Dog Anal Glands and Scooting Problems

Oh no, this page had meow-ved!

Visit the new page here: https://www.askariel.com/pet-allergies-s/1818.htm.

Cold Weather Safety for Your Pet

Winter is here and with it the cold weather. It also requires some special care and considerations for your pet's safety.  Here are some things to remember

• Preventive Care Exam-The cold weather can make certain conditions worse and they may need extra support during this time of year for example arthritis may be more painful.

• Cold Weather Tolerance- Be aware that each pet will have it's own tolerance for cold depending on coat, body fat, activity level,  age (puppies have a lower tolerance) and health. Diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease may make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature and arthritis may be more painful.

• Grooming and Dressing-Keeping your pet's coat longer during the winter can help keep them warm. Also dressing them properly (coat and booties) can help them maintain their body temperature. 

• Avoid Over Exposure To the Cold - Even if they are dressed properly over exposure should be avoided.  This includes leaving your pet outside for long periods of time even in a car (just as in summer it can be dangerous) Frost-bite and Hypothermia can set in quickly.

• Ice- Be caution of frozen bodies of water and don't let your dog off their leash. It might be thinner than you think. It can also be slippery and injury can occur

• Wipe Their Paws and Coats- Paws can get dry and crack causing pain and infection. Wiping and check paws regularly can help. They may also come in contact with potentially hazardous substance (salt, antifreeze, deicers) and by wiping them down you can reduce the risk. 

• Warm Place-Provide a warm safe place (away from drafts) for your pet.  Consider moving your outdoor pets inside. 

• Plan Ahead- Be prepared for severe weather, blizzards, and power outages. Make sure you have enough supplies on hand in case of an emergency (food and medications).

Pasadena Bear Approaches Couple Standing on Porch

Bob and Irene McKeown don't see the bear on their porch!

Bear Approaches Couple Standing on Porch in Pasadena: When Bob and Irene McKeown return home to Scotland, they'll have quite a story to tell about their unexpected encounter in Southern California. While visiting the home of relatives in Pasadena on Tuesday morning, the couple was shocked to be approached by an unusual local resident.  Imagine how startled Bob McKeown must have been when he bent over to help his wife into the car and felt something brush up against his leg.  He turned around and what was there?  A bear cub!!!!  The baby bear is caught on video watching him leave his home following him to the car.  Must watch this video!  Chris Wolfe reports for the KTLA 5 News at 6:30 on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014.

It's A Miracle: Beautiful Malamute Survives Liver Cancer

Willow

"Willow had her follow up scan and bloodwork today......4 months after surgery and diagnosis.  I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion I couldn’t wait to email you.  Her ALT level is normal!  Her ALKP is barely elevated!  Most importantly......the growth that was on the underside of the liver that was inoperable, is gone!!!!!  They did multiple scans in all different ways trying to find the tumor and it’s not there.  They looked at everything on her and nothing.  Everything is perfectly normal and healthy and the doctors said that if they didn’t know the history they would have questioned why they were even examining her.  She acts like a puppy and is so happy and energetic we almost can’t believe it.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  You are an absolute angel from God."
Best,  The Wilcox Family 2014

Here are some of the Ask Ariel products that Willow is taking:

OncoPet


Resveratrol for Dogs



Curcumin For Dogs and Cats

Liver & Gallbladder Supplement For Pets

Dog Liver Cancer: Holistic Treatments Can Help

The liver is a major organ that helps to detoxify the body.  It is also the organ that carcinogens and toxic compounds pass through, which can be a factor in dogs developing liver cancer. In addition, similar to people, the liver can also be an organ into which a primary cancer (in another part of the body) can metastasize to, accelerating the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. It is very hard to detect canine liver cancer in the early stages of the disease. Some of the initial signs may be abdominal pain, inappetance, excessive weight loss, or a mass in the abdomen may be felt by your veterinarian.  A definitive diagnosis of canine liver cancer can only be obtained when a liver biopsy is done.

 In conjunction with conventional veterinary care, holistic care can be of help to your pet. Since the liver can regenerate new tissue, it is one of the few types of cancer, where we have seen especially good results in dogs.   Several of our clients have sent us testimonials about their dogs living far longer than prognosis, even with large masses, using a holistic approach, along with their veterinarian's recommendations.

     Greta

"Thrilled to have had ONE additional year...IN January 2*0*1*2, I was informed that my girl, GRETA who is closest to me, sleeps by my side, accompanies me most anywhere, etc had TWO to FOUR weeks to live at the most..I was told she had inoperable liver cancer that had already spread to her lungs and was quite widespread.   Click here to view full testimonial

Why is My Dog Always Licking His Paws?

Updated: 4/29/24

Dog paw licking is a common behavior that many pet owners observe in their pet. While occasional paw licking is normal for dogs, excessive or persistent licking can be a cause for concern. There can be various reasons why your dog is licking their paws, ranging from medical issues to behavioral factors. 

Questions To Ask If Your Dog Is Always Licking Their Paws?

If your dog is always licking their paws, it is important for you to ask the following questions:

• When did it begin?  Is it a lifelong problem or a recent occurrence?
• Has anything changed in their environment, lifestyle or diet? 
• When does your pet lick and chew their paws the most? After a walk, being in the yard, seasonally?

These questions will help you pinpoint the cause of the behavior and the underlying problem so you can implement appropriate measures to address the problem effectively.

Common Causes Of Paw Licking In Dogs

Allergies-  Consider whether your dog may have allergies to food, environmental factors (such as pollen or grass), or household products (like cleaners or detergents). Often a pet may have both food and environmental allergies but the symptoms only become noticeable during certain times of the year. To mitigate contact allergies, consider using specialized dog socks to minimize exposure during outdoor activities or opt for paw-soaking in a bathtub or sink upon returning indoors. Addressing food allergies may necessitate a hypoallergenic diet, excluding ingredients like corn, soy, chicken, and peanut butter from your pet's food regimen. 

Bacterial And Fungal Paw Infections- These can arise from various factors, including moisture, cuts or scratches, foreign objects, allergies, compromised immune systems, environmental factors, and poor hygiene.  Excessive paw licking, which causes wetness and staining can also lead to yeast overgrowth and emit a distinct "yeasty-cheese-like" odor. This makes them more susceptibility to fungal and bacterial infections. Abnormal odor, pain, redness, swelling and limping are the most common signs of these infections.  They may need to be treated with antibiotics or be helped by using a few holistic supplements. Yeast infection in dogs can be treated by changing their diet and using a yeast-killing formula like K9 Yeast Defense with Power Probiotic. Regular paw inspections, proper grooming, and maintaining a clean environment are crucial preventive measures.

Injury or Arthritis- Dogs lick injured or painful paws instinctively as a form of self-soothing and wound care. Licking provides temporary relief by reducing pain and inflammation through the release of endorphins. Additionally, the moisture from saliva can help keep the wound clean and promote healing. However, excessive licking can impede healing and may introduce bacteria, potentially leading to infection. Therefore, while some licking is normal and beneficial, monitoring and managing the behavior to prevent over-licking is important for proper wound healing.

Boredom or Psychological Causes-Self-grooming is the natural way that dogs pass the time, it can also signal underlying issues such as anxiety, stress, or boredom. Pay attention to whether this behavior occurs when your pet is left alone or during significant changes in the household. Making small lifestyle adjustments, such as increasing exercise, providing distraction toys, or minimizing time spent alone, can help alleviate these issues and curb the behavior.

Understanding the reasons behind a dog's paw-licking behavior is crucial for effective treatment and care. Whether it's due to allergies, injuries, behavioral issues, or medical conditions, addressing the underlying cause is essential for the well-being of your dog. By consulting with a veterinarian, implementing preventive measures, and providing appropriate treatment with medication and natural remedies, you can help alleviate discomfort, promote healing, and ensure your dog's paws stay healthy and happy. 

Author: Susan Davis, Pet Nutritionist

Original post: 1/8/14

Updated: 4/29/24

What To Look For In A Good Pet Food

A good pet food should contain meat, poultry or fish clearly identifiable in the first ingredients.  There should be a healthy balance between protein, fiber, fats (especially Omega 3 fatty acids such as flax seed and fish oil) and a limited amount of carbohydrates. Even if a pet food  is “organic” or holistic, it may be filled with soy, potatoes, peas and flour, which can contribute to a variety of symptoms in some pets (allergies, UTIs, etc).  For example,  dogs on "grain-free"  dry dog food may still suffer with chronic yeast and skin problems because the food is filled with carbohydrates.    Pets need fresh ingredients in their food---add steamed green beans, chopped broccoli or butternut squash for extra fiber or nutrition.  Pumpkin puree is an excellent source of fiber and beta carotene and can help pets with digestive issues.  Avoid feeding just dry food---canned or raw are optimal along some homemade ingredients. For more information on pet nutrition see the article:  What do dogs eat? Dog Nutrition 101