4 Kind Things To Say And Do For Someone Who Has Lost A Beloved Pet

The hardest part of loving an animal is saying goodbye. It can be difficult for others to understand especially if they don’t have a pet. Still everyone wants to offer comfort to a grieving pet owner so here are four kind things you can say or do for someone who has lost a beloved pet:

1. I’m so sorry for your loss. 
A simple, heartfelt sentiment that acknowledges the pain the pet owner is in at this difficult time.

2. My favorite memory is...
Sharing something sweet, touching, and memorable about the lost pet will bring a smile to the owner.

3. Offer something in memory of the pet. A donation to their favorite rescue, a candle lit in memory on Rainbow Bridge or send a card acknowledging the loss.

4. Give them a hug
Sometimes no words are the best way to show your support. 

Anyone who has lost a pet knows it's like losing a beloved member of the family. The grief that follows is a natural process that you must go through. It will differ for everyone, some may go through it quickly and others may have a tougher time. There are resources for the grieving pet owners, websites, books, forums, and counseling, but often a friend just knowing what to say and more importantly what NOT say can be the the kindest act.

Four Things Not To Say or Do To Someone Who Has Lost A Pet 

1. He is in a better place

 The pet owner may not think that is the case. Chances are that they think the "better place" is here with them. 

2. How old was he? 

Seems like an honest question, but somehow it may feel like the amount of grief is dependent on the age of the pet. Young dog...tragic. Old dog... to be expected. But the grief they feel will not matter the age of the pet. 

3. My pet had cancer too-- 

It is natural to want to empathize through sharing similar experiences, but at this time they will not want to hear your tragic story. They just want a friendly ear.

4. Too bad you didn't try XYZ treatment ... 

Pet owners have to make healthcare decisions based many factors including their beliefs in treatment, availability of medical support and financial ability. The treatment plan may not have been your choice, but now is not the time to address them with the heartbroken owner. There is no benefit to second guessing. 

Why Do Many Dog and Cat Foods Contain Rice?

Why Do Many Dog and Cat Foods Contain Rice?

Many pet food companies use rice as a “healthy” inexpensive carbohydrate that is likely to be an allergen then other grains such as wheat, oats or 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, skin problems, diabetes and even cancer.  Feeding pets a hypoallergenic, low carbohydrate diet can be life-changing, resulting in fewer infections, lean muscle mass and improved immune health.   Cats are carnivores and do not need carbohydrates whatsoever while dogs thrive when their diet consists of minimal carbohydrates.  The only exception is when pets have liver or kidney disease and require a reduced protein diet, in which case, carbohydrates are necessary to replace calories.  Overall though, carbohydrates are in pet food to reduce the overall cost so to keep your pet lean and healthy, keep the starchy carbohydrates to a minimum. 

To learn more about the effects of starchy carbohydrates such as  rice on your pet's health, please click on the link: 

Natural Remedies For Itchy Dogs With Skin Problems

"Finnick uses most of Ask Ariel's allergy and yeast products. We’ve been using Ask Ariel products for 10+ years... We love your products! "  Jenny Morena-California

Finnick has suffered with allergies and skin issues for years. Dogs with skin allergies can exhibit a range of symptoms that often indicate an allergic reaction to certain substances. Common allergens for dogs include certain foods, environmental factors like pollen or mold, or contact with irritating substances. Itching and scratching are one of the hallmark symptoms of dog allergies. Dogs may chew or lick their paws, scratch their ears, or rub their face against furniture to relieve the itching.  

We are so happy that Finnick has found relief using the following Ask Ariel products:

AllerEaze  Nature's "Benadryl" and helps to naturally reduce histamine levels.  This product can take the edge off allergic itching.

NotaSAN Capsules-- reduces odor, redness and fights bacterial overgrowth.  This tried and true natural "anti-bacterial" has been the first line of defense for dogs with skin problems and allergies for over 12 years!

Silver  Support- Silver Immune Support  is an all-natural, easy to use remedy to help your pet recover from a bacterial infection or viral flareup.  Pets with skin issues and allergies often need both fungal and antibacterial support.

K9 Yeast Defense along with the Power Probiotic kills off the yeast overgrowth while the Power Probiotic replenishes with healthy, friendly bacteria.  If your pet has ear infections, is scooting or licking at the groin, K9 Yeast Defense can bring great relief.

Immune Harmony - Unique plant sterol formula that helps to rebalance the immune system and can be used with prednisone and/or antibiotics. 

Author:  Susan Blake Davis

Date Published:  6/29/2018

Revised:  2/2/2024

3 Reasons Not to Drive with Your Dog In the Back Of A Pickup

Have you ever been driving down the road and come upon a pickup truck that has a dog in the back? Many times it may appear the dog is enjoying the ride, but the pet owner is putting them at great risk for injury and death.  Humane Society estimates that over 100,000 dogs are injured or die each year from riding in the open bed of a pickup. Usually the injury occurs due to the dog being ejected, falling out accidentally, or incurring injury by being jostled.  A sudden stop, start or turn can toss your pet onto the highway.

Laws currently vary from state to state, regarding dogs riding in the bed, but as of 2017 only five states (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.) have laws that forbid owners from doing so (some exemptions are allowed). Some states do have laws that require tethering of the dog while being in the open bed, which can create additional dangers, such as tangling, choking or even a pet being dragged on the road after falling out.

3 Reasons Not To Drive With Your Dog In the Back of A Pickup Truck

Eye, Ear or Nose Damage -  When traveling at high speeds, road debris can blow into your pet's eyes, ears or nose and cause permanent injury.  Insects and grit can lodge in their nasal passages.

Exhaust Inhalation- Inhaling exhaust fumes can cause irritation and inflammation of the air passages and respiratory distress.  Inhaling car exhaust is carcinogenic.

Death or Injury- Dogs cannot "hold on" and slip and slide in the back of the truck.  They can get easily tossed around and suddenly ejected.  Dogs can see something of interest and jump out of the car on their own.   Dogs are NOT SAFE in the back of a pickup truck, even if tethered.

Please don't allow your dog to ride in the back of a pickup truck, even if tethered, your pet is at high risk.  It's safest to either keep your dog at home or allow them to ride inside the cab with you.  

Organic Doesn't Always Mean It's The Best Food for Your Dog or Cat

                                   

Many pet owners believe that if the label says organic than the quality of the pet food must be the best.  While organic fruits and vegetables have an advantage in that they don’t have chemical toxins and can have more nutrients, a label of “organic” in and of itself doesn’t mean the diet is right for your pet.   There are plenty of organic ingredients that can cause problems for pets.  Grains such as organic barley and meat protein substitutes such as organic soybean meal are not the same as feeding your pet a raw frozen diet (even if the vegetables are not organic).

High carbohydrate organic diets containing ingredients such as organic brown rice, organic barley and organic quinoa are still going to have the same pro-inflammatory and/or allergic effect as their non-organic counterparts.  For example if your dog is getting chronic ear infections and you are feeding dry kibble with organic rice and quinoa, those grains still have the potential to spike your dog’s glucose (making them hungrier faster) and may contribute to yeast, scratching and itching whether they are organic or not.  Remember cats are carnivores and most dogs (unless they require carbs due to kidney or liver disease) fare best on a low carbohydrate diet.  When choosing a pet food, look for ingredients such as meat, fish or poultry, fish oil and fresh vegetables.  Scrap the organic starchy carbohydrates for a healthier, low carbohydrate diet.  For more tips on how to keep your pet happy and healthy, visit our pet nutrition library and sign up for our free newsletter.                                                        

          

     

 

NEW! Canine Cloud Helps Your Pet Get a Great Night's Sleep

The Canine Cloud® 

Can be used as a lounger or bed to provide a comfortable spot for your pets to rest.

Dedicated pet owners and friends of Ask Ariel have launched The Canine Cloud, a premium lounger/bed manufactured here in the United States. Most of us have witnessed our pups pawing at their beds or blankets trying to get it "just right", but unfortunately many beds on the market make it impossible. The Canine Cloud is slightly under stuffed with a unique blend of soft, high-quality fiberfill so that pets can redistribute it to find their perfect comfort level allowing them to have a better night sleep. For more on The Canine Cloud story and/or to purchase Click Here .

Bonus 10% of gross profits for the months of June and July will be donated to the Hand in Paw rescue mission.

Yorkie With Collapsed Trachea Stops Coughing Using Natural Remedies

Brody 

"My Brody is doing wonderful with no trachea cough/gagging since I started him on your supplements!  My Brody Bear is one happy boy!!

My friend has a rescue (in Florida) and she was contacted when a good Samaritan found him (Brody) thrown away in a dumpster…Brody is such a special little love that was so neglected, but Brody was lucky enough to have a second chance at Life, Love and Happiness! I'm trying to do everything possible to keep Brody healthy for many years to come!”    Tammi O - Florida

Brody's Collapsed Trachea Supplement Regiment

• Amazing Omegas – Purest therapeutic fish oil available. It contains omega-3s in their natural state packed in glass bottles (instead of plastic that can leach toxins into the oil). These powerful omegas reduce inflammation, reduce allergy symptoms and strengthen the trachea, joints, and ligaments. 
• Ultra-Flex Collagen for Pets – The hallmark product for tracheal collapse in dogs. This food-based product strengthens trachea cartilage, helping to reduce coughing and gagging. Works best when used in conjunction with Amazing Omegas and Power Probiotic. Amazing Omegas reduces inflammation while the Power Probiotic improves digestion and immunity (which indirectly affects heart function too!). The three formulas work together to strengthen the trachea, reduce the progression of the disease and improve symptoms.
  
• Purrfect Pet CoQ10 – Certain breeds such as Pomeranians are especially prone to heart disease. Moreover, many pets with collapsed trachea develop an enlarged heart due to the stress on the pet as it tries to breathe. Using Purrfect Pet CoQ10 (along with Amazing Omegas) helps maintain healthy heart function and respiration. 

Want to learn more about collapsed trachea in dogs? Explore the links below:

• Collapsed Trachea in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis & More
• Treatments for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs