Does Your Pet Freak Out When You Go To The Veterinarian?

Pets often experience anxiety when going to the vet due to a combination of unfamiliar environments, new smells, and the presence of other animals. The veterinary clinic represents a departure from their usual routine, triggering stress and unease. Additionally, pets may associate the vet with past experiences, such as vaccinations or treatments, leading to fear and apprehension. The sensation of being examined or handled by strangers, coupled with the unfamiliar sounds and scents of the clinic, can contribute to heightened anxiety levels. Pet owners can help alleviate this anxiety by introducing positive associations with the vet, such as offering treats, bringing familiar toys or blankets, and creating a calm and reassuring atmosphere during and after veterinary visits. Building trust and providing positive reinforcement can help mitigate the stress associated with vet visits, making the experience less daunting for our beloved animals. 

Here are some tips to help calm your pet: 

* If your pet is traumatized every time you go, see if there is a mobile vet in your area. 

* Talk to your pet in a reassuring way & explain what will be happening. 

* Bring some treats and reward your pet during the physical exam. 

* If your pet gets fear aggressive, call ahead and ask if you can be put in a room right away or wait in the car until they are ready. 

* Use supplements for calming such as PSY-stabil or Happy Paws Organic Hemp Extract. 

* Stay calm - pets pick up on our nonverbal cues and act out.

Are Air Fresheners Safe For Pets?

Do you use plug-in air fresheners or room sprays to hide pet odors? Some of the most commonly used air fresheners and plug-ins can be toxic to our pets. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that easily convert to gas or vapor, releasing "fresh" scents into the air. VOCs are also in paints, fossil fuels, refrigerants and cigarette smoke. Phthalates are chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible. Phthalates are used in most plug-ins. Exposure to VOCs and phthalates can cause allergic symptoms and asthma. A pet may show signs of eye, nose or throat irritation, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite. In laboratory studies, long-term exposure to these chemicals has been shown to cause cancer in rodents. Tidy pickup and air purifiers are easy ways to clean the air in your home without masking odors.

August is RAWgust

August is RAWgust - a month to celebrate raw food! Raw frozen pet food  can be especially helpful for pets with allergies, digestive problems and young, active pets. Raw frozen diets are the gold standard in pet food containing real meat, fresh vegetables, omega oils and nutrients. These high moisture, low carbohydrate diets can be included in your pet’s daily regimen in a variety of ways. Raw food doesn't have to be an all or nothing diet. Many people mix it with canned food, give it as treats or feed it for just one of their pet’s meals. This August, we encourage you to consider adding raw frozen or raw freeze-dried food to your pet's diet for superior nutrition and health benefits.  For step by step help on how to introduce raw food and transition your pet’s diet please Click Here.  

Hot Pavement Warning! Paw Pads Can Burn!

 

Summer weather brings hot pavements. Walking dogs on hot pavements during the summer poses a significant risk of paw pad burns. Dogs' paw pads lack the protection against extreme temperatures. The sensitive skin on their paw pads can quickly burn and become injured when exposed to scorching surfaces. High temperatures on pavements, especially black ones, can reach levels that are unbearable for dogs, causing discomfort and potential harm. It's crucial for pet owners to be attentive to signs of discomfort or limping during walks and to check the temperature of the pavement with the back of their hand before venturing out. 

Opting for walks during cooler parts of the day, choosing shaded routes, and investing in protective dog booties can significantly reduce the risk of paw pad burns and ensure a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience for our pups. Please don’t assume your pet's paw pads are sufficient on hot pavements.  Many pet owners just don’t realize that their pets paw pads can burn. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws! Try to avoid the black pavement and stick with grass and sidewalks wherever possible. We also encourage you to look on your favorite pet retailer’s website for shoes or booties for your dog! 

For more pet tips, visit AskAriel.com

Celebrating International Assistance Dog Week

International Assistance Dog Week, observed from August 1-7, serves as a crucial opportunity to express gratitude to the remarkable assistance dogs and their trainers who contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals facing disability-related challenges. These dogs play an indispensable role as companions, helpers, and friends, offering a lifeline to those with physical or mental disabilities. The impact of assistance dogs goes beyond companionship; they empower their human partners by restoring a sense of independence and providing practical assistance in daily activities. This week not only acknowledges the dedication of these extraordinary dogs but also aims to raise awareness about the vital role they play in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Let's extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the assistance dogs and their trainers for their unwavering support and dedication

Assistance dogs can dramatically transform the lives of their human partners by serving as their companion, helper and aide.  The people who they serve have debilitating physical or mental disabilities and the ability of these dogs to give a person back their independence is truly remarkable.

The goal of the IADW events is to:

• Recognize and honor assistance dogs
• Raise awareness and educate the public about assistance dogs
• Honor puppy raisers and trainers
• Recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities

Help For Dog Brain Tumors

 

Has your older dog started to have seizures, tilting his head or walking in circles? These are some of the most common symptoms of brain tumors in dogs over 5 years of age. The growth of a brain tumor can create pressure on healthy brain tissue and cause inflammation and other neurological signs. Difficulty walking, loss of balance and decreased awareness are other signs of brain cancer. If you notice any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian right away. They are not just signs of aging.

Happy Paws and Curcumin Complex are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that can help reduce discomfort. Dog Brain Booster is the premier brain health supplement for dogs. It contains phosphatidylserine and Acetyl-L-carnitine to support brain function and muscle movement. Click Here to learn more about dog brain tumors and natural treatment options. 

Supplements For Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Help Senior Dog

Laurie recently started giving her rescue dog, Rudy, Ask Ariel supplements for canine cognitive dysfunction. Here's what she had to say: "I recently purchased your products to help my 16-18 year old rescue dog Rudy with his cognitive decline. He would be up all night pacing, getting stuck in corners and unhappy. He’s such a cute dog with a wonderful jovial personality so seeing him so unhappy broke my heart. I started my dog out slowly. After 48 hours, I started noticing a difference. He was more alert, less anxious and started sleeping through the night. Now he’s on the full regimen and he’s almost 100% himself again. I am amazed at the difference these products have made. It’s been 2 weeks and the difference is amazing. I have my happy-go-lucky prancing boy back. I know because of his age we don’t have a lot of time together, but by using your products, these twilight years look like they will be a lot happier. Thank you!!!

Rudy uses Amazing Omegas, Special SAMe, PSY-stabil, Brain Booster, Happy Paws Drops.