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 - 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.
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
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
Not everyone is excited about your upcoming vacation. Many pets do not like changes in their daily routine. When pets see you pack a suitcase and head out the door, they soon realize that they are not going along. Pets may skip meals, sit by the door or exhibit destructive behavior until you return. Ask Ariel's Happy Paws Organic Hemp Extract can help cats and dogs cope with nervousness, anxiety and stress. It's a full spectrum hemp extract in an unflavored all-natural coconut oil base, so it is easy to digest. Happy Paws can help your pet feel happy and relaxed while you're on vacation. Please click here to learn more.