The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards nominees will be introduced on March 29th when voting opens. Visit them at herodogawards.org to vote for your favorite hero. We would like to share the story of last year's winner Hooch.
The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards nominees will be introduced on March 29th when voting opens. Visit them at herodogawards.org to vote for your favorite hero. We would like to share the story of last year's winner Hooch.
Many pet food companies use rice as a “healthy” inexpensive carbohydrate that has less incident of being an allergen then other grains such as corn. It is a filler that can bring up the protein percentage on the label INSTEAD of using the more costly real meat, fish or poultry. “Premium” brands may market the fact they use brown rice or even organic brown rice as a benefit, but the fact is, the rice is still a replacement for the real nutrition a pet needs. Feeding brown rice and starchy carbohydrates can affect the pet's overall nutritional balance contributing to obesity, yeast overgrowth, diabetes and a weakened immune system. Most pet nutritionists agree that dogs (and cats) were originally meat-eaters and although they have become more “domesticated”, this still holds true. Cats are carnivores and do not need carbohydrates while dogs thrive when their diet consists of minimal carbohydrates.
Effects of Rice on Your Pet's Health
If your pet is showing signs of itching, licking, chewing, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, hypothyroidism (dogs), hyperthyroidism (cats), upper respiratiory infections and so on (the list goes on and on), grains such as rice, no matter how wonderful they sound for you to eat, should not be a part of your pet's. The ONLY time rice may be helpful (and even then our preference would be to feed sweet potatoes instead) is when the pet requires a low protein diet due to kidney failure or liver disease. Yes, there are plenty of exceptions where some pets seem to do just fine on diets with plenty of grains, but as a general rule, grains such as rice contribute to inflammation and an increased carbohydrate load.
Avoid Rice AND Grains In Your Pet's Food and Treats
Have A Question About Your Pet's Well Being? Read our articles about pet nutrition or email us at support@askariel.com Please be sure to include your pet's diet on the order form at checkout and our nutritionist will include a diet suggestion for your pet on the order packing slip that comes with your product directions.
Rescue dog Wrangler (a special needs dog) wanted to make sure you smile today! Wishing you and your pets a Happy St. Patrick's Day with a pot o' gold of good health! Wrangler is featured her with the AskAriel.com supplements he takes. Wrangler has a feeding tube and many health issues, but is loved and cherished by all!
Puck with his girl Kinzie |
Spring is almost here and we have all enjoyed some unseasonably warm, beautiful weather. But the cold weather and potential for a few last storms is still projected. Keeping your pet safe and warm will help avoid accidents. Here are a few safety tips:
• Carefully assess ice conditions for thin ice when walking your dog near waterways. Even at offleash parks there are often ponds with opportunities for a dog to fall in. Thin ice can be hard to detect so if you do let your dog run offleash, especially in wilderness areas, be vigilant to monitor your pet at all times. Sadly, every year dogs die because of falling through thin ice and often there just isn't the time or resources readily available to save them.
• If the weather starts to warm up and you are enjoying a little fresh air with the windows open, be sure to put screens on if you have cats. Your cat may see the open window as a wonderful new opportunity and could fall or jump out.
• If there is another snowstorm, watch out for ice melts which can be toxic to dogs. Dogs can lick their paws after a wintry walk and expose themselves to chemicals. Be sure to clean your dog's paws with a moist towel after a walk.
• Bathe your pet as little as possible if there is another cold spell. Overbathing can dry up the essential oils on your pet's coat.
• Keep your dog on a leash if there is heavy snowfall.
Meet Zinky! Zinky is a blind 10 year old kitty who was rescued from a shelter when she was kitten. She developed an infection at 6 months which caused her to go blind. Her Mom Carole takes amazing care of her and says that Zinky is so sweet and follows her everywhere. Zinky was having some health issues but her Mom just reported the following:
In dogs, hypothyroidism can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, dull coat, symmetrical hair loss or thinning hair (especially on the tail) and neurological abnormalities. Seizures are one of the potential neurological issues that can manifestation when a dog has hypothyroidism.
The exact mechanism by which hypothyroidism can lead to seizures is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the disruption of normal neurological function which is caused by an imbalance of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones have important roles in maintaining the health and function of the nervous system and when there is a disruption seizures can occur. This can happen sometimes when an older pet suddenly starts having seizures.
If your dog is having seizures ask your veterinarian about a thorough evaluation, including blood tests that can assess thyroid function and help diagnose hypothyroidism. Confirming your dog's values are mid-range not at the low end of "normal" can help you determine the appropriate treatment which can aid in managing both the underlying thyroid disorder and the seizures.
What Else Can Cause Seizures In Dogs?
Seizures in dogs can be traumatic for the pet owner and the dog but there is hope. Maintaining proper digestive health and controlling food allergies can also help control seizures. Seizures can be triggered by allergies, stress and gastrointestinal issues which is why it is so important to keep dogs with hypothyroidism on a regular schedule, feeding them 3 daily meals with plenty of exercise. To learn more about how to help your dog with seizures, please read our comprehensive article about holistic care for dogs with seizures.