Dear Ask Ariel:  My doxie is on a homemade diet with cooked turkey and dehydrated veggies. I'm wondering if he's not digesting the cooked turkey well? He has itchy ears, runny eyes, gas, burping, squishy poop and is CONSTANTLY licking his boy parts. He's had blood work and urine done and nothing is wrong? Confusing!    Jordan

Dear Jordan:  There are a couple of issues going on here.  First of all, while we would like to think that cooking a homemade diet is optimal to using commercial food, this is not always the case.  Dehydrated vegetables for example, are much higher in carbohydrates and lack the vitality, nutrients and enzymes that fresh or steamed frozen vegetables would have.  Think of a comparison between a dried apricot and a fresh apricot--the sugar level is different.  More carbohydrates and sugar in the diet feed bacteria and yeast overgrowth in the diet.  Commercial frozen raw diets are now very balanced, fresh and highly nutritious, that unless there is a specific reason why you would need to use a homemade diet (e.g. a liver or kidney issue), then it is far better to use those along with some fresh vegetables and/or some homemade fish to round out the diet.  The raw foods are highly digestible and along with products such as K9 Digestive Enzymes, should really help firm up your dog's stool.

Second, turkey and all poultry is a big allergen.  If your dog has severe allergy symptoms, then you need to feed a novel protein source such as rabbit and fish.  Finally, right now is the height of allergy season.  So, supplements that would help your dog include Power Probiotic, K9 Yeast Defense, Notatum and AllerEaze.  You can find them on this link for allergy treatments.  The Power Probiotic is essential for all cats and dogs---it replenishes the natural "friendly bacteria" in the intestines which make up the majority of your dog's immune system.  Licking at the genitals is usually due to yeast overgrowth so using the K9 Yeast Defense along with the Power Probiotic should really help.  Use Notatum because it helps control odors, fight infection and works synergistically with the K9 Yeast Protocol.

Abyssinian Cat Has Kidney Amyloidosis: Supplements Can Help Reduce Protein Loss

Dear Ask Ariel:  My Abyssinian kitty has been diagnosed with kidney amyloidosis.  We are devastated and want to do everything we can to help her. We are giving her the prescription food but wondering if there is any supplement that will help her condition? 

Ask Ariel:  So sorry about your Abyssinian being diagnosed with this condition.  There is a lot more you can do to help.  These supplements can help reduce the abnormal protein deposits and reduce the excess protein loss in the urine.   Our clients have reported that they are pretty straightforward to administer to cats as well.


Kidney Health Protein Support For Pets  This is a powerful enzyme that breaks down protein, helping to reduce the workload on the kidneys.  It also seems to reduce the amount of excess protein lost in the urine.  Just sprinkle on food.  Most pets seem to like the taste.

Renelix  This is a liquid formula that detoxifies the kidneys and helps to flush out toxins.  We have had excellent results using the Renelix for conditions such as urinary crystals, bladder stones, kidney disease, incontinence and amyloidosis.

Acuscope Myopulse Therapy for Dogs Orange County and San Bernardino

Gina Gould is a Certified Acuscope Myopulse therapist for equine and canine treatments in Southern California (Orange County, San Bernardino).  She is such a compassionate animal lover and has helped many dogs and horses get back on their feet. How can acuscope help your pet?  Acuscope is a microcurrent biofeedback instrument used to promote healing.  Acuscope has been used for years on horses and dogs, beginning with human professional athletes and racehorses.  Acuscope reduces inflammation and speeds up the recovery time of injuries.  Pets enjoy the treatments because it is gentle and relieves pain.

To contact Gina please email her at ginagouldebw@yahoo.com or call 714-746-7484 

Pet owners should seriously consider incorporating physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation into their pets' healthcare routines for a multitude of reasons. Just like humans, animals can experience various physical ailments, injuries, or age-related conditions that may hinder their mobility and overall well-being. Physical therapy for pets can be instrumental in promoting faster recovery from surgeries, managing chronic pain, improving joint flexibility, and enhancing overall mobility. Moreover, it can address issues such as arthritis, obesity, and muscle atrophy, helping to maintain or regain a higher quality of life for the furry companions. Tailored rehabilitation programs not only focus on alleviating physical limitations but also contribute to the mental and emotional well-being of pets, as the exercises and therapeutic activities can provide mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment. Investing in pet rehabilitation is a proactive approach to ensuring the longevity and happiness of our beloved animal friends.

Acuscope is just one of many therapies available to help improve the mobility of dogs.  Many veterinarians now offer chiropractic, laser and acupuncture.  You can find a veterinarian or practitioner by going to www.ahvma.org.  If your dog is in pain, stiff and having trouble getting around, don't just assume it's old age.  Holistic modalities can be life-changing for many dogs.  To learn more about physical therapy and other forms of dog rehabilitation, click here 

Originally posted:  7/15/2013

Updated:  2/4/2024

Author:  Susan Blake Davis

Boxer Has Mast Cell Tumor--Can Supplements Help?

Q:  My 5 year old boxer was just diagnosed with a mast cell tumor.  Our vet removed it but said he might get another one.  I know a lot of boxers get cancer but trying to see if there is anything I can do to help.  Can you recommend any herbs or homeopathic remedies for my boxer Brutus?

A:  So sorry that your boxer Brutus was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor.  It is very scary when these type of malignant dog tumors appear.  Feed your boxer a grain-free, low carbohydrate diet.  Ideally, using low allergen protein choices such as rabbit or fish would be best.  In addition, there are a few supplements that would really help.  First, be sure to give your boxer Oncopet  Oncopet is a veterinary-approved formula that we have used successfully with many dogs that have mast cell tumors.  In addition, use a powerful, therapeutic fish oil based from sardines and anchovies.  Use a quercetin-based formula such as AllerEaze  to quiet the histamine response. 

Bernese Mountain Dog With Mast Cell Tumor

Q: Dear Ariel,
My Bernese Mountain Dog Buddy was just diagnosed with a Mast Cell tumor.  He had surgery and is doing ok.  I read that once a dog has had one mast cell tumor, they are prone to get another one?  Is there anything holistic I can do to give Buddy that might help prevent another mast cell tumor?

A:  So sorry that Buddy developed a Mast Cell tumor.  They can be of a genetic nature.  Having said that, there is a lot you can do to keep Buddy on a good diet and supplements to help him.  Cancer thrives on sugar so it is important to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog on a grain-free, fresh diet.  Raw frozen diets combined with homemade baked fish can work well.  It's essential that Buddy use a premium, purified Omega 3 fish oil such as Amazing Omegas in his diet.  Our veterinary hospital uses Amazing Omegas because the fish oil is naturally processed and purified for heavy metals and toxins.  Avoid potential allergens in food and proteins that your dog might be allergic to.  The attached is a good summary of food allergies and foods to avoid.  Supplements such as quercetin, probiotics and antioxidant formulas will also help. 

Siberian Husky Tied To Railroad Tracks Needs Loving Home

This Siberian Husky (possibly White Shepherd mix) male was tied up to the railroad tracks in South Los Angeles...with a chain he had no chance of freeing himself..  Animal cruelty to say the least. Thankfully a Good Samaritan called Animal Control in time WHO WOULD DO THIS? WHY?  Was this some type of gang revenge?
 

Does anyone recognize this dog? His left eye is very unusual; brown with blue spots.. If you have any information about where he came from OR WHO did this, pls contact us or Harbor Animal Shelter..He is currently in observation, being under the weather, malnourished & covered in fleas.
IF you would like to right what this poor dog has been through, please consider giving him a loving home. He is Impound NO 1402720 and Harbor shelter (City of L A) can be reached at: 1-888-452 7381..

Fun-Loving German Shepherd Needs A Loving Home

Meet Hanna Banana!  Hanna is a 3 year old beautiful German Shepherd girl.  She would make a wonderful addition to a family and LOVES children.  Some traits of German Shepherds:  German Shepherds are highly intelligent and learn quickly.  They are loyal and form strong bonds with their family.  Sadly people want to use them as guard dogs and don't realize they are very sensitive and emotional---longing for love and companionship just like we do.  

And.....they can be lots of fun too!  Hanna is a sable German Shepherd with ears that reflect her fun-loving personality.  Hanna has had basic obedience training and walks beautifully on a leash.  She enjoys the company of large dogs, but small dogs or cats are not in her social circle.   Hanna adores children and would make a wonderful family companion.  To learn more about Hanna, visit www.gsroc.org and check out her bio.  If you are considering getting a pet, please consider adopting from a rescue or shelter.  German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County has wonderful family dogs for adoption.  If you live outside of Southern California, please visit www.petfinder.com to find the perfect pet for your home.