Q: My 7 year old cat (Tiki) get chronic UTIs. I feed her fancy feast canned food. Is there another food that would be better? I heard food can be a problem.
A: This is an excellent question. There is a definite link to pets getting chronic UTIs and diet. One of the links is food allergies and inflammation. Your kitty may be eating a high quality food, even organic but could be allergic to it. In addition, there are many hidden low quality ingredients found in pet food which could be a culprit too. These include grains, byproducts, chemicals, preservatives, wheat, gluten--you name it. So....the first step is to look carefully at what is really in your pet's food and clean up your pet's diet. I prefer hypoallergenic diets that have "novel protein" such as venison or rabbit. Also, be sure there are no grains in the diet. I have seen tremendous success in resolving chronic UTIs using raw food diets along with the supplements. The most important supplement program that will start to help immediately is the veterinary-recommended Pet UTI Prevention Package that allows you to order from a selection of research based products.
Diets too high in carbohydrates break down into sugar and can also contribute to yeast overgrowth. Wheat and grains, for example can be high allergen foods and also contribute to yeast growth. Also, kibble and/or dry food can be problematic for both cats and dogs because of its low moisture content.There is no “one” hypoallergenic diet that works for all pets but trying one with rabbit or venison is a good start. Scheduling a telephone consultation with us or another veterinary professional can also be helpful if you feel you need assistance getting your kitty on the right track once and for all.
Nutritional supplements can greatly help reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections and in some cats in combination with diet changes, can eliminate them completely. Be sure to talk in depth with your veterinarian to understand the issues associated with your cat'surinary infections. For example, are there crystals present, very high pH or is the urine pH acidic? In terms of supplements, Ask Ariel has a comprehensive pet UTI prevention program. The Pet UTI Prevention Formula is excellent for cats and dogs that get chronic UTIs and who have a tendency to have high urinary pH as the product helps to acidify the urine (contains cranberry and Vitamin C). The Probiotic and Renelix are helpful for all types of urinary support. Finally, for tough infections, Notatum and Samento have always been especially helpful for cats with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIS).
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Updated: 3/11/2024
Got a question about your pet? Please take this opportunity to submit a question about your pet. We will do our best to try to answer it. Send an email to us at Support@AskAriel.com and our compassionate team of pet lovers will be happy to help. Please know we cannot provide individualized consultative advice due to veterinary regulations, but we have a great deal of information about holistic care for pets that we would be happy to share with you. To learn more, please visit AskAriel.com
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Pictured above are before/after pictures of our beloved Daisy who has now happily living in her forever home. Look at how beautiful she looks--what a shiny coat. Daisy now weighs a svelte 74 pounds--down from 118 pounds when she was rescued. Thanks to our dear Karen, head volunteer for Ariel Rescue, who dedicated countless hours to walking and caring for Daisy to help her become the dog she is today. Daisy was so obese (upper photo) that she couldn't even wear a collar because it would fall off. Her coat was so dull (she has hypothyroidism) that it looked like steel wool. Just 4 months later and look at her now! Daisy is an inspiration for all of us--if she can lose all that weight and start her life over--surely we all can!
It is essential to use Amazing Omegas to help your pet feel better. Amazing Omegas provides immediate help for itching, scratching, dog dandruff, skin problems and many other pet health conditions.
It is essential to use Amazing Omegas to help your pet feel better. Amazing Omegas provides immediate help for itching, scratching, dog dandruff, skin problems and many other pet health conditions.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
I just have to share my joy this morning upon arising and getting a really good night's sleep. It is such a wonderful "gift" as I am going through menopause which can really wreak havoc on your sleep. I have tried a number of products for sleep but depending upon what is going on, some work better than others. While each of us is different, I thought it might be helpful to provide a run down of some of the products I have tried to see if they might work for you. Please be sure to work with your physician or naturopathic doctor since usually some type of hormone or herbal hormone support is needed. For example, I also use a progesterone cream that contains phytoestrogens (e.g. red clover, dong quai, etc)
BioAdreno---You take this in the am. Bioadreno is really helpful IF you are suffering from adrenal exhaustion. The product is stimulating so definitely not something you would take at night. Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion--waking up in the morning and still feeling so very tired, lethargic during the day, feeling like "Stop the world I want to get off", feeling edgy and about to snap (we all know what that is like!), waking up in the middle of the night....That is what this product is good for. You can take in the am and then usually you get a better night's sleep after a few days.
Adrenacalm All I can say is "Aaaaah....adrenacalm". This product is a great 'ol standby for getting to sleep. It contains primarily phosphatidyl serine which has many benefits including brain support and help for anxiety. When we are stressed, our cortisol levels rise. Many times when you wake up in the middle of the night, it can be because your cortisol levels are elevated. So, you can keep this by your nightstand and IF that is the reason you are waking up, this will work. If it is not due to the elevated cortisol levels, then it might help anyway because it does contain some herbs to take the edge off. But since it is a very gentle product, sometimes it is not enough. And...remember it is not a sleep remedy per se, it is to help combat the deliterious effects of stress (and high cortisol) levels on the body. And.....sometimes waking up in the middle of the night can also be related to blood sugar regulation too.
Phosphatidyl Serine--Phosphatidyl serine is a wonderful nutrient that becomes especially beneficial for us as we get older. We use it for dogs with Cushing's Syndrome and it really helps reduce the effects of excess cortisol right away. Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is a nutrient essential for optimal brain function. Because PS is crucial for the overall health of brain cells, research on PS has shown that it benefits a wide range of brain activities such as mental focus, memory recall, and performance on tasks.
Phosphatidylserine occurs as a normal component of cell membranes. It is the major phospholipid in the brain. Phosphatidylserine enhances cell membrane fluidity, which improves cellular metabolism. This will improve neuronal communication, and strengthen memory and learning. Oral supplementation of phosphatidylserine has been shown to increase memory and learning, and has positive effects on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, and dopamine-depressed patients. Phosphatidylserine has been shown to help establish normal down-regulation of cortisol secretion in chronically stressed individuals. So.....what has often worked for my insomnia when I am stressed is to take Phosphatidyl Serine along with the Adrenacalm. Phos Serine is one of those substances where you need to be REALLY careful where it comes from. I like the brand on www.AskAriel.com
because it is third party tested for potency and purity.
Sure hope this helps!
BioAdreno---You take this in the am. Bioadreno is really helpful IF you are suffering from adrenal exhaustion. The product is stimulating so definitely not something you would take at night. Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion--waking up in the morning and still feeling so very tired, lethargic during the day, feeling like "Stop the world I want to get off", feeling edgy and about to snap (we all know what that is like!), waking up in the middle of the night....That is what this product is good for. You can take in the am and then usually you get a better night's sleep after a few days.
Adrenacalm All I can say is "Aaaaah....adrenacalm". This product is a great 'ol standby for getting to sleep. It contains primarily phosphatidyl serine which has many benefits including brain support and help for anxiety. When we are stressed, our cortisol levels rise. Many times when you wake up in the middle of the night, it can be because your cortisol levels are elevated. So, you can keep this by your nightstand and IF that is the reason you are waking up, this will work. If it is not due to the elevated cortisol levels, then it might help anyway because it does contain some herbs to take the edge off. But since it is a very gentle product, sometimes it is not enough. And...remember it is not a sleep remedy per se, it is to help combat the deliterious effects of stress (and high cortisol) levels on the body. And.....sometimes waking up in the middle of the night can also be related to blood sugar regulation too.
Phosphatidyl Serine--Phosphatidyl serine is a wonderful nutrient that becomes especially beneficial for us as we get older. We use it for dogs with Cushing's Syndrome and it really helps reduce the effects of excess cortisol right away. Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is a nutrient essential for optimal brain function. Because PS is crucial for the overall health of brain cells, research on PS has shown that it benefits a wide range of brain activities such as mental focus, memory recall, and performance on tasks.
Phosphatidylserine occurs as a normal component of cell membranes. It is the major phospholipid in the brain. Phosphatidylserine enhances cell membrane fluidity, which improves cellular metabolism. This will improve neuronal communication, and strengthen memory and learning. Oral supplementation of phosphatidylserine has been shown to increase memory and learning, and has positive effects on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, and dopamine-depressed patients. Phosphatidylserine has been shown to help establish normal down-regulation of cortisol secretion in chronically stressed individuals. So.....what has often worked for my insomnia when I am stressed is to take Phosphatidyl Serine along with the Adrenacalm. Phos Serine is one of those substances where you need to be REALLY careful where it comes from. I like the brand on www.AskAriel.com
because it is third party tested for potency and purity.
Sure hope this helps!
Monday, September 14, 2009
This appeared in the OC Register today Sept. 14th:
Maryanne Dell: A couple of good things not to miss
September 11th, 2009, 2:12 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Samantha Gowen, Pet Tales editor
I love a good cause. If I can give some time or money knowing I’m helping improve the world, I’m all for it. And I’m especially for it if I get to learn something while I’m helping a worthy organization.
Two upcoming events do just what I’m talking about: Attendees get to learn something and help animals.
Sept. 26: Ask Ariel is sponsoring Natural Cures for Pets in Lake Forest. The session by Susan Blake Davis, a certified clinical nutritionist, and veterinarian David Gordon packs a lot into a short time.
Davis, owner of Ask Ariel, consults with clients and veterinarians about nutrition and holistic care for pets. Full disclosure: Gordon is my vet. I started seeing him in 2001, when my dog Taylor had been diagnosed with bone cancer and I wanted to do acupuncture.
Acupuncture proved to be an excellent complementary medicine to the chemotherapy Taylor underwent for his osteosarcoma; we would leave the oncologist’s office after one of his 24-hour chemo treatments and head straight to Gordon’s office, where 20 minutes of acupuncture would restore Taylor’s appetite and vitality.
I met Davis through her rescue, Ariel Rescue, and knew I had met a kindred spirit. We talk the same health language, a language I believe every pet owner needs to hear, about the benefits of a high-quality diet.
Natural Cures for Pets is a perfect introduction to holistic care. In addition to Davis’ information about the importance of nutrition, Gordon will discuss acupuncture and other alternative and complementary treatment procedures, such as chiropractic and stem-cell treatment, in which an animal’s stem cells are used to treat diseases such as arthritis.
You can contact Maryanne Dell via e-mail at ocrpets@earthlink.net
Cost is $15, a worthy investment in the health of your pets, and includes refreshments. It’s best to reserve a spot, so e-mail support@askariel.com
The event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Gordon’s practice, VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital, 1 S. Pointe Drive, Lake Forest 92660. And, you’ll be doing good: 100 percent of the proceeds go to Ariel Rescue, which helps homeless animals throughout Southern California.More information: askariel.com.
———————–
Maryanne Dell: A couple of good things not to miss
September 11th, 2009, 2:12 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Samantha Gowen, Pet Tales editor
I love a good cause. If I can give some time or money knowing I’m helping improve the world, I’m all for it. And I’m especially for it if I get to learn something while I’m helping a worthy organization.
Two upcoming events do just what I’m talking about: Attendees get to learn something and help animals.
Sept. 26: Ask Ariel is sponsoring Natural Cures for Pets in Lake Forest. The session by Susan Blake Davis, a certified clinical nutritionist, and veterinarian David Gordon packs a lot into a short time.
Davis, owner of Ask Ariel, consults with clients and veterinarians about nutrition and holistic care for pets. Full disclosure: Gordon is my vet. I started seeing him in 2001, when my dog Taylor had been diagnosed with bone cancer and I wanted to do acupuncture.
Acupuncture proved to be an excellent complementary medicine to the chemotherapy Taylor underwent for his osteosarcoma; we would leave the oncologist’s office after one of his 24-hour chemo treatments and head straight to Gordon’s office, where 20 minutes of acupuncture would restore Taylor’s appetite and vitality.
I met Davis through her rescue, Ariel Rescue, and knew I had met a kindred spirit. We talk the same health language, a language I believe every pet owner needs to hear, about the benefits of a high-quality diet.
Natural Cures for Pets is a perfect introduction to holistic care. In addition to Davis’ information about the importance of nutrition, Gordon will discuss acupuncture and other alternative and complementary treatment procedures, such as chiropractic and stem-cell treatment, in which an animal’s stem cells are used to treat diseases such as arthritis.
You can contact Maryanne Dell via e-mail at ocrpets@earthlink.net
Cost is $15, a worthy investment in the health of your pets, and includes refreshments. It’s best to reserve a spot, so e-mail support@askariel.com
The event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Gordon’s practice, VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital, 1 S. Pointe Drive, Lake Forest 92660. And, you’ll be doing good: 100 percent of the proceeds go to Ariel Rescue, which helps homeless animals throughout Southern California.More information: askariel.com.
———————–
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Q: I have never seen anything like this before!!! My female dog has what looks like welts on her vagina and urethra . They are not filled with puss or fluid at least they don't look like they are. She is constantly licking it. I have put neosporin on it but I am really worried.Does anybody know what it could be??
A: Dr. Gordon and I reviewed your question and wanted to advise you to please take your dog ASAP to the veterinarian. It could be caused by a number of different issues and most likely is a sign of infection and inflammation. Your dog is licking it because she is experiencing pain and discomfort. We all try to avoid having to run to the veterinarian for every little thing but this is an instance where a veterinary visit is warranted. A veterinarian will examine your pet's area and speak to you in depth to determine if your pet has had contact with certain substances, medical history, etc. While we wish it could be, email is just not a good substitute for seeing and examining the patient.
Once you have a definitive diagnoses, we will be happy to provide you with some suggestions on what you can do from a holistic standpoint. Supplements such as Notatum and Power Probiotic can be found on www.AskAriel.com will help.
A: Dr. Gordon and I reviewed your question and wanted to advise you to please take your dog ASAP to the veterinarian. It could be caused by a number of different issues and most likely is a sign of infection and inflammation. Your dog is licking it because she is experiencing pain and discomfort. We all try to avoid having to run to the veterinarian for every little thing but this is an instance where a veterinary visit is warranted. A veterinarian will examine your pet's area and speak to you in depth to determine if your pet has had contact with certain substances, medical history, etc. While we wish it could be, email is just not a good substitute for seeing and examining the patient.
Once you have a definitive diagnoses, we will be happy to provide you with some suggestions on what you can do from a holistic standpoint. Supplements such as Notatum and Power Probiotic can be found on www.AskAriel.com will help.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Q: My dog Lilly has gas and bloating. I can hear her tummy rumbling at night after she eats. Her stomach makes all kinds of noises and her tummy bloats up like a balloon. She is such a cute dog but can clear the room with her gas. I have tried switching her food and am using a food for sensitive stomach but it doesn't seem to help. Is there anything I can try? Liz in WisconsinA: Absolutely. When pets have rumbling noises in their tummy and gas and bloating, it is an indication of poor digestion. They can have digestive upset for a variety of reasons:
food allergies, being older in age and having less enzymes available to digest the food, food intolerance, poor quality of food. Since there are so many factors involved, it is optimal to speak with a veterinary professional. At AskAriel.com we do offer telephone consultations to help pet owners develop a custom diet that will work for Lilly. Each pet is different so there isn't a magic formula that works for everyone. Chicken is often a culprit for many pets however. Also, grains such as wheat, corn and barley can cause allergic reactions including inflammation in your dog's intestinal tract. For starters, you need to get Lilly on a hypoallergenic diet. Also, supplements such as Soothing Digestive Relief and Probiotic + Pet Colostrum will help greatly too.
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