Canine Hypothyroidism And Seizures in Dogs

Did You Know? Seizures in dogs are often associated with low or borderline low thyroid function which is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and various bodily functions.  Thyroid values can vary considerably and vets interpret results differently.  Just as in people, symptoms of hypothyroidism should weigh in heavily in the overall assessment of the pet. 

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. 

What Are Soybean Hulls and Why Are They in Your Dog's Food?

Ingredient of the Week #1:  Soybean Hulls

Each week, we will be featuring a pet food ingredient to help pet owners be more aware of what is in their pet's food.  Sometimes the ingredient may be a healthy ingredient and sometimes it may not.  Our goal is not to pick on brands or pet food manufacturers but rather to encourage you to READ the LABEL!  If you can't pronounce an ingredient in your pet's food, then maybe it shouldn't be there.

What Are Soybean Hulls?

Seriously, do you really want this in your pet's food? Soybean hulls are an inexpensive filler used to add bulk to animal feeds.  It is seen in reduced calorie pet foods as a source of fiber so the pet feels satiated.  Why not add nutrient rich sources of fiber to your pet's food such as green beans or pumpkin? Soybean hulls are the skins of soybeans and a waste product remaining after processing soybeans into oil and meal.  Soybean hulls offer little nutritional value, if any, and can be problematic for a variety of reasons.

First, do you really want soybeans in your pet's food to begin with, let alone the WASTE PRODUCT of soybeans.  Most soybeans are genetically modified (contain GMOs) but pet food manufacturers like to add soybean oil, meal and hulls because they are an inexpensive form of oil, protein and bulk.  High levels of the chemical pesticide RoundUp are found in GMO soy--a potential carcinogen for your cat or dog.  The soybean itself contains toxins that can be hard to digest for some pets and cause gastic distress.  Soy also interferes with thyroid function AND is linked to seizures in cats and dogs.  The list goes on and on.  We do not recommend feeding your pets treats or pet foods containing soy and especially not soybean hulls.  Some common brands containing soybean hulls:  Hills prescription diets (some varieties), Hills Science Diet Light, Purina Dog Chow Light.

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Natural Remedy For Pet UTI Prevention Contains Cranberry And D-Mannose

Is your dog or cat getting repeated bladder infections? Pet UTI Prevention Formula   can help. Pet UTI Prevention Formula is a natural remedy for dogs and cats to stop pets from getting repeat urinary tract infections. Sold in veterinary hospitals since 2005, Pet UTI Prevention Formula contains ingredients such as cranberry and d-mannose scientifically proven to:

• Acidify the urine
• Prevent Adhesion of Bacteria to the Bladder Wall
• Promote a normal urinary pH

You can help your pet and stop the cycle of chronic UTIs using diet changes and the Pet UTI Prevention Formula along with Power Probiotic.  Chronic UTIs can be discouraging but when you look at the quality ingredients and see the many testimonials, there is hope!  If you need any help, please don't hesitate to email us at support@askariel.com

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

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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!

Many Cats and Dogs Are Allergic to Poultry (chicken, turkey, etc)

DID YOU KNOW.... poultry is a big allergen for both dogs and cats. Pets can have digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea or skin problems, itching and scratching

You may want to take a closer look at what you are feeding your pet. Poultry is one of the most common ingredients in pet food. However, poultry allergies in dogs and cats is a big problem. Even if your pet is not allergic to poultry per se, your cat or dog could be intolerant of it. Poultry is a common food allergy for allergic pets in the same way that dairy can be for many allergic people. It can cause a great deal of inflammation, which in turn weakens the immune system.

What's a pet owner to do? Most pets love chicken & turkey .......Sure, you want to spoil your pet, but try taking a ride on the wild side and look into some exotic flavors such as rabbit or venison. There are lots of tasty freeze dried, raw and canned options. 

 Please limit or avoid dry food as it is much harder to digest and can contribute to yeast overgrowth and digestive problems. Dry food is not an ideal option for cats since they are not great water drinkers and can benefit from a high moisture diet to prevent urinary tract problems.  

Join us now on Instagram! Be sure to follow @Ask.Ariel for cute pet pictures, videos and pet health tips.
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Are You Feeding Your Cat The Ingredients They Need?

Cat owners often select their pet's  food  based on the packaging, company advertising or recommendations from another cat lover, rather than the actual ingredients on the label.  Cats are carnivores and need meat to survive.  The ideal diet to fulfill a cat’s dietary needs are raw frozen diets as they are the most natural to what a cat might eat in the wild.  What are raw frozen diets?  Click here to learn more in this article: Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Dog or Cat a Raw Food Diet Cats need enzymes, meat and other  essential nutrients that cannot be converted within their bodies and they must consume  from animal tissues.  These nutrients include Vitamin A, Niacin, Arginine, Taurine, Felinine, protein and arachidonic acid. 

Unfortunately most cat foods are a long way away from containing the type of ingredients that can help a cat flourish.  This is due to a variety of reasons but primarily cost.  By mixing in wheat gluten for example, the perceived protein level of the cat food is elevated.  By adding in carbohydrates such as grains, peas, flours, etc, the product is less costly.  By adding in food dyes and manipulating the shapes of the treats, they are appealing to you as the owner, rather than what is actually healthy food for your cat.  

However,  another key reason why cat food ingredients don't resemble what a cat really needs is because cats can be very finicky.   Being finicky has helped cats survive by avoiding poisonous or tainted food as they have a capability to taste bitter flavors easily.  However, many pet food manufacturers have tricked cats using less then nutritious ingredients by adding artificial flavors, salt and even sugar to their food and treats, resulting in a cat craving foods that aren't nutritious for them.

How can you as the pet owner help your kitty eat the right foods?  Don't fall for the tricks!  Read the label!  Primary ingredients in cat food should be meat, fish or poultry.  Additional ingredients should be names you can pronounce and are familiar to you.  Keep the ingredients simple and avoid grains, fillers, chemicals and food dyes. If you find that your cat's food isn't meeting the standards you would like, it may be a challenge to convert your cat to a healthier diet.  Your kitty may resist at first, but stick with it.  Start with just the smallest amount of the new food mixed into the old food and slowly, slowly you can convince your cat that it is good.  Try not to get discouraged.  There will definitely be a nutritious food you can find to keep your cat healthy without compromising on taste!

For more healthy pet tips, follow us on www.instagram.com/ask.ariel

Tips To Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Dennis Before

Dennis Now

Pet nutrition is very important to us at Askariel.com, That is why this story caught our attention.   Brooke Burton, rescued her miniature dachshund Dennis at a weight of 56 pounds!   He now weighs a trim 12 pounds.  The message that diet and exercise can work to improve your pet’s health is undeniable.  See the Today article to learn about Dennis’ journey. Burton has also joined forces with Ohio State University to form Dennis’ Legacy, which is a nonprofit venture whose mission is to “support nutritional education and care of obese animals”

Pet obesity can lead to many health concerns including: joint pain, digestive system issues, and undue stress to their heart and lungs. Unfortunately the majority of pets are overweight.  Some factors contribute to their pet's obesity---feeding too many carbohydrates in food, not getting enough exercise, free feeding and "overtreating" our pets.  When a pet has too many carbohydrates in the diet, just like with people, they feel overly hungry.  Their insulin spikes from the carbs.  To help your pet feel less hungry, you can add more fiber (e.g. vegetables such as green beans and pumpkin) and be sure you are feeding a high protein diet.  Dry kibble is very high in carbohydrates so choosing a canned or raw frozen diet and mixing with plenty of vegetables will help.  If possible, try to feed your pet a mid-day meal as it is easy to feel famished by the end of the day.  Avoid free feeding.  Feed pets regular meals to prevent overfeeding.  Finally, we all love to spoil our pets, but the best way to keep your pet fit and trim is to use the treats after exercising and keep a designated amount per day in a little bag so that you know when you reach the limit.  Food isn't the only way to spoil your pet.  A big hug, a nice walk and a little extra attention seem to work quite well too!

Visit www.AskAriel.comhttp://www.askariel.com/dog-health-questions-s/1924.htm for more information about the best diets to feed your pet!

Know Of A Neglected Pet? Here is How You Can Help!

Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful, kind words about Whitey. Whitey taught our community a very important message: LOVE THY NEIGHBOR! We all have a neighbor or friend with a nonstop barking dog, a neglected pet or just one that we don't think is being taken care of the way it should be. Unless the pet is severely abused, Animal Control is not going to be able to do anything! Of course if the animal is severely neglected, you can try calling them first, but most of the time, that just isn't going to help.  That means the ONLY way to help the pet is to reach out to the owner. It's easy to condemn the owner or look the other way. Some may try to steal the pet or rally other neighbors to hate the neighbor. That rarely ends up helping the pet....If you really want to help the pet, it is up to you and your community to reach out to the owner to try to help. How? Love thy neighbor---even if that person is abhorrent to you. Find a way to connect with the owner in a positive way. Clearly, they don't understand or haven't been "awakened" to the wonderful relationship that can come from loving a pet. You might want to consider (either by yourself or in conjunction with another neighbor) leaving the owner a friendly note offering to walk the pet, help with the care of the pet or ask if you can visit the pet. If it is a scary person, then of course, use common sense for your personal safety. But, a lot of times, the pet owner is just uninformed about animals or the pet just isn't a priority. Kindness and compassion for the owner, no matter how hard, might help the pet and can go a long way.

Want to know how natural holistic care can help your pet?  Just Ask Ariel.  Email us at support@askariel.com   We will be glad to help.