14 year old Boxer With Dementia Keeps Going Strong!

Sophie, our sweet boxer, is now 14 years old. Boxers generally only live 8 - 10 years.Thanks to Ask Ariel's Brain Vitale and diet program, Sophie is going strong physically and mentally. As many senior dogs do, Sophie had developed pancreatitis and was having digestive issues; she did not want to eat. Susan Davis, Ask Ariel Nutritionist, formulated a low fat diet for Sophie and recommended using the supplements, K9 Digestive Enzymes and Lypozyme. Sophie no longer has pancreatitis and she is back to chowing down her meals.  The K9 Digestive enzymes stopped her tummy rumbling and the Lypozyme cleared up her pancreatitis.

As Sophie got older, she started to bark and bark for no reason. It seemed like she had dementia which affects some senior dogs. She seemed to not even know that she was barking. Susan recommended the supplement Brain Vitale for healthy brain function and we got our Sophie back. She is back to her old self, playing with our other boxer, and the barking has all but stopped.  Nothing helped with the doggie dementia until we started using the Brain Vitale.  It made a big difference in her temperament and energy level.

We know that we would not have our senior dog, Sophie with us today if is wasn't for Ask Ariel's help with Sophie's diet and supplements.

Constipation, IBD and MegaColon in Cats

Dear Dr. Gordon,
Can you please help? My 13 year old cat has recently developed a problem with having a bowel movement. It seems as if she gets into position to defecate and then passes only a small quantity of poop. I haven't changed her diet on done anything different. What could be wrong?
- P.B.

Dear P.B,
Although your kitty's inability to pass stool is not normal, there could be a lot of reasons why this is now occurring. Perhaps she is in pain and cannot maintain the position long enough to facilitate a bowel movement or maybe she is drinking less water than she should and has now become constipated. Another scenario could be that she is drinking adequate amounts of water, but her kidney function has deteriorated, not allowing her body to absorb necessary fluid. A normal hydration status is very important in maintaining proper digestive tract health. She may also have lost some strength with her advancing age and could be having problems "pushing" the stool out.

It is essential to use Amazing Omegas for your cat to help make her feel better. Amazing Omegas may help lubricate the bowel and reduce inflammation, thereby helping increase bowel movements.

There could also be a mechanical obstruction to the outflow of the stool. If something is blocking the passage of the stool (a growth or tumor), your kitty may strain and strain but will be unable to pass normal quantities of stool. The stool that is passed may be blood tinged and very hard.

Often veterinarians are presented with elderly cats that have become so constipated that the stool is, literally, rock hard in the colon. It takes a very perceptive owner to realize that their pet is having problems passing stool since most cats are fairly discreet and secretive about their bathroom habits. The first sign is usually a decrease in the normal quantity of stool that must be cleaned from the litter box. If undetected, some of these cats will have distended the walls of the colon to such a degree that nothing can possibly pass. If this rock hard stool is present for more than a day or two, they may also lose the ability to feel how much stool becomes stagnant there. The resulting condition is termed "megacolon" which is the presence of a large, distended colon devoid of any feeling.

Veterinarians are not really sure why certain elderly cats develop megacolon and others are able to have normal bowel movements their entire lives. This condition is currently under investigation at many university hospitals. Usually, once a cat has developed this condition, it can be managed with diet, laxatives, and medicines, but it is seldom reversible. It certain severely affected patients, surgery may be considered to eliminate the portion of the colon that has become devoid of sensation.

Usually your veterinarian will try to determine if there are any underlying causes for this condition. This may necessitate a battery of tests (bloodwork, urine analysis) if the doctor is not able to palpate "or feel" a mass in the distal colon that is causing the obstruction. The doctor may want to take xrays to determine how obstructed or constipated your cat is. To relieve the obstruction, many of these patients must be anesthetized to allow the doctor to relieve the obstruction.Warm water enemas with stool softeners are used to try to break down the rock hard stool. Digital manipulation is sometimes successful.

Management of these cats after relieving the obstruction involves using oral laxatives and stool softeners to "keep things moving" and motility modifiers to inhibit re-obstruction. Dietary changes and supplements such as fish oil and Probiotics may also help. The most successful motility modifier is called "Propulsid". This used to be readily available for human patients but has since been withdrawn by the FDA. Your veterinarian can still get this medication compounded by a special pharmacist. Unfortunately, once a kitty has presented for a severe case of megacolon, it is usually something that will need attention for the rest of the cat's life. With some guidance, good nutrition, and good veterinary care, any of these cats can go on to lead a fairly normal life.

Natural Holistic Treatments For Cats with Constipation and Megacolon:

1) Change your cat’s diet. Be sure your cat is eating a high fiber, high moisture diet. Avoid potential allergens such as grains and poultry. Dr. David Gordon and Susan Blake Davis are available by telephone to assist you in developing a comprehensive program for your kitty. Click here for more information about scheduling a telephone consultation.

2) Amazing Omegas may help lubricate the bowel and reduce inflammation, thereby helping increase bowel movements.

3) Power Probiotic can reintroduce “friendly bacteria” which are instrumental in improving the overall strength of the intestinal tract

4) Liver & Gallbladder Nutritional Supplement For Pets is a gentle liver support product increases bile flow which may be helpful for some cats

5) Adding a teaspoon of pumpkin per meal mixed into food can help

Labrador Has Allergies, Skin Problems and Yeast in Ears--Gets Better Using Natural Alternatives To Cortisone

"Bruiser, our labrador retriever, had chronic yeast, ear infections and skin problems. We had been to the veterinarian many times but the problem would just come back. We scheduled a consultation with Susan Davis and followed her dietary and supplement recommendations. Bruiser's yeast finally cleared up and I receive many complements on how nice his coat looks. It was the best consultation fee I could have spent"

-Genette, Hawaii

An integral component of dog allergies is inflammation as the immune system reacts to the unwanted substance. One conventional veterinary treatment for allergies is cortisone which treats the symptoms of allergies (e.g. itching) but not the root cause. Cortisone has many long-term side effects, especially if used for more than a few weeks.  If your dog or cat has chronic, severe allergies and you have already tried modifying the diet, then Immune Harmony should be your next step in supporting your pet's immune function.

Another thing you can try is an air purifier which can be very helpful in reducing environmental allergies. Our natural anti-infection formula can be used topically to help heal hot spots. Allergy testing and desensitization can also be effective, although rarely 100% effective, in eliminating allergies in dogs and cats.

REMEMBER: Allergies in dogs and cats are a symptom rather than a cause in themselves. They often occur as a result of the long-term build-up of toxins and so the goal is to detoxify the body and enhance the immune system as well as to treat the overall allergy symptoms.

1) Be sure you are using a hypoallergenic, low carbohydrate diet.
2) Try using basic allergy support such as Amazing Omegas fish oil
3) Bathe your pet regularly during the hot summer months using a medicated shampoo from your veterinarian. Ask your vet for the best shampoo.

Please click here for more information and products available at Ask Ariel. And don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!

Save Money and Extend the Life of Your Pet!

                                   

With the current economy, we are all looking for ways to save money. It is hard to make ends meet and cutting costs is a priority for everyone. However, short-term gains may result in long-term negative consequences for your pet. Take a look at our handy tips and see where you can save and where to invest for the long-term health of your pet.

Stop and think the next time you buy your pet’s food. Look at the label. What’s really in there? Is there corn, wheat gluten, brewer’s rice and other fillers? Are there names you can’t pronounce such as ethoxyquin? What are they doing in your pet’s food anyway?

Your pet’s food label should list fresh ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables and healthy omega 3 fats. Invest in a high quality brand and you’ll find that instead of spending more on the high quality brand you’re actually SAVING money because you’ll end up using about ½ the recommended amounts (it takes a lot more food to fill up a pet using food that is loaded with fillers) AND the long-term benefits to your pet are immeasurable. Please visit the Animal Protection Institute to learn more about pet food and how it is prepared.

Avoid purchasing those cleverly marketed, commercially prepared treats that make you think you are actually doing good for your pet. You know—the ones in pretty shapes and colors (e.g. orange carrot-shaped treats made to give you the impression you are giving your pet a carrot) or with dogs begging on the front of the package. Don’t be fooled either by those “all natural” economy packs (sold at the big warehouse stores). Many of these “all natural” jerky treats are manufactured with harsh chemicals and contaminants. Pets can get upset tummies and health problems from eating them. The "bargain" treat bag can actually end up costing you money because of the long-term health consequences on your pet.

Instead, use fresh ingredients right from your kitchen. There are lots of affordable, healthy options. For dogs, give them apple slices, baby carrots, a slice of potato, a piece of hardboiled egg or a piece of fresh, LEAN meat. Your cat would much prefer a piece of salmon or fish anyday over a treat that looks like fish made with corn flour, by-products and syrup.

Veterinary bills will most likely be the single largest expense for your pet. By far though, the highest veterinary bills arise from emergency, unplanned visits. You can actually keep your veterinary bills under control by planning ahead and making smart choices NOW! With a bad economy comes bad decisions that can have permanent effects on your pet’s quality of life and longevity. How many of us have thought about switching to a lower cost food, skipping on the vet exam or delaying much needed laboratory work for our pets??? DON’T! A penny saved today will not result in a pound tomorrow—just the opposite. There are plenty of other healthy ways you can save—e.g. drinking less coffee, bringing lunch to work, cutting back on alcohol, candy bars or cigarettes and still do your best for your pet.

Exercise! Exercise with your pet and you will see the dollars flow in over the years. Want to know one of the main reasons pets end up at the veterinary office with emergency, unplanned visits? Well, many of the them have diabetes, cancer, joint problems, liver problems—all have strong correlations with obesity and being overfed and underexcercised. Obesity, lack of exercise is not just a matter of style or looks—it is a matter of good health. Take out a feather or laser toy for your cat--- go for a walk with your dog and everybody benefits! Not only will you save money on your veterinary bills but you will build a stronger bond with your pet and give them a happier, healthier life!

Please click here for more information and products available at Ask Ariel. And don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!

Almond Flour For Baking

Wanted to pass on a nutrition tip that is great for anyone who likes to bake. This is especially nice if you eat gluten-free. Try using some almond flour in place of regular flour in your baking. Today I baked some gluten-free, sugar-free cookies and they were tasty. Almond flour is just ground up almonds but you can make cookies out of it or replace some of your baking mixture with it. Has a delicious RICH flavor. I also use coconut oil in place of some butter and combined with the almond flour is very delicious. Almond flour has many benefits. It is higher in protein than regular flour and MUCH lower in carbohydrates. When we eat high carb foods, we have a tendency to crave more and more as our insulin goes up. Ever find after you eat one brownie that you have to eat 3 more--that is why!!! So by using some almond flour in your baking, you can reduce your overall carbohydrate intake and the insulin surge that follows eating high carbohydrate foods (especially if you use lower glycemic sweeteners rather than sugar for the baked item).

 Learn more about pet nutrition and optimizing your pet's health on Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritonist


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Exercise---It's Great For You and Great For Your Pet

Exercising may be one of the best ways for you and your pet to feel better!  When our pets don't feel well, we have a natural inclination to focus on medication, food and supplements but we forget how important exercise is for your pet's general well being.  Exercise can help with mobility, depression and circulation.  For example, I often talk to clients whose dogs have arthritis and because their dog is "slowing down", they have stopped walking them.  That is the worst thing you can do.  Exercise improves blood flow, circulation throughout your body and improves your immune function.  For example, pet owners with tiny pets may often treat them like "pocket pets" and carry them around with them everywhere they go.   One of the most common ailments of these "pocket dogs" is that they are constipated, develop knee problems and other health conditions as a result of lack of exercise.  They may go everywhere but being carried is not the same as walking on their own.

Walking and exercising is good for you too.  Sometimes when you are feeling down, the very best thing to do is to take a walk and "clear your head".   Walking can increase blood flow to the brain and overall, just get your body feeling better overall..  Being sedentary decreases blood flow to all parts of your body which further weakens you.  It is the same for your pets.  If you have a diabetic pet, for example, try to find ways to keep them moving.  Exercising can lower blood sugar levels and help reduce the amount of medication your pet needs.  Cats with diabetes can benefit from playing with a laser toy or by putting food bowls at higher places so they are challenged to move around.

No matter what stage of life, exercise is good for you and your pets.  So....with the nice weather here, please make an effort to help your self and your pets by exercising every day and making it a priority!

Immune Harmony: Supplement to help your cat or dog LIVING with cancer

"Happy New Year! Thank you for keeping our Labrador Stanley well. He just celebrated his 9th Birthday! After his cancer diagnosis in early September, we all wondered if he would be here for Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then his birthday. He has not seen his general vet or specialist since his diagnosis. We attribute his wellness to your products! YOU have BLESSED us immensely! Each time we receive an order from you, somehow Stanley knows "his ladies from California have sent him a package." Our heartfelt gratitude to all of you!"

-Jodi Scanlan Pennsylvania January 2011


Pets with cancer require a special diet. You can learn how to prepare a homemade cancer diet for your pet. Click here for more information.

Immune Harmony

Immune Harmony 60 capsules

This is a fabulous product---very unique and well tolerated by most pets. This product is helpful for all immune conditions and can be used to treat cat and dog cancer in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or prednisone. Rather than overstimulating your pet's immune system, this wonderful product helps the body to rebalance immune function. Thus, you will see improved results over time not instantly as if you were using an antibiotic. It slowly builds in your pet's system and helps them feel better overall. We have many highly allergic pets that were scratching and itching horribly last summer, that now with continued use, are seeing their pets having a much easier time this summer. Immune Harmony does not treat symptoms immediately but over time as the pet's immune function improves, most clients report solid long-term improvement . If your pet has chronic allergy symptoms, a serious immune condition such as cancer or an autoimmune related disorder, research shows that Immune Harmony should be utilized. This is a unique one-of-a-kind product that has been scientifically tested in various world-wide studies. Immune Harmony is the only supplement that offers 300 mg of plant sterols plus powerful antioxidants (Enzogenol®) that protect the body from free radical damage, and an essential fatty acid complex (BiolysateTM) that supports the digestive system and assists in the bioavailability of these health-promoting nutrients.

Dogs and Cats with Cancer—Dogs and cats with cancer have compromised immune systems. If your pet is undergoing chemotherapy, this can also weaken your pet’s immune response. Many oncologists may prefer for you not to use immune stimulants while your pet is undergoing chemotherapy. What makes Immune Harmony so great is that it is an immune modulator, not an immune stimulant. Safe to use for pets with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy or not. The product works over time to help build the body’s immune response.

How do the ingredients in Immune Harmony help to rebalance and support the immune system? Hundreds of studies performed in the United States and worldwide have found the sterols contained in Immune Harmony to be effective in preventing disease and maintaining health. It is also very safe, since no known toxicity has been found. The research has found beta sitosterol to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Immunomodulatory means to regulate or balance the immune system. If someone has a weak immune system (e.g. cancer), beta sitosterol can activate the T-cells (immune cells that go to the thymus to be activated) and natural killers cells; these cells fight foreign organisms that invade the body and also fight cancerous cells. On the other hand, if the immune system is over active, as is the case with allergies or autoimmune disorders, beta sitosterol can calm down the immune system.

In the area of cancer, scientific studies indicate that beta sitosterol has a powerful inhibitory effect on breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Recent studies provide evidence that increased consumption of polyphenols can reduce the risk of prostate, breast, lung and digestive cancers. In addition to the plant sterols, Immune Harmony includes some beneficial ingredients that enhance the effectiveness of the product, making it especially unique. To learn about the ingredients in Immune Harmony or for more information on the product and how to better treat cancer in your cat or dog please visit our website. Click here for more information.