Adorable Yorkie Layla Sees Improvement with Pancreatitis

"Layla is a 3 year old Yorkshire Terrier who was diagnosed with pancreatitis in October of 2008. Our vet wanted Layla to be put on canned prescription formula to manage this and I knew I couldn't do that because I didn't agree with the ingredients in these foods. I talked to a friend who had used Susan in the past for her Yorkie with great success. Our vet was quite sure that Layla's issues could not be managed with a home cooked diet but we were determined to try. From the moment I talked to Susan in our first consultation I knew that Layla was in good hands and that through her help, everything would be fine. Layla was put on a strict diet with Susan's LypoZyme and Probiotics Layla's Spec numbers went from 740 (under 400 is considered normal) in October, down to 164 inFebruary. Our family is beyond thankful to Susan and all that she has done to save our girl from a lifetime of horrible canned food. I recommend Susan to anyone I meet who is considering home cooking or who is dealing with a dog with health issues- I just can't say enough about how knowledgeable Susan is and how deeply she cares."

The Pluss Family, Canada, Feb. 26, 2009

Homemade Cancer Diets for Pets

There are many "homemade" diets on the Internet for dogs and cats with cancer but unfortunately most are not accurate. When your pet has cancer, you need to be sure you are providing the right BALANCE of nutrients that support your pet's particular situation. For example, we have many patients who come to us who are following a "cancer diet" they found online that advises them to use an overabundance of fatty protein when their pet has elevated liver or kidney blood values. We strongly urge you to seek the advice of a veterinary professional to get the exact percentage of ingredients based on your pet's bloodwork and symptoms. At Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist, we do not have "canned diets" because every pet needs a different ratio and we use mathematical models to calculate the precise amounts specifically for your pet.

Ideally, most dogs and cats with cancer can benefit from a homemade prepared diet. However, this can be very tricky since the diet depends upon many factors such as the age of the pet, the type of cancer (e.g. liver cancer vs osteosarcoma) and the condition of other organs (e.g. many pets with cancer also have kidney issues as well.). DO NOT just go by a homemade recipe for cancer that you find in a book or online. While there are many "cancer" diets focusing on low carbohydrate, high protein---this may not be the right diet for your pet. All components of the diet should be balanced and proportionate to the needs of your pet.

Tribute to Andy--A Precious Rescue Kitty

Andy 02/05/09

This little soul came into my life one rainy, stormy night as an adult kitty (age unknown), nearly starved, and weighing less than three pounds. He had no whiskers and badly mattered eyes. Was it was a coincidence that I went to a birthday dinner the same day that he showed up at the house of the hostess? I don’t believe that it was.

I took him home and wanted only to keep him warm, dry, comfortable, and safe for the rest of his life. He expressed determination beyond belief, got well, and turned into a beautiful cat. He gave me more love than one could ask for. Full of games and with a great sense of humor, this little guy taught me my most valuable lessons. He brightened my life for twelve years.

I wanted to have him forever, but Andy knew when he was ready to leave. In spite of the best efforts of Dr. David Gordon and Susan Davis, he passed on February 5, 2009. This little soul has been, and will always be a light shining brightly with love in my life.

Marcia Leong

Giving Peanut Butter To Dogs--Scratching, Itching and Ear Infections

 

Thanks for visiting our blog.  We appreciate your interest and understand the importance of addressing your concerns about dog peanut butter allergies and how to stop your dog's itching and scratching.  We have all of the information you need and can provide you with the most accurate and helpful information at our newly revised website page. 

Click here to learn about peanut butter allergies in dogs, signs of a peanut butter allergy and what you can do to help your pup.

If your dog is getting ear infections, peanut butter as well as other food allergens can definitely be a contributing factor.   Changing your pup's food to a low carbohydrate, novel protein diet, avoiding common food allergens and feeding alternative treats that don't contain peanuts or peanut butter can greatly help.   Learn more about holistic treatments for dog ear infections.

While this particular blog page is no longer active, we have these new dedicated pages that specifically address the topics you were searching for. Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist has been helping pet owners find natural solutions for their pets health issues since 2005.  Recommended by veterinarians nationwide, our website AskAriel.com contains a library of pet health articles to help you treat your pet's health issues naturally.  If you need immediate help, please feel free to reach out to us by email:  Support@AskAriel.com  Our compassionate staff will answer promptly!

Originally Posted:  2/6/2009

Updated: 2/9/2024

Tribute to Nero--K9 Iraq War Hero

Our hearts go out to the Jackson family, whose beloved dog Nero has succumbed to hemangiosarcoma. Dear Nero, a beautiful German Shepherd, served all of us in Iraq for two tours of duty as a bomb squad dog. After he finished serving our country, dear Nero was adopted by the kind Jackson family in Texas who gave him a loving home.

According to his military records, Nero led an active life as a bomb dog in Iraq, helping to save many lives with his intelligence and training, as well as “training” new airmen in the canine program at Lackland Air Force Base. Nero was deployed in 2007 and was spending a wonderful retirement with the Jacksons who cherished him.

The Jacksons, being in the Air Force, had heard Nero was to be released from service and spoke with his handlers about adoption. Nero served his new family with the same loyalty, protection and comfort that he provided all of us as Americans during his tour of duty. He was a great friend and comfort to Grace while Nero's dad was serving in Iraq. He even managed to get along with the cats!

We are so sorry to hear of Nero's passing. Hemangiosarcoma is a very aggressive form of cancer and can be a silent killer. All of us at Ask Ariel extend our heartfelt sentiments during this very difficult time.

Pet Nutrition Seminar February 21st VCA Arroyo Lake Forest, CA

Come join us for a fantastic seminar where you can learn how to help your pet and help homeless animals at the same time! Ariel Rescue is hosting this Pet Nutrition Seminar on Saturday February 21st, 2009 10:30 am - 12:00 noon at VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital in Lake Forest, California.

Is your pet endlessly scratching and itching? Does your pet suffer from arthritis? Learn how to heal your pets using nutrition, supplements and holistic care. The course will cover the best foods to feed your pet, nutritional supplements for common pet health issues and the latest innovations in “alternative veterinary care” such as acupuncture, stem cell therapy and chiropractic for arthritis.

Instructor: Susan Blake Davis, CCN

Date of Class: Saturday 10:30-12 noon Feb. 21st

Location: VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital
1 South Pointe Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 (off Bake Parkway)
Class Fee: $15 per person
100% of proceeds donated to Ariel Rescue

Response to Mask's Mommy

Mask's Mommy wrote:

How do you know what medications are ok to crush, mix with water and give in a syringe? We have struggled giving our cat named Mask his medication. We tried hiding it in all kinds of food, but he is too smart and would eat everything but the pill. I finally gave up and started using a pill popper which was commic at best. This link is dead on: http://www.ahajokes.com/ani051.html. Then I used the pill popper followed by a syringe of water to make sure it goes down and that has been working pretty good. We have to give him Prednisone and Leukeran (chemo). Is it ok to crush these meds, mix in water and give via syringe? Thank you,Mask's Mommy

Most supplements can be crushed and mixed with water or broth and placed into a syringe. One exception is SAMe. The effectiveness of SAMe is compromised when it is crushed and/or exposed to air or moisture. As far as medications, that is a different situation. You need to use caution when combining medications and/or crushing them. Some medications may have a protective coating and crushing them may reduce their effectiveness. It is best to consult your veterinarian's office regarding the use and administration of medications.