Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Ask Ariel In the News: Article About Dog Scratching and Itching


Ask Ariel Is In the News. Please click on the link below to read about dog scratching and itching. We know a lot of dogs are very itchy right now so we hope this article will help.
Monday, September 13, 2010

Holistic Alternatives for Sinus Infections in Dogs and Cats

It can be very difficult to treat chronic sinus infections in cats, dogs and people as well. The goal of holistic care is to help the body not only fight the infection but to create an environment in the affected area that will not enable bacteria and yeast to thrive.

Using antibiotics can be a lifesaver when a bacterial infection is present. However, antibiotics can also affect the good bacteria which help our immune system to fight against infection. As a result, many people find that once the treatment of the antibiotics is over, the infection returns.

This can be due to the fact that the immune system isn’t getting enough support and the bad bacteria just regrows more rapidly than the body can handle. In addition to the structural reasons, this can also be due to an underlying viral infection that was present before the infection or yeast overgrowth that has now set in as a result of the antibiotics killing off the good bacteria. It can become a vicious cycle of using antibiotics and then getting yeast. This problem is not just in our sinuses, but can occur anywhere, especially moist areas where yeast can thrive.

To offset this problem, it is highly recommended that you use Power Probiotic when taking antibiotics to help replenish the lost “good” bacteria. In addition, if your pet has a history of ear or yeast infections, it is advisable to use products such as K9 Yeast Defense along with the antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatories to counteract the yeast.

Changing the diet can also be very helpful. Many times yeast and bacteria overgrow when there is a food allergy or too many carbohydrates in the diet. Dogs and cats can be allergic to poultry, for example or grains such as wheat, corn, gluten or oats. Carbohydrates in most dry kibble for example, can break down to sugar which help feed the infection.

Using a high protein, hypoallergenic, grain-free, high moisture diet will help. It is also important to use Omega 3 fatty acids to help fight inflammation. Amazing Omegas is a highly purified fish oil product that can provide your pet with important Omega 3s at a concentrated, therapeutic level.

If your cat is suffering from a virus such as feline herpesvirus, sinus and upper respiratory infections can be a secondary symptom and a sign of a weakened immune system.  We have had success helping cats with chronic viruses using two homeopathic remedies:  Quent and Not Drops.  These two supplements help to control the virus and support the cat's immune system.    Since sinus infections can be so difficult to treat, a multipronged strategy using diet, supplements along with conventional veterinary care is needed. Below is a summary of supplements that can help your pet recover from a chronic sinus infection and can be used along with medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Click here to view supplements for chronic sinus infections in cats and dogs






Monday, August 30, 2010

Feline Staph Infection, Cat Skin Problems

Molly Marie, our kitty, was very sick and had fleas, ear mites and hot spots when we rescued her. We took her to the vet numerous times and she was treated with antibiotics and steroids that proved to be unsuccessful. We had blood work done and determined that she had a staph infection on the hot spots as well as an infection in her pancreas and a UTI too. She once again took antibiotics and everything healed except the hot spots, which by this time had become a lot worse with the largest one being the size of a lemon. I tried organic shampoo, sprays and creams—nothing worked.

I consulted AskAriel and based on Susan Davis’ recommendation, I changed her food and used the Pet Skin Package and I am so happy to report that Molly is on the mend. She is almost totally healed. Her largest spot is now the size of a dime and she is eating well and starting to gain some weight. Molly's hair is starting to grow back and her coat is very soft. I don't know what we would have done if not for Susan, her staff at Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist and her amazing products. My family and I thank her and most of all, Molly thanks her as she is getting better every day. Thank you Susan for all of your help and for how much you care about our little animals.


Sincerely, Shelley Bard in PA
Sunday, August 15, 2010

Border Terrier with Epilepsy, Fecal Incontinence, Acid Stomach

Q: My border terrier is 4 and she has recently started emitting a small hard ball of poop at night, or upon getting up in the morning, it falls out. I have done some online research and some sites pointed to gas as being the problem, others suggest having her checked for hemivertebrae. She has been seeking out grass to eat. We have also recently discovered that she may have a congenital disorder - a canine epilepsy. I wonder if the epilepsy like symptoms, and the fecal incontinence may both be symptoms of hemivertebrae. She has a vet appointment monday and I have asked the vet to express her anal glands which she has never had done. I wonder if I should also bring up the possibility of hemivertebrae. Any insight into her maladies would be greatly appreciated.

A: So sorry your border terrier is suffering with these health problems. Definitely work with your veterinarian to determine a diagnoses and inquire about possible spinal deformations such as hemivertebrae as well as potential neurological conditions. It sounds to me though that there are a couple of issues going on which could DEFINITELY be improved upon from a holistic standpoint. For instance, epileptic symptoms can be triggered by allergic reactions to dog food. Same with eating grass, anal gland problems and the gas/stool issue--food allergies and poor digestion can all cause these issues.

 Our holistic veterinary team could really help you to understand how what you are feeding might be dramatically impacting your dog's symptoms. For example, if your border terrier is eating any type of grains such as wheat, corn or rice (found in most commercial dog foods), this could be just one of the culprits. There are quite a few others however and without an indepth discussion, it would be hard for us to tell you exactly what to feed your border terrier. But, when dogs are eating grass, it is generally a sign of poor digestion and acid stomach. To combat this, you need to find a better food that works for your specific dog's needs. Potential problems with the food you are using? Grains, protein allergies (your dog may need a novel protein diet that excludes poultry for example), additives and depending upon what you are using, chemicals and byproducts. The diet is so important and unfortunately is often the last issue concerned in controlling neurological and unusual symptoms.

Be sure your border terrier is getting plenty of omegas in the diet and use Amazing Omegas to control the inflammation and provide neurological support. Gastro ULC is excellent for grass eating and definitely use a digestive enzyme such as Soothing Digestive Relief. as well as the Probiotic. Acupuncture can help if a neurological or veterbrae condition is diagnosed. Overall, there is a lot you can do to help your dog from a holistic standpoint, in addition to conventional veterinary care treatments. Get the tests done and a diagnoses, but there is so much you can do now without them just based on the symptoms you are describing.
Saturday, August 14, 2010

Feline Renal Failure--Holistic Supplements Helped!

Feline Renal Failure--Holistic Supplements For Ranger

"I ordered herbs for Ranger, my 14 year old cat, on Friday Jan 29th, 2010. To my great surprise, they arrived here in Upstate NY on Monday Feb 1st! Ranger, my kitty was near death. She hid to sleep constantly. Usually cats hide to die. She was in really bad shape. I had one cat die of liver disease and two others from renal failure. Ranger is my third cat with renal failure so I know how they act before they die. Anyhow, Ranger was near death on Feb 1st when your supplements arrived. I ordered the Cat Kidney Package that consisted of Renelix, Rehmannia 8 and Protease. I also ordered Kidney Terrain. I gave them to her but assumed she was probably too far gone by this time and I was kicking myself for having waited too long. However, after 3 -4 days, she started eating more, was more alert, sleeping less and feeling so much better. I know she isn't cured...but your supplements are giving her more quality time with me. For that, I am truly grateful. I know she is 14 but I can possibly see that if she stays the same as she is now, maye she will be around awhile more. THANK YOU!!!!!Daniel Mark Lafler April 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010

Bichon Yorkie with Thinning Hair--Natural Supplements to Help A Dog's Coat

Q: My 5-month-old bichon yorkie has thinning hair. The vet said it could possibly be flea allergy and acted like it was a death sentence. He said it was uncommon for puppies of this age to start having allergies? Are there are any supplements good for hair. I was led to believe he would have a thick coat of hair.

A: There are a lot of reasons why a dog might have thinning hair and it is important to rule out all of them. Yes--allergies is a big issue. Pets can have both environmental and food allergies. Be sure you are using a high protein, hypoallergenic diet free of grains. Most commercial dog food contains grains such as corn, wheat, oats and rice, all of which are not beneficial for a young puppy. Be sure your bichon yorkie puppy does not have fleas and keep your pet's bedding especially clean.

You also need to get your yorkie bichon's thyroid checked. Thinning hair can be a sign of a thyroid disorder. Many veterinarians are skeptical that a young dog might have a thyroid disorder but it is possible, while uncommon. In my practice, I have seen several young dogs that have underactive thyroids and if this is determined, we have used the Biothyro product successfully to help.

If your pet has dry coat and thinning hair, then I can think of no better product than Amazing Omegas. Amazing Omegas will give pets a thick, lustrous coat and you will notice an improvement in the sheen in just a few days. We have many, many clients who use other fish oils and just can't get over the difference. This exceptional fish oil for pets is extremely bioavailable and a little goes a long way. I highly recommend using Amazing Omegas for allergies, coat problems, joint issues and overall good health for your pets.

If your yorkie bichon puppy is scratching and itching as well and your veterinarian has said that your dog has flea allergies, than it would be a good idea to get the Dog Skin Package The dog skin package includes three products proven to help with dog itching, dog scratching, dry skin and coat issues. The Proaller helps to reduce itching and the Notatum is excellent for any type of infection and inflammation. The Amazing Omegas fish oil is part of the package as well. The three products are easy to use and can greatly benefit your yorkie bichon puppy.
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.