Sugar in Pet Treats: Read the Label!

Surprise---just a reminder that a common ingredient in MANY pet treats is "cane juice" and just plain sugar. Even brands that are organic and seemingly healthy! Sugar is not good for your pets and can lead to diabetes, dental problems, UTIs, infections and more. Look on the labels for freeze-dried, quality protein sources such as venison and bison.

Here is just one example from a quality manufacturer:

Grandma Lucy's Blueberry Organic Oven Baked Dog Treats 
Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Dehydrated Cane Juice, Organic Soybean and/or Organic Sunflower and/or Organic Canola Oil, Organic Rice Starch, Organic Blueberry, Organic Vanilla Extract.

Why would you EVER want to give your pet sugar? Please watch labels as this is a good example of a pet treat that appears organic and healthy until you read the label......

Is A German Shepherd Right For You?

Do you want a dog that is loyal, intelligent, active and protective of  its family and home? If the answer is yes, then you should consider a German Shepherd. They can be a devoted, fun-loving member of the family. It is important to know that they are not usually aggressive, they can be territorial and be shy around unknown dogs and strangers. They are very trainable and like to be active with their people. These characteristics have made them popular in law enforcement, military roles and as service dogs. It also means you need to make sure they do not get bored, frustrated or lonely to avoid bad behavior. If you have little ones, it is good to know that German Shepherds can be great companions with children, providing they have had early socialization. On the downside, they can be vocal, shed everywhere, have a tendency to chew things up, and sometimes get carried away and play a little rough.   Unfortunately, many pet owners don't take the time to train or work with their German Shepherds and many end up in rescue or at shelters.  Adopting a rescue German Shepherd is an ideal way to find out your pet's personality before you adopt them. German Shepherds grow to be about 24 inches and weigh between 75-95 pounds.  They are generally healthy, and life expectancy is 10-12 years, but like all breeds are predisposed to certain conditions. They include the following: 

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dyplasia is a heritable condition in which the leg doesn't fit correctly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. Using Special SAMe, Canine Comfort, Arthrtitis & Joint Support Kit can help keep your pets pain under control. 

• Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. It's thought to be caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog's elbow, causing joint laxity. This can lead to painful lameness. 

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid itself of the excess air in its stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. See our blog for more information.
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: EPI is a genetic disease of the pancreas in which the cells that produce digestive enzymes are destroyed. As a result, the dog can no longer digest and absorb food. Consider adding Power Probiotics for Pets and K-9 digestive enzymes to help your pets digestion.
• Allergies: Some German Shepherds suffer from a variety of allergies, ranging from contact allergies to  food allergies. Regardless if they are food or contact holistic supplements can help. See our entire line of options including Amazing Omegas and Power Probiotic for Pets

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability ***** 

Exercise*** 

Social Needs***

Apartment Friendly ***

Grooming***

Stranger Friendly *

Barking Tendencies **

Health Issues****

Intelligence*****

Trainability*****

Child Friendly*****

Maltese Mix Is Free of UTIs With Diet Changes and Supplements

Lilly

"Just want to say "THANK YOU"!  THANK YOU”! Took your advice and had vet take urine with her fasting and her PH was 7 this month…Blood test and urinalysis came out good. (She has been UTI free since on your diet plan & supplements)  Lilly was 8 years old last November 17, 2014.  She has battled UTI 's from spring of 2012 until I found you on the internet in July 2013.  I was a little skeptical at first, but I tried it anyway, and glad I did, as it worked.  You have helped Lilly much." 

Renee Minnesota 2015

When Renee contacted us, in July 2013, she was upset and frustrated. At that time, she said “I have spent hundreds in the last two months. Lilly had a urinary tract infection (UTI) last month and now this month, she also had an infection last year. I need your help…”

Susan Davis, Pet Nutritionist, recommended changing her diet to a grain-free, hypoallergenic diet, which would help reduce the potential for infection and improve her health overall. She also recommended that Renee avoid poultry, ALL GRAINS (biscuits, treats with oatmeal, bread, etc), beef, peanut butter, cheese (all dairy) and corn permanently.
  
Renee used the following holistic supplements to help boost Lilly's immune system and prevent future UTIs with much success:

Pet UTI Prevention Formula- Helps clear bacteria and pathogens from the urinary tract, present in UTI infections, reduce inflammation and help promote healing.

Power Probiotic for Pets- The organisms in this product will help stabilize and maintain a healthy intestinal probiotic ecosystem and help keep the GI tract ph balance stable.

Notatum Drops- is very helpful for any type of infection. Works to boost your pet's immune system from the inside out.  This product is very helpful if your pet has been on antibiotics as it helps to prevent recurrence of an infection. Use with Quentans for best results.
Quentans Drops --use with Notatum to stop the cycle of chronic infections.  Excellent for UTIs, upper respiratory infections and viruses.

Amazing Omegas for Pets- contains the highest quality, purest fish oil available on the market. 

We are so happy that Lilly has had such great results!

Asian Canine Flu Hits the United States

You may have heard on the news recently about a new canine flu affecting dogs in the Midwest (especially the Chicago area).  It is a new Asian strain called H3N2. We have not seen it previously in the United States, so your dog will not have immunity to this virus and there is not a vaccine available in the United States. It is highly contagious and precautions should be taken, especially if cases have been identified in your area.

The symptoms are similar to the American canine flu H3N8 and include: coughing, sneezing and a runny nose. There has also been reports that many dogs infected by the H3N2 will develop pneumonia. It is also important to note that canine flu does not have a “flu season” like human influenza so pets can be infected all year. The American Veterinary Medical Association says, "Canine influenza is spread via aerosolized respiratory secretions and contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes) and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. The virus can remain viable (alive and able to infect) on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours and on hands for 12 hours."

If your dog is diagnosed with H3N2, be sure they are eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and fluids and watch for secondary infections (like pneumonia). Holistic supplements especially immune support supplements such as Quentans which is anti-viral can greatly help.   Keep an infected dog away from other dogs! They  could be contagious for at least 10-14 days. 

Since there is not a vaccine, prevention is the key to keeping your pet healthy.   Avoid areas that have documented cases of H3N2, especially places with high contact, dog care centers, training classes, dog parks, etc. and build your pets natural immune system with supplements such as  Amazing Omegas for Pets and Power Probiotics for Pets  

Choosing a Feeding Bowl For Your Pet

How much thought have you given to your pet’s food and water bowls? Pet bowls come in many sizes, colors and styles and of course perform an important function. Here are a few factors to consider when trying to find the right bowl for your pet

For Your Dog

Breed (and size) of your dog.  

Take a look at your dog’s anatomy, tiny breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies) would need a small-low sided bowl, but a large breed dog (Golden Retriever, Labs...that wants to lick the bowl clean) will need a large weighted, or rubber edged bowl to accommodate the quantity and avoid it being pushed around. Long eared dogs (Basset Hounds) need a bowl with high sides to keep their ears out and long-nosed (collies, afghan hounds) find it easier to eat from a deeper bowl. However, your shorter faced dogs (pugs, Boston terriers, bulldogs) find a shallow bowl better suited for their needs.

Age
Senior pets and those with arthritis or degenerative joint disease might find it more comfortable to have the bowl raised, rather than bending down.You can find bowls that sit on a pedestal or you could set it on a box or small table.

Material

• Ceramic bowls-  come in every pattern imaginable, they are more fragile and will require you to be a little more careful and make sure they are sealed.
• Plastic bowls- very durable and easy to care for, plus they also come in many different patterns, however some pets may have sensitivity to plastic.
• Stainless bowls- easy care and comes in variety of sizes, but you do not have the same options in patterns.

Decorative Style- what fits your home? It will be part of your life, do you want it to go with your décor or be a doggy pattern.

Other features-do you want one double bowl or two separate?, self-feeder/water bowls, self-feeder with timer (great for busy families). Or do you need a slow feeder bowl to help your dog slow down?

For Your Cat

Many of the same elements apply to cats, but often it is more important on where you feed your cat than in what.  Cats generally prefer a calm, quiet place and often like to eat off the ground (if there is a suitable place) away from small children and other pets.

Why Does My Dog Vomit After Eating?

Q: My beloved rescue dog often vomits after he eats; is it a digestion issue, food issue, or how he eats (he scarfs down his food in no time)… what can I do?

A: You have reason to be concerned. Of course it depends on how soon after and how often this occurs, but scarfing down his food can cause serious health problems.  Eating too fast can cause burping and flatulence (not dangerous, but can be unpleasant), choking, gastric dilatation, or volvulus, which is also known as bloat. Bloat is a condition that needs to be treated by a veterinarian immediately.  It can occur when a dog swallows too much air when they are eating their meals and the distension of the stomach can cause it to twist. This can cause damage to the stomach and even death.

To slow down your dogs eating, you need to determine the cause. Being a rescue dog it could be a case of conditioned competitive eating (often occurs in a shelter situation). If you have another pet, consider feeding them in different locations or times. Feeding your pet regularly will also help them have food security. Also use distraction with positive reinforcement to keep them from the other pet’s bowl can help too.

However, if they are the only pet in the house you can try to change how you are feeding them. Changing the bowl can help.  You can purchase a slow feed pet bowl, or make your own at home version by turning their feeding bowl upside down or using a muffin tin to separate their food to force them to pause. You can also feed smaller, more frequent meals.

Two supplements can greatly improve your dog's digestion.  Power Probiotics for Pets and K9 Digestive Enzymes will help your dog properly digest his food and reduce vomiting instances.   Dogs can suffer from malabsorption and even though they are eating the food quickly, they will not get the benefit of the nutrients if they are not digesting the food properly. 

German Shepherd with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) Feels Better With Amazing Omegas Fish Oil!

                                                            

  Kiko

"Before we tried Kiko on the Ask Ariel Amazing Omegas, our boy had very dry flaky skin and his hair was very dull and dry. Within 2 weeks of using Amazing Omegas, Kiko has a healthy, thick, shiny, glossy coat of fur. I've also noticed new growth of hair around his elbows, stomach and ears. Thank you to Gina Gould for donating the first bottle for him to try. Ever since,  he has been on them. As a mom of a DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) dog, your products are working amazingly well at keeping our special boy healthy. Thank you Susan Davis and Ask Ariel!!!"
Jennifer Neal, California

Kiko is a rescue dog who needs donations to continue with his care.  To read his story, please visit: http://fnd.us/c/awit2