Monday, November 30, 2015

How to Help Your Dog Through the Senior Years


  • Age is just a number.  Every dog is unique and if kept healthy and active throughout their lives can act years younger than their actual age. Starting them early on a healthy diet and exercise routine can be key.
  • Look for any changes in their behavior  and have them checked out by your veterinarian. Don't think it is just due to aging.  Many health condition found in older pets  (kidney disease, arthritis, hypothyroidism etc.) can be treated with great success
  • Diet and Exercise can have a great impact. Just as in humans, as we age our nutritional needs change. Feeding the proper diet and using holistic supplements (when needed) can improve the quality of life for your pet. For dietary support adding Power Probiotic for Pets and one of our digestive enzyme products can help them get the most from their diet
  • Old dogs can and do learn new tricks! Teaching your dog new things can help fight boredom and also keep their minds sharp. Using Purrfect CoQ10 for Pets can help with energy, alertness and heart health too.
  • The young will keep you young. Consider adding a new friend for your elderly pet. Dogs are pack animals and  some research has found that when multiple pets live together they live longer and have fewer medical problems.
  • Modify their living environment as needed. As pets age, they may need to have changes made to keep them safe and comfortable. It may include ramps to access car and furniture, elevated feeding bowls, padded beds to lessen pain, etc.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

We Honor the Military Dogs Today

Today we would like to honor all the men,women and DoGS who have served in our military to help keep us safe. Here is the History as documented by the American Humane Association
2015 American Humane Association Military Dog Finalist
Rambo (Converse, TX) – Sgt. Rambo was an active Marine Corps military dog working in an explosive detection unit based out of Cherry Point, N.C. Rambo conducted 622 missions on base and in his local community. Rambo was medically retired due to a left shoulder injury and in November 2012 had to have that limb amputated. Rambo has gone on to be Alamo Honor Flight’s mascot, accompanying countless World War II veterans to Washington, D.C.and also serves as the mascot for Gizmo's Gift, a non-profit organization which supports retired services dogs.

Military working dogs first entered the service in 1942 to serve in the Army’s K-9 Corps. Today, these dogs, who have an actual military service record book assigned to them, are still playing an active role in searching for explosives and seizing enemies. Military working dogs have been used by the U.S. armed forces since World War I. In World War II, 436 scout dogs walked combat patrols overseas, often detecting the enemy at a 1,000 yards, long before the enemy became aware of them. Dogs continued to serve with distinction in other conflicts, such as Korea, where the Army used about 1,500 dogs, primarily for guard duty. During the Vietnam War, nearly 4,000 dogs were employed and, officially, 281 were killed in action. Today’s conflicts include dogs at every level, still serving our country, helping to protect our troops. American Humane Association

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Is Your Dog Genetically Predisposed to Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis?



Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is a type of heart disease that can cause sudden death to your pet.  It is one of the most common types of inherited heart diseases found in Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Rottweilers. The disease restricts the blood flow from the heart to the aorta, due to a ridge or abnormal tissue growth. It can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Fortunately, genetic testing is now available and hopefully new methods of treatment can be implemented.

Symptoms and Life Span

  • Mild- typically no observable clinical signs of disease.
  • Moderate to Severe- difficulty breathing, weakness, fainting, and in extreme cases, sudden death.
Dogs with severe SAS usually have a lifespan of about 18 months without intervention and up to 5 years with treatment. Dogs with mild to moderate SAS have a longer life span, with some living to average age for the breed. Intervention can help significantly. It is important to work with your veterinarian for the best course of action.

Treatment:
In mild cases, your pet may not require treatment, however, in moderate to severe cases of SAS you should work with your veterinarian  to determine the best course of action. A combination of life style adaptions (limiting the workload on the heart by avoiding intense physical exertion), traditional treatment (beta blockers) and holistic support can improve the quality of life for your pet.  We recommend a heart healthy diet and including   Amazing Omegas for Pets, and Purrfect Pet CoQ10 into your treatment plan.

It is important to keep follow-up appointments with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s progress, so that changes can be made to the treatment plan.

If your dog is having trouble breathing or collapses, even if they recover quickly, see your veterinarian immediately.
Monday, October 26, 2015

Beagle's Pancreatitis Helped with Use of Natural Supplements

Holly (on the right) with Daisy and Precious

"I just want to let you know I have a 13 year old beagle who was diagnosed with pancreatitis.*  She wouldn’t eat and she also already had congestive heart failure and liver disease.  Her liver score was so high it wouldn’t register on a chart.  I was desperate and searched the internet and found your product (Pancreatitis Support Kit).  I was worried it wouldn’t get to me in time to help her, luckily it did.  Twenty-four hours after giving her first pills, which I had to do by mouth, she very slowly started to improve.  I had planned to go away within the month and had someone coming in to take care of my dogs.  I typed up a daily chart to take care of Holly after the second week of treatment.  By the time I actually left and reviewed the chart to give my friend, it was completely different.  Holly has improved dramatically and has the energy of a dog years younger.  She is actually behaving better now than before she got pancreatitis.  Your pancreatic and liver care kit will remain a part of her daily care.

Thank you for giving me back my baby,
Lori
Williamsport, PA, (2015)

*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.

With a change to a hypoallergenic, low fat, high fiber diet and using Ask Ariel's Pancreatitis Kit, pets can recover and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Thursday, October 22, 2015

Novel Protein Diets for Pets with Food Allergies

Have you noticed your dog excessively chewing on his paws? Is your cat vomiting excessively or missing patches of fur? Are your pets getting constant ear infections or smelling after a bath?  All these symptoms could mean your pet is due for a diet change.   A diet change will be necessary to eliminate potential offending foods, but what should the change be? One approach is to switch your pet to a novel protein diet.

What is a novel protein diet?

It is a diet that contains a protein source that your pet has not eaten before. The most common protein sources included in most brands of pet foods include beef, chicken, lamb and turkey.  However, these same proteins are common sources of food allergies or food sensitivities (from eating the same food for an extended period of time).  Your pet may exhibit symptoms that include upset stomach and/or skin problems. By substituting a new, exotic novel protein your pet's symptoms may be alleviated. Some proteins to try may include:   Bison, Rabbit, Salmon (dogs only--cats are often allergic), Venison, Ostrich, Quail and Kangaroo.  Select a LOW carbohydrate, grain-free diet such as a raw frozen diet .  We do not recommend any dry food for dogs and cats with allergies as they are high in carbohydrates that can also cause symptoms such as scratching, itching and ear infections.


You can get serum allergy testing done at your vet's office but we prefer Nutriscan.  Nutriscan is a new test that can help determine your pet's food allergies through saliva which is thought to be more accurate than blood.  It's important to remember two points though about food allergy testing for pets:  1) even the best tests can have false negatives if the pet or person hasn't ingested the food recently (meaning the pet is still allergic even though the test says not 2) often food "families" cause a problem.  It is quite common for a dog to have an allergy to chicken and perhaps even test ok on duck, but the intolerances are there for all poultry.  Generally if there is one type of food that is a problem, it's best to stay away from all of it.


Thursday, October 15, 2015

Submissive and Excitement Urination in Dogs


Does your dog have an embarrassing and annoying problem of unexplained frequent urination? Does it happen especially if they are scared or excited?  Your pet may be suffering from submissive or excitement urination. This is not a training issue, but an involuntary reflex that will need patience to fix.

Signs of Submissive Urination
  •          History or being shy, timid or anxious
  •          Urinates when someone (especially strangers) approaches him.
  •          Urinates when being scolded or fears being in trouble
  •          Urinates when crouching, rolling over (exposing their stomach) or has their tail between their legs, indicating a submissiveness.

What to Do:
  •          Take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out medical reasons for the behavior.
  •          Avoid direct eye contact.
  •          Get down on their level, not just bending over, but kneel down.
  •          Try approaching from the side vs. the front.
  •          Teach them commands that can be used to distract and encourage confident behaviors and then reward them for performing them.  For example have them “sit” or “shake” when being greeted.  This will help them feel in control of the situation and lessen the anxiety.
We have many patients report that using Psy-Stabil has helped their “nervous” dog feel calmer and re-balance.

Excitement Urination, most often occurs, during playtime or when they are excited to see you. It is most common in puppies and luckily usually improves with maturity.  However, it can persist if the behavior is rewarded with positive reinforcement (even if inadvertently)

What to Do:
  • Take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out medical reasons for the behavior.
  • Precautions are key, to avoid mishaps, play outdoors or places with easy clean up
  •  Keep greetings low-key…do not greet your pet with excited tones or gestures.
  •  Ignore him when he is excited, wait until he calms down.
If  a veterinarian determines that your pet suffers from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) having a property diet and the right supplements can help and provide them with relief. The antibiotics used to treat the UTI won’t take care of the inflammation if the diet you are feeding is high in carbohydrates or allergens.  A grain-free, low carbohydrate diet and the right supplements provide your pet with the nutrients and immune support needed to fight off UTIs. Some of our featured products include Amazing Omegas, UTI Prevention and Power Probiotic.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit


1st Annual Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest
Sunday October 25th 12-4pm

Come join us as we celebrate a day dedicated to pet health and education.  Add to that the fun and excitement of a Howl-0-Ween costume contest with food, raffles, vendors, live demonstrations, prizes, and entertainment for you and your pup!  It’s our 1st Annual Dog Ranch Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest! This event is free!  Proceeds from this event will go to the participating non-profit organizations.
·         Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest with Prizes ($5 registration fee)
·         Over 20 vendors
·         Live demonstrations
·         Raffle
·         Photo Spot - dress up your pup and take some fun pics
·         Food Trucks
plus a 15 minute Q & A session with Susan Blake Davis,CCN- Ask Ariel Pet Nutritionist
Well behaved dogs only please. All dogs must be on leash and in control at all times. Please call Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit for further information on this event and costume contest registration and details.


 

20401 Sun Valley Drive,Laguna Beach www.thedogranch.com 949-494-0484