Pet Symptoms That Require An Emergency Vet Visit

Just when you are walking out the door or leaving for vacation, you notice something is "off" with your pet. But, when is it an emergency? If your pet has any of these symptoms, please call your vet right away.

· Any eye trauma
· Blood in urine or stool
· Vomiting or diarrhea--more than 1 instance
· Pet is lethargic, listless
· Insect or snake bites (a small bite can cause a severe reaction)
· Sudden limping
· Swollen stomach
· Punctures and abrasions (fur can hide a much deeper wound)

Need help with your pet? Please email us at support@askariel.com  
Please know we cannot provide veterinary advice but we will be happy to provide you with articles and information regarding your pet's health concern.

In Memory of a Dear Friend

Just devastated to learn of the passing this week of a very dear friend Stanlee Phelps. Stanlee was an inspiration to all who knew her. Stanlee had a profound impact on my life and I loved her so much. Small in stature, but large in life, Stanlee lived every day to the fullest. Through her valiant battle with both breast and ovarian cancer, Stanlee was forever the optimist, uncovering new ways every day to keep on going, keep on fighting the fight. Stanlee helped me personally and professionally. She was a great source of encouragement when I wanted to pursue my dream of working with animals. She will live forever in my heart and I will miss her terribly. Rest in peace my dear friend. It was a blessing to call such a beautiful person my friend.     

Don't Forget to Love the Abandoned Animals That Need Our Help

On Valentine's Day and every day, please remember the abandoned cats and dogs that need our help. They need our love and attention right now.  Many thanks to all of the wonderful rescuers who tirelessly go to the kill shelters to pull these animals out and all of the kind pet owners who adopt them. If you can't adopt, please consider fostering, volunteering or making a donation. #rescuedog #animalshelter #rescuecat #fosterdog #fostercat

Support Dogs Help Children With Autism

  Dr. Lynette Gebler

This article was contributed by Dr. Lynette Gebler from Focus Formulations.com

Our history with dogs is a long one, spanning from once being an indispensible part of a work team to now becoming part of our families.   Whatever role a dog may play in your family, more and more dogs are becoming trained as “support animals”.  Support animals provide therapeutic benefit to an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability and can also provide emotional support. 

Research has demonstrated that petting a cat or dog helps your body release a relaxation hormone and cuts down on levels of a stress hormone, which can lower your blood pressure.   This ability to help humans relax has made dogs a perfect companion for children and adults with autism.  This is especially true when they  find themselves in certain situations too overwhelming to handle. Children with autism may benefit from interacting with dogs, which can provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love and companionship.

Parents should consider their children’s sensitivities carefully when choosing a pet to ensure a good match. For example, a child who is easily agitated or is sensitive to noise may have difficulty with an extremely active dog or one that tends to bark. Bringing a dog into a home is a lifetime commitment and care should be taken that the dog is a good fit for your family. Ultimately, a well thought out decision to bring a support animal into your home is one that will bring years of joy and fulfillment to the family.

To learn more about autism, please visit FocusFormulations.com  We provide the latest on autism treatment and advances and we would love to have you share your story with us.

Weight-Loss Tips For Pets

Pet obesity is a growing epidemic.  If your cat or dog is overweight, it can be discouraging but there is hope.  In addition to measuring out portions carefully, keeping treats to a minimum and ensuring your pet is getting daily exercise, here are a few more weight-loss tips to help your pet lose weight.

1- Avoid dry food as it is high in carbohydrates.  Feed your overweight pet more protein to control insulin spikes.  When we eat carbohydrates, our insulin spikes rapidly after and we feel hungry again.  A high protein diet with plenty of fiber in the form of vegetables mixed in can help your pet feel full and feel better!

2- Avoid High Fat Treats--For ex: A tablespoon of peanut butter or coconut oil can be nearly as many calories as a 1/4 of a13 oz can or 1/4 cup of pet food---it is highly caloric. If you use peanut butter to administer pills, try putting them in a small amount of canned food or pumpkin instead.

3- Feed 2 -3 Smaller Meals-Small meals regulate your pet's blood sugar and improve digestion. Best not to FREE feed even in multi-cat households as usually some pets end up overeating while others undereat. Use a small amount of pumpkin or add some green vegetables to help your pet feel more satiated.

4- Use vegetables, especially green vegetables to help your pet feel more satisfied--Fiber naturally slows down the digestion of sugars so adding plenty of fiber in the form of green vegetables will help regulate your pet's blood sugar and help them feel full. You can also use a small amount of pumpkin as well. Good vegetable choices for dogs: green beans, squash and a small amount of carrots. Many cats like pureed asparagus if it is mixed into their food.

 #askariel #healthykitty #ilovemycat #holistichealth #holisticpetsupply #cats #catstagram #catsofinstagram #pets #huskies #lovemydog #holistic #dogstagram #dogs #cats #healthypet #2017goals

Is Your Cat or Dog Due For a Checkup At the Vet?

We humans get physicals annually, when was the last time your pet got a checkup? While estimates are approximate, one year of your life is equivalent to about 7 years of your pet's. Sadly pets age too quickly! Think about the last time your pet had a physical exam and lab tests. If it was two years ago, that would be as if you didn't see a doctor for 14 years! Going to the vet isn't just for when your pet is sick. Pets mask their health issues and a vet visit is the best way to take good care of them and catch things early, while still treatable! #askariel #healthykitty #ilovemycat #holistichealth #holisticpetsupply #cats #pets  #lovemydog

Join us now on Instagram! Be sure to follow @Ask.Ariel for cute pet pictures, videos and pet health tips. www.instagram.com/ask.ariel

Need help with your pet?  Email the experts at AskAriel.com at support@askariel.com

Love Pets? Join The Fun With Our Valentine Toy Sweepstakes

Valentine Toy Sweepstakes

Valentine's Day is the best day to show how much your love your pet!  Beginning February 1st through Valentine's Day, Ask Ariel will give away one free cat or dog toy each day to a lucky winner!  Ask Ariel will randomly choose  the winner each day.  Here is all you need to do to enter in our Valentine Toy Sweepstakes:

1) Follow us on either Facebook or Instagram

If you haven't been following us, there is no better time as we will be posting daily tips to keep your pet happy and healthy!

2) Post a photo of your special Valentine pet(s) on either our Facebook page or tag us on Facebook or Instagram

3) Email us at support@askariel.com so we can contact you if you win!

Eligibility:  Winners must be adults over 21 years of age and US residents only.  

Each day we will randomly choose a winner and post a photo of their special Valentine pet(s)!  So start following us now and enter to win.  Can't wait to begin the fun and share our mutual love for animals all around!