Natural Supplements and Diet Change Helps Stomatitis

Max and Sasha

Here is a wonderful success story from our client Angie. The products she uses to help her kitties, Max and Sasha,  with stomatitis are Power Probiotic for Pets, Colostrom for Pets, Immune Harmony, and Quentans.

"Back in 2010, I adopted 2 kitties from an elderly gentleman who had been on the news. The news story said that Animal Control was going to come in and take all the old man's kitties and euthanize them if no one stepped forth to adopt them (supposedly because he had too many living in the city limits - a neighbor who didn't like him or the cats had complained and turned him in).

They were all so friendly! They acted like I visited the house all the time! So it was quite difficult for me to make my selections. I finally settled on this huge one - a domestic shorthair - that looked like a miniature black panther. I named him Max. He was lean and silky, so regal, and looked like he could be a formidable foe to anything threatening him. Next I selected his sister, a shy dainty puff ball of black fur... pure princess to every degree. So she became known as Sasha.

We all lived in bliss until I had to take a work detail overseas for a month. I was forced to leave my babies behind in the care of a veterinary hospital for boarding until I returned. The cats were "different" it seemed when we returned home. Max wasn't as zealous and playful and Sasha was just totally terrified of everything! I took them to their regular vet and that's when I found out that Max was suffering from a severe case of stomatitis and Sasha's case was mild. For almost a year, Max suffered through rounds of antibiotic and steroid shots trying to calm his symptoms just so he'd be able to eat. He got so skinny and was so miserable, I didn't know what else to do.

I began to scour the internet on alternative therapies and tried everything from switching food to switching litter. Finally a couple of years ago, I ran across the AskAriel site. And amazingly, there was a section all about stomatitis. I read everything I could find about it and even read about the other different conditions house pets can contract. The answers were reasonable so I placed my first order for some of the Power Probiotic. I also received a food recommendation from Ask Ariel that I was able to find in my local pet store. Over the next few months I continued to "fine-tune" Max's specific needs. Ask Ariel gave me recommendations about foods to avoid that would make the stomatitis worse.  In June of 2014, I took Max and Sasha to the vet one last time to have their teeth thoroughly cleaned, and Max received his steroid and antibiotic shots. After that, we started daily treatments with the supplements and recommended diet.  In June 2015, we visited the vet for the first time since the cleaning (for a different condition) and  she was thoroughly impressed and said she didn't see anything unusual... no redness, no sores, no buildup on the teeth or anything! She couldn't believe I was only feeding them wet food (not the dry her office had originally recommended) and nothing else.  

Anyway, I now have two of the happiest kitties on the planet! They are both in the elderly stage now with a few grey whiskers and a few strands of grey hair here and there coming out of their beautiful black coats, but Max loves playing the "baby" (even though he's the eldest)...Sasha has finally gotten over her fears as well. She loves to be picked up, but differently than Max. When she approaches you, she'll just sit there and wait, looking at you. When you reach down to pick her up she'll throw her little arms up in the air like a toddler begging. Then you'll have to pick her up and put her on your hip where she then likes to ride with her arms around your neck as she nuzzles your face.

Yes, I know it's a long success story but *my* kitties are extraordinary.

Thanks for coming up with such amazing products!"

-Angie (with Max & Sasha)

Zachary, LA

Stella & Chewy's Recall of Poultry Freeze-Dried Patties

This week, it was reported  that a great pet food company Stella & Chewys has issued a voluntary recall of some of their foods as a safety precaution.  Unfortunately, these things can happen to even the best companies. The list contains mostly poultry versions, which due to the high occurrence of allergies in dogs, we do not generally recommend. We still think using Stella and Chewy’s rabbit and/or venison verisons are a great healthy option for pets. For the safety of you and your pet, always use safe handling procedures. Wash your hands well before and after handling the food, and disinfect the preparation area and dishes/ utensils. 

Here is their press release with the lots being recalled:

Stella & Chewy’s is voluntarily recalling some of its products due to concerns of a possible presence of Listeria Monocytogenes. The recall was prompted by a positive test confirming Listeria monocytogenes in Chewy’s Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties for Dogs, 15 ounce, Lot #111–15, during routine surveillance testing by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. There have been no reported pet or human illnesses associated with this recall.

Listeria is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Retailers and consumers can find the full product recall list at http://www.stellaandchewys.com/stella-chewys-recall-notice/. Consumers should look at the lot numbers and UPC codes printed on the bag to determine if it’s subject to the recall. People who have purchased these products are instructed to dispose of the food or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

What To Do If You See a Pet Locked in a Car

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes certain dangers for your pets. We recently came across this article titled “Here’s What To Do When You See an Animal Trapped in a Hot Car" on One Green Plant website.  Leaving a pet in a locked car can have potentially deadly consequences.  As the article states, the temperature can reach 160 degrees (inside a locked car) on a hot day and a pet can suffer from heatstroke in a matter of minutes. Symptoms of heatstroke includes; restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, rapid heartbeat, fever, and vomiting.  If the dog shows any of these signs it is important to get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The article lists the steps that can be taken, if you come upon a pet locked in car.

1. Write down the car’s make, model, and license plate number

2. Find an authority figure nearby

3. If no officer is nearby, call the police

4. If the police are slow to respond, contact animal control

5. Watch for signs of distress in the animal

     6. If Authorities still haven’t responded, try opening the door*
        *know the laws in your community, pertaining to pets being left in cars.

The entire article can be found here

Dogs Run For Their Lives on July 4th

July 4th aftermath. Pictured is a neighbor's deaf white husky playing with our dog Legend. The dog is neglected and stays at our home for extra TLC whenever we are given permission by the owner. He looks so happy here but not on July 4th. There were 2 beautiful July 4th shows near our home and he was inconsolable, panting, pacing and terrified. As soon as the fireworks started, even though he was inside the house, he ran to the front door and tore the screen, frantically trying to run. The dogs don't know where to run, they are just afraid they "run for their lives". What is amazing is that he is deaf but the vibrations of the booms must affect him. Legend did not have an issue at all. Some dogs are more afraid than others.  Many dogs will run and run not knowing where they are going just to try to escape the scary noise.  Many pets are now at the shelters awaiting pickup so please, if your animal is missing, head to the shelter right away.

Symptoms of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and Holistic Treatments

One of the most common reasons people take their cats to the veterinarian is because of urinary tract problems. When the bladder is not able to empty correctly, due to infection, bladder stones, blockage of the urethra (urethral plug) or inflammation, your cat can exhibit some or all of these signs. 

Symptoms of FLUTD: 

 Urinating outside the box

  Frequent trips to the litter box

  Straining or vocalizing in the box because they have irritated or inflamed bladders

  Exhibiting symptoms of pain: hunched up, crying, drinking more water, inappropriate urination

  Visible blood in the litter box 

Some risk factors can include, diet (eating dry food),being overweight, stress, genetics, breed, sex (urethral plug can be deadly to male cats) and age. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) can develop at any age, but usually occurs at about four years of age. It is important to see your veterinarian if you suspect a problem, because there could be an underlining cause. Endocrine diseases, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes can all cause urinary problems. To determine a diagnosis your veterinarian will, usually, conduct a physical exam, a urinalysis, urine culture, blood work, and possibly x-rays and ultrasounds. Some risk factors include, eating dry food, stress, genetics and even the sex (urethral plug can be deadly to male cats).

After the tests are conducted and conditioned is diagnosed, a comprehensive plan can be made to improve your cat’s health.  

Holistic Treatments for Cats with FLUTD

1.)  Diet change- Avoid fish, dry food, and poultry.  Fish and poultry are big allergens for cats similar to gluten and dairy for people.  Dry food is hard to digest and cats thrive on a high moisture diet.  If you order supplements at www.AskAriel.com be sure to include what you are feeding your cat and a diet suggestion will be included on the packing slip with your order. 

2.)  Medication-per vet instructions

3.)  Holistic supplements:

NotaSAN and QuentaSAN- powerful immune support formulas, a must have for pets with chronic urinary infections
Akutur- helps reduce inflammation that occurs in the bladder walls after chronic infections, by reducing inflammation, the area is better able to heal once and for all
Pet UTI Prevention – esssential herbs proven to help reduce inflammation, promote healing, displace and kill pathogens from the urinary tact
Power Probiotic for Pets- essential for your pet’s good health because they support digestion, help fight infection and enhance overall immunity

4.)  Lifestyle changes -reduction of stress

5.)  Surgery or Urinary Catheter-to remove the stones or blockage

Holistic Supplements helps Westie with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

                                                                 
Many thanks to Wendi Kushner for sending in Feebee's testimonial.  We are so happy Feebee is feeling better!

Feebee is an 11 year old Westie and had been having recurrent UTI's for about 6 months.  She would go off the antibiotics and within a few weeks would have symptoms again.  Our vet did an ultrasound which was normal and then suggested we switch her from a kibble diet to canned and raw food.  I discovered your website online and started her on Power Probiotic for Pets, Pet UTI Prevention, Quentans, Notatum, and Amazing Omegas for Pets.  I'm delighted to report that she hasn't had a UTI since starting this regimen, she loves her new food, and her skin is better than it's ever been (she has allergies too).  Feebee is one happy dog and I am a very happy owner!  Many thanks! 

Wendi Kushner -Texas, 2015

Holistic Treatments Help Senior Beagle Mix with Cancer

Michelle first reached out to us in March of 2012 when Tally (her beloved senior beagle mix) was diagnosed with Perianal gland carcinoma, IBD, bouts of pancreatitis and some seasonal allergies.

Tally went on a hypoallergenic raw frozen diet and over a period of time, used the following supplements – Power Probiotics for pets, K-9 Digestive Enzymes and Lypozyme to prevent pancreatitis and for the cancer:  Oncopet which is a comprehensive multi-vitamin for cancer

Here is Tally’s journey and how holistic treatments helped him:

Update 2/6/13

Prior to Susan designing this diet, Tally had frequent bouts of diarrhea, vomiting and pancreatitis.  He was on 5mg of Prednisone every 2-3 days.  After I began the diet, he NEVER had diarrhea, vomiting or pancreatitis again, and he was able to be taken off the Prednisone completely within 2-weeks of starting the diet.  WHAT A MIRACLE!! 

Update 3/4/14

Hi Susan,

Just to let you know my 13-1/2 year old dog, Tally was at the vet today and his ALT level is normal.  Thank you for recommending Lypozyme, and thank you for recommending the diet he has been on for over 2-years.  I tell everybody about you! 

Update 4/25/15

Susan Blake Davis and the Ask Ariel staff are just incredible.  I remember when I was so apprehensive of the diet and supplements  because I tried so many different things throughout my dog's life.  I was totally astonished when Tally came off prednisone in just a few weeks using her program, and my vet was even amazed.  I recommended Ask Ariel to a friend who had a dog with a huge liver tumor and was told by her vet that she would probably need to be put down within a few weeks.  With the help of Ask Ariel, that dog could go for walks again and had a good quality of life for an additional 1-1/2 years.  Tally is almost 15 years old and he would never have lived this long if it were not for Susan Blake and Ask Ariel products. 

Michelle and Tally 
Pennsylvania, 2015