How to Transtion Your Dog or Cat to a New Food

There may be a variety of reasons why it's important to change your pet’s food.  It could be a health condition, a healthier option or a change in the nutritional needs of your pet. However, your cat or dog’s digestive system is much more sensitive then ours and special consideration should be used when changing their food.  When feeding your pet a new food, introduce it very slowly over 7-10 day period. We recommended the schedule should be ¼ new food with ¾ old food for 3-4 days. If no issues arise,  then increase by ¼ every two days until fully switched to the new food.  Please, keep in mind that if you introduce the new food too quickly, your pet could suffer from an upset stomach, vomiting, gas or diarrhea.  If any of these occur, slow down the process beyond the recommended (reduce the percentage of new food and/or increase days between changes) until the symptoms subside. If your pet's stool is soft, you can add a small amount of  pure canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)  to their food. The added fiber should help firm up their stools.  Also, Power Probiotic and a digestive enzyme such as K9 Digestive Enzymes  will make the transition easier.   

25% new for 3-4 days- 50 %  for 2 days- 75% for 2 days  until 100% new 

10 Year Old Min-Pin Running and Jumping like a Pup!

Ulysse

"Ulysse is our 10 year old Min Pin.  He is a very active little guy, loves to fetch, swim and run (he's done a few 5k with me). He had patella luxation surgery at the age of 2. As he got older, I noticed he was having some pain on his back. We did X-rays multiple times and the vet concluded he has arthritis. We started giving him Tramadol and it did help,to some extent, but I was always concerned about creating other issues in the long run. He had pancreatitis in the past and again Tramadol was given. We also did laser treatments but those stopped working after a couple of months. I started to research supplements and herbs because I  believe natural remedies do work. We tried many others before we ran into askariel.com products. Another min pin mom loved the products so I said well let's give them a try. By then he had taken metacam (not for long because of all the side effects) and I just couldn't do it. 

We decided to give him ARTHROSOOTHE and COLLAGENEX (collagen for pets) it took about one week and we were done with the Tramadol. He stopped growling when we touched his back and he started to jump, climb and run non-stop like a crazy little man that just turn two yrs old instead of 10 years. We just couldn't believe it!!! People at the dog park noticed the difference in his attitude and could tell he was feeling 100% better!!! My old man had turn into a young pup . When winter came along, I was concerned about the cold and his pains, but it didn't faze him. We continued going to the dog park and he  would just run and run and run and play with the snow! His two sisters ( min pin), the other people and I at the dog park couldn't believe him!

We are so grateful we found askariel.com  It changed my Ulysse's life completely!

Ana, Michigan 2015

Which Harness is Best for Your Dog?

 

Back-Clip Harness

Enjoying the great outdoors with your dog can be a special bonding time for both you and your pet, but an out of control, pulling dog can make it a misery (and potentially dangerous).  The use of a body harnesses can be a great tool, it can provide control and comfort for your pet.  They can be especially important to consider for dogs that have pushed-in faces (that restrict breathing), those with trachea or throat problems, and ones with slender necks. For these pets, a traditional leash hooked to their collar can cause them injury or discomfort.  There are many options that vary in style and function. Below lists the pros and cons of the three most common types.

Back-Clip Harness

This type has a ring that the leash will hook to on the top of the dog’s back.  Usually the dog adjusts to the back clip harness easily.

Pros:

·         Easy to put on and comfortable for a dog to wear.

·         Less tangling under the front legs.

·         They protect the fragile neck area.

Cons:

·         They offer little control if a dog has behavior issues, such as pulling on the leash, jumping up or displaying aggression.

Front-Clip Harness

Front-clip harnesses (as the name suggest) clips on the front and is centered on the dog’s chest.  Often trainers will suggest the front-clip harnesses, because they will give the owner more control over pulling, and direction the dog is moving.

Pros:

·         More control over pulling on the leash, jumping up or other poor leash manners

·         Provides the ability to direct the dog

Cons:

·         The leash on the front of the chest can tangle under the dog’s front legs if too much slack is given. 

Tightening Harness

There are variations of the body harnesses that will tighten and add pressure if the dog pulls. The slight tightening can be uncomfortable for the pet, which causes him to lessen or stop the pulling and walk on a looser leash.

Pros:

·         A harnesses that will apply slight pressure to a dog when they pull, but it does not cause pain.

·         They are generally easy to put on a dog.

Cons:

·         The dog doesn’t necessarily learn to walk on a loose leash, only with this type of harness.

·         Some tightening harnesses can feel uncomfortable to your pet. The pet might associate the pain as a negative association with the harness and might fight the usage of the device and/or the activity. 

So You Don't Think Your A "Cat Person"? Consider a Ragdoll!

Ragdolls Characteristics                                 
Adaptability *****
Energy Level ***                           Shedding Level ***
Affection Level *****                    Grooming **
Social Needs *****                        Child Friendly****
Health Issues ***                          Stranger Friendly ***
Dog Friendly*****                         Intelligence ***
(5* being most desirable)

So you don’t think you are a cat person…cats can be antisocial, aloof and nocturnal creatures. However, there are breeds that will welcome (and even crave) your attention. Some you can even train to play games with you.

One such breed is the Ragdoll. They are considered very lovable, easy going, social cats and as their name suggest, they become like a ragdoll when picked up or given attention. They are known to meet you at the door and will be your shadow as they follow you around the house and lucky you, they will keep their kitten like demeanor throughout their life.

They are a large breed, with males reaching up to 20 pounds and females about 15 pounds (at full maturity- by age 4). The life expectancy for a Ragdoll is between 12-15 years. Your ragdoll will require some grooming, but it's a small price to pay for the love and attention they bring.

Ragdolls generally do not have many health issues, but can be predisposed to bladder stones and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) a heart condition where there is regional or diffused thickening of the ventricle wall.
Diet and holistic Care can make a world of difference in your Ragdoll’s quality of life:

• For Bladder stones: Stones (and Urinary Tract Infections that may accompany them) we have found the combination of Renelix, Kidney Health, Quentans and Pet UTI Prevention Formula + Power Probiotic to help. 
• For Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)- heart supporting supplements including Purrfect Pet CoQ10 (a kitty-approved ubiquionol), and Amazing Omegas would help

When considering a new addition to your furry family, take a look at a Ragdoll. Their personality and adaptability might be a perfect fit for your busy life style.

Can Probiotics Increase A Pet's Lifespan?

Power Probiotic Keeps Pets Healthy!

 Stella and Shorty

We are sincerely grateful to the Fountain family for providing us with this special message about how our Power Probiotic has enriched their pets’ lives.  Scott and Joanne Fountain are dedicated dog owners who have saved the lives of countless rescue dogs, personally and through their volunteer rescue work.  They have 4 adorable rescue dogs in their household now and believe that the Power Probiotic “has increased their pets lifespan and kept them healthy.”

"Our home is blessed with the love of many rescued dogs... Joanne working with CA Labs and More Rescue (www.Labsandmore.org) has helped many dogs and families enjoy the same.  Here's an update on our "Family" as it is today;

Our "Shorty" came to us after being rescued with his two brothers, at the age of about 10 weeks, saved by Labs and More Rescue from a box dropped roadside in the SoCal desert. He is a Jack Russell/Beagle mix and he has the kindest soul of any dog we have ever saved. Shorty has taken Susan/Ask Ariel supplements and Power Probiotic his entire life and has been active, energetic, happy, and healthy for all of his five years. We expect that with lifelong continuation of his diet and supplements he will live to be a ripe old age... chasing and chewing every ball within sight!

Our "Stella" is a special child... she is a Jack Russell that we rescued into the family when she was just 12 weeks old. She came from a mid-west puppy mill so ran the risk of poor health from the outset. She had digestive and intestinal tract problems that in her first year almost took her from us twice. We altered her diet several times with the assistance of the Vets at U.C. Davis until we found the best (re: healthiest) diet she could keep down and thrive on... of course this diet has included Power Probiotic and other supplements so she can have and enjoy the same long and healthy life our other dogs do. She has become a bundle of pure energy and joy.

                 Rosie                                     

Our "Rosie" ( 13 1/2 year old Black Lab/Coon Hound mix) came to us at 1 year old.  She has lived a full and healthy life with good food and supplements from AskAriel. She has taken probiotics her entire life and save for the few fatty tissue tumors she now sports at old age (non-malignant, non-life threatening, non health impediment) she is a happy, healthy 'Ol Gal. Rosie has always had a healthy appetite, good food, probiotics and the occasional grass snack have kept her healthy into old age.

Buddy

 Our "Buddy" (Yellow Lab/Husky mix) is now 12.5 years old. He came to us after 8 years of captivity with a family that did not treat him well (he was left outside all day/night, he was not fed regularly, he had been attacked by Coyotes and bitten by a rattlesnake). He was 30# overweight from irregular eating binges. We brought him into our family and with a regular healthy diet and addition of Susan/Ask Ariel supplements and Power Probiotic, he is healthy and happy. He is a friend to all and resting his old bones in front of a fireplace is his special joy. He has some tender areas on his legs, residual from the coyote attacks, but is otherwise a very healthy and happy boy. When we take him on walks, everyone that sees him thinks he is a "puppy" because of the bounce in his step and smile on his angelic face. 

Scott and Joanne Fountain,  CA, 2015

Supplements For Dog Diagnosed with Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease that is usually caused by inflammation or infection of glomeruli (the tiny filters within the kidney).  It can occur in any breed and age of dog, but certain breeds tend to be more prone to the condition including: Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, Samoyeds, Doberman Pinschers, Cocker Spaniels, Newfoundlands, Greyhounds Rottweiler, and Soft-Coated Wheaton Terriers.   It can be a serious condition and will require a combination of home care and veterinarian care. 

Common Symptoms

• Blood in the urine
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Anorexia
• Weight loss

Your veterinarian will most likely perform a urinalysis, complete blood count (to check anemia, inflammation, infection and platelet count) Serum biochemistry test (to measure protein concentration), urine protein/creatinine ratio (to measure protein loss in the urine) and if necessary a kidney biopsy may need to be done for a definitive diagnosis.

The prognosis will depend on the severity of your pet’s condition. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian as up to 70% of dogs with Glomerulonephritis will develop renal failure.  We have found with a change of diet and using Askariel.com holistic supplements including: Kidney Health Protein Support forPets, Renelix for Dogs and Cats, and Power Probiotic for Pets the quality of life and symptoms have improved greatly for dogs suffering with the condition.  While these products cannot cure kidney disease, they can improve the  functioning of the remaining nephrons and slow the progression of the disease.

FDA Issues Warning to Nestle Purina Pet Food Plant

A letter of warning was issued to the Nestle Purina Lehigh County Plant on  January 2, 2015 for "significant violations" and was recently posted to the FDA website.  The inspection was conducted from September 15, 2014 to October 1, 2014 and says that the food was "prepared, packed  or held under insanitary conditions" and could make your pet sick. 

Some of the products involved were Alpo Chop House Originals Roasted Chicken, Filet Mignon, Rotisserie Chicken in Gravy, Prime Cuts with Beef, Friskies Indoor Chicken, mixed grill, senior Beef and Rice Entree, Salmon Dinner,  Mighty Dog Chicken Egg & Bacon Country Platter,Chicken & Smoked Bacon Combo, Lamb and Rice, Gravy Sensations with Turkey and Giblets in Gravy.

Here are the list of violations listed on the FDA website:

• Failure to produce low-acid canned food in keeping with an FDA-approved process.

• Failure to identify and record deviations from the FDA-approved process for producing low-acid canned food.

• Failure to chlorinate or otherwise sanitize cooling water for cooling canals and recirculated water supplies.

• Failure to establish a system to prevent unprocessed cans from mixing with processed cans in the event of an equipment malfunction.

• Failure to install thermometers in a location where they can be accurately and easily read.

• Failure to have all processing and production records signed or initialed by a qualified plant management representative.

Please feed your pet a high quality grain-free, raw frozen food.  Click here to learn more about the best foods to feed your cat or dog.