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.
Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Safety Tips For Pets


Please follow these important precautions to ensure that you and your your pets have a safe and happy holiday!

1) Keep candy (chocolate is toxic) away from pesky paws! Many of our pets display amazing dexterity to reach those delicious sweet treats. Gum and diet candies are also 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. Doublecheck before bedtime to make sure that the candy and gum has been stored in a secure cabinet in all rooms!

2) Watch out for Jack O'Lanterns and burning candles. Pets can easily knock them over, starting a fire. Electrical cords can be fun for a puppy to chew on. Be extra vigilant about keeping an eye out for your pet's location and activities.

3) Keep all cats (particularly black cats) and shy, nervous dogs safely inside a room away from the noise. Doorbells and excited trick-or-treaters can be very scary to them.

4) If your dog is happy greeting guests (and may even like to dress up!), then be sure to hold your dog firmly on a leash when you open the door. Masks and costumes can be very confusing to pets. Even a very calm dog might snap if a scary figure in a dark costume rapidly approaches them and the dog feels threatened.

5) Be sure all pets are fed and walked before trick-or-treaters arrive.

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Feeding Pets Twice A Day Helps Their Digestion and Blood Sugar Regulation

For optimal health, it’s best to feed pets at least twice a day in portioned meals. This helps to regulate their blood sugar, improve digestion and overall health. If you free-feed, especially in a multiple pet household, there is a possibility that one pet may eat more than another which can lead to obesity. With a little time and patience, pets will get accustomed to a regular feeding schedule. Leaving out a few snacks or a small amount of dry food during the day while you are gone is ok, but save the larger portion of food for regular feeding schedules.

If your cat or dog has diabetes, it is important to feed them a high protein diet. Using Lypozyme and Power Probiotic will help improve digestion and metabolism. The Power Probiotic is very important because pets with diabetes are especially prone to urinary infections.
Monday, October 10, 2011

Labratory Tests (Blood and Urine) Are Essential to Pet Health

Have you brought your pet into the veterinarian for an annual check-up? Plan ahead before the holiday rush and bring your pet in for annual blood and laboratory tests as well as a complete health and dental exam. A visit to the vet is not just for vaccinations. Also, be sure to request a fecal exam too. Many pets can have worms, parasites and giardia without symptoms. These are highly contagious to other pets.

Before the holidays come upon us, be sure to have your pet completely checked out. Disease sets in long before you see the symptoms. For example, kidney disease doesn't even show up as abnormal on your pet's blood test (values are Creatitine, BUN and phosphorous) until your pet has lost 75% kidney function. Discovering problems at their initial stages is the key to keeping your pets happy and healthy. Be proactive about your pet's good health. Early detection of common health problems such as elevated liver enzymes, kidney disease, and diabetes will help ensure you will have lots of extra time to spend with your beloved pet.
Thursday, October 6, 2011

Warning Signs: When To Take Your Cat or Dog To the Veterinarian

Dr. David Gordon, Holistic Veterinarian
VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital
Lake Forest, CA





Many times a phone call to the veterinarian is all that is needed. However, these warning signs warrant an immediate visit. If your cat or dog shows any of the following, please take your pet to the veterinarian right away.

· Any eye trauma

· Blood in urine or stool

· Vomiting or diarrhea--more than 1 instance

· Pet is lethargic, listless

· Insect bites (a small bite can cause a severe reaction)

· Limping

· Swollen stomach

· Punctures and abrasions (fur can hide a much deeper wound)

· Snake bites

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