Secondhand Smoke Can Contribute To Bladder Tumors In Pets

We all know how dangerous secondhand smoke can be to people. But did you know that 

secondhand smoke poses a significant threat to the health of pets?  Exposure to secondhand smoke can have detrimental effects on pets, including an increased risk of developing certain health issues such as bladder tumors.  Several studies have shown that pets living in households with smokers have higher levels of nicotine and other harmful chemicals in their bodies compared to pets in smoke-free environments. These chemicals can accumulate in pets' tissues and organs, potentially leading to cellular damage and an increased risk of cancer development over time.

Bladder tumors, including transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), are among the types of cancer that have been associated with secondhand smoke exposure in pets. The carcinogens present in tobacco smoke can be absorbed by pets through inhalation or ingestion, leading to inflammation and damage to the bladder tissue. Chronic irritation and inflammation of the bladder may contribute to the development of bladder tumors in susceptible animals.

Furthermore, secondhand smoke exposure has been linked to other urinary tract issues in pets, such as urinary tract infections and lower urinary tract disease. These conditions can also potentially increase the risk of bladder tumors in the long term.

Here's how secondhand smoke exposure can potentially contribute to bladder tumors in pets:

Inhalation of Carcinogens: Pets living in households where smoking occurs are exposed to the same harmful chemicals and carcinogens present in tobacco smoke. These carcinogens can be inhaled by pets and may contribute to the development of various cancers, including bladder tumors.

Toxicity: Secondhand smoke contains numerous toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene, arsenic, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), among others. These toxins can accumulate in pets' bodies over time, potentially leading to cellular damage and an increased risk of cancer development.

Impact on Immune Function: Exposure to secondhand smoke can also weaken pets' immune systems, making them more susceptible to various diseases, including cancer. A compromised immune system may have difficulty effectively detecting and eliminating cancerous cells, allowing tumors to develop and grow more easily.

Chronic Inflammation: Tobacco smoke is known to cause inflammation in the body, and chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of cancer development. Continuous exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger inflammatory responses in pets' bodies, which may contribute to the formation of tumors over time.

Urinary System Irritation: Tobacco smoke contains irritants that can affect the urinary system, potentially leading to inflammation and damage to the bladder tissue. Chronic irritation and inflammation of the bladder may increase the likelihood of bladder tumors developing in pets.

How To Reduce Your Pet's Exposure To Secondhand Smoke

To reduce the risk of bladder tumors and other health issues in pets, here are some ways to reduce your pet's exposure. 

Quit Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting to protect not only your health but also the health of your pets.

Designate Smoking Areas: If quitting smoking is not feasible, designate outdoor smoking areas away from where pets spend time indoors. This can help minimize their exposure to secondhand smoke.

Ventilation: Improve ventilation within the home to help reduce the concentration of tobacco smoke particles indoors. Use air purifiers and open windows when possible to help remove smoke and improve indoor air quality.

Educate Others: Encourage family members, visitors, and guests to refrain from smoking around pets and in areas where they spend time.

By taking these steps to minimize pets' exposure to secondhand smoke, pet owners can help protect their cats and dogs from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, including the potential risk of developing bladder tumors and other serious health conditions.

Do Grain-Free Diets For Pets Work?

Many pet owners learn about grain-free diets for their cats and dogs after their pets experience health issues such as ear infections, IBS, allergies and more. Some pet owners just want to feed their pets a healthier diet. What are grains? Common grains in pet food include rice, quinoa, oats and wheat. Why avoid them? They are high in carbohydrates and cause inflammation. But grain-free is only the first step..... Many grain-free pet foods replace the grains with starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, chickpeas, lentils and pea flour. Pet owners may wonder why their pet is eating a grain-free diet yet still having symptoms such as itching and scratching, excessive licking, digestive problems? The reason is that these starchy carbohydrates still are too high in sugar and may be very hard to digest for some pets. 

Limiting carbohydrates by feeding a raw frozen diet or raw freeze dried (not the same as dehydrated which tend to also be high in carbohydrates) can help. Many canned foods are low in starchy carbohydrates but you need to carefully look at the ingredients to be sure that the diet is primarily animal or fish protein and vegetables. Feeding a diet that contains fresh ingredients with a hypoallergenic protein (e.g. rabbit) can give your pet much needed relief.

If your pet is having digestive issues or problems with scratching and allergies, please email us at support@askariel.com and we will be happy to help.  Please know we cannot provide veterinary advice but we can provide articles and information to help you make an informed decision.  Please include your pet's diet on the order form at checkout and our nutritionist will include a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with your product directions.

Honoring Rescuers During National Volunteer Week

In honor of National Volunteer week, we would just like to thank ALL of the wonderful rescuers across this country and abroad who are dedicated so much of their time, money and effort to save and rescue the lives of countless abandoned, neglected and homeless animals. When I ran Ariel Rescue (100 years ago), there was NO INTERNET. Now we can see the animals available for adoption at the shelters but in those awful times, there were barely lists of animals "to be destroyed".Thanks for all the wonderful rescuers, we are saving so many more lives because of your dedication and grateful for the help of technology too!

Here we are at the Husky Haven of Los Angeles adoption event last weekend. So many terrific volunteers! A few people applied for dogs but careful screening (impulse adoptions NOT a good idea!) some extra steps are needed to ensure proper fencing and here's hoping a few of the nice families will follow up and adopt!

Natural Remedies For Pets With Chronic Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Lilly

Renee contacted us, in July 2013, upset and frustrated because at that time, she said “I have spent hundreds in the last two months. Lilly had a urinary tract infection (UTI) last month and now this month, she also had an infection last year. I need your help…”

Susan Davis, Pet Nutritionist, recommended changing her diet to a grain-free, hypoallergenic diet and using natural holistic supplements which would help reduce the potential for infection and improve her health overall. 

  

Renee used the following home remedies to help her dog Lilly with much success:

Pet UTI Prevention Formula- Acidifies the urine and helps clear bacteria and pathogens from the urinary tract, present in UTI infections, reduces inflammation and help promote healing.

Power Probiotic for Pet- Best Probiotic for dogs and cats!  Replenishes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract that has been killed off by antibiotics.  Pure and natural--no fillers!  A "must" for pets with a history of urinary tract ( or any type) infections. Helps to ward off repeat urinary tract infections.  

NotaSAN Drops – Natural homeopathic formula that controls inflammation and infections. Very helpful if your pet has been on antibiotics as it helps to prevent recurrence of an infection. Use with QuentaSAN for best results. Gentle, easy to administer and safe for long-term use.  

QuentaSAN Drops -Natural homeopathic formula that fights bacterial and viral infections. Use with NotaSAN to stop the cycle of chronic infections.  

Amazing Omegas for Pets-  A researched-backed, concentrated, therapeutic fish oil providing a powerhouse of Omega 3s in just a few drops.  These omega 3s can reduce inflammation and give relief from the uncomfortable symptom of UTIs.

Two years later we received this note from Renee

"Just want to say, "THANK YOU"!  THANK YOU”! Took your advice and had vet take urine with her fasting and her PH was 7 this month…Blood test and urinalysis came out good. (She has been UTI free since on your diet plan and supplements) Lilly was 8 years old last November 17, 2014.  She has battled UTI 's from spring of 2012 until I found you on the internet in July 2013.  I was a little skeptical at first, but I tried it anyway, and glad I did, as it worked.  You have helped Lilly much."  Renee and Lilly 2015

Lilly’s latest update

"My sweet little baby Lilly was eleven last November.  The Vet says she is in great shape. Thank you, Susan, for your diet and supplements for UTI's over several years ago.  The supplements are good quality and they work!” Renee and Lilly 2018

Why Are Raw Frozen Diets Beneficial For Cats and Dogs?

Raw Frozen Diets Contain Food In Its Natural State

When it comes to pet food, raw frozen diets are unmatched due to the wholesome and balanced nutrition they provide for cats and dogs.  These diets contain real meats, ground bones, vegetables and fats in their natural state.  Since the food has not been overprocessed or overheated,  they are highly digestible and pets absorb the nutrients,  leaving a lot less poop for you to pickup!  A raw frozen diet can improve digestion, help with allergies, strengthen immunity, improve your pet's coat quality and reduce inflammation. Raw frozen diets are the gold standard of pet nutrition for many pets but if your pet has any history of allergies or digestive issues, choose a hypoallergenic source of protein such as rabbit and transition slowly.   

If your pet is finicky or very sensitive, you can slowly introduce a raw frozen diet by starting with a companion product from the same brand in freeze dried form.  Examples:  Instinct and Stella and Chewys offer the same ingredients in their raw vs freeze dried diets.  Most pets love the taste of the freeze dried so you can start with small pieces and then include both raw and freeze dried in their bowl. 

In summary, raw frozen diets offer the following benefits to pets:

1) contain fresh real ingredients
2) easily digestible so your pet absorbs more of the nutrients
3) reduced poop
4) low in carbohydrates so reduces yeast and allergy symptoms
5) healthier gums and teeth
6) improved digestive health 

Does Your Dog Have Gas? Tips To Give Your Dog Fast Relief

Does your dog's gas have you gasping for air? While an occasional stink bomb might be funny, if your dog's gas is regularly clearing the room, it's time to re-evaluate your pet's diet and overall digestion.  Excessive gas and/or burping can be a sign of a health issue.

Normal digestion produces gases in the intestinal tract.  However, foul smelling gas is often caused by bacteria when undigested food (that should have been broken down in the stomach or small intestine) reaches the colon.  Pets with poor digestion may suffer from bloating, indigestion, distension and discomfort.   Consuming the wrong food or poor digestion are the most common culprits causing your pet to suffer from gas (flatulence), indigestion and stomach aches. 

Giving your pet probiotics and digestive enzymes with every meal can reduce gas and indigestion.   The most helpful supplements for digestive issues and support are Soothing Digestive Relief, Gastro ULC, Power Probiotic, K9 Digestive (bigger dogs), and Lypozyme (smaller pets both cats and dogs).  Diet changes are also essential.  Eliminating dry food which is high in starchy carbohydrates which can be hard to digest can help.  Avoiding food allergens can also bring a great deal of relief.

If your pet has gas, there is an easy solution:  change the diet and use a few enzyme and probiotics.  Please include your pet's diet on the order form at checkout  along with your  a pet's health issues and Ask Ariel will include a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with the product directions.

Have a question about your pet?  Please feel free to email us at support@askariel.com  Please know we cannot provide any veterinary consultative advice.

What To Look For When Selecting A Diet For Your Pet

So many brands - so many choices! Here are 3 tips to ensure you are giving your pet the best nutrition.

1) Fresh - Be sure to include something fresh in your pet’s diet every day. Examples: vegetables, defrosted raw diets, fresh ground flax seed, fresh baked fish or lean meat  

2) Low Carbohydrates - We all love carbs but they can be detrimental to our pets contributing to weakened immunity, obesity, diabetes and cancer. Cats are carnivores and dogs have minimal need for them yet carbs are abundant in pet foods. Examples of high carbohydrate foods: grains such as rice, biscuits, dry pet food (must be made with starchy carbs to form the kibble), sweet potatoes, pea flour, sweet fruits

3) Easily Digestible - Many foods may sound “healthy” or natural but they might not be right for your pet. Easily digestible means that there is normal poop, no digestive problems such as vomiting or tummy rumbling and that your pet isn’t displaying symptoms of itching, chewing and tearing his fur out. The pet’s diet is often the culprit in many health conditions. If your pet is itchy and miserable, there could be an issue with the diet.

When it comes to your pet's health, the adage "you are what you eat" rings true.  To learn more about diets for different health conditions, please click here.