Power Probiotic to help your cat's IBD, digestive problems and kidney concerns. The Power Probiotic is a multi-strain formula that helps to repopulate the bowel with good flora. This good bacteria helps to reduce inflammation in the bowel which will help your cat digest her food better and also help to promote normal bowel movements. It is very easy to administer--tasteless and is just a powder that is put in the food.
Sunday, November 6, 2011

What To Feed Chihuaha That is Allergic to Wheat?

Q How can I improve my 4lb, 14 month old, Chihuahua's life if she is allergic to wheat? I give her wheat free food & treats but her fur is still dry and falls out a lot! Also, how do feel about giving my Chi's "meaty bones" to help fight against tartar? Are the dogs to small for these bones?

 A: Many pets and people are allergic to wheat and grains. In general, I do not recommend giving pets any grains because they can trigger allergies and a lot of health problems. It sounds as though your dog could benefit tremendously from Omega 3 fatty acids. Since your chihuaha is very sensitive, you need to be especially careful about using fish oil. This is because there are a lot of contaminants in most fish oils which can cause even more problems. Try the Amazing Omegas as the oil will quickly help your dogs coat and reduce shedding. Also, using a multi-strain powerful probiotic such as Power Probiotic will help your chihuaha's overall allergies and teeth. Usually pets accumulate tartar when htey are not digesting their food properly. Using a raw frozen diet that contains ground-up bone is a safer choice for such a small dog.