Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Is Your Pet Overweight?

 

Is your pet overweight or obese?
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), an estimated 58% of cats and 54% of dogs in the United States are indeed overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to an array of medical issues and addressing the issue, sooner rather than later, can have a huge impact for your pet.

PRIMARY RISKS OF EXCESS WEIGHT IN PETS  
Osteoarthritis
Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart and Respiratory Disease
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
Kidney Disease
Many Forms of Cancer
Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)


How do I know if my pet needs to lose weight?
Here are a couple of tests you can do at home. You can also visit APOP's website, or speak to your veterinarian to determine your pet’s ideal weight.
  • Run your hands across the chest of the dog or cat. You should always be able to feel their ribs but not see them. There should never be a layer of fat over the ribs.
  • Look at the standing dog or cat from a bird's eye view. They should have what looks like a waist that tucks in right in front of the hips
 
Susan Davis, our Ask Ariel nutritionist, gives these tips to get pets back into shape:
Control portions. Look at everything you are feeding your pet -- pet food, treats and human food -- and reduce the amount. Use proper measuring tools. Also, food packages will recommend portions by weight ranges. Use the weight range of the overweight pet's ideal weight, not its current weight. And use the lowest suggested amount for that range. For example, if the manufacturer recommends two to three cups for dogs over 30 pounds, give the dog two cups.

• Control quality. Don't feed your pet human junk food like pizza or sweets such as baked goods, ice cream or cookies. Home-prepared meals using fresh ingredients are acceptable, Davis says. Wholesome items such as brown rice, fresh lean meats and carrots are recommended. Be sure to avoid the human foods that can be toxic to cats and dogs: grapes/raisins, mushrooms, chocolate and coffee. Tomatoes and garlic can also be toxic for cats.

• Increase exercise. Get into the habit of walking your dog every day. Getting outdoors is good for a pet's emotional health, too, giving it a chance to make social contact and find out what is going on in the neighborhood. Most dogs love to play fetch and some love to swim. Cats can stay active indoors by actively playing with their toys and “hunting” for food.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016

We Say Goodbye To Tally

Tally
We received sad news that Tally, a long time furry client, passed away. He was a Beagle/Golden Retriever mix that had a diagnosis of anal gland cancer in 2011.  He also had a lifelong issue with IBS and later liver disease. His owner, Michelle, shared these thoughts with us.
"Tally has passed on after a huge decline in health during his last week of life.  Tally was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. While several people thought I should put him down, I would never do that without a fight.....this is when I discovered Ask Ariel.  Susan Blake Davis recommended a diet and supplements that dramatically improved Tally's quality of life that allowed him to beat the odds and live an additional 5-1/2 years to the age of almost 16. Susan Blake Davis is gifted and amazing!  Up until 2 weeks before Tally passed on, he was doing fast runs around the house. I will be forever thankful for Ask Ariel."
Michelle, Pennsylvania 2016

Tally’s supplements included:

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Dog Gallbladder Mucocele Problems Get Better With Supplements



"I wanted to share with you that last year Miss Ladybug was diagnosed with a possible Gallbladder Mucocele and the vet put her on Ursodiol but it made her very sick, so instead she has been taking the Liver & Gallbladder Supplement, Power Probiotics, and Lypozyme everyday faithfully. We just had another ultrasound check and this time they said everything looks good, that they wouldn’t even say that it's a Mucocele anymore - it just looks like a gallbladder and hasn't gotten bigger. Her blood work was also wonderful - kidneys and liver (everything actually) were in range. Not bad for a 13 year old puppy mill rescue :) They did find a little irritation in the intestines that they feel could be IBD so I knew right away that I would be getting your Soothing Digestive Relief formula this time too. Thank you so much for your amazing products because I truly believe they have extended my baby's life!"

Marissa M. Colorado 2016

Symptoms of A Gallbladder Mucocele

Watch for signs such as:
  • decreased appetite
  • anorexia
  • lethargy
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • a yellowish tinge to the skin or gums
  • abdominal pain 
 Be sure to contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these symptoms.  Gallbladder problems  can be improved with diet and supplements. 


Thursday, September 8, 2016

Beagle Finds Relief from Coughing and Gagging


Daisy and Precious
"My dog Holly who was featured in a past article, passed on from a collapsed trachea.  I heard about your supplement (for collapsed trachea) about two weeks after she died to my dismay.  She had a full blood work done when she started coughing and it came back wonderful due to the supplements she was on (for liver disease).  They were amazed!  Well my other dog Daisy... has always gagged after drinking and recently started coughing occasionally when she lies down. It shook me up because that is how Holly started a year ago. I immediately purchased your ultra-flex collagen.  She has been taking it for a few weeks now and I noticed she doesn't gag anymore.  Listen she has been gagging each time she drank for 2 1/2 years and now she isn't. It is very hard for me not to think I could have saved Holly if I had only known, but I am happy I've found ultra-flex collagen for Daisy. 

I want to thank you again for another great product!"

Lori Baier-Pennsylvania 2016

Collapsed trachea is a progressive condition that affects any breed, but often small dog breeds such as yorkies, maltese, pomeranian, chihuahas, pugs and shih tzus. The disease can cause coughing, gagging and respiratory problems. Our clients have found using  Amazing Omegas and Ultra-Flex Collagen For Pets to strengthen trachea cartilage and can reduce overall coughing/gagging.

Holly




Lori first came to our website seeking help for Holly’s pancreatitis. The supplements she found helpful were in our Pancreatitis and Liver Support Kit

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Tips To Minimize Your Pet's Stress When You Travel


Taking one last trip for the summer?  It's so hard to leave our pets behind when we travel.  Here are a few tips to relieve stress on your pet:

  •  Consider a pet sitter instead of taking your pet to a boarding facility.  Ask your vet, neighbors and friends about who they use when they travel. Keeping your pet in a comfortable environment is key.  For ex: Rover.com offers pet sitters in many locations that you can research and meet beforehand. 
  • If you do have to take your pet to a facility, ask about doggie day care.  Even if your pet has never been to doggie day care, many pets enjoy the companionship and activity that doggie day care can provide.  Avoid if possible, leaving your pet in a cage with minimal contact.  See about extended walks if your dog isn't social.
  •  Bring your pet's regular food to the boarding facility (divided into normal meals). Pets have sensitive stomachs so keeping their diet consistent and providing supportive supplements such as: Power Probiotic for Pets, Soothing Digestive Relief for Pets, or K-9 Digestive Enzymes can help minimize the occurrence of problems during their stay.
  •  Make sure to leave any necessary items that will help keep your pet be calm and happy while you are gone.  (Perhaps a special toy or blanket)  
  • If you give your pets supplements, put them in separate meal baggies to make it easy for the caregiver to administer.  For ex: breakfast packets, dinner packets etc
  •  Make sure to leave all emergency numbers including:  your contact phone number, a local emergency contact, and your veterinarian.
  • Make some special treats for your pet using food they already consume (don't try new foods while you are away!).  For ex:  stuff a kong ball with canned food and freeze or bake treats from regular canned food.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Pros and Cons of Crate Training


Crate training is controversial and there are pros and cons on the subject. If you have ever had an ongoing home improvement project or traveled with your dog (planes require crates) you may understand there are benefits to having a crate trained dog, but unfortunately crates are also used inappropriately by some owners. The purpose of the crate should be for the safety of the pet; this includes preventing them from engaging in destructive and dangerous behaviors and providing a familiar place when traveling that may lessen anxiety. Dogs, especially puppies, can be inquisitive, active chewers, and escape artists; a crate can eliminate the risk of accidental ingestion of something dangerous or an unsupervised dog on the loose. An added  bonus, is it can help tremendously in housebreaking puppies (dogs instinctively avoid soiling where they sleep).  Some dogs may end up LOVING their crate and go there whenever they want to feel safe. The biggest con to crate training though stems from owners acting irresponsibly. They may be keeping the dog crated for excessively long periods of time, using a crate that is too small (limiting movement and comfort), or using an unsafe crate. For crate training to be successful, it must be a safe and comfortable space for your pet, not a place of punishment!

Tips to successful crate training
  • Pick a proper crate for your dog (consider size in the future)
  • Train your dog to go into the crate by using positive reinforcement
  • Start for short periods of time
  • Have crate in an area with the family (dogs are pack animals and the family is their pack)
  • Do not keep a dog in a crate for more than 3 or 4 hours unless absolutely necessary
  • If your dog gets anxious in the crate and becomes excessively destructive, find an alternative

Monday, July 4, 2016

Be Careful With Treats on July 4th

July 4th pic 3

WATCH THE TREATS!  
On July 4th,  it is very tempting to want to treat your pet to some of the holiday goodies.  Please be careful!  Foods such as hot dogs, baked beans, rolls and pie can be harmful to pets.  It is quite common for emergency animal clinics to be filled with dogs and cats suffering from a severe bout of pancreatitis during the holidays.  If your pet is prone to pancreatitis, give them extra Lypozyme for improved fat digestion and use lower fat treats such as fish and vegetables.
 
The following foods should not be given to pets:
* Chocolate
* Grapes or raisins
* Onions (cooked or raw)
* Sweets (cookies, pie, etc.)
* Rolls/bread (many pets are allergic to gluten)
* High fat foods such as butter and ice cream
* Cooked bones (they can cause choking and tearing in the GI tract)

Feeding pets raisins and chocolate is strongly discouraged and considered harmful due to the toxic substances present in these foods for animals, particularly dogs.

Raisins and grapes can lead to severe kidney damage in dogs, even in relatively small amounts. The exact compound responsible for the toxicity is not yet identified, and the reaction can vary among individual dogs. Ingesting raisins or grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and, in severe cases, it may lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal.