What To Do About Hairballs In Cats

While it's true that long-haired cats have more of a hairball issue than short-haired kitties, your cat's diet and digestive health are often the biggest contributing factors. Here are four tips to help reduce a hairball problem:

1. Avoid dry food. Cats need a high moisture diet and dry food is high in carbohydrates which are harder to digest. Cats are not big water drinkers and frequently don't make up for the lost water in the dry food by drinking more.

2. Give your kitty Omega 3s in their diet. Amazing Omegas provide Omega 3 fatty acids derived from sardines, anchovies and mackerel. Omega 3 fatty acids improve the quality of your cat's skin and coat reducing the shedding and opportunity for hairballs.

3. Mix a small amount of canned pumpkin into your cat's meals. You can also try mashed yams or sweet potatoes. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are high in fiber which is important to keep the hair moving through the intestinal tract.

4. Brush your kitty a few times a week. This should improve your cat's skin and coat, reducing hairballs.

Happy 13th Birthday Legend!

 

Happy 13th Birthday to our wonderful rescue dog Legend! He is a testament to the power of holistic healing and the love and support of people who helped him along the way. Surviving attempted euthanasia in a third world country and then later, overcoming horrific cluster seizures, his life story mirrors his name - Legend!

Legend has faced so many health issues. He had chronic ear infections, allergies, hip dysplasia and epilepsy. He has been the most wonderful dog and has always been willing to take his supplements and vegetables. Legend eats a vast assortment of vegetables ranging from okra, green beans, spinach, asparagus and all kinds of squash. The vegetables provide a great deal of fiber and help him feel full. They also provide a wonderful source of nutrition and prebiotic fibers. We attribute the vegetables and raw diet to help his longevity. Legend weighs 80 pounds and he still lives a full life.

We are so thankful to his exceptional vets: Dr. David Gordon at Arch Beach Veterinary and Dr. Michelle Murray at Nest Veterinary Neurology. Legend has brought us so much joy and happiness. Every day is a gift with him. We are so thankful he is still a happy dog enjoying his harbor walks and chasing squirrels.

How Much Should You Feed Your Pet?

 

Most pets love to eat and we love to reward them with more food.  But too much food can cause obesity which is on the rise in both cats and dogs.  Obesity isn't just a cosmetic issue.  It can increase the risk of arthritis, diabetes, cancer and other health conditions, especially as pets age.

Many times, pets are overweight because of overfeeding due to improper measurement.  It could be that the scooper to measure food is 1 cup not 1/2 cup or the directions state 1 can 2x a day when for your pet's needs, it should only be 1/2 can 2x a day.  So, how do you know how much to feed your dog or cat? 

Pet food companies are required to print feeding guidelines on their packages.  The directions must state, at a minimum, “Feed (unit) of product per (weight) of the dog (or cat).” This is very misleading. Active pets will require more calories than inactive ones. Old dogs or cats need far less calories than puppies or kittens. The feeding guidelines should be considered a starting point only.

If your pet is overweight,  feed the amount based on the weight your pet SHOULD BE.  Many pet food manufacturers have online calculators that can be  very helpful.  Try to be as accurate as possible in terms of the amount of exercise your pet really gets.  An active dog is not the same as a dog that goes on one 15 -20 minute walk per day.   

Adjust the feeding amounts based on your pet’s activity level and age. When you place your hands around your dog or cat, you should be able to feel their ribs and you should be able to see a definitive waist. If neither of these applies, your pet is probably overweight and needs to eat less. Adding green vegetables to meals can add vitamins, minerals, fiber and bulk – to help your pet feel more satisfied. Keeping your pet active can help them to maintain muscle mass and stay at a healthy weight.

For more pet nutrition tips, please visit AskAriel.com

Choosing A Good Groomer: Potential Grooming Hazards

 

We all want our pets to look and feel clean and beautiful.  Grooming is part of every day care. But sometimes pet owners don’t realize there can be hazards associated with grooming until after their pet comes home and there is a problem. Use these tips to stay informed when choosing a new groomer.

Every pet requires a certain amount of grooming on a regular basis. Grooming services can range from a basic wash, cut/clip, nail trim, teeth brushing, and anal gland expressing to name a few.  Each pet will respond differently to the grooming experience depending upon their past encounters. Unfortunately,  pet grooming can come with some risk for your pet. The risk may stem from the dog’s anxiety and being jumpy, the groomers skill level or the environment. The size and breed does not matter, each pet brings its own challenge.  It is helpful to start grooming at an early age, so that your pet will be more comfortable at the groomer, and it will help elevate their anxiety.  It is also important to research your groomer and the salon before making an appointment. The best way to find a quality groomer is to ask for referrals from a veterinary professional or from your friends and family.

The most common hazards of pet grooming:

Brush or Razor Burn- This is when the skin becomes irritated from the groomer going over an area repeatedly and/or the pet is shaved very close to the skin. It is more common when a dog is matted, and the groomer is trying to remove the mat. Daily brushing will help reduce matting and make the risk less. It can also occur when a dull or hot razor is used. Skin irritations are more common if the skin is sensitive, inflamed or the pet is suffering from a skin condition (such as yeast). 

Nicks and Scrapes- Your pet may get small cuts or nicks when the groomer is trying to remove mats, or if your dog is jumpy and moves unexpectedly. It is also possible that your pet has warts or moles under their coat that get nicked when being trimmed. It is important to treat these cuts immediately to avoid infection. Spraying Silver Immune Support on the cuts is helpful.

 Bleeding Nail Quick- When nails grow too long the nails may curl under causing your pet to have challenges walking.  If not trimmed regularly, the quick will become overgrown and if the nails are clipped too short they may bleed and be painful. To avoid bleeding quick, trim the nails a little at a time allowing for the quick to recede before trimming again. 

Ear Hematomas- If your dog has had tightly matted hair, the blood flow may have been restricted in that area. If the mat is removed the blood flow will return quickly and a blood blister  (hematoma) may form.  Ear hematomas which may occur after grooming are blood vessels in the ear that burst. Although they can occur from grooming, they can also occur from infections that causes the dog (especially floppy eared dogs) to shake their heads violently causing the hematoma and/or scratching. Dogs can also get ear infections from water getting in their ear.  Please pay close attention to your dog’s ears after a grooming. Unfortunately many of us do need to take our pets to the veterinarian following a grooming, even with the best groomers.  

 

What Is Leptosporis? How To Protect Your Dog

 

Leptospirosis (lepto) cases are on the rise. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect people and animals. The Leptospira interrogans bacteria is spread though urine and can survive in water and soil for weeks to months. It enters the body through the skin, eyes, nose or mouth. Dogs are at risk if they drink from or swim through contaminated water (puddles, lakes, streams), roam on rural property or have contact with rodents or other wild animals. The signs of leptospirosis are similar to those of kidney disease and may include fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and increased urination and thirst. Leptospirosis can lead to kidney and/or liver failure.

The number of reported cases of lepto is on the rise. Here are a few ways to protect your dog from leptospirosis:

• Talk to your veterinarian about whether the leptospirosis vaccine is right for your dog.

• Keep your home and yard free of rats, mice, raccoons, rabbits and opossums, as they can all carry leptospirosis.

• Do not allow your dog to drink from puddles or standing water or swim through lakes or rivers that may have been contaminated with urine from an animal.

If your dog has been exposed to or contracted lepto, Ask Ariel’s Kidney Health and Renelix are essential kidney support products for dogs.

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.