Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Spunky 12 Year Old Labrador Still Happy and Lively with the Help of Ask Ariel Products

Bailey

Our goal is to provide the highest quality products to help pets have the best quality of life possible. We recently received this email and it fills us with pride to know we are making a difference.

"Bailey is an amazing girl and extremely humanistic with a very happy and lively soul.  She is so full of spunk for the ripe age of 12.  She has been taking supplements from Ask Ariel for several years and I know they have helped with the aging process. Even Bailey won’t let you forget to give her the supplements and has quite the daily routine. She will follow you around and herd you into the kitchen until she gets them (however, it probably is because we give them to her in a bite of yam). The Power Probiotic for Pets, Liver&Gallbladder  Supplement  for Pets and Canine Cushing's Support  are a few products (of the many Ask Ariel products) that have been especially helpful in keeping Bailey healthy.

Thank You all for the love, kindness and support you give to each and every one of us." 

Laurie & Bailey     Calif. 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015

How to Help Your Dog Through the Senior Years


  • Age is just a number.  Every dog is unique and if kept healthy and active throughout their lives can act years younger than their actual age. Starting them early on a healthy diet and exercise routine can be key.
  • Look for any changes in their behavior  and have them checked out by your veterinarian. Don't think it is just due to aging.  Many health condition found in older pets  (kidney disease, arthritis, hypothyroidism etc.) can be treated with great success
  • Diet and Exercise can have a great impact. Just as in humans, as we age our nutritional needs change. Feeding the proper diet and using holistic supplements (when needed) can improve the quality of life for your pet. For dietary support adding Power Probiotic for Pets and one of our digestive enzyme products can help them get the most from their diet
  • Old dogs can and do learn new tricks! Teaching your dog new things can help fight boredom and also keep their minds sharp. Using Purrfect CoQ10 for Pets can help with energy, alertness and heart health too.
  • The young will keep you young. Consider adding a new friend for your elderly pet. Dogs are pack animals and  some research has found that when multiple pets live together they live longer and have fewer medical problems.
  • Modify their living environment as needed. As pets age, they may need to have changes made to keep them safe and comfortable. It may include ramps to access car and furniture, elevated feeding bowls, padded beds to lessen pain, etc.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

We Honor the Military Dogs Today

Today we would like to honor all the men,women and DoGS who have served in our military to help keep us safe. Here is the History as documented by the American Humane Association
2015 American Humane Association Military Dog Finalist
Rambo (Converse, TX) – Sgt. Rambo was an active Marine Corps military dog working in an explosive detection unit based out of Cherry Point, N.C. Rambo conducted 622 missions on base and in his local community. Rambo was medically retired due to a left shoulder injury and in November 2012 had to have that limb amputated. Rambo has gone on to be Alamo Honor Flight’s mascot, accompanying countless World War II veterans to Washington, D.C.and also serves as the mascot for Gizmo's Gift, a non-profit organization which supports retired services dogs.

Military working dogs first entered the service in 1942 to serve in the Army’s K-9 Corps. Today, these dogs, who have an actual military service record book assigned to them, are still playing an active role in searching for explosives and seizing enemies. Military working dogs have been used by the U.S. armed forces since World War I. In World War II, 436 scout dogs walked combat patrols overseas, often detecting the enemy at a 1,000 yards, long before the enemy became aware of them. Dogs continued to serve with distinction in other conflicts, such as Korea, where the Army used about 1,500 dogs, primarily for guard duty. During the Vietnam War, nearly 4,000 dogs were employed and, officially, 281 were killed in action. Today’s conflicts include dogs at every level, still serving our country, helping to protect our troops. American Humane Association

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Is Your Dog Genetically Predisposed to Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis?



Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is a type of heart disease that can cause sudden death to your pet.  It is one of the most common types of inherited heart diseases found in Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Rottweilers. The disease restricts the blood flow from the heart to the aorta, due to a ridge or abnormal tissue growth. It can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Fortunately, genetic testing is now available and hopefully new methods of treatment can be implemented.

Symptoms and Life Span

  • Mild- typically no observable clinical signs of disease.
  • Moderate to Severe- difficulty breathing, weakness, fainting, and in extreme cases, sudden death.
Dogs with severe SAS usually have a lifespan of about 18 months without intervention and up to 5 years with treatment. Dogs with mild to moderate SAS have a longer life span, with some living to average age for the breed. Intervention can help significantly. It is important to work with your veterinarian for the best course of action.

Treatment:
In mild cases, your pet may not require treatment, however, in moderate to severe cases of SAS you should work with your veterinarian  to determine the best course of action. A combination of life style adaptions (limiting the workload on the heart by avoiding intense physical exertion), traditional treatment (beta blockers) and holistic support can improve the quality of life for your pet.  We recommend a heart healthy diet and including   Amazing Omegas for Pets, and Purrfect Pet CoQ10 into your treatment plan.

It is important to keep follow-up appointments with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s progress, so that changes can be made to the treatment plan.

If your dog is having trouble breathing or collapses, even if they recover quickly, see your veterinarian immediately.
Monday, October 26, 2015

Beagle's Pancreatitis Helped with Use of Natural Supplements

Holly (on the right) with Daisy and Precious

"I just want to let you know I have a 13 year old beagle who was diagnosed with pancreatitis.*  She wouldn’t eat and she also already had congestive heart failure and liver disease.  Her liver score was so high it wouldn’t register on a chart.  I was desperate and searched the internet and found your product (Pancreatitis Support Kit).  I was worried it wouldn’t get to me in time to help her, luckily it did.  Twenty-four hours after giving her first pills, which I had to do by mouth, she very slowly started to improve.  I had planned to go away within the month and had someone coming in to take care of my dogs.  I typed up a daily chart to take care of Holly after the second week of treatment.  By the time I actually left and reviewed the chart to give my friend, it was completely different.  Holly has improved dramatically and has the energy of a dog years younger.  She is actually behaving better now than before she got pancreatitis.  Your pancreatic and liver care kit will remain a part of her daily care.

Thank you for giving me back my baby,
Lori
Williamsport, PA, (2015)

*Pancreatitis is inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. It can occur in mild or severe forms and can be triggered by eating table scraps or a fatty meal.  Pets can also get pancreatitis from eating spoiled food so be careful to keep trash tightly closed.

With a change to a hypoallergenic, low fat, high fiber diet and using Ask Ariel's Pancreatitis Kit, pets can recover and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Thursday, October 22, 2015

Novel Protein Diets for Pets with Food Allergies

Have you noticed your dog excessively chewing on his paws? Is your cat vomiting excessively or missing patches of fur? Are your pets getting constant ear infections or smelling after a bath?  All these symptoms could mean your pet is due for a diet change.   A diet change will be necessary to eliminate potential offending foods, but what should the change be? One approach is to switch your pet to a novel protein diet.

What is a novel protein diet?

It is a diet that contains a protein source that your pet has not eaten before. The most common protein sources included in most brands of pet foods include beef, chicken, lamb and turkey.  However, these same proteins are common sources of food allergies or food sensitivities (from eating the same food for an extended period of time).  Your pet may exhibit symptoms that include upset stomach and/or skin problems. By substituting a new, exotic novel protein your pet's symptoms may be alleviated. Some proteins to try may include:   Bison, Rabbit, Salmon (dogs only--cats are often allergic), Venison, Ostrich, Quail and Kangaroo.  Select a LOW carbohydrate, grain-free diet such as a raw frozen diet .  We do not recommend any dry food for dogs and cats with allergies as they are high in carbohydrates that can also cause symptoms such as scratching, itching and ear infections.


You can get serum allergy testing done at your vet's office but we prefer Nutriscan.  Nutriscan is a new test that can help determine your pet's food allergies through saliva which is thought to be more accurate than blood.  It's important to remember two points though about food allergy testing for pets:  1) even the best tests can have false negatives if the pet or person hasn't ingested the food recently (meaning the pet is still allergic even though the test says not 2) often food "families" cause a problem.  It is quite common for a dog to have an allergy to chicken and perhaps even test ok on duck, but the intolerances are there for all poultry.  Generally if there is one type of food that is a problem, it's best to stay away from all of it.


Thursday, October 15, 2015

Submissive and Excitement Urination in Dogs


Does your dog have an embarrassing and annoying problem of unexplained frequent urination? Does it happen especially if they are scared or excited?  Your pet may be suffering from submissive or excitement urination. This is not a training issue, but an involuntary reflex that will need patience to fix.

Signs of Submissive Urination
  •          History or being shy, timid or anxious
  •          Urinates when someone (especially strangers) approaches him.
  •          Urinates when being scolded or fears being in trouble
  •          Urinates when crouching, rolling over (exposing their stomach) or has their tail between their legs, indicating a submissiveness.

What to Do:
  •          Take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out medical reasons for the behavior.
  •          Avoid direct eye contact.
  •          Get down on their level, not just bending over, but kneel down.
  •          Try approaching from the side vs. the front.
  •          Teach them commands that can be used to distract and encourage confident behaviors and then reward them for performing them.  For example have them “sit” or “shake” when being greeted.  This will help them feel in control of the situation and lessen the anxiety.
We have many patients report that using Psy-Stabil has helped their “nervous” dog feel calmer and re-balance.

Excitement Urination, most often occurs, during playtime or when they are excited to see you. It is most common in puppies and luckily usually improves with maturity.  However, it can persist if the behavior is rewarded with positive reinforcement (even if inadvertently)

What to Do:
  • Take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out medical reasons for the behavior.
  • Precautions are key, to avoid mishaps, play outdoors or places with easy clean up
  •  Keep greetings low-key…do not greet your pet with excited tones or gestures.
  •  Ignore him when he is excited, wait until he calms down.
If  a veterinarian determines that your pet suffers from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) having a property diet and the right supplements can help and provide them with relief. The antibiotics used to treat the UTI won’t take care of the inflammation if the diet you are feeding is high in carbohydrates or allergens.  A grain-free, low carbohydrate diet and the right supplements provide your pet with the nutrients and immune support needed to fight off UTIs. Some of our featured products include Amazing Omegas, UTI Prevention and Power Probiotic.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit


1st Annual Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest
Sunday October 25th 12-4pm

Come join us as we celebrate a day dedicated to pet health and education.  Add to that the fun and excitement of a Howl-0-Ween costume contest with food, raffles, vendors, live demonstrations, prizes, and entertainment for you and your pup!  It’s our 1st Annual Dog Ranch Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest! This event is free!  Proceeds from this event will go to the participating non-profit organizations.
·         Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest with Prizes ($5 registration fee)
·         Over 20 vendors
·         Live demonstrations
·         Raffle
·         Photo Spot - dress up your pup and take some fun pics
·         Food Trucks
plus a 15 minute Q & A session with Susan Blake Davis,CCN- Ask Ariel Pet Nutritionist
Well behaved dogs only please. All dogs must be on leash and in control at all times. Please call Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit for further information on this event and costume contest registration and details.


 

20401 Sun Valley Drive,Laguna Beach www.thedogranch.com 949-494-0484

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Top Trending Pet Costumes

Fall brings thoughts of pumpkins and Halloween. Many people like to get their pet into the action and dress them up too.  To help you with planning, here are lists of the top trending pet costumes.

Top sellers from Amazon:
  • Despicable Me 2 Minion Pet Costume
  • Rubies Costume Star Wars Collection Pet Costume
  • Pink Purple Birthday Girl Paw Prints Clown Hat For Dog Costume
  • Animal Planet PET20104 triceratops Dog Costume
  • Luau Shirt Pet Costume
  • Sombrero Multicolored For Pets
  • Rubies Costume Halloween Classics Collection Pet Costume
  • California Costume Collections Animal Planet Lion Dog Costume, Large
  • Animal Planet PET20109 Raptor Dog Costume
  • Rubies Dapper Dog Costume
Trending on Pinterest:
(Some of these are especially great ideas if your child wants to participate in the theme.)
  • Puggy Monster
  • Kissing Booth Pup
  • Chia Pet Halloween Costume
  • Batman Dog Costume
  • Boston Terrier Skunk
  • Scuba Diver Puppy
  • Beauty and the Beast Costume
  • Yoda Cat
  • Princess Leia Cat
  • Kitty Potter
Thursday, October 1, 2015

Ultra-Flex Collagen Helps 15 Year Old Cat Lose Weight


Our 15 yr old feline Fred  says he loves the way “Ultra-Flex Collagen Support” makes him feel.   We only do ¼ of a capsule in the morning with his food along with the Power Probiotic.   We do Lypozyme at the dinner feeding.  Within one month we saw improvements in the way he would get out of his bed, up and down stairs and walk around his outside courtyard.  Now after 2 months, he is actually running and playing some with our 11 yr old cat.  He has even lost ½ lb since he is able to run and play more.   The other day, I saw him run across the yard, which was the first time in a year.   Fred says that  his other felines should definitely  give it a try so they can feel young again!
Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Curcumin Complex For Pets Can Spice Up Your Pet's Life!


Curcumin is a distinctive yellow spice (associated with Indian cooking and also referred to as turmeric) that has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. The top three areas of benefit include:

Antioxidant:
Curcumin has been found to be a strong antioxidant, which  helps protect against the damage of free radicals.

Anti-inflammatory:
It has been long studied how inflammation is a major contributing factor in chronic illnesses, such as  arthritis and autoimmune diseases (also neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and malignant diseases). Curcumin can help reduce inflammation and thus reduce symptoms associated with these diseases.  Thus, it is an excellent treatment option for reducing musculoskeletal pain.

Anticancer:
There has been clinical studies that show that curcumin can have an inhibiting effect on cancer cells. It was found beneficial as a prevention and treatment for some cancers by blocking the blood vessels that feed the cancer cells.

These are by no means the only area that show the benefits of adding curcumin. There have also been studies that show benefits for respiratory systems conditions, autoimmune support, and for it's detoxification properties.

Curcumin Complex for Pets is a high quality powerful anti-inflammatory that is backed by extensive research. Has been shown to be extremely effective and economical for both dogs and cats!
Sunday, September 20, 2015

Help For Chronic Sinus Infections In Cats


Q:  I have an 4 year old female cat with chronic sinusitis.  I got her at about 3 months old and she had a terrible sinus infection at the time. It is just an ongoing problem.  I have  put her through a number of rounds of antibiotics out of desperation to help her nose clear up when the drainage was thick and discolored and she seemed really uncomfortable.  We have also seen at least 4 different vets for her condition but no permanent relief.  Is there anything I can do to help her from a holistic standpoint?

A:  Two common conditions that cause nasal discharge are rhinitis and sinusitis. Rhinitis is the inflammation of the cat’s nose and sinusitis is the inflammation of the nasal passages.  If the nasal discharge is coming from both nasal passages it is usually viral or bacterial. When discharge is just in one nasal passage it may be fungal, nasal polyps, tooth root abscess. Cats may show transient improvement with the use of antibiotics, but using them may become less effective in reoccurring bouts. Environmental conditions and pathogens can cause a flare up of clinical signs too.  Sinus infections can also occur as a symptom of a weakened immune system due to an underlying viral condition.

Diet and supplements can help cats with chronic sinusitis.  Cats can have underlying allergies contributing to the sinus problem and also cats with a viral condition need a low inflammatory diet.  It's important to feed them a hypoallergenic diet avoiding proteins such as fish, poultry and grains which can be big allergens for cats.  The following supplements are veterinary recommended for helping cats with chronic sinusitis:

Power Probiotic--Cats that have been on antibiotics may develop a yeast overgrowth as the antibiotics kill off the good friendly bacteria as well as the bad.  Your cat needs the friendly bacteria to restore proper immune function which is why this multi-strain formula is so important.

NotaSAN and QuentaSAN These two powerful immune boosters help cats fight off infections.  The drops are easy to administer and are helpful for fighting bacterial and viral infections.  

Immune Support Kit Contains three easy to use, tasteless liquid formulas that strengthen immunity, fight infection, viruses and bacteria.   Helps clear up nasal and eye discharge, sneezing, fatigue.  Can be used with antibiotics.  The three formulas can be purchased separately or at a discounted package price.    

Please include your cat's diet on the AskAriel order form at checkout.  Their pet nutritionist will provide a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with your order.
Monday, August 31, 2015

Adenocarcinoma Most Common Form of Lung Cancer in Dogs and Cats


Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer in dogs and cats (accounting for 75% of cases). It can be a fast growing malignant type of cancer, which can quickly spread to other parts of the body (including lymph nodes and the brain). It is usually found in older dogs and cats (average age about 10) and some breeds may be more predisposed than others (boxers have a higher risk rate).  The cause is unknown at this time, but one thought is long term exposure to toxins (second hand smoke, toxic cleaning agents, etc.) could raise the risk.

Following are some of the symptoms of pets suffering with adenocarcinoma of the lung:
·         Pain
·         Dyspnea (difficult breathing)
·         Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
·         Low energy level and lethargy
·         Poor appetite
·         Gradual weight loss
·         Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
·         Lameness, in cases with metastasis to bones
·         Muscle wasting
·         Fever in some patients
·         Ascites (an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen)
  
Diagnosis
A chest x-ray, in combination with a complete physical examination, will be one of the most important test your veterinarian will perform, to determine the diagnosis.  A CT scan and MRI may also be ordered to see if the tumor has metastasized to other areas.

Treatment
Most often you will be referred to a veterinary oncologist to help you determine the best course of action. The three conventional treatments, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which may be used individually or in combination, depending on your pet’s overall health, location, size, and how quickly it is growing.

Living and Management
The prognosis can be very poor (If metastasized usually less than one year), but treatment and complimentary supportive measures can improve your pet’s quality of life significantly. Resveratrol for Dogs, Peppy Pet, Purrfect Pet CoQ10 and Amazing Omegas fight cancer and also provide critical nutrition for the heart and lungs. Onco-X is a powerful cancer multivitamin that can be used with or with chemotherapy to give dogs with cancer a combination of nutrients to help your pet's immune system fight the cancer.
Saturday, August 22, 2015

Snap the Perfect Picture of Your Pet




With the summer months coming to a close,  be sure to enjoy the last few weeks of nice weather and longer days. It is the perfect time to take advantage of the opportunity to make a lasting memory with your pet; a “perfect” picture. Here are a few tips to help you capture the moment.

  • First and foremost, you know your pet best, (and what makes them special) focus on capturing that uniqueness.  Is it a special trick, place, or look in his eye? If it’s their laid back, lazy personality, catch them just chilling out.
  • Find an environment that they are comfortable in with natural daylight (a flash may spook some pets). Playing with them beforehand can also help them relax (bonus: a panting dog also looks like they are smiling)
  • Try approaching them for the most candid shots, do not call them or make them come to you. However, if you want to capture the element of “surprise” rattle a toy behind the camera or make a strange sound and it will look like they are looking directly into the camera.
  • Take as many shots as quickly as possible! Try different angles, for example; going down to their level to get their “perspective”.
  • Most importantly, HAVE PATIENCE! If you wait long enough, your pet will relax, and you will have the opportunity to click that great picture.
Enjoy the weather and your pet!  
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Best Probiotic For Pets

Dexter
A healthy balance of gut bacteria is vital to the welfare of your pet.  For cats and dogs, the digestive tract is the most important (and largest) immune organ in their body.  A proper ratio of good-to-bad bacteria is essential to insure their immune system is working properly.  If the good bacteria balance is upset, it can result in a multitude of digestive disorders, which if left untreated, could lead to a more serious illness.

The fine balance of good-to bad bacteria can be effected by both physical and emotional stressors. Physical stressors can include; poor diet, illness and/or medications such as steroids and antibiotics, or chronic digestive issues (such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Emotional stressors can be anything that upsets the normal routine or your cat (travel or change in living situations).

 Power Probiotics for Pets is a multi-strain formula, 3rd party tested for purity and is guaranteed to survive your pet's stomach acid.  The friendly bacteria organisms in this product will help correct any bacterial imbalance and help healthy cells to thrive in the gastrointestinal tract. It can help with improving digestion and detoxification. It can also help your pet fight infections, with overall immune system support.

Here's what Dexter's Mom had to say about the Power Probiotic:

“I want to thank you for the Power Probiotic. This product is amazing! Dexter (my black 6-month old Toy Poodle) slept awesome last night! Better than he has in weeks! I forgot to give him his usual Probiotic pill at 10pm last night. Well, he got up and walked around a little at 2:45am and seemed a little uncomfortable, so I got up and gave him a 1/2 capsule of Power Probiotic and we went back to bed and I didn't hear a peep out of him until 7:00am. No stomach gurgling, no burping, no nasal congestion, no incessant scratching, no more pacing the floor...Yay! This was the 4th night of Power Probiotic, so I really think they are helping. Thank you so much for creating this product and for really caring about our babies!!”
Cheryl Smith, Orange County, CA