Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Why Sugary Human Treats Are Harmful To Pets


Would you give a child a puff of a cigarette if he asked? What about giving a toddler alcohol because she grabbed your glass? Of course not! So why would you give your pet ice cream, cookies, coffee drinks, corn on the cob etc.? We all want to spoil our pets and it's very hard to resist those begging eyes. But human treats are not good for them even if in tiny amounts.  We have all heard that table scraps can make a dog sick, but do you realize HOW SICK?  One example: most yorkies have sensitive digestion and some may only weigh 3 to 4 pounds. A teaspoon of ice cream could cause pancreatitis and hospitalization.  What seems small to you is a lot for them. 

As much as we want to humanize our pets, their digestive tracts and immune systems are very different than ours. Sugar weakens their immune system making them more susceptible to allergies, skin problems, ear infections, UTIs, diabetes and cancer. You can still lavish love on your pets by having lots of healthy pet goodies available such as protein-based freeze dried treats.  Freeze dried treats such as Instinct or Stella and Chewys salmon, rabbit or lamb are great options to give your pet.  To learn more about the best diet to feed your cat or dog, please visit our library of pet nutrition articles.  
Friday, February 1, 2019

3rd Annual Ask Ariel Valentine Toy Contest

                            
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Win A Free Toy For Your Special  Pet 
No Purchase Necessary

Post A Photo of Your Pet -  Enter To Win

It's easy to enter to win.  Here's how:

1) Post any photo of your pet (s) on our Facebook page 

2) Include a comment about how any of our products, newsletter or nutrition information has helped your pet

3) Email us at support@askariel.com so we can contact you if you win! 

Prizes

Winners will be determined based on the number of Facebook post likes. There are lots of opportunities to win!

The top two post winners who have the MOST LIKES on our Facebook page will  receive the Valentine Grand Prize (valued at $125).  

5 additional winners will win a Valentine toy + Ask Ariel FREE Shipping Coupon 

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Valentine Toy Grand Prize ($125 value)  2 winners with the most FB likes on their post will receive1 bottle of  Power Probiotic, Valentine toy, Herbalife SKIN Line Minimizing Serum, Herbalife SKIN SPF 30 Protective Moisturizer + Ask Ariel FREE Shipping Coupon 

Contest Qualifications Winners must be 21 years of age and a US resident.   In order to qualify, the photo must include a comment about how Ask Ariel's products, newsletter or nutrition information have helped your pet. 

If you need help posting a photo of your pet on Facebook, please just email us what you would like to post and we can do it for you. 



*Likes will be counted through 6:00 pm PT Tuesday February 5th.  Winners will be announced Tuesday at 9:00 pm PT.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.  Void where prohibited.   Ask Ariel reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not meet the contest qualifications
Friday, January 25, 2019

Costs to Consider Before Adopting a Pet



Having a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. The unconditional love they give and the happiness they bring is immeasurable. The rewards are multiplied when you save a pet’s life and adopt a rescue pet from a shelter or rescue organization. However, there are costs involved with pet ownership and it is important to consider the financial aspect before you adopt.  Unfortunately one of the most common reasons pets are given away is due to the cost of caring for them. 

  • Adoption Fee- Most shelters and rescue organizations will charge an adoption fee. The fee represents only a portion of the expense that the rescue or shelter may have already spent to cover the pet's overhead and initial veterinary care.  
  • Spaying or Neutering- Often the adoption fee will cover spaying and neutering, but if not, it could be an additional cost.
  • Veterinary Expenses- A cost most overlooked by initial adopters are the ongoing veterinary expenses.  Just as you need regular checkups and medical treatments, so does your pet.  Many times pet owners will search for the very best breeders who make guarantees about pets being bred not to have certain health conditions such as "hip dysplasia" only to discover their pet has IBS.   There are no free rides when it comes to medical expenses and pets.  You must be willing to commit upfront to the expenses and understand that pets do get sick--even when the breeder promises they won't.  The advantage of adopting an adult pet is that you will have a much better understanding of the upfront veterinary issues as puppies and kittens may seem healthy but have underlying genetic conditions.
  • Initial Cost for Gear-You will need to purchase necessary items to help your pet settle into their new home. This may include essentials (food and water bowls, leash, bedding, and litter boxes), but also some fun items too (toys, scratching posts, chew  toys, etc.).
  • Food- Feeding a high-quality food can be expensive, but the savings in healthcare costs can far outweigh the purchase price. Feeding a lower quality diet can cause a number of costly health conditions. Click Here to read articles about pet nutrition.
  • Grooming- Some pets maybe able to be groomed at home, but others will require professional help.
  • Boarding or Pet Sitting Fees -There will be times that you will need to leave your pet. Think carefully about who will have the responsibility of caring for your pet while you are away the associated costs.  Sadly shelters fill to capacity in the summer when pet owners leave for vacation and realize they don't want to be saddled with the cost of boarding expenses.
  • Pet Emergency Fund - Putting aside an emergency fund for unexpected pet expenses is a good idea, especially if you do not have pet insurance.


Sunday, January 20, 2019

How To Collect a Urine Sample From Your Dog




Your veterinarian can learn a lot about your pet's overall health by collecting a urine sample. Depending on your pet’s health concerns, it may become necessary to collect a "free urine sample" at home, as opposed to your vet collecting a urine sample in the office. This can be much less stressful for your pet but a little challenging at first.   Here are some tips to collect a urine sample at home: 

1.)  Ensure the container you are using is clean and sterile.  Avoid getting anything else in it that could contaminate it (dirt, pet hair, feces, etc).

2.) Collect the sample in the morning unless otherwise specified by your vet. This is the time your pet's bladder tends to be full and the urine is concentrated.

3.) Keep your dog on a leash so you can be close by when your pet starts to urinate.

4.) Wait until your pet starts to go and then quickly place the container under your pet (many pets are skittish and will stop if startled). If your pet squats, slide the container forward from the back.  If your dog lifts his leg, try to catch mid-stream.  What seems to work well is a plastic plate since it covers a large area.  Then you will have to transfer the urine into another container but with a big dog, you will have the best chance of capturing the sample. 

5.). Put the container upright in a plastic baggie (to prevent spillage) and store in the refrigerator until it’s time to go to the vet.  If possible, put it in a cooler for the drive.  This helps prevent bacteria from growing and improves the accuracy of the test. 

Health conditions that a urine sample can detect are: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), Urinary Crystals, stones, liver disease and Kidney Disease.  Natural supplements can help with both recurrent UTIs and Kidney Disease (and the associated symptoms)


Veterinary-Approved Supplements for Urinary Tract (Bladder) Infections in Pets
NotaSAN Anti-Inflammatory











Thursday, January 17, 2019

3 Reasons NOT To Feed Your Cat Dry Food



Cats are natural carnivores so eating meat is biologically essential for their survival.  However, for domesticated cats, the ingredients in most commercial cat foods do not meet their natural nutritional needs.  

3 Reasons Feeding a Dry Food Diet to Your Cat Can Be Problematic

1. Dehydration- In the wild, cats hunt and consume prey that contains approximately 70% water. They rely on getting most of their water from their food. Dry food only contains about 10% water and since cats tend to be "water avoiders" this could lead to dehydration.  Dehydration and low moisture diets have been linked to FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) and other urinary problems such as crystals and chronic infections.  Senior cats are prone to dehydration and can also develop Kidney Disease   If your cat does develop kidney disease, it's essential to feed a high moisture diet and use a few natural supplements to support their kidneys.

Renelix - Renelix  is a highly effective kidney detoxification natural remedy that helps the kidneys excrete toxins from the kidneys and urinary tract.  

Kidney Health Protein Support Formula -- Breaks down protein and improves metabolism of protein taking the workload off the kidneys.  Just sprinkle on your pet's food.


2.  Obesity- Cats are carnivores yet most dry kibbles list starchy carbohydrates as one of the first ingredients.  Carbohydrates spike insulin, increasing hunger and raising sugar levels.  Consuming dry foods frequently contributes to obesity in cats, especially if cats are free-fed.  Feeding a high-moisture, high-protein diet, low carbohydrate diet such as a raw frozen or canned food diet can help your cat maintain a healthy weight.


3. Too Many Carbohydrates - Dry kibble requires starchy carbohydrates to be used in the manufacturing process. Examples of carbohydrates in cat food include brown rice, potatoes, tapioca, wheat gluten or other grains in the manufacturing process.  The starchy carbohydrates in dry kibble are hard to digest and the added sugar weakens immunity.  Many cats with IBD have been fed dry kibble that not only contains unnecessary starchy carbohydrates but other fillers and chemicals.  As an alternative to kibble, freeze dried raw diets can be used (mixed with water and/or canned food) because they are not made with starchy carbohydrates.  

Click here to learn more about pet nutrition and holistic care for your pet. 




Saturday, January 5, 2019

Tips to Increase Your Cat’s Water Consumption



Dehydration is a common problem in cats.  Cats maintain proper hydration either through moisture in their food or drinking enough water.  But many cats are water avoiders which can lead to dehydration.   Why is this a problem?  Water helps cats digest food and eliminate waste. When cats are dehydrated, they can develop urinary tract infections or urinary crystals and they can also become constipated.  Senior cats, especially, require proper hydration to help protect their kidney function. A dehydrated cat may appear lethargic with poor skin elasticity.  While the current temperature, activity level and type of food all have an effect on a cat’s hydration, a bout of vomiting or diarrhea can cause a cat or dog to become dehydrated quickly.
 
Tips to Increase Your Cat’s Water Consumption
·        Incorporate high moisture canned or raw food into your cat’s diet--avoid or limit dry food if at all possible
·        Use an automatic water fountain as many cats prefer running water
·        Keep fresh clean water available and change the water frequently
·        Try using different types of water bowls
·        Use a variety of water such as bottled or filtered to determine your cat’s preference since some cats can be very particular about the water they drink

Keeping your cat hydrated will help ensure your cat stays happy and healthy.  If you suspect your cat may be dehydrated, be sure to seek out the advice of your veterinarian.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Air Force Technical Sergeant Is Very Dedicated To His Special Boxer Dawkins


TSgt Sofia and Dawkins


We are thankful to US Air Force Technical Sergeant Anthony Sofia for his service to our country.  He has been in the Air Force for almost 15 years as a contingency skills instructor.  His title is Section Chief, Expeditionary Operations and he helps Airmen prepare for their deployments by giving them tactical fundamentals.   We are honored that TSgt Sofia is also a long-time client of AskAriel.com and uses our holistic supplements to help his beloved 11 year old boxer Dawkins feel his best.  

"I returned from Iraq in 2008 and got Dawkins shortly after. Since then he has been my best friend! He had some battles with Cancer and Pancreatitis but he is a fighter and still hanging in! 

Dawkins had a form of skin cancer, but then had about 9 mast cell tumors removed. He just turned 11 the day after Thanksgiving. He is doing well now and loves his treats, his soft squeaky toys and laying on the couch with me to watch football or TV where he gets as much love as he can handle.”
TSgt Anthony Sofia USAF, New Jersey


Dawkins' History
Dawkins underwent surgery to remove a cancerous toe and other mast cells at the age of 8.  With a few dietary suggestions and the use of Immune Harmony, Amazing Omegas, and Power Probiotics he bounced back from the surgery and has been doing great. To help with digestion and the pancreatitis,  Dawkins uses Soothing Digestive Relief Formula, Lypozyme and Power Probiotic. He is also using Resveratrol for Dogs for cancer protection.