At Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist, we love all pets. We are so happy to be part of this wonderful rescue. For tips on how to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy, please visit AskAriel.com
At Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist, we love all pets. We are so happy to be part of this wonderful rescue. For tips on how to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy, please visit AskAriel.com
Lost pets that have a microchip are far more likely to be reunited with their owners than pets without a chip. The month of May has been designated as National Chip Your Pet Month to encourage microchipping as a way to help protect your pet. A microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder (RFID) that is as small as a grain of rice. The implant procedure is as simple as getting a vaccine. The chip is usually inserted between your pet's shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique identification number that you can connect with your contact information. All pets should wear a collar and name tag, but those can fall off or become hard to read. A microchip can help protect your pet for life. Microchipping is a safe and effective way to link you to your pet…..it’s hip to chip!
Is your dog stumbling or scuffing it's feet? As dogs age they begin to lose fine motor skills and experience decreased energy levels. Ataxia in dogs is the clinical term for the loss of coordination or unbalanced gait due to sensory dysfunction. Some older dogs may appear to be drunk. Some senior dogs begin to experience stumbling when they walk or their paws may seem to curl under. Knuckling of the paws can be one of the first signs of degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy affects the spinal cord and it resembles arthritis in its early stages, but progresses to ataxia from hind limb weakness and paralysis.
Most pet owners don’t realize signs such as scuffing of the feet, worn toenails, paws dirty on top can indicate a neurological condition. Dr. Michelle Murray of NEST Veterinary Neurology points out that multiple orthopedic or neurological diseases can cause a dog to scuff its feet. This is not normal wear and tear due to aging. Early diagnosis can yield the best results. Please see a vet if you notice these signs in your pet.
Ask Ariel's Dog Brain Booster can help dogs with neurological motor coordination disorders. Dog Brain Booster can enhance motor skills with key nutrients such as Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL , Citicoline (as Cognizin) and Glycerophosphocholine (GPC). ArthroStride For Dogs & Cats can help to improve your dog's mobility and help strengthen hind leg muscle mass. It contains green lipped mussels, glucosamine, boswellia, MSM and collagen that are scientifically proven to support joint health and connective tissue.
Author: Susan Blake Davis
Originally Posted: 5/26/2021
Updated and revised: 2/24/2024
Digestive problems in pets may not be overt such as vomiting or diarrhea. Pets can make unusual noises that may seem like nothing but they could be a sign your dog or cat is experiencing GI distress. For example, a dog smacks his lips or makes gulping noises at night. Cats may have loud stomach noises. Listening for unusual noises is important as they are a sign your pet may not be digesting their food and experiencing discomfort. Pets may have acid stomach and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It is commonly caused by poor digestion, food intolerances or allergies, stress or kidney and liver disease. Acid reflux and GERD can be very uncomfortable and painful. You can help your pet with diet changes and Ask Ariel's acid reflux supplements for pets such as Soothing Digestive Relief and Gastro ULC.
"Monday April 13 marked the 8th anniversary of when I adopted Juju so I have been feeling reflective this week about how much joy he has brought me. I have loved all my dogs, each have been special in their own way, but I have to say Juju is extra special. Every day he inspires me with how much he loves life and how well adapted he is to life on 3 legs. It’s interesting that people I don’t even know often stop me while we are out walking and they tell me that they feel inspired by him. For example one day a lady stopped her car to tell me that her dog had been recovering from a serious injury and the vet had told her he might never walk again. She said that seeing Juju walking all over the neighborhood every day gave her hope through that difficult recovery and she wanted me to know how much it helped her keep hope. Another day a man stopped me to tell me that he always sees Juju enjoying life inspite of his disability and it helps him to put his own problems in perspective. People also often stop me and say, “Oh he sure was lucky you rescued him with a leg missing” but I have to reply, “ I think I’m the lucky one! “ He is an amazing, fun and wonderful little guy. Your Power Probiotic helps to keep him healthy, too."
Randi- California
JuJu' story from November 2017
Juju
"I adopted Juju 4 years ago...I was visiting a friend’s farm out in Temecula and he and I fell in love right away. She had rescued him but couldn’t keep him. She had been working at the shelter the day they brought him in with a shattered leg and no tags. They were going to have to put him down, but she said even with a shattered leg his little tail was wagging and his eyes were begging her for help. She raised the money for the amputation on Facebook. He has his own Facebook page “Juju: A Three Legged Dog’s Incredible Journey” so that donors would be able to follow his progress. I always tell him we both won the lottery that day! He is a true joy and so well adapted to life on 3 legs.
Since Sammie passed away last year it’s just been Juju and I… When I first got him he had parasites, but even after we cleared that up at the vet, his appetite was poor and his stool was always rock-hard and strange looking. Sammie was taking the Power Probiotic so I started putting some in Juju’s food twice a day. It really helped his digestion and his stools became normal. He could finally eat normally and could easily go to the bathroom. I decided it was worth the price to have him on a really good probiotic and your products are always the best.
Thanks again for all you do for animals!" Randi- California