How To Reduce Tartar on Your Pet's Teeth

Does your pet quickly build up tartar on his teeth?  While brushing and regular dental visits are essential, there is a lot you can do to reduce tartar build-up on your dog or cat's teeth. Tartar is the accumulation of plaque that has remained on and between the teeth. While age, health, breed and hygiene are factors, diet and poor digestion play a central role in your pet's tartar control and dental health. 

If the plaque is not removed, it may start to combine with the saliva and begin to mineralize, into tartar, in just 3-5 days. If left untreated the tartar can cause the gums to become inflamed and red, pockets may form between the gums and the teeth and it can allow bacteria to grow, which could lead to tooth loss, bone loss and widespread infection. 

The accumulation of tartar is a warning sign.  If your pet seems fine but is accumulating a lot of tartar quickly, there may be underlying digestive symptoms that need to be addressed.

It is important to treat and control tartar accumulation for three very important reasons:

• to maintain the health of teeth and gums
• to guard against infection spreading to other parts of the body
• rapid buildup or problem teeth are often a sign of poor digestion


A common myth that simply giving pets hard, crunchy food to prevent dental problems has not proved true in veterinary research. It is the quality of ingredients and your pet’s ability to digest them that will reduce tartar and tooth decay. Saliva is a core part of tartar accumulation and acidic saliva (due to digestive upset and acid stomach) can result in acid erosion of the teeth. When you improve your pet’s diet and digestion, their teeth and gums will improve too. Be sure to ask about anesthesia free dental cleanings in your area and if possible brush your pet’s teeth.

Feeding fresh, easily digestible pet food ingredients will promote healthy teeth and gums.   Ensuring your pet is digesting food properly is key.  Signs of poor digestion include gas, bad breath, hunching over after meals, loose stool, licking or smacking of the lips, vomiting and eating excessive amounts of grass. 

Natural supplements that help to improve your pet's digestion can also reduce the tartar on your pet's teeth.  Since the mouth is the beginning of the digestive process, these supplements help to maintain a healthy digestive process.  Good digestion results in saliva with the proper pH which can greatly impact your pet's teeth and gums. 

Power Probiotic - The best probiotic for pets!  Backed by scientific research, this powerful, multi-strain formula promotes the growth of  good, friendly bacteria which boosts your pet's immune system.  Pure and natural, Power Probiotic does not contain any fillers.  Supports a healthy mouth, digestive system and immune system.

Gastro ULC   When pets have acid reflux it can stomach acids to back up into the esophagus and mouth.  This can lead to erosion of the teeth and other periodontal problems.  Pets with acid reflux tend to have bad breath as well. Gastro ULC  relieves acid stomach pain and repairs inflamed tissues. 

K9 Digestive Enzymes- This powerful digestive enzyme is more complex than typical pet enzymes because it contains 2 ingredients essential (Ox bile extract and HCL) for the digestion of fats and protein..  When food is poorly digested, it creates gas and pain and this product seems to really make a difference.  K9 Digestive Enzymes is very helpful for reducing tartar related to poor digestion.

Colostrum for Pets-  Colostrum has been shown in research studies to enhance digestion and improve the immune system.  Colostrum is very helpful for pets with bad breath, gingivitis and stomatitis.  Ask Ariel Colostrum For Pets contains tegricel colostrum which is backed by scientific research and proven to be more effective than general colostrum products.  Note: Colostrum is derived from dairy and should not be used by pets with a known dairy allergy.

Lypozyme -(cats and small dogs) a gentle, tasteless, easy to use enzyme formula that helps pets digest protein and fats.  The small amount of powder in the capsule (which can be easily opened and mixed into food) makes this product especially easy to administer to small pets and finicky eaters.

"Our senior husky Legend was starting to get a lot of tartar on his teeth.  Even though we would go for regular anesthesia-free cleanings and fed him a raw food diet, he still had tartar accumulation.  We noticed that sometimes at night Legend would be panting a little and realized he might have some indigestion.  We added K9 Digestive Enzymes and Gastro ULC to his food and on the next checkup, he had a lot less tartar and his tummy noises went away.  After awhile he seemed fine so we discontinued the supplements.  When we went for a teeth cleaning, we were told his tartar accumulation had gotten really bad!  Since then we have always used K9 Digestive Enzymes and Gastro ULC at both breakfast and dinner and his teeth have really improved"  Davis Family, CA.

Long Lost Cat Frederick Recovers from Pillow Paw

"I just had to write and tell you what your Power Probiotic did for my cat, Frederick. Frederick came into our lives as a stray back in 2011 and I just knew he was someone’s baby because he was so sweet. I tried to find the owner with no success. I fell in love with him and so took a trip to the vet and allowed him into our home.

 At some point, Frederick developed an autoimmune issue which was eventually diagnosed as “pillow paw” by the vet. His front paws would swell and bleed and looked so painful. Frederick went out on what I thought was just a curious stroll and did not return home...This was in 2014!

Now comes the wonderful ending to this story, just last November 2017 Frederick returned home! I could not believe my eyes and honestly wasn’t sure it was him when I saw him sitting on the porch as I arrived home. He came up to me so happily and I noticed that his paws were bleeding and I knew immediately it was Frederick...

After a trip to the vet for a checkup he was prescribed a round of antibiotic, ear mite medication and a wormer. I wasn’t at all sure that the antibiotic would work on his pillow paw and I just hated it for him. While researching pillow paw online I came across your website. I began to read about the Power Probiotic you offer and read that someone else had posted about their cats pillow paw. I ordered a bottle and Frederick’s paws finally healed after so many years of him suffering with pillow paw. I am most certain that the Power Probiotic is what cleared up the pillow paw and continues to help him out with his digestion and immune system today as I still put some in his food daily. His little paws are perfectly healthy and pain free, and this makes me so happy!

I just wanted to let you know that you are a blessing and I am so thankful I came across your website that day. I have attached a picture of Frederick taken just last week."  Dawn Presley-Smith

To learn more about how to help your cat with Pillow Paw, please click on the attached article.

How To Reduce Your Dog's Shedding

Spring is here and it's shedding season.  Here are some suggestions to help reduce your dog's shedding:

1) Give your pet fish oil. Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids that give coats a lustrous shine and reduce shedding. Amazing Omegas is a concentrated, therapeutic fish oil naturally processed from anchovies, sardines and mackerel.  Packed in specialty glass bottles to maintain freshness and purity.  Please note:  chemicals from plastic can potentially leak into fish oil and most pet fish oils are packed in plastic.

2) Try to brush your pet’s coat a few times a week even just for a few minutes 

3) Bathe a little more frequently during the springtime to loosen the dead hair 

4) Avoid grains, food allergens such as poultry and feed your pet a low carbohydrate diet 

3 Tips To Help Your Pet Lose Weight

Has your pet put on some extra layers over the winter? Obesity can contribute to severe mobility issues, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hepatic lipidosis and more! 

Here are three tips to help your pet get back in shape:

1) Get moving! Try to take your dog outside and get some fresh air. It’s a great way to get exercise and meet new friends! If you have a cat, try playing with a laser toy or move the food bowl or treats so your kitty needs to get up and exercise.


2) Replace some of your pet’s food with vegetables. Measure out about 1/4 less pet food and replace the same volume of food with green vegetables such as zucchini spirals, yellow squash or green beans.

3) Measure out the day’s total treats and put them in a bowl in a central location so all family members take from there. Put away the other treat packages and avoid feeding tablescraps.

These tried and true tips really work and are a great start. Obesity can cut short your pet’s  time with you.  Change your outlook! Instead of viewing cutting back on food as depriving your pet, change your outlook to realize you are giving your pet more time with you and more quality of life especially in their senior years.  Consider eating healthier as a bonding project that you and your pet can do together!

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. 

See Something? Say Something -- An Animal's Life Is Depending Upon You!

Kokito

By now, you may be familiar with the tragic story that occurred on a United Airlines flight where the owners of Kokito the puppy were forced to put the puppy in an overhead bin by a flight attendant.  The mother had a baby to attend to and in spite of their protests, were told that is where the puppy had to go.  Kokito's suffocation is only one story.  There are many, many stories of animal suffering.  It's easy to speculate about what "we might have done" had we been on that flight.  Even though there was rough turbulence, would we as  a fellow passenger have demanded the flight attendant check on the pet? 

Many of us are afraid of the repurcussions of causing a scene on an airplane just as we are afraid of causing a problem with a grumpy neighbor who leaves their dog outside in the bitter cold.  Animals depend on us to be their voice.  When you think you see something, even if it just your gut, SAY SOMETHING!    It is upon all of us to listen and speak up even when it is not "socially correct,"   Rest in piece Kokito.  We are so sorry for your loss and your family's grief.   Maybe your tragic death will help more animals because there are so many that are tied up, chained up and left outside with little provisions and help is just a phone call away......

Poor Compliance With Medication Is One Reason Pets Don't Get Better

Do you see the pill? Well.....neither did I!  One reason pets may not show improvement from a health condition is that the pet owner may forget to give a pill or the pet doesn’t take the pill.  In our case, Legend must take his Keppra antiseizure medicine exactly 8 hours apart 3x a day. We literally revolve our lifestyle and appointments as best we can around those pill times after the horrific cluster seizure episodes he went through. Well his last dose is 11 pm and I always check to make sure he ate the pill. The dim light and being half asleep made for a perfect storm! It shows that even when we schedule everything perfectly (phone alarms, wall notes, pill containers) things don’t always come out the way we planned...... We got lucky and since we have been sure to adminster the pill almost always, this was a rare exception.  But, when you have a busy schedule....it's not always easy.

Poor compliance with medication is one reason a pet may not show signs of improvement.  This could be anything from treating heart conditions to skin problems to seizures.  Here are a few tips to help ensure your pet gets the needed medication and/or supplements.

• Keep a schedule posted in at least one or two central locations such as the refrigerator or a place you are likely to see it
• Set up alarms on your phone BEFORE the scheduled pill time and AFTER just in case you got distracted
• Use a pill container with the allocated number of daily pills

Home Remedies For Dogs And Cats With Arthritis

Could your cat or dog be in pain from arthritis? Pets hide their pain for as long as possible. By the time a pet vocalizes discomfort (from for example a sudden movement), the pet has already been experiencing a considerable amount of pain.  Pets in pain may pant, pace, not want to eat, become suddenly shy or aggressive and just not act like themselves.    Don't wait for your pet to vocalize their pain from arthritis.  If you notice any of these subtle signs below, be sure to check with your veterinarian right away.  The following signs can be symptoms of arthritis:

• Difficulty or hesitation to sit down or get up
• Difficulty jumping up or reluctance to climb stairs
• Lameness in one or more limbs
• Stiffness in the morning that improves as the day progresses
• Subtle signs that the pet may not want to put weight on the limb
• Sensitivity when touched in certain areas

 AskAriel.com offers home remedies that contain well researched ingredients scientifically proven to help arthritis.  The products to use depend upon the size and progression of your pet's condition.

Amazing Omegas - A research-backed, powerful source of omega-3 nutrients (essential fatty acids) that can help reduce joint inflammation, which can be causing pain for your pet. Absolutely the best fish oil available.  

Special SAMe - Guaranteed Purity and Potency, Special SAMe contains cofactors such as Vitamin B6, B12 and Folate to improve absorption and efficacy.  Powerful antioxidant scientifically proven to help arthritis.  Can be used along with prescription NSAIDs (which can affect your pet's liver) to improve results and detox the liver.

Ultraflex--excellent for cats and small dogs.  A food based supplement (made from ground eggshells) is easy to administer once daily.  Contain collagen which helps repair and strengthen cartilage and connective tissue.  Especially helpful for pets with torn ligaments and collapsed trachea.

Remembering Ariel The Amazing Dog And Inspiration For AskAriel.com

Ariel’s amazing life is the inspiration behind Ask Ariel. Why? Because Ariel led a life of good health that all of us---both human and animal would be grateful to attain. In fact, until a week before her death at 14 years of age (old for a 54 pound dog), Ariel was still running through the meadows, playing with her ball and enjoying a zest for life that few have ever seen. Ariel NEVER appeared to be an “old dog”.

 

Ariel was the first pet I had in my adult life.  Today is the 13th anniversary of her death.  Ariel was the mascot for our 501(c)(3) public charity Ariel Rescue.   Every weekend she accompanied our volunteer group greeting customers even when she was 14 years old!  Ariel taught me so much about holistic pet health and nutrition too.  While I miss her and think of her every single day, I am  so grateful for all the wonderful years we spent together and the incredible gifts her beautiful soul left to all of us.

To learn more about the Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist story and how we got started, please click here