Sunday, May 4, 2014

Easy Kidney Supplement for Cats

Toby

“Toby is a Persian cat 15 years old. Last year he was diagnosed with Kidney disease along with a UTI. Toby was fed, what we thought was a healthy diet. Toby would not eat the food and was getting weaker every day, he couldn't defecate and he wasn't urinating. You could see and feel every bone in his body, his eyes were glazed over and his coat was dull. Toby would sit and stare at the wall--he had given up. We made an appointment to speak to Susan Davis. She gave us all the information we needed to save Toby's life. Toby now eats a healthy diet and takes a few supplements such as Kidney Terrain, Kidney Health and Power Probiotic. The products all are easy to give and even a fussy cat will eat them.
Toby is a changed cat. He is healthier than he has ever been in his entire life! He has gained weight, has a beautiful coat, bright eyes, plays like a kitten, purrs constantly and loves his food. We are only sorry that we didn't know about Ask Ariel before. Susan has given Toby a new lease on life and he loves it!”
Peden Family
New York 2012

One of the most common diseases, as cats age,  is kidney disease.  Kidney disease may be hard to detect in the early stages, but some of the symptoms you may notice are increase urination, increased thirst, weight loss, vomiting, and discomfort in their back.  Early intervention can be the key to your pet maintain a high quality of life, while battling kidney disease.  A kidney-friendly diet, and supplements that help the kidney function (and remove toxins) can help a great deal, but pet owners might find it difficult to give supplements to finicky kitties.   Fortunately,  Kidney Health,  is a product that contains a very palatable powder that just mixes into your cat's food.  The enzyme, in Kidney Health, helps to break down protein, enhancing digestion and reducing the workload on the kidneys.  We highly recommend the product as it seems to improve kidney values and symptoms and is an easy supplement to administer for CRF.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

PET FIRST AID TIPS



April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month and a great time to refresh and update your animal safety plans. Our pets are surrounded by household hazards, that can lead to accidental injury, choking on a toy, or ingesting something toxic.  If an accident happens, being prepared, and knowing what to do in the initial moments, can make a big difference in the outcome.  

HEAT STROKE

Heat stroke is a common problem pets face in the warmer weather. You should remember that the inside of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees, and not leave an animals in the car, even during short trips.   I'm sure you have felt the anguish of walking by a car where the windows are barely open and a dog is crying or barking in the car.

The signs of heat stroke include:
  • heavy panting
  • unable to calm down 
  • gums may be brick red 
  • fast pulse rate
  • pet may have difficulty walking or standing
If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately.  Heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage so getting the pet to an emergency clinic is crucial.  If not near a veterinary facility, call the vet and try to cool your pet down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose or placing cold wet towels on your pet.

INJURY

During warmer weather, we all tend to leave doors and windows open, which if heights are involved, can be hazardous to a pet. The pet could fall from a window or run outside of your home and get hit by a vehicle. If you find an injured animal, it is important to use caution:
  • Animals in pain can be aggressive--if possible, muzzle the pet and try to keep them calm
  • Clean the area, to determine the extent of the injury   
  • Apply bandage to stop bleeding 
  • Transport, to the nearest veterinarian, using a board or blanket to lift the animal. (use extreme caution to protect their spine)
POISONOUS SUBSTANCES
Plants, flowers, candy containing XYLITOL, chocolate and other foods can be hazardous. Visit the ASPCA Poison Control web site to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals. If you think your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance,  please contact your veterinarian immediately.

CHOKING

If your pet’s airway is completely obstructed by an object, there will be no time to go to the veterinarian for help—you need to take immediate action. Here are the recommended steps from PetMD.com
  1. Use both hands to open the mouth, with one hand on the upper jaw and the other on the lower.
  2. Grasping the jaws, press the lips over the dog’s teeth so that they are between the teeth and your fingers.
  3. Look inside the mouth and remove the obstruction with your fingers.
  4. If you can’t move the object with your fingers, use a flat spoon handle to pry it away from the teeth or roof of the mouth.
EMERGENCIES AND YOUR PET
Don’t forget to include pets in planning for emergencies in your home or neighborhood, which could be a fire, flood, hurricane or earthquake. Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, or boarding facilities will accept pets in an emergency. In case of an emergency, it is important to have the following for your pet: 
  • Assemble an easy-to-carry kit with emergency supplies for pets: Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
  • Food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
  • Medications and copies of medical records
  • Current photos of the pets (in case you get separated)


Sunday, April 27, 2014

Is Dairy Bad for Your Pet?

A cat lapping up a saucer of milk seems very natural and your cat may love it, but in reality it can be very problematic for your pet.   What is dairy?  Cheeses such as butter, cream cheese or hard cheese; milk, ice cream, cottage cheese and products containing dairy.

Possible Problems From Giving Cats and Dogs Dairy:

  • Digestive Issues - Dairy foods containing milk can be hard to digest and can result in diarrhea. If your pet has loose stool, vomiting, diarrhea, your pet may have food allergies or acid stomach.  Gastro ULC and Power Probiotic can relieve acid stomach and digestive enzymes such as the Soothing Digestive Relief will firm up the stool.
  • Food Allergy- Dairy is a big allergen for people and pets. Many times veterinarians may even recommend dairy such as cottage cheese, when a pet has digestive problems.  However, dairy products are one of the most highly allergic foods to people and pets and should be avoided.  Symptoms of a dairy allergy are scratching, itching, ear infections, diarrhea, vomitting and gagging.
  • Weight Gain- Cheese and butter are high in fat and can trigger a pancreatitis attack.  They can also contribute to weight gain.
  • Yeast Overgrowth-Cheese contains lactose (milk sugar) which feeds yeast overgrowth and bacterial infections. If your pet has an odor, is licking at the groin area or is getting yeast infections in the ears, sugar is the worst food you can give them.  K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic have been extremely helpful in controlling yeast overgrowth. 
Friday, April 25, 2014

Natural Brain Supplements Help Labrador with Epilepsy



"To all of you at Ask Ariel,
Thank you for the amazing supplements you provide. We see a tremendous improvement in the lives of all our cats and dogs! They have more energy and are far healthier. Subsequently we spend a lot less time at the veterinary office.  With your supplements we are looking forward to having our babies with us for many more years! The picture attached is of my Lab mix Julie.  Just shy of her 3rd birthday, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. The day after the test came back we went online to email you guys about her condition. We bought everything that was recommended and a year later we've been seizure free and have seen a remarkable improvement in her attitude and energy  She is taking her NeuroFlam, Dog Brain Booster, Purrfect Pet CoQ10CurcuminEFA oils, and probiotics daily.  She is only 3 years old and is the sweetest girl! Thank you for giving me many more healthy years with her!"


Malena and Julie Santos
Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Best Pals Bella and Juno Need A Home

Juno

Bella
Best pals, Bella and Juno, found each other when they came to Siberian Husky Haven on L.A. They keep each other company, bunk together and play all day. They would love to find a forever home together. If you could open your heart to two lovable dogs, this is the pair to consider.  They have already bonded with each other, which will  help make the transition to a new home all the easier.   These two adorable dogs would be a perfect fit for a working family.  Huskies are cuddly, friendly dogs that are loving and affectionate with children.   For adoption information, please contact  HUSKY HAVEN of L.A.   

Husky Haven of LA:  661-266-9779   Email:  huskyhavenofla@hotmail.com


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Shaving Double Coated Dogs: Reasons Why Not To Shave Your Dog


Sometimes pet owners may shave their dog in the summer thinking it will make them cooler.   Contrary to popular belief, dogs DO NOT have a large network of sweat glands designed to regulate the body temperature during hot weather (they only have them on the pads of their feet). Most of their cooling takes place through panting.  However, there may be serious consequences from shaving your dog.  Which dogs are most at risk for having problems with shaving? Double coated dogs.  A double coated dog is any dog with an outer coat and a soft undercoat.  The soft undercoat is what sheds.  These two coats grow independently of one another and to different lengths.  The outer coat is longer, and tends to grow slower.  The undercoat is shorter and grows faster, and also turns over, or sheds, twice a year.  Some examples of dogs with double coats are German Shepherds , Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies.

You should consider not shaving these double coated dogs as they have sensitive skin.  Skin can become irritated from razor burn and it is much more likely to be sunburned.  The thick hair protects their skin from the sun and also bug bites. Also, the undercoat provides insulation in the winter and cools the dog in the summer.  Shaved dogs get more sun exposure and are more prone to getting skin cancer.  Also, if they have dry or skin issues already, you are just compounding the problem.

Shaving does NOT make dogs shed less. Your double coated dogs will shed their under coat twice a year, and shaving them does not prevent this from happening. It can also cause permanent damage to the dog's coat. There is no outer coat to protect the under coat and it will become brittle and break off. Also, the under coat is dull and dense and not visually appealing. Instead of having your dog shaved to get rid of unwanted hair, having the dog professionally groomed on a schedule will remove all the dead undercoat.  Use Amazing Omegas fish oil to reduce shedding. 



Sunday, March 23, 2014

Times Have Changed for Veternarian Care



In previous times, a veterinarian was more or less expected to do it all. This still holds true in many areas where specialty care is not readily available. What has changed is the increased availability of specialists, more and more speciality clinics are opening and the Internet has given you a world of information and specialist at your fingertips. It is important to remember that you must do your due diligence and make sure your sources of help are of the highest quality. Don't just believe everything you read! 

There are so many great veterinarians and many may really be "good at it all", but most realize their strengths and weakness. Just as in human medicine, they understand when to allow a specialist to step in and help your pet. Respect and cooperation between referring veterinarian and specialist is key to the smooth and effective handling of your pet’s care. This is especially true since specialists are typically brought on to address only one area of concern, but will refer you back to your own veterinarian for routine care or when the situation is finally resolved.

We at AskAriel.com  specialize in Holistic Pet Care and Nutrition services. Our nutritionist, Susan Blake Davis, provides expert advice about how holistic pet care can improve the health of your pet and can be used successfully along with conventional veterinary care. Based in Orange County, California, Ask Ariel offers holistic pet care and veterinary services for dogs and cats, including natural pet supplements and pet nutritional counseling. Our holistic pet care advice is backed by scientific research and our natural pet medications and supplements are third-party tested to guarantee the purity and effectiveness of the ingredients.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)," a veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed additional training in a specific area of veterinary medicine and has passed an examination that evaluates their knowledge and skills in that specialty area." The most common area of specialist veterinarian medicine include:

  • Behavior: veterinarians with additional training in animal behavior 
  • Dentistry: veterinarians who perform procedures on animals' teeth 
  • Dermatology: veterinarians who study diseases and conditions of the skin 
  • Emergency and Critical Care: the "ER docs" and intensive care specialists 
  • Cardiology: the study of diseases and conditions of the heart and circulatory system 
  • Neurology: the study of diseases of the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the nervous system Oncology: the study of tumors and cancer Microbiology: veterinarians who study viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. 
  • Holistic Care and Nutrition: veterinarians working to make sure that animals' diets meet their body's needs for nutrients 
  • Oncology: specialist who deals with the treatment of cancer 
  • Ophthalmology: veterinarians studying diseases and conditions of the eye 
  • Radiology: veterinarians who focus on the study of x-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (often called CAT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging procedures that allow us to see "inside" an animal's body 
  • Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: veterinarians who focus on returning animals to normal function after injury, lameness, illness or surgery 
  • Orthopedics: these surgeons focus on bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, etc. of the body's skeletal system 
To find a specialist in your area visit myveterinarian.com