Want to learn more about collapsed trachea in dogs? Explore the links below:
Want to learn more about collapsed trachea in dogs? Explore the links below:
Brody's Collapsed Trachea Supplement Regiment
- Amazing Omegas – Purest therapeutic fish oil available. It contains omega-3s in their natural state packed in glass bottles (instead of plastic that can leach toxins into the oil). These powerful omegas reduce inflammation, reduce allergy symptoms and strengthen the trachea, joints, and ligaments.
- Ultra-Flex
Collagen for Pets – The hallmark product for tracheal
collapse in dogs. This food-based product strengthens trachea cartilage,
helping to reduce coughing and gagging. Works best when used in conjunction
with Amazing Omegas and Power Probiotic. Amazing Omegas reduces inflammation
while the Power Probiotic improves digestion and immunity (which indirectly
affects heart function too!). The three formulas work together to strengthen
the trachea, reduce the progression of the disease and improve symptoms.
- Purrfect Pet CoQ10 – Certain breeds such as Pomeranians are especially prone to heart disease. Moreover, many pets with collapsed trachea develop an enlarged heart due to the stress on the pet as it tries to breathe. Using Purrfect Pet CoQ10 (along with Amazing Omegas) helps maintain healthy heart function and respiration.
Does your dog have collapsed trachea? To learn more about how holistic treatments and natural remedies can help with the symptoms of collapsed trachea such as coughing and difficulty breathing, please click here
"This is Sangria (13.5) and Flirt (5), enjoying their Howl-o-ween! Sangria takes the Pancreatitis and Liver Support Kit. She has suffered from pancreatitis problems, malnutrition and IBD. These supplements have helped her so much, even the vets can't believe how well she is doing now! Flirt also takes some of the supplements such as the K9 Digestive Enzymes and is in the best of health....thanks Ask Ariel!!" Laura, Illinois
Talk about a bundle of love! Look at all of these precious pets! Mom Tammi from Florida is a remarkable pet owner who rescues dogs from the most egregious circumstances. All of these babies are rescued animals that she has transformed from abandoned and neglected to pampered and cherished. A real shout-out to Tammi for her amazing care of Baxter, Bailey, Bandit, Lily and Brody Bear. Baxter is 20 years old!!! What lucky pups to have found dear Tammi! Come read about their stories by visiting our Facebook page!
"My Kai is blind, has collapsed trachea and had bladder stones. Having had antibiotics 4 times this year with a urinary infection that kept coming back. I found Ask Ariel online, looking for homeopathy. Kai has been on Immune Support Kit also Akutur and Renelix. She has improved a lot and is spunky with energy too!
Thank you so much for an alternative from the usual veterinary care available in my area." Valerie, CA
Meet two beautiful 12 year old Italian Greyhounds Chip (on the left) and Princess. Chip has collapsed trachea but his Mom Sharon has been giving him Ultraflex Collagen Support consistently for over a year which has helped calm the horrible, honking cough he had previously. The product helps to strengthen the trachea cartilage over time. He may still have days when he coughs but his Mom says that it is no longer the coughing that sounds like a goose--a classic symptom of collapsed trachea.
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Daisy and Precious |
Holly |
To learn more about natural remedies for dogs with collapsed trachea, please click here.
X-rays or radiographs have become a routine and essential procedure in veterinary care, commonly included in senior wellness packages. This diagnostic tool proves invaluable in identifying a range of health issues in cats and dogs, aiding veterinarians in providing timely and accurate treatment. While X-rays are expensive, here are some ways they can help your pet.
Diagnosing Respiratory Issues:
Chest X-rays play a crucial role in diagnosing breathing problems in pets, including conditions such as collapsed trachea, asthma, and pneumonia. The ability to visualize the lungs allows for early detection of potential respiratory ailments.
Screening for Cancer:
X-rays are instrumental in screening for cancer, as tumors often metastasize to the lungs. Early detection through chest X-rays can contribute to a more effective treatment plan, potentially saving a pet's life. For more information on cancer in pets click here.
Specialist Radiologists' Expertise:
Veterinarians can collaborate with specialist radiologists, leveraging their extensive experience to identify issues that might be overlooked. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of your pet's health.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions:
A series of X-rays over time proves beneficial in tracking the progression of chronic conditions like collapsed trachea, lung scarring, or asthma. Despite the initial investment, regular X-rays can provide essential insights into your pet's health and aid in timely interventions.
Versatility in Diagnosis:
X-rays are not limited to respiratory issues; they are also effective in diagnosing arthritis, broken bones, and hip dysplasia. In cases where a pet has swallowed a foreign object, X-rays offer a quick and reliable method of diagnosis.
Dental Health Assessment:
Oral X-rays become necessary for pets with dental issues such as abscesses, tooth resorption, or oral tumors. This aspect of diagnostic imaging ensures a comprehensive evaluation of a pet's overall health.
Life-Saving Potential:
While X-rays may seem like a significant investment, they often prove to be life-saving by facilitating accurate early diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.
In conclusion, the use of X-rays in veterinary care extends beyond routine procedures; it becomes a lifeline for our pets. The ability to diagnose a wide array of health issues, collaborate with specialists, and monitor chronic conditions underscores the indispensable role of X-rays in ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
For more information on holistic care for your pet click here
Author: Susan Blake Davis, nurtritionist
Original post: August 10, 2022
Updated: Febuary 5, 2024
With thanks to Lisa and Brindle for sharing their awesome recovery story:
Green lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) have emerged as a natural powerhouse for promoting pet health. These unique shellfish, also known by their technical name perna canaliculus, are garnering attention for their impressive array of benefits for pets. Let's explore what green lipped mussels are, how they benefit pets, their role in reducing inflammation, their positive impact on joint health, and how they compare to NSAID anti-inflammatory drugs.
What are Green Lipped Mussels for Pets?
Green lipped mussels, scientifically named Perna canaliculus, are mollusks that can be found along the pure coastal waters of New Zealand. They derive their name from the vibrant green edges of their shells. Packed with essential nutrients, these mussels have become a popular natural supplement for pets due to their potential health benefits.
Three Benefits of Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs & Cats
1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Green lipped mussels are a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health in pets.
2. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The unique composition of green lipped mussels includes a blend of anti-inflammatory compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids and a range of antioxidants. These components work synergistically to help alleviate inflammation in pets, providing relief from conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
3. Joint Health Support: Green lipped mussels are renowned for their positive impact on joint health. The combination of omega-3 fatty acids and glycosaminoglycans found in these mussels helps maintain cartilage health, reduce joint stiffness, and improve mobility in pets.
How Do Green Lipped Mussels Reduce Inflammation?
The anti-inflammatory properties of green lipped mussels can be attributed to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances in the body. Additionally, the unique combination of bioactive compounds in these mussels helps modulate the immune response, promoting a balanced inflammatory state.
Why are Green Lipped Mussels Good for Your Pet's Joints?
Green lipped mussels contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chondroitin sulfate, nutrients that are essential for maintaining optimal cartilage and joint health. These compounds contribute to the maintenance of joint integrity, reduce friction between joints, and promote overall joint flexibility. Regular supplementation with green lipped mussels can be particularly beneficial for cats and dogs with arthritis, senior pets and those with cartilage or ligament issues.
Pet Health Conditions That Can Most Benefit
From Green Lipped Mussel Supplementation
Green lipped mussel supplementation has shown promise in addressing various pet health conditions. While individual responses may vary, the following are some pet health conditions that might be more responsive to green lipped mussel supplementation:
Arthritis in Cats and Dogs: Green lipped mussels can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, promoting improved mobility.
ACL Tears in Dogs: Dogs with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears may benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of green lipped mussels, potentially aiding in pain management and joint support during the recovery process.
Senior Cats and Dogs: Aging pets often experience joint issues, and green lipped mussel supplementation may provide essential nutrients to support joint health, promoting comfort and flexibility in senior animals.
Collapsed Trachea in Dogs: Green lipped mussels are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine which can help repair cartilage and support dogs with collapsing trachea.
Hip Dysplasia In Dogs And Cats: Dogs and cats with hip dysplasia, a common condition affecting the hip joint, may benefit from the joint-supporting properties of green lipped mussels, potentially improving overall hip function.
Mobility Issues: Pets can have mobility issues due to wear and tear or injuries. They can limp, have difficulty getting up and down the stairs or reaching their food bowl. Green lipped mussel supplementation acan help decrease pain and inflammation, enabling them to move about more freely.
What Are The Side Effects Of Green Lipped Mussels?While green lipped mussels are generally considered safe for pets when used appropriately, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects, especially if a pet has specific sensitivities. Here are some potential side effects associated with green lipped mussel supplements in pets:
Allergic Reactions: Some pets may be allergic to shellfish, including green lipped mussels. Signs of an allergic reaction can include itching, swelling, hives, or gastrointestinal upset. If you suspect an allergy, discontinue use and consult with a veterinarian. Gastrointestinal Issues: In some cases, pets may experience mild digestive upset, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or flatulence. This can occur if the supplement is introduced too quickly or if the dosage is too high for the individual pet. Interactions with Medications: If your pet is taking medications, particularly those affecting blood clotting or the immune system, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian before introducing green lipped mussel supplements. There is a potential for interactions, and adjustments to medication dosages may be necessary.
Comparing Green Lipped Mussels to NSAID Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:
While both green lipped mussels and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aim to alleviate inflammation and manage pain, there are key differences between the two approaches.
- Natural vs. Synthetic: Green lipped mussels offer a natural and holistic approach to reducing inflammation, while NSAIDs are synthetic drugs that may come with potential side effects.
- Nutrient-Rich Composition: Green lipped mussels provide a spectrum of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, that contribute to overall pet health. In contrast, NSAIDs primarily target inflammation without offering additional nutritional benefits.
- Gentle on the Tummy: NSAIDs may have gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or stomach ulcers. Green lipped mussels, being a natural supplement, are generally well-tolerated by pets and are less likely to cause digestive issues.
When choosing a Green lipped mussel supplement look for a product that has been 3rd party tested. 3rd party testing ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of the product and provides transparency to the consumer. Ask Ariel's Arthrostride is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified ensuring stringent quality standards and guaranteeing the consistency, safety, and efficacy of each ArthroStride batch. ArthroStride contains 100mg of Green lipped mussel per capsule along with other essential pet joint support nutrients like Glucosamine, MSM, Boswellia Extract and collagen. ArthroStride does not contain artifical flavorings, dyes or fillers so you can give to your pet with confidence knowing your dog or cat is receiving the green lipped mussel safely and effectively. For more information on ArthroStride click here.
Author: Susan Blake Davis
Date: 2/23/2024
Tightening Harness
A reverse sneezing episode can be scary and last for several seconds, and may make the owner think they are choking or having an asthma attack, but is not usually considered harmful. However, if your pet has frequent episodes, it is a good idea to visit your vet to rule out other causes (collapsing trachea, nasal tumors or polyps, foreign bodies in the nasal passages or mouth). To help halt the episode, try massaging your pet's throat to stop the spasm or covering your pet’s nostrils very briefly.
If your pet has other signs of allergies (scratching, licking, chewing at the paws, etc), then post-nasal drip may be the culprit. Using K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic along with AllerEaze can help. Yeast is often a contributor to skin problems, ear infections and genital licking. Yeast congregates in moist areas such as the throat and mucous membranes. Diets high in carbohydrates such as grains and starchy foods can contribute to yeast overgrowth.
It is with a heavy heart we share that beautiful Sprocket, the darling Pomeranian of Mimi and Randy from New Mexico, has crossed the rainbow bridge. Mimi and Randy have taken amazing care of Sprocket who lived to be 17 years old. 17 is very old for any dog but for a dog with the health issues she faced--it is simply miraculous. Sprocket was diagnosed with hepatic microvascular dysplasia at age 4 and over the course of her life, had some additional health challenges. The fact Sprocket lived such a wonderful, high quality life shows the type of care adorable Sprocket was given.
Here is what Mimi and Randy shared about Sprocket's last days:
"We got Sprocket out for a car ride and mall walk on the 28th, things she loved, and she was alert and engaged. Did not walk much, and was carried mostly, but she was hanging in there with more energy we’d seen the last few weeks. On the 29th, she was pretty tired and seemed a bit out of it. We let her be for most of the day. That evening when we came back from dinner, she had crossed over the rainbow bridge..".
Sprocket |
Mimi and Randy are incredibly dedicated pet owners who fed Sprocket a special diet and also used Ask Ariel's supplements to keep Sprocket healthy and strong. Sprocket took the following supplements: Power Probiotic, Kidney Health (as well as another liver support supplement from the vet), Purrfect Pet CoQ10 50 mg and Amazing Omegas. As she got older and started limping, they started her on Curcumin for Pets, Arthrosoothe and Ultra-Flex for her collapsing trachea. She also used Resveratrol for Dogs.
We at Ask Ariel understand how hard it is to lose a beloved pet and send our sincerest condolensces to Randy and Mimi during this very difficult time. Beautiful Sprocket will live forever in our hearts.
Dogs love bones and pet owners want their pets to be happy, but are they really worth the risk? It depends upon the dog's chewing habits, type of bone given and length of time gnawing on it. While some older dogs may enjoy gentle gnawing on a bone and can benefit from a hard chew such as antlers, many young pups are aggressive chewers and would be best served with a hard rubber toy stuffed with healthy food (e.g. freeze a Kong ball with dog food). Some veterinary nutritionists advocate raw meaty bones and while there are nutrients in them, there are also pitfalls. Raw meaty bones (especially ones containing marrow) can be high in fat and lead to diarrhea or pancreatitis in some dogs. It may be safer to give your dog those nutrients in the form of raw frozen or freeze dried diets such as Instinct, Stella and Chewy's, Primal and other brands.
Risks of Giving Your Dog Bones And Chews
There are 3 major risks associated with dog bones and chews.
Contamination
The manufacturing process can leave trace amounts of toxic chemicals on the bone or chew that can be harmful for your dog. Many chews are processed using such chemicals as: bleach, hydrogen peroxide, artificial colors and preservatives. All can be toxic for your pet to ingest.
Also, just like with other foods, there's a risk of a food borne illnesses (such as Salmonella or E. Coli) from dog bones and chews that could put your pup and yourself at risk.
A dog may be sensitive or allergic to the the type of bone or chew or something used during the manufacturing process. Your pet may experience stomach upset and diarrhea.
Choking or Blockages
Perhaps the biggest risk is when pieces of bones or other edible chews become lodged in the throat or digestive tract. The pieces can cause your pet to choke or they can get stuck, requiring surgical removal. Do not allow your dog to chew on a bone unsupervised.
The risk can vary, depending upon how your dog chews bones, thetype of chew or bones (Steamed and smoked bones are very brittle) and their age. Some dogs tend to scarf down anything and everything and may swallow large hunks of dog bone whole which can be very risky! Or they may be an aggressive chewer and cause damage to their teeth or gums.
- Rawhide- carry a higher choking risk, because they start out hard, but become soft and slimy like taffy
- Hooves- sharp and brittle, can cause damage with a rough chewer
- Tendon chews- very small, long and thin, similar to rawhide
- Fully edible chews-Most are made with milk or some other agent which is often an allergen
- Synthetic chews-synthetic chews made of rubber or flavored plastic
- Raw, "meaty" bones --often advocated by holistic vets and nutritionists. Some pets do better with these than others as too much can lead to pancreatitis and diarrhea due to the very high fat content.
Ask Ariel is not an advocate of giving dogs chew bones as there are just too many reports of pets getting sick from them. That is not to say that nutrients from bones are not essential for dogs--quite the contrary. But, the safest position is to give your dog the benefits from bones in the form of raw frozen and raw freeze dried diets which contain ground bones.