P&G Recalls Dry Iam and Eukunuba Food

P & G Recall on certain Iams and Eukunuba dry food http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm365154.htm?source=govdelivery due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. As you know, we recommend that both cats and dogs eat GRAIN-FREE, hypoallergenic diets. Raw frozen, freeze-dried and canned are best. Dry foods (even "grain-free) can contribute to digestive problems, urinary tract problems (especially in cats) and are not fresh, live foods. If you are feeding your pet any dry food, please consider upgrading to canned, raw or fresh. There is a common misconception that dry food is good for a pet's teeth but this is simply not true. What helps a pet's teeth is feeding a pH-balanced diet reducing the likelihood of acidic saliva.

Special SAMe Supplement Helps Siberian Husky With Hip Dysplasia

My rescued Siberian Husky Legend had a blast hiking in Big Bear over the weekend.  This was quite a miraculous feat as less than 2 months ago, Legend was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia.  Legend has always been a bit of a slow moving dog and was never as active as a normal Siberian Husky even at 1 year of age.  But, what we discovered is that dogs with hip dysplasia are stoic sufferers.  They have lived with the pain for so long and it is only when it becomes unbearable that their pain becomes very obvious.   Legend began limping, showing hesitation to get up, terrible lethargy and seemed very depressed.  He is only a 4 1/2 year old dog and we were heartbroken to see him this way.  We started him on acuscope treatments and had already had him on supplements such as Amazing Omegas and Amazing Arthrosoothe.  When we first got Legend, he couldn't even jump up on the couch but using the Omegas and Arthrosoothe quickly resolved that.  But, it was when we added Special SAMe to his supplement regimen, that we really noticed a significant improvement.  This formula is a synergistic blend of B Vitamins along with S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM-E).  The results are improving over time and he is getting more active each week.  Three weeks ago, he was not able to lift his leg up, but now he is.  We took him on a 3 mile hike up/down the mountain and took LOTS of breaks because of the high altitude.  We went slow and steady but to our delight, Legend was pulling like Huskies do!  We had seen scientific evidence about this product but are completely convinced it is doing miracles for Legend. 

FDA Issues Warning About Oral Ketoconazole Yeast Medication Tablets

The FDA has issued a drug safety warning FOR PEOPLE regarding the drug Ketoconazole (oral tablets) which also happens to be a  prescription yeast medication often prescribed for pets.

FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA limits usage of Nizoral (ketoconazole) oral tablets due to potentially fatal liver injury and risk of drug interactions and adrenal gland problems

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugSafetyPodcasts/ucm362820.htm

The podcast warns of the potential safety issues for people but this drug is widely prescribed for pets.  The podcast doesn't mention if the same effects on the liver and drug interactions would occur with dogs, but if your dog is using this medication, please contact your veterinarian. 

Yeast overgrowth can be successfully treated in dogs using a natural, holistic approach.  Yeast infections often accompany poor digestion and antibiotic or steroid use.  Dogs with environmental and food allergies will often develop skin and ear infections and the use of the antibiotics can lead to a vicious cycle with the yeast.   If your dog is suffering from chronic yeast infections, the first step is to change your dog's diet, limiting food allergens and carbohydrates.  Second, use a natural antifungal as an alternative to Ketoconazole such as K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic  

 

Symptoms of dog yeast infections can include:

• Odor in the ear
• Colored discharge in the ear  (frequently brown or black)
• Redness or swelling of ears or on the skin
• Scratching at the ears
• Chronic licking of genitals
• Shaking head or ears
• Licking paws, chewing on the fur
• Chronic skin infections

Cats can get yeast infections as well and can benefit from Power Probiotic and Notatum.  Dogs with yeast infections are often eating foods that they are allergic to and/or that are high in carbohydrates.  For example, some pet owners may be feeding their dog a raw frozen diet but it contains poultry (big allergen) or the pet owner may giving the dog treats such as dried sweet potatoes which have a high sugar content.  To learn more about how to help your pet overcome chronic yeast infections, please click here

Dear Ask Ariel:  My doxie is on a homemade diet with cooked turkey and dehydrated veggies. I'm wondering if he's not digesting the cooked turkey well? He has itchy ears, runny eyes, gas, burping, squishy poop and is CONSTANTLY licking his boy parts. He's had blood work and urine done and nothing is wrong? Confusing!    Jordan

Dear Jordan:  There are a couple of issues going on here.  First of all, while we would like to think that cooking a homemade diet is optimal to using commercial food, this is not always the case.  Dehydrated vegetables for example, are much higher in carbohydrates and lack the vitality, nutrients and enzymes that fresh or steamed frozen vegetables would have.  Think of a comparison between a dried apricot and a fresh apricot--the sugar level is different.  More carbohydrates and sugar in the diet feed bacteria and yeast overgrowth in the diet.  Commercial frozen raw diets are now very balanced, fresh and highly nutritious, that unless there is a specific reason why you would need to use a homemade diet (e.g. a liver or kidney issue), then it is far better to use those along with some fresh vegetables and/or some homemade fish to round out the diet.  The raw foods are highly digestible and along with products such as K9 Digestive Enzymes, should really help firm up your dog's stool.

Second, turkey and all poultry is a big allergen.  If your dog has severe allergy symptoms, then you need to feed a novel protein source such as rabbit and fish.  Finally, right now is the height of allergy season.  So, supplements that would help your dog include Power Probiotic, K9 Yeast Defense, Notatum and AllerEaze.  You can find them on this link for allergy treatments.  The Power Probiotic is essential for all cats and dogs---it replenishes the natural "friendly bacteria" in the intestines which make up the majority of your dog's immune system.  Licking at the genitals is usually due to yeast overgrowth so using the K9 Yeast Defense along with the Power Probiotic should really help.  Use Notatum because it helps control odors, fight infection and works synergistically with the K9 Yeast Protocol.

Abyssinian Cat Has Kidney Amyloidosis: Supplements Can Help Reduce Protein Loss

Dear Ask Ariel:  My Abyssinian kitty has been diagnosed with kidney amyloidosis.  We are devastated and want to do everything we can to help her. We are giving her the prescription food but wondering if there is any supplement that will help her condition? 

Ask Ariel:  So sorry about your Abyssinian being diagnosed with this condition.  There is a lot more you can do to help.  These supplements can help reduce the abnormal protein deposits and reduce the excess protein loss in the urine.   Our clients have reported that they are pretty straightforward to administer to cats as well.


Kidney Health Protein Support For Pets  This is a powerful enzyme that breaks down protein, helping to reduce the workload on the kidneys.  It also seems to reduce the amount of excess protein lost in the urine.  Just sprinkle on food.  Most pets seem to like the taste.

Renelix  This is a liquid formula that detoxifies the kidneys and helps to flush out toxins.  We have had excellent results using the Renelix for conditions such as urinary crystals, bladder stones, kidney disease, incontinence and amyloidosis.

Acuscope Myopulse Therapy for Dogs Orange County and San Bernardino

Gina Gould is a Certified Acuscope Myopulse therapist for equine and canine treatments in Southern California (Orange County, San Bernardino).  She is such a compassionate animal lover and has helped many dogs and horses get back on their feet. How can acuscope help your pet?  Acuscope is a microcurrent biofeedback instrument used to promote healing.  Acuscope has been used for years on horses and dogs, beginning with human professional athletes and racehorses.  Acuscope reduces inflammation and speeds up the recovery time of injuries.  Pets enjoy the treatments because it is gentle and relieves pain.

To contact Gina please email her at ginagouldebw@yahoo.com or call 714-746-7484 

Pet owners should seriously consider incorporating physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation into their pets' healthcare routines for a multitude of reasons. Just like humans, animals can experience various physical ailments, injuries, or age-related conditions that may hinder their mobility and overall well-being. Physical therapy for pets can be instrumental in promoting faster recovery from surgeries, managing chronic pain, improving joint flexibility, and enhancing overall mobility. Moreover, it can address issues such as arthritis, obesity, and muscle atrophy, helping to maintain or regain a higher quality of life for the furry companions. Tailored rehabilitation programs not only focus on alleviating physical limitations but also contribute to the mental and emotional well-being of pets, as the exercises and therapeutic activities can provide mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment. Investing in pet rehabilitation is a proactive approach to ensuring the longevity and happiness of our beloved animal friends.

Acuscope is just one of many therapies available to help improve the mobility of dogs.  Many veterinarians now offer chiropractic, laser and acupuncture.  You can find a veterinarian or practitioner by going to www.ahvma.org.  If your dog is in pain, stiff and having trouble getting around, don't just assume it's old age.  Holistic modalities can be life-changing for many dogs.  To learn more about physical therapy and other forms of dog rehabilitation, click here 

Originally posted:  7/15/2013

Updated:  2/4/2024

Author:  Susan Blake Davis

Boxer Has Mast Cell Tumor--Can Supplements Help?

Q:  My 5 year old boxer was just diagnosed with a mast cell tumor.  Our vet removed it but said he might get another one.  I know a lot of boxers get cancer but trying to see if there is anything I can do to help.  Can you recommend any herbs or homeopathic remedies for my boxer Brutus?

A:  So sorry that your boxer Brutus was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor.  It is very scary when these type of malignant dog tumors appear.  Feed your boxer a grain-free, low carbohydrate diet.  Ideally, using low allergen protein choices such as rabbit or fish would be best.  In addition, there are a few supplements that would really help.  First, be sure to give your boxer Oncopet  Oncopet is a veterinary-approved formula that we have used successfully with many dogs that have mast cell tumors.  In addition, use a powerful, therapeutic fish oil based from sardines and anchovies.  Use a quercetin-based formula such as AllerEaze  to quiet the histamine response.