Monday, October 30, 2017
Keep candy (chocolate is toxic) away from your pets. At Halloween, it is natural to have lots of candy and gum in a lot of different parts of the house especially if you have children. Candy and gum can be toxic to pets and with all the Halloween activity, it is easy to miss that your pet has gotten into something. Gum and diet candies can be also be toxic if they contain Xylitol. Xylitol can have fast, fatal consequences because it can cause a precipitous drop in blood sugar (acute hypoglycemia) and/or liver failure. It is easy to leave a pack of gum sitting out on the counter or on the car seat. Double-check before bedtime to make sure that the candy and gum has been stored in a secure cabinet in all rooms!
Friday, October 27, 2017
Follow Star on Instagram @ golden.starshine |
“Star is
very active. Her favorite form of exercise by far is to run and play catch. I
take her out almost everyday. We either go to a dog park or to our local dog
beach where she can run free and play catch with her ball. When we can't go
out, I play catch in the house for about 20 minutes. I have lots of room to
throw the ball so she can run. “ Beth and Star
There’s
a reason why Star’s favorite form of exercise is running and playing catch - endorphins are released when dogs exercise at a certain intensity. We have all heard the phrase “runner’s high” in
athletes and the same holds true for dogs. A
good exercise session (and the release of the endorphins) may help with some of these common behavioral problems too.
- Compulsive Behaviors- tail chasing and chewing. *Be sure to rule out allergies or other skin condition.
- Puppy and Adolescent Hyperactivity- puppies are VERY active…a tired dog is a happy dog. A bored puppy can cause a lot of trouble.
- Anxiety- the endorphins from exercise can help to calm an anxious pup.
- Lick Granuloma- the skin lesions caused by obsessive licking are often started from anxiety. Researchers believe the act of licking may release endorphins and exercise can release the same endorphins helping to reduce the likelihood of lick granulomas.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month and there are many dogs waiting to find their forever home. See your local shelter to find the right pet for your family.
Here are a few tips once you find your perfect pup:
- Dog proof your home before you bring your new pet home.
- Allow time for your new dog to acclimate to both your home and family, before allowing outside people to be introduced. Strangers may add additional stress.
- Keep your pet's food and feeding schedule the same for the first few days to avoid gastric distress. If a diet change is necessary, do so very slowly. Add pumpkin to the diet to help prevent diarrhea.
- Schedule a check-up to insure your pet is up to date on vaccines and any medical issues can be addressed.
- Be patient and understanding with your new pup. They are learning to live in a new place, with a new schedule, and with new expectations. Before you know it, you will have a life long bond!
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Karen V., New Jersey
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Monday, October 9, 2017
Here are some common myths and misconceptions about dogs which have been found to be untrue.
Myth: Dogs and
cats do not mix
Ask anyone that has a mixed, multi-pet household and they would
be quick to tell you this isn't the case. There are some breeds such as huskies which have a strong prey drive and some pets that just can't get along, but there are plenty of households that have both cats and dogs living harmoniously. Important to note: introducing younger pets as kittens and puppies have a better chance for a successful outcome.
Myth: One human
year equals seven dog years
The process of determining the age comparison between a pet and a human is more
complicated than simply multiplying by 7. To truly determine a pet's equivalent human
age, you must consider size (smaller dogs live longer, thus age slower), breed
(some breeds have shorter lifespan), and lifestyle elements (diet, activity
level, healthcare, etc.) all of which factor into the calculation.
Myth: A wet nose
means a healthy dog
Veterinarians have found that the dampness of the dog’s nose
does not necessarily mean they are sick.
The nose could be damp because of licking and similarly could be dry to being out in the weather (wind or sun).
Myth: Dogs will
only respect their alpha
Researchers have found that the relationship within a “pack”
is more like a human family vs. having a leader. Think of the relationship with your dog as
more of a parent-child relationship. It
is best to teach your pet to respect all human and pet family members, not just the alpha.
Friday, October 6, 2017
DID YOU KNOW.... pumpkin is a miracle food?
Pumpkin is high in fiber, is a good source of natural Vitamin A and is very helpful for pets with digestive issues and irritable bowel. The amount of pumpkin varies by pet and you will have to adjust the amounts if your pet is very sensitive. In general, half teaspoon twice a day mixed into food for a cat or small pet is about right and a tablespoon or more works great for a large dog. While some pets won't like the taste of pumpkin by itself, mixing with canned food works well.
Pumpkin is high in fiber, is a good source of natural Vitamin A and is very helpful for pets with digestive issues and irritable bowel. The amount of pumpkin varies by pet and you will have to adjust the amounts if your pet is very sensitive. In general, half teaspoon twice a day mixed into food for a cat or small pet is about right and a tablespoon or more works great for a large dog. While some pets won't like the taste of pumpkin by itself, mixing with canned food works well.
Two reasons to add pumpkin to your pet's diet:
Digestive Health: It can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea as it helps to promote the natural wave action of the intestines. Soothing for the tummy!
Digestive Health: It can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea as it helps to promote the natural wave action of the intestines. Soothing for the tummy!
Helps Pets Feel Satiated: Due to the high fiber content, your cat or dog will feel full longer. This is a very healthy, useful food to help pets lose weight!
Have A Question About Your Pet? Feel Free To Email Us At Support@AskAriel.com
Thursday, October 5, 2017
We at Ask Ariel are strong
advocates of rescue adoptions. There are
so many homeless pets needing a forever home and Petfinder.com is a great place
to start looking for a new addition to your family. We were recently asked how
to help a family acclimate their new rescue cat into their home. Here are 10 tips that can help:
1. Give Your Kitty Her Own Space – If you have the space, having a separate room set up with everything your kitty needs: food, water, bedding and litter tray would be ideal, but even a small space with a divider will work.
2. Just Let Them Hide – Cat’s natural instinct is to hide to feel safe. They will be very sensitive in the beginning and it could take weeks or even months for them to feel safe to come out of hiding for extended period of times. Give them time.
3. Don’t Pressure them…Take Things Slowly – Rescue pets have their own unique story and some maybe very skittish. Let your new kitty come to you in their own time. They need to be comfortable with the sights, sounds and smells of their new environment. You will know when they want your attention.
4. Share Your Scent – To help your new pet get
used to you, place a piece of your clothing in their area to sniff and sleep on. This
will help your kitty get accustom to you and associate you within their environment.
5. Get Down on Your Cat's Level – If you are down on the floor it feels less threatening. Let your new cat approach you when he or she is ready.
5. Get Down on Your Cat's Level – If you are down on the floor it feels less threatening. Let your new cat approach you when he or she is ready.
6. Have a Conversation with Your
Cat – Cats are talkative animals and
will be listening to you even if they pretend not to notice you. Try to keep
your voice soft and talk with her whenever you get the chance. Try to use their
name as often as possible, so that they become accustom to hearing it.
7. Pamper Them – Just like humans, cats love being pampered and
groomed. If possible try to spend a little time each day “grooming” them. It
may be a brushing (some may not like brushing) or it may be simply petting them
(which they can interpret as grooming)
8. Play Time - Cats love to play and spending time playing will strengthen your
bond. It doesn’t take much, a piece of string, a toilet paper roll, or a rolling
ball.
9. Special Healthy Treats – If you discover a special treat your cat loves
it will create a positive association with you. Also, eating in front of you is
a big step and should be praised.
10. Snuggle Time – Cats LOVE to sleep on beds and if your new kitty comes to
you for closeness and warmth, celebrate! You just passed the test.
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