Thursday, September 22, 2011

Question about Dog With Chronic Kidney Failure

Q: My 10 year old dog has, in the last couple of months been diagnosed with chronic kidney failure. Her last two blood tests showed very high platelet counts and the vets do not seem to know why this is. Can you throw any light on this please?

A: Thank you for taking the time to submit a question on our blog. So sorry to hear your dog was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure. Dr. Gordon reviewed your question but needed to see your dog's complete blood results and medical history before he could make an opinion about this. There could be other issues going on beyond kidney disease and he would need to evaluate your pet in a much more comprehensive way. Dr. David Gordon is a holistic veterinarian who is available by telephone consultation through www.AskAriel.com

One blood disorder that is quite common to see in dogs with chronic kidney failure (CRF) is anemia. This can occur very slowly over time as the kidneys start to decline. For anemia in cats and dogs, we recommend our pet anemia package This package has been very helpful for pets with a variety of blood disorders, helps overall health and would be worth considering.
Sunday, September 11, 2011

Are You Unknowingly Giving Your Pet Antibiotics?

Are you using a Tear-Stain Product that contains antibiotics? You may not even realize that you are! Do not resort to tear-stain eliminators such as Angel's Eyes. What most pet owners don't realize when using products like this is that you are giving your pet a DAILY DOSE OF ANTIBIOTICS unknowingly. Angel's eyes and other similar products contain cattle antibiotics. Long-term use of antibiotics can have many serious consequences, not to mention, perpetuating the tear stain problem by causing yeast overgrowth and further reducing your dog's immune system.

It is essential to use Power Probiotic for your dog to help your pet feel better. Power Probiotic contains Lactoferrin. Lactoferrin has been shown to be a natural antibacterial agent and is found in tears.

Many light colored dogs develop tear stains under the eye. Breeds such as maltese , poodles and chihuahas may have their beautiful faces discolored with unsightly dark stains below the eyes. Even large pets such as yellow labradors may have dark brown stains under the eyes. Tear stains are not just cosmetic and may be a health concern that you need to address. You can eliminate tear stains naturally by doing the following.......

First, be sure to check with your veterinarian! Some dogs have a genetic predisposition and could be born with an abnormality in tear ducts or have developed blocked tear ducts. Be sure there isn't some type of structural defect, infection or inflammation. If your veterinarian rules out these conditions, then the next step is to address the problem from a natural standpoint: change the diet and add a few supplements to enhance your pet's skin and coat.

Many times pets have excessive tear staining due to allergies (food & environmental), digestive problems, yeast and/or poor diet. They generally have other conditions that accompany the tear stains such as bad breath, gas, tummy gurgling, loose stools or vomiting. These are all signs of poor digestion and a problem with the pet's food. Be sure you are using a grain-free diet---no grains such as oats, corn, wheat, gluten as these can be potential allergens for your pet. Some protein sources such as poultry can be a problem too. Watch those treats---many contain "hidden" allergens such as peanut butter or sugary carbohydrates such as molasses which promote yeast and bacteria overgrowth.

Power Probiotic is the first line of defense for tear stains and good digestive health. Power Probiotic is a 3rd party tested, multi-strain powerful immune booster that is very easy to administer to cats and dogs. Simply open the capsule of this tasteless formula and sprinkle on your pet's food. Even some of the pickiest cats have tolerated this on their food. Power Probiotic contains Lactoferrin. Lactoferrin has been shown to be a natural antibacterial agent and is found in tears. In addition, if your dog has any digestive issues, use a digestive enzyme such as Soothing Digestive Relief or Lypozyme. This will help the bad breath and digestive problems.

Treatment For The Eyes Using an all-natural product to gently cleanse the area underneath the idea will help cosmetically. Argentyn drops are a highly purified colloidal silver that can be put directly in the eye (for a few weeks) and/or given daily as a natural source of antibacterial support.

Allergies? Finally, if your dog has any signs of paw licking, genital licking, ear infections, allergies, it is important to use some basic allergy support supplements. AllerEase, Pet Allergy and Skin Package or K9 Yeast Defense (works best to use a combination) will help.


Click here to view Ask Ariel's Allergies, Skin and Coat Products


Saturday, September 10, 2011

Supplements For Cat With Kidney Cysts

Q: In May of this year we lost our almost 10year old Persian, Pebbles to kidney failure from polycystic kidney disease which neither of the breeders informed us about this disease. I had our other 2 Persians tested yesterday by ultrasound of their kidneys. Our other female Hershey came back clean but our male Mr. Snickers (chocolate point) has cysts on his left kidney only. Can I still use the Kidney Terrain for him even though he is not in kidney failure to help slow down the process? Sincerely, Iris

A: Dear Iris: This is a great question. Yes, it would be a really good idea to get your kitty started on some kidney support now before he is in kidney failure. The supplements help the kidneys to function better and are not medications. Thus, they are beneficial and provide nutrition and support which may help slow down the process. Here are some suggestions:

Kidney Terrain--provides vitamins and support for the kidneys

Renelix--http://askariel.com/product_details.asp?ItemID=48 Would highly recommend this product because it helps to clear toxins from the kidneys. Many clients use in conjunction with the Kidney Terrain

Power Probiotic---http://askariel.com/product_details.asp?ItemID=81 Easy to administer, just sprinkle on food. The Power Probiotic is very important for ALL pets, but especially pets with weak kidney function or liver function. It helps to repopulate good flora and keep toxins moving---this is fabulous product and well tolerated by cats.

So, yes, it is a good idea to try to help your cat now. It is not a good idea to wait until disease sets in as the body is in a much weaker state. Holistic care takes time and the more time you can help your pet, the better.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Adorable Puppy with Demodex Mange Can Be Helped with Supplements


Adorable Annie was saved on her last day at the high-kill shelter. Annie is a playful, friendly, four month old Labrador Retriever mix diagnosed with demodectic mange. Because of the mange, no one wanted to adopt Annie out of the shelter. Annie was on her last day when Ariel Rescue saved her.
Poor Annie has patches of fur missing around her eyes and muzzle. Demodex mange affects young puppies that have compromised immune systems. We are using Amazing Omegas, Immunitone Plus, Power Probiotic and Notatum to help Annie, along with a nutritious diet. These supplements have been very helpful in treating other dogs that had demodex mange. Soon we will have Annie healthy and we can have her spayed. Then she will be ready to be adopted and she can find her forever home. Please visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/askariel. We will keep you posted on her progress.

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



Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Cat With IBD Improves in 1 Week Using Supplements

"Our 6 month old kitty Penelope had diarrhea from the time we got her. We tried numerous prescription diets with our vet and were told that Penelope would need to be on prednisone to control the diarrhea and vomiting  We scheduled a consultation with Susan Davis and followed her dietary recommendations as well as started using Soothing Digestive Formula, and Power Probiotic along with her recommended dietary changes. Within 1 week, Penelope started forming normal stools. It has now been 4 months and Penelope is feeling great and has so much more energy. Thank you!"

-The Johnson Family, Madison, Wisconsin
Basic Kit for Inflammatory Bowel Disease--For starters, try Power Probiotic + Soothing Digestive + Notatum + Pet Colostrum. These products are well tolerated by cats and dogs.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a diagnoses used for a variety of intestinal disorders found in dogs and cats. The disorders are characterized by an abnormal accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lining of the intestine. Signs that your pet may have IBD include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea (licking of lips) and gurgling noises in the intestine. The vomit may contain bile and in cats it may contain hairballs. There may be mucus, blood and straining with bowel movements.

Dietary modification and supplements can be very helpful. One critical ingredient though is identifying the protein source(s) that your pet can tolerate. Improper digestion of protein can result in an allergic reaction and further inflammation. There is no "one" protein source that is considered hypoallergenic---that is why it is SO critical that you seek advice from a veterinary professional to help determine the best foods for your pet. Click here to schedule a personalized nutrition consultation. For many pets, a raw food diet in combination with cooked food may be helpful. Pets with IBD are very sensitive and immediately plunging into a raw food diet can further aggravate their condition. We only recommend that raw foods be slowly introduced AFTER much of the inflammation has resolved and only if the pet can tolerate it. Before starting a raw frozen diet, first introduce basic immune support supplements such as a multi-strain Probiotic and a gentle digestive enzyme such as Soothing Digestive Relief.
Please click here for more information and products available at Ask Ariel. And don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Two Abandoned Dogs Adopted Into One Loving Home


Suzie and Sadie "Dropped Off" at the Shelter---Now in a Loving Home Together--Suzie and Sadie were left at the shelter by someone who claimed they happened to find them independently. The OC Shelter saw the bond between the two dogs and it was obvious they had lived together prior to being suddenly discovered as stray dogs. Ariel Rescue saved them from the shelter and brought them to the veterin...arian for complete checkups. Sadie 2 year Maltese/poodle mix is on the left and Suzie 3 yr lhasa apso/poodle mix on the right. In this economy, it is extremely difficult to place one dog, let alone two together. The financial burdens, as you know, of owning two dogs can be difficult. Fortunately, a single mother and her daughter adopted them together. Here they are--a new happy family.


Follow more of our adoption stories by visiting us on Facebook

http:://www.facebook.com/askariel


Thursday, August 25, 2011

Pelicans Saved By 2 Good Samaritans



When you go to the beach or harbor on a sunny summer day, it is easy to get mesmerized by the tranquil waters and beautiful surf. The last thing you might expect is to see an animal fighting for its life. My husband Stuart went kayaking for a few hours just outside the Dana Point Harbor. He was enjoying the peaceful breeze and crystal blue water when he saw some commotion out in the water. There were two pelicans flapping about. He couldn't figure out what they were doing and thought they must be playing. He thought it was strange they were so close to one another so he paddled closer to see what might be going on. He soon saw that they were desperately trying to separate themselves and were locked together by a fishing line. Each Pelican had a fish hook (double hook line) stuck in its beak and they were attached by the small amount of line in between. The poor birds were exhausted and would drown if they couldn't get free.




Stuart stayed with the birds until another kayaker came upon them. Thankfully the other kayaker was a fisherman and happened to have a pair of plyers. Unbelievably, each pelican (these are huge birds with 4 foot wing spans) allowed them to hold them and pull the hooks out. Stuart thought he was going to get bit to pieces and would have to let go but the pelicans allowed the men to hold them and remove the hooks. The reason they were so compliant is that the birds were simply exhausted and probably sensed this was their last hope. What the two men theorized is that the pelicans must have swooped in to grab a fishermans's catch and since there was a double line of bait, rather than pull the birds in, the fisherman cut the line. The birds would have died. What they needed to do was actually pull the birds in and remove the hooks from their beaks.




In any case, I am happy to report that both pelicans flew off to safety and were saved because two good men cared enough to help them!