Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Protect Your Pet from Pancreatitis


At holiday time and all the time, it's fun to pamper our pets!  But, please be careful with table scraps.  Table scraps can be high in fat and may contain spices and unusual ingredients that can make your pet sick.  Instead, keep a variety of treat options handy (freeze dried food and treats work great!) so that you can pamper your pet with foods that will keep them healthy and happy.  Lypozyme is great to keep on hand as it improves digestion of fats and can help ward off pancreatitis. 

Pancreatitis is inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. It can occur in  mild or severe forms and can be triggered by eating table scraps or a fatty meal.  Pets can also get pancreatitis from eating spoiled food so be careful to keep trash tightly closed.  Symptoms of poor digestion related to fat absorption can include gas, bloating, swollen abdomen and elevated pancreatitic enzymes. Our veterinary-approved Pancreatitis Kit includes 3 formula (Lypozyme, Liver & Gallbladder , Power Probiotics) that contain powerful enzymes and nutrients to support cats and dogs with pancreatitis.  If you suspect your pet may have eaten inappropriate food and is now not eating or showing signs of lethargy, inappetance, vomiting or diarrhea, please contact your veterinarian immediately.  This can often happen when house guests are there so please keep a close eye on your pet when food is being served, especially on lower tables such as those near a couch.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014

May is Pet Allergy Awareness Month

Your pet can suffer from allergic symptoms , just like people, when their immune systems start recognizing everyday substances (dust, grass, shampoo, food items) as dangerous. Despite these allergens being common and harmless to most animals, a pet with allergies can have an extreme reaction to them. Allergens can be inhaled, ingested or come in contact with your pet's skin, so as their body tries to rid itself of these substances, a variety of reactions can occur. They can show up as skin, digestive and/or respiratory symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Allergies include:
  • Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
  • Increased scratching
  • Itchy, runny eyes
  • Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly a flea allergy)
  • Itchy ears and ear infections
  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Snoring due to an inflamed throat
  • Paw chewing/swollen paws
  • Constant licking
The first step would be to limit your pets exposure to known allergens as much as possible.  Of course it may be impossible to completely eliminate them (especially during certain times of the years). Holistic intervention can be very effective.  If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, a diet change to a hypoallergenic diet can be helpful. For skin and environmental allergies, it is important to support your pets immune system and calm the inflammation. We have had great results using the  Pet Allergy and Skin Care Package that can reduce the allergy suffering of your pet.  Also here is a great article on pet allergies http://www.askariel.com/Articles.asp?ID=256

Beebop

"Thank you so much for the allergy/skin solutions! The Pro-Aller plus the Notatum alternating with Quentans not only gave my 15 yr. old Maltese, Beebop, relief from his respiratory and skin allergy symptoms --- these amazing products helped his skin to heal completely and his beautiful hair to return so thickly, he looks like a young pup again. His ear inflammation and "gunk" cleared up, and he's happy and frolicking like his "old self". He's living up to that Beebop name and wrestling with our two other Maltese, the rescued Bambi and Thumper. For the first time in years, his little tail is back up and curled as he romps around our yard. We are eternally grateful to you and continue to recommend you and your products to all our pet-owner friends and family."
Debbie, Florida


Tuesday, May 6, 2014

When You Feel Like You Are Not A Good Pet Owner

Have you ever felt this way? Recently have received a few emails from great pet owners contacting us because they wonder that they are not "good enough" or the right fit for their pets. The owner can feel badly because their pet is not feeling well or having immune challenges and the pet owner becomes frustrated thinking it is somehow their fault or that somehow they are not doing enough for their pet. The person may be working full time, or not be able to spend as much time with the pet as they would like to. Well....just the fact that the person is feeling this way, is a sign that the pet owner IS a good owner, IS sensitive to their pet's needs and is kind enough to care. It the people who leave their dogs all day in the sun with no water, or "forget" to feed their pets because they are too busy, that should be feeling this way. Please remember, your pets do love you and you are a good pet owner. Sometimes pets are just reflecting sadness, because you may be sad. Sometimes, it is just a tough time, but the sun will shine through again!  Give your pet a hug and spend extra time at your next opportunity. 
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