Has your pup put on a few pounds? Winter is a
common time for pets (as well as their owners) to gain weight. It may be caused
from overindulgence or weather-related inactivity. Obesity in pets can be a serious problem leading
to many health conditions including pancreatitis, diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems, and lean dogs tend to live longer (and healthier) lives. To keep your pet's weight down, feed
a high-protein diet and add veggies. Most weight reduction diets contain fiber fillers that at best contain controversial benefits and can be problematic to your pet's digestion. "Healthy weight" diets are usually very high in carbohydrates, making the dog feel even hungrier faster as insulin levels spike. To control appetite, use a REDUCED amount of a high protein food and add green vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, zucchinni which contain valuable vitamins and minerals and help your pet feel full without consuming too many calories. You can even use 1 part pet food to 2 parts vegetables for a large breed dog that is really hungry. Also, special bowls are available that help slow down the dog's eating.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Natural Remedies can stop the cycle of chronic UTIs found in many senior female dogs. Here is another happy dog who no longer has UTIs using Ask Ariel’s Pet UTI Prevention Formula
Sissy |
Sissy
is a female Clumber Spaniel who is nearly 13 years old and had suffered with
frequent Urinary Tract Infections. Her
owner purchased the Pet UTI Prevention for Dogs and Cats and said “She (Sissy)
has been on your UTI Prevention and
continues to be free of UTIs…our vet is surprised that “a natural remedy” works
so well…Thank You So Much” JoAnn White -Maine
2016
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Bryn |
Amanda McBride- North Carolina 2016
Food allergies are a common condition that effect many dogs. The symptoms can vary from pet to pet, some dogs will have digestive problems like Bryn, but others will have skin issues and still others might have chronic inflammation that weakens their overall immune system.
Visit our Askariel website for more nutritional information click here
Friday, November 18, 2016
Dakota |
"I want to let you know how great Dakota, our golden retriever that we rescued about 6 months ago, is doing. When we got him, he had bad ear infections that he had for months, and his skin was so black in the armpit and groin areas that we thought it was ground in dirt. He also had acid reflux and would bring up bile several times a day. He obviously did not feel well and was in a lot of pain. It has taken several months, but the blackened skin (from yeast) is almost back to normal thanks to K9 Yeast Defense. The recommended dose made him extremely itchy so we give him ½ the dose. It has been a slower but more comfortable process for him that way. I wish we had taken “before” pictures of his skin because the difference is remarkable. And, for his acid reflux, we had him on Pepcid initially. When we first started your supplements (Power Probiotic, K9 Digestive Enzymes, Gastro ULC and Soothing Digestive Relief), we still had to give him the Pepcid, but we’ve been slowly weaning him off the Pepcid. He had been taking 4 tablets a day at one point, and he is now down to a ½ tablet a day. And I can’t forget to mention using your food recommendations. His ears didn’t start to clear up until we got him eating food that he could tolerate. We had an intolerance test done also and found that he cannot tolerate beef, chicken, lamb or salmon, all grains including rice, potatoes and sweet potatoes. All of these are commonly used in dog food. This is why they could not get the ear infections to clear up before we got him. Thank you so much for your supplements and all your help. Dakota is a much happier dog thanks to you!"
Pat & Tim- Emmaus, PA 2016
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Do
you know the warning signs of cancer? Early diagnoses is key. We have
found that the best results in cancer patients occur when the pet owner
was able to catch the cancer early (using laboratory testing) AND when a
combination of both conventional and holistic medicine is used. While
holistic veterinary medicine cannot cure cancer, it can make a
tremendous difference. The best way to help prevent cancer is to start
at the beginning of your pet’s life, giving them optimal nutrition,
vitamins, Omega 3s and building a sound immune system. Click here to learn more about holistic care treatments.
Warning Signs of Cancer In Pets
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
• Pet just not acting like himself, behavior
changes
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina
We just received this wonderful report for beautiful Emma, a senior Husky with pancreatitis.
Emma |
"We got some great news today...our (almost) 13 y/o diabetic Siberian Husky "daughter" Emma just got a positive report regarding her pancreatitis. Her levels, which were almost 1,000 are now normal. I have got to credit your LypoZyme capsules for contributing to this. Emma is also a "new dog" as far as her activity level is concerned and we can tell that she is feeling good.
You have a customer as long as we are blessed with Emma as a family member. The picture was taken only last week.
Errol - Phoenix, Arizona 2016
Lypozyme for Pets- helps break down food and improve digestion. It is especially helpful for pets with pancreatitis, liver disease, diabetes and those needing help with fat absorption.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Bailey Rose
"I
just wanted to give you an update on my Yorkie Bailey Rose. Bailey Rose had
high ALT levels and an abscess on her liver.
Her last blood work before starting the Pancreatitis
and Liver Support Kit showed liver enzymes 4 times what they should
be and her WBC was 40,000. She continued on her antibiotics (for a bacterial
infection) and started the Kit on Oct 1 as soon as I received it. I took her
for her recheck yesterday (a few weeks later) and the vet called today and was
amazed that all her levels including WBC were all in normal levels and after
losing a pound she has got back to her normal weight! Even though she is almost 13 she is doing
wonderful and acting like a puppy again. I also changed her food to the natural
blend fish and sweet potato Ask Ariel suggested and she loves it. Thank you so
much for helping me to help my sweet baby. Cherie Indiana
2016"
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
New Cyprus Magazine |
Every pet
has their specific individual nutritional needs and one diet does not fit all. For a pet owner it can be very confusing.
Should I give a raw diet, commercial canned or dry food, home-cooked, or a
combination of any of the above? It is important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your pet. However, on this
national Cook for Your Pet day we thought we would give you a few food
ideas that you can incorporate into your pet’s diet for added nutritional
benefit. Some items can be “cooked” and others given fresh..try to maintain as much nutritional value as possible (don’t overcook). For more diet tips visit our website Askariel.com.
Foods to consider “cooking” for your
pet
- Steamed Green Beans- or frozen as a treat
- Zucchini
- Baby Carrots
- Chopped Broccoli
- Baked fish, venison, other lean meats (if pet isn't allergic)
- Pumpkin- adds fiber to their diet
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
1. Too tired after coming home from work and just want to relax
Tip: Taking
even a short walk can re-energize you and help you leave work behind
for the evening. You will feel better if you get it out of the way
right when you walk in the door. Have the leash and shoes waiting and
just do it! Or try walking before work if that is possible. A little
walk in the morning always helps make a day brighter.
2. No time--too busy!
Tip: Each
week take a look at your schedule. Ask yourself "when could I squeeze
in a 15 minute walk?". Put a few walks on your calendar: Date with
Buddy. C'mon you can do it!
3. My dog gets plenty of exercise in the yard all day.
Tip:
When a dog is left in the yard, most of the time all they do is sleep.
Dogs are pack animals and want to be with you. Going for a walk is a
lot more than exercise for a dog. Think of it as "reading the
newspaper". Dogs love to cruise the neighborhood, sniff all around and
mark their territory. It's also special bonding time with you that they
may not get any other time of the day.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Have you ever shared your bed with your
beloved pet only to realize you were on the very edge and they had all the covers? Now multiply that by seven and you can picture
what Chris and Mariesa Hughes were facing every night sharing a bed with their seven rescue dogs. After nights of couch sleeping the Hughes’ came up with a solution that
made everyone happy…they created the Megabed!
The Megabed measures just under 14' x 7' with added steps so the senior dogs do not need to jump up |
Chris and Mariesa Hughes are founders
of The Mr. Mo Project, a nonprofit with a mission to rescue elderly and
sick dogs from shelters (saving them from possible euthanasia) and placing them
in homes to live the rest of their life in a home filled with love. Mr. Mo Project also covers the dog’s medical
and living expenses.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
This month the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC) has released results from a study that shows an
increase in serious complications from “cat-scratch” disease (also known as
cat-scratch fever). It is a disease spread through contact (usually scratches or bites)with infected cats or cat fleas (carrier of the disease) However, it important to note that the bacterium causing the disease, called Bartonella henselae, is not present in most cats.
According to the report approximately
12,000 people were diagnosed with cat-scratch disease during the study period,
of which 500 required hospitalizations. Young children, those with compromised
immune systems and the elderly seem to be at higher risk of having
complications.
Good hygiene is the key here. The CDC advises people to wash hands thoroughly
after playing with their cats and to treat cat scratches (or bites) promptly to
avoid infection. If you notice swelling or redness seek medical attention. The
disease can be treated with antibiotics.
Sources: cbsnews.com,usa today, cdc
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Love this story ...Has your pet ever surprised you with new talents you didn't know before? Last winter, Ludivine,
a bloodhound, decided to join the Elkmont Half Marathon in Alabama to the surprise of her owner. Ludivine lives
on a farm near the starting line for the race and decided to investigate all the
commotion. As the gun sounded, to start the race, she took off with the other
racers and ran the entire 13.1 miles and finished 7th! Of course she had a
couple of stops, sniffing some road kill and taking a dip and drink from a nearby
pond. There is talk of next year’s race being called the Hounddog Half with
special recognition for 7th place. What a wonderful surprise for Ludivine's owner! For the whole story as told to Runner's World click here
What wonderful ways has your pet surprised you? Email us at support@askariel.com
What wonderful ways has your pet surprised you? Email us at support@askariel.com
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Is your pet overweight or obese?
PRIMARY RISKS OF EXCESS WEIGHT IN PETS
Osteoarthritis
Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart and Respiratory Disease
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
Kidney Disease
Many Forms of Cancer
Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)
How do I know if my pet needs to lose weight?
Here are a couple of tests you can do at home. You can also visit APOP's website, or speak to your veterinarian to determine your pet’s ideal weight.
Susan Davis, our Ask Ariel nutritionist, gives these tips to get pets back into shape:
• Control portions. Look at everything you are feeding your pet -- pet food, treats and human food -- and reduce the amount. Use proper measuring tools. Also, food packages will recommend portions by weight ranges. Use the weight range of the overweight pet's ideal weight, not its current weight. And use the lowest suggested amount for that range. For example, if the manufacturer recommends two to three cups for dogs over 30 pounds, give the dog two cups.
• Control quality. Don't feed your pet human junk food like pizza or sweets such as baked goods, ice cream or cookies. Home-prepared meals using fresh ingredients are acceptable, Davis says. Wholesome items such as brown rice, fresh lean meats and carrots are recommended. Be sure to avoid the human foods that can be toxic to cats and dogs: grapes/raisins, mushrooms, chocolate and coffee. Tomatoes and garlic can also be toxic for cats.
• Increase exercise. Get into the habit of walking your dog every day. Getting outdoors is good for a pet's emotional health, too, giving it a chance to make social contact and find out what is going on in the neighborhood. Most dogs love to play fetch and some love to swim. Cats can stay active indoors by actively playing with their toys and “hunting” for food.
Osteoarthritis
Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart and Respiratory Disease
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
Kidney Disease
Many Forms of Cancer
Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)
How do I know if my pet needs to lose weight?
Here are a couple of tests you can do at home. You can also visit APOP's website, or speak to your veterinarian to determine your pet’s ideal weight.
- Run your hands across the chest of the dog or cat. You should always be able to feel their ribs but not see them. There should never be a layer of fat over the ribs.
- Look at the standing dog or cat from a bird's eye view. They should have what looks like a waist that tucks in right in front of the hips
Susan Davis, our Ask Ariel nutritionist, gives these tips to get pets back into shape:
• Control portions. Look at everything you are feeding your pet -- pet food, treats and human food -- and reduce the amount. Use proper measuring tools. Also, food packages will recommend portions by weight ranges. Use the weight range of the overweight pet's ideal weight, not its current weight. And use the lowest suggested amount for that range. For example, if the manufacturer recommends two to three cups for dogs over 30 pounds, give the dog two cups.
• Control quality. Don't feed your pet human junk food like pizza or sweets such as baked goods, ice cream or cookies. Home-prepared meals using fresh ingredients are acceptable, Davis says. Wholesome items such as brown rice, fresh lean meats and carrots are recommended. Be sure to avoid the human foods that can be toxic to cats and dogs: grapes/raisins, mushrooms, chocolate and coffee. Tomatoes and garlic can also be toxic for cats.
• Increase exercise. Get into the habit of walking your dog every day. Getting outdoors is good for a pet's emotional health, too, giving it a chance to make social contact and find out what is going on in the neighborhood. Most dogs love to play fetch and some love to swim. Cats can stay active indoors by actively playing with their toys and “hunting” for food.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Tally |
"Tally has passed on after a huge decline
in health during his last week of life. Tally was diagnosed with cancer
at the age of 11. While several people thought I should put him
down, I would never do that without a fight.....this is when I discovered
Ask Ariel. Susan Blake Davis recommended a diet and supplements that
dramatically improved Tally's quality of life that allowed him to beat the odds
and live an additional 5-1/2 years to the age of almost 16. Susan
Blake Davis is gifted and amazing! Up until 2 weeks before Tally
passed on, he was doing fast runs around the house. I will be forever
thankful for Ask Ariel."
Michelle,
Pennsylvania 2016
Tally’s supplements included:
- InflammatoryBowel Disease Kit
- Gastro ULC
- K-9 DigestiveEnzymes
- Amazing Omegas
- Oxicell SE
- Pancreatitis and Liver Support Kit
Saturday, September 17, 2016
"I wanted to share with you that last year Miss Ladybug was diagnosed with a possible Gallbladder Mucocele and
the vet put her on Ursodiol but it made her very sick, so instead she has been
taking the Liver & Gallbladder Supplement, Power Probiotics, and Lypozyme everyday faithfully. We just had another ultrasound check and this time they
said everything looks good, that they wouldn’t even say that it's a Mucocele
anymore - it just looks like a gallbladder and hasn't gotten bigger. Her blood
work was also wonderful - kidneys and liver (everything actually) were in
range. Not bad for a 13 year old puppy mill rescue :) They did find a little
irritation in the intestines that they feel could be IBD so I knew right away
that I would be getting your Soothing Digestive Relief formula this time too.
Thank you so much for your amazing products because I truly believe they have
extended my baby's life!"
Marissa M. Colorado 2016
Symptoms of A Gallbladder Mucocele
Symptoms of A Gallbladder Mucocele
Watch for signs such as:
- decreased appetite
- anorexia
- lethargy
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- a yellowish tinge to the skin or gums
- abdominal pain
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Daisy and Precious |
"My dog Holly who was
featured in a past article, passed on from a collapsed trachea. I
heard about your supplement (for collapsed trachea) about two weeks after she
died to my dismay. She had a full blood work done when she started
coughing and it came back wonderful due to the supplements she was on (for liver disease).
They were amazed! Well my other dog Daisy... has always gagged after
drinking and recently started coughing occasionally when she lies down. It
shook me up because that is how Holly started a year ago. I immediately
purchased your ultra-flex collagen. She has been taking it for a few
weeks now and I noticed she doesn't gag anymore. Listen she has been
gagging each time she drank for 2 1/2 years and now she isn't. It is very hard
for me not to think I could have saved Holly if I had only known, but I am
happy I've found ultra-flex collagen for Daisy.
I want to thank you
again for another great product!"
Lori Baier-Pennsylvania 2016
Collapsed trachea is a progressive condition that affects any breed, but often small dog breeds such as yorkies, maltese, pomeranian, chihuahas, pugs and shih tzus. The disease can cause coughing, gagging and respiratory problems. Our clients have found using Amazing Omegas and Ultra-Flex Collagen For Pets to strengthen trachea cartilage and can reduce overall coughing/gagging.
Holly |
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Taking one last trip for the summer? It's so hard to leave our pets behind when we travel. Here are a few tips to relieve stress on your pet:
- Consider a pet sitter instead of taking your pet to a boarding facility. Ask your vet, neighbors and friends about who they use when they travel. Keeping your pet in a comfortable environment is key. For ex: Rover.com offers pet sitters in many locations that you can research and meet beforehand.
- If you do have to take your pet to a facility, ask about doggie day care. Even if your pet has never been to doggie day care, many pets enjoy the companionship and activity that doggie day care can provide. Avoid if possible, leaving your pet in a cage with minimal contact. See about extended walks if your dog isn't social.
- Bring your pet's regular food to the boarding facility (divided into normal meals). Pets have sensitive stomachs so keeping their diet consistent and providing supportive supplements such as: Power Probiotic for Pets, Soothing Digestive Relief for Pets, or K-9 Digestive Enzymes can help minimize the occurrence of problems during their stay.
- Make sure to leave any necessary items that will help keep your pet be calm and happy while you are gone. (Perhaps a special toy or blanket)
- If you give your pets supplements, put them in separate meal baggies to make it easy for the caregiver to administer. For ex: breakfast packets, dinner packets etc
- Make sure to leave all emergency numbers including: your contact phone number, a local emergency contact, and your veterinarian.
- Make some special treats for your pet using food they already consume (don't try new foods while you are away!). For ex: stuff a kong ball with canned food and freeze or bake treats from regular canned food.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Crate training is controversial and there are pros and cons
on the subject. If you have ever had an ongoing home improvement project or
traveled with your dog (planes require crates) you may understand there are
benefits to having a crate trained dog, but unfortunately crates are also used
inappropriately by some owners. The purpose of the crate should be for the safety of the pet; this includes preventing them from
engaging in destructive and dangerous behaviors and providing a familiar place
when traveling that may lessen anxiety. Dogs, especially puppies, can be inquisitive,
active chewers, and escape artists; a crate can eliminate the risk of accidental
ingestion of something dangerous or an unsupervised dog on the loose. An
added bonus, is it can help tremendously
in housebreaking puppies (dogs instinctively avoid soiling where they sleep). Some dogs may end up LOVING their crate and go there whenever they want to feel safe. The
biggest con to crate training though stems from owners acting irresponsibly. They may
be keeping the dog crated for excessively long periods of time, using a crate
that is too small (limiting movement and comfort), or using an unsafe crate.
For crate training to be successful, it must be a safe and comfortable space
for your pet, not a place of punishment!
Tips to successful crate training
- Pick a proper crate for your dog (consider size in the future)
- Train your dog to go into the crate by using positive reinforcement
- Start for short periods of time
- Have crate in an area with the family (dogs are pack animals and the family is their pack)
- Do not keep a dog in a crate for more than 3 or 4 hours unless absolutely necessary
- If your dog gets anxious in the crate and becomes excessively destructive, find an alternative
Monday, July 4, 2016
On
July 4th, it is very tempting to want to treat your pet to some of the
holiday goodies. Please be careful! Foods such as hot dogs, baked
beans, rolls and pie can be harmful to pets. It is quite common for
emergency animal clinics to be filled with dogs and cats suffering from
a severe bout of pancreatitis during the holidays. If your pet is prone to pancreatitis, give them extra Lypozyme for improved fat digestion and use lower fat treats such as fish and vegetables.
* Chocolate
* Grapes or raisins
* Onions (cooked or raw)
* Sweets (cookies, pie, etc.)
* Rolls/bread (many pets are allergic to gluten)
* High fat foods such as butter and ice cream
* Cooked bones (they can cause choking and tearing in the GI tract)
Feeding pets raisins and chocolate is strongly discouraged and considered harmful due to the toxic substances present in these foods for animals, particularly dogs.
Raisins and grapes can lead to severe kidney damage in dogs, even in relatively small amounts. The exact compound responsible for the toxicity is not yet identified, and the reaction can vary among individual dogs. Ingesting raisins or grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and, in severe cases, it may lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal.
Friday, May 27, 2016
On this Memorial Day weekend, we send our sincere gratitude to all those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. Their unselfish acts have allowed us to continue to enjoy the freedoms that our country was founded upon. However, it is not only the heroic men and women of our military that has sacrificed, but also their canine counterparts who performed their duties with loyalty and honor.
Here are a few facts about these American canine heroes you might find of interest:
Here are a few facts about these American canine heroes you might find of interest:
- The United States military has approximately 2500 dogs in active service today with about 700 being deployed overseas.
- They undergo extensive training in tracking, attack maneuvers and bomb, weapons and drug detection. Only approximately half the dogs make it through training and the trained K-9s are extremely valuable (likely worth over $100,000). However, their real value is in the lives they save. With 98% accuracy in their detection skills, the peace of mind they provide to the troops is priceless.
- Dogs in service aren’t all German Shepherds. Highly trainable Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois are often used.
- The dogs mourn the loss of their handler and their handlers mourn the loss of them. They have a special bond; many dogs will act depressed and will often reject a new handler during this mourning period. For those military pups lost in combat, the squad will turn their feeding dishes upside down, hang up their leashes, and leave the kennel door open to symbolize their loss. The poem Guardians of the Night will also be read to honor them for their sacrifice.
Military Working Dog Teams National Monument |
Saturday, May 21, 2016
“I was not only captivated by the
ingenuity, bravery and gumption of the rescuers, but also completely sucked
into the world of the animals themselves. I feel compelled to share that with
everyone…”
JD Disalvatore
JD Disalvatore, an American LGBT award
winning film and television producer/director and gay rights activist,
was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer. As anyone knows who has been touched
by cancer, it can be overwhelming, but during this difficult time (and
only thinking of herself) she has made it her mission to save the dogs of Los
Angeles and turn it into a “no kill” city.
Her passionate journey began when she began
volunteering for the East Valley Animal Shelter and saw firsthand the reality
of dogs and cats being euthanized. However, the experience also introduced her to
the passionate people, rescues, and organizations that are fighting to save
these precious beings from euthanasia. Those experiences led her to make the
documentary called “How to Save a Dog”, and it will showcase the incredible effort it takes
to rescue a dog. She will also include a series of 20 to 30 educational videos
for social media to help educate the general public and different subjects (i.e.
How to Foster a Pet, etc). For more information on her project visit the
official website here.
Ms. Disalvatore is an inspiration to us all!
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Scooter, a 30 –year old Siamese cat from Mansfield, Texas,
has just set the new Guinness record for being the oldest cat alive. He was born on March 26, 1986 and has lived a
happy active life (including visiting 45 of the 50 states) with owner Gail Floyd.
To obtain the record, evidence had to be submitted to prove the cat’s longevity
(videos, witness statements, etc). He still has a way to go to obtain the
record of the oldest cat to have EVER lived. That record is held by Creme Puff who lived to be 38 years and 3
days old.
Scooter is in good health, other than recovering from a
broken leg suffered over a year ago, and his veterinarian says “Scooter is
quite an amazing cat, with a strong will to live’. The best way to help your pet have a long and active life is
to provide them with a healthy diet and supportive holistic supplements such
as: Amazing Omegas for Pets, Power Probiotic for Pets, Renelix and Oxicell.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
The sun is shining, the days are
longer and spring is in the air. However, for many, it is also the beginning of
the battle of the seemingly never ending shedding season. Here are 5 tips to
help you survive the season:
2) Give your pet a bath more frequently- It will help get rid of the dead hair and lessen the amount found throughout the house.
3) Regular Brushing- More frequent brushing will help your pet's fur stay manageable. It can also be a nice bonding time for you and your pet. Using a Furminator or other special deshedding tool is helpful.
4) Cover the Furniture- it may be helpful to cover your furniture with machine washable covers or sheets. Remove them, throw them in the wash and you can be ready for a guest in a minute!
5) Clean out the vents and vacuum more often--shedding season is a lot of work so it's important to try to tackle it before the fur collects everywhere (under refrigerator, behind furniture, on drapes, etc.)
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