Symptoms and Treatments For Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease? 

One of the most common reasons people take their cats to the veterinarian is because of urinary tract problems. When the bladder is not able to empty correctly due to infection, bladder stones, blockage of the urethra (urethral plug) or inflammation, your cat may be diagnosed with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a term to describe a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. The most common conditions include: infections, inflammation, idiopathic, cystitis, urolithiasis (stones) and urethral obstruction (plugs).

Symptoms of FLUTD:

• Urinating outside the box
• Straining to urinate 
• Frequent trips to the litter box 
• Excessive licking of their private area 
• Crying out while urinating 
• Visible blood in the litter box 

While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is often seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor access, and tend to eat a dry diet. Factors such as emotional or environment stress, multi-cat households, and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD. If you suspect a urinary tract problem, it is important for you to seek veterinary care and find the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will usually conduct a physical exam, a urinalysis, urine culture, bloodwork and possibly x-rays and/or an ultrasound. 

Once the cause is determined, using a few natural supplements along with making important diet changes can be life-changing for your cat. Please be sure to include your cat's diet and treats on the order form at checkout and we will provide a few diet tips on the packing slip that comes with your AskAriel.com order.

Supplements for Cats with FLUTD and Bladder Conditions

Power Probiotic--fights infection and yeast--promotes the growth of good “friendly” bacteria in the urinary tract. All natural, safe and absolutely no fillers! Taking antibiotics can reduce the population of friendly bacteria, increasing the possibility of yeast and decreasing your pet's overall immunity. Power Probiotic replenishes healthy bacteria helping your pet fight off further infection.

Akutur - provides pain relief in the urinary tract, reduces inflammation and helps restore balance in the bladder and pelvic floor--especially important for interstitial cystitis

NotaSAN-infection fighter--this homeopathic remedy is excellent for long-term use to support a healthy immune system and prevent infections from returning. These easy to administer, tasteless drops are a best seller for cats.

Diet Changes: Diet is a huge issue when it comes to managing bladder infections, FLUTD and cystitis. It's important that you take a look at all of your pet's food, table scraps and treats to ensure you are not feeding any grains, allergens such as dairy, fish or poultry, or dry food. Starchy carbohydrates can contribute to chronic urinary tract problems, especially gluten containing grains such as rice.

Please include your cat's diet and treats on the order form at checkout.  Based on the information you provide, we will include a diet suggestion for your pet on the packing slip that comes with your product directions.

Natural Remedies Help Pomeranian With Collapsed Trachea

"I am very happy with your products.  In 2016, Bianca had her teeth cleaned and it caused partial damage to her trachea.  It was so bad that the medicine they put her on wasn't helping.  That's when someone from Facebook told me about your company and your Ultraflex Collagen Product.  It worked miracles for Bianca and she was able to get off the other medicine.  In 2018, she developed kidney disease.  I purchased your Kidney Health Protein Support and Bianca was tested again and her kidney function has improved.  That is amazing!  I am so grateful for your company and knowledge."  Shelly, AZ

To learn more about natural remedies for dogs with collapsed trachea, please click here.

Keep Your Pet On A Regular Feeding Schedule With At Least 2 Meals A Day

Every pet will have its own unique needs regarding nutrition, depending on their age, activity level, and physical conditions. However, all pets thrive on routine and keeping a regular feeding schedule of smaller more frequent meals (be sure to keep calorie count within their daily allowance to avoid becoming overweight) can keep your pet happy and healthy.   3 meals a day is ideal but for many who work full time, it may not be possible. On days you are home,  try to feed your pet a mid-day snack or lunch.  Keeping your pet's blood sugar regulated keeps destructive behavior to a minimum. We all know what it feels like when we are famished and pets feel the same way too.  Free feeding of dry food is not recommended but if you need to leave something out, consider freeze dried raw as it does not contain starchy carbohydrates the way dry food does.   To learn more about pet nutrition, please read our library of articles about pet diets, supplements and holistic pet care. 

5 Pet Safety Tips For A Safe and Happy Halloween

Halloween is a wonderful time of year but can be a scary time for cats and dogs.   With all the festivities, our natural protective guard is down and accidents can happen.  Planning ahead will keep your pet safe.  Here are 5 essential Halloween pet safety tips.

1.  Candy - Keep candy away from your furry friend.  Chocolate and Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products (including gum) can be extremely toxic to pets.  


2. ID Tag On Collar -  With the opening and closing of the door multiple times, your pet could escape. Be sure your pet has a current ID tag secured onto the collar.

3.  Feed Pets Early - With all the candy and food around, it's easy for pesky paws to find it especially if they are hungry.  Plan to feed your pets early before dark.  Even the most caring pet owners can forget it's dinner time with all the festive activities.


4.  Reduce Stress and Noise - While some pets are naturally gregarious, many get nervous from the doorbell ringing, strange costumes and activity.  If your pet likes a quiet home, be sure to secure them in a quiet room with toys, blankets, food and water.  If your  pets live outside,  please be sure that gates are locked, pets have been fed and check on them as much as possible.  

5.  Costumes - If you are dressing up your pet, try the costume on before Halloween to make sure it fits comfortably so your pet can get used to it.  Costumes can hinder a pet's movement and/or vision and can also be stressful for them.

Planning ahead is a must.  Think about your Halloween plans and take a few extra minutes to figure out how you will manage your pet's care too.  Wishing you and your pets a safe and Happy Halloween!

Halloween Shelties Dressed Up In Costumes

"This is Sangria (13.5) and Flirt (5), enjoying their Howl-o-ween! Sangria takes the Pancreatitis and Liver Support Kit.  She has suffered from pancreatitis problems, malnutrition and IBD.  These supplements have helped her so much, even the vets can't believe how well she is doing now! Flirt also takes some of the supplements such as the K9 Digestive Enzymes and is in the best of health....thanks Ask Ariel!!"  Laura, Illinois  Talk about a bundle of love! Look at all of these precious pets! Mom Tammi from Florida is a remarkable pet owner who rescues dogs from the most egregious circumstances. All of these babies are rescued animals that she has transformed from abandoned and neglected to pampered and cherished. A real shout-out to Tammi for her amazing care of Baxter, Bailey, Bandit, Lily and Brody Bear. Baxter is 20 years old!!! What lucky pups to have found dear Tammi!  Come read about their stories by visiting our Facebook page! "My Kai is blind, has collapsed trachea and had bladder stones. Having had antibiotics 4 times this year with a urinary infection that kept coming back. I found Ask Ariel online, looking for homeopathy. Kai has been on Immune Support Kit also Akutur and Renelix. She has improved a lot and is spunky with energy too! Thank you so much for an alternative from the usual veterinary care available in my area."   Valerie, CA Meet two beautiful 12 year old Italian Greyhounds Chip (on the left) and Princess. Chip has collapsed trachea but his Mom Sharon has been giving him Ultraflex Collagen Support consistently for over a year which has helped calm the horrible, honking cough he had previously. The product helps to strengthen the trachea cartilage over time. He may still have days when he coughs but his Mom says that it is no longer the coughing that sounds like a goose--a classic symptom of collapsed trachea.

Halloween Pet Toy Contest - Enter To Win

Win A Free Toy For Your Special  Pet 

No Purchase Necessary

Our Halloween Toy Contest starts today through Saturday  27th. Post A Photo of Your Pet Now!

The Sooner You Post, The Better Chances To Win!

Here is how to enter to win:

1) Post any photo of your pet (s) on our Facebook page 

2) Include a comment about how any of our products, newsletter or nutrition information has helped your pet

3) Email us at support@askariel.com so we can contact you if you win! 

Prizes

Winners will be determined based on the number of likes of their pet's photo.  In order to qualify, the photo must include a comment about how Ask Ariel's products, newsletter or nutrition information have helped your pet. 

The top two post winners who have the MOST LIKES on our Facebook page will  receive the Halloween Goodie Grand Prize (valued at over $100).  

5 additional winners will win a Halloween toy + Ask Ariel FREE Shipping Coupon + $4 Off Instinct Raw Coupon

Halloween Goodie Grand Prize (Over $100 value)  2 winners with the most FB likes on their post will receive a Canvas Cooler Tote +  Power Probiotic, Herbalife Eye Cream, Herbalife Protective Moisturizer, Ask Ariel FREE Shipping Coupon, Instinct $4 Off Raw Coupon +  1 Instinct rabbit recipe cup (cats only)  

Contest Qualifications Winners must be 21 years of age and a US resident.   In order to qualify, the photo must include a comment about how Ask Ariel's products, newsletter or nutrition information have helped your pet. 

Halloween Toy Contest Starts Today Through Saturday October 27th*. Post A Photo of Your Pet Now! The Sooner You Post, The Better Chances To Win!

*Likes will be counted through 11:00 pm PT Saturday October 27th.  Winners will be announced Sunday October 28th

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.  Void where prohibited.   Ask Ariel reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not meet the contest qualifications.

What Causes Mucus in My Pet's Poop?

What does it mean if I see mucus in my pet's stool?  Usually a small amount of mucus (slimy substance that is made to help lubricate and protect the colon) is not a major reason to be concerned, but if it is abundant and frequent it may be a sign of a digestive system problem. 

The presence of mucus in a dog's stool can be indicative of various underlying health issues that warrant attention. While a small amount of mucus is normal in a dog's feces, an excessive or persistent presence may signal digestive problems, infections, or dietary issues. Mucus serves to lubricate the digestive tract, but when its production becomes abnormal, it may point to inflammation or irritation.  Dogs experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in appetite along with mucus in their stool should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Possible causes range from dietary indiscretions to more serious conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or parasites. Monitoring a dog's stool consistency, color, and the presence of mucus can provide valuable insights into their digestive health.

Common Causes Of Mucus In Poop

• An upset stomach from eating bad food or garbage
• Inflammation of the colon (colitis)
• Parasites
• Colitis
• Bacterial infection
• An intestinal foreign body
• Cancer
• Allergies
• Autoimmune disease (such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

Your veterinarian will perform a complete examination and fecal analysis. Several types of fecal tests are commonly used by veterinarians to assess the health of dogs and identify various gastrointestinal issues. The most common tests include:

Fecal Floatation Test: This test is used to detect the presence of intestinal parasites like worms (roundworms, hookworms, etc.). A small sample of the dog's feces is mixed with a special solution, and then it is centrifuged. This process allows parasites' eggs or larvae to float to the top, making them visible under a microscope.

Fecal Smear Test: A fecal smear involves spreading a thin layer of feces on a microscope slide, staining it, and then examining it under a microscope. This method helps identify certain types of parasites, bacteria, and abnormal cells.

Direct Fecal Exam: In this test, a small amount of fresh feces is examined directly under a microscope without any special preparation. It allows for the identification of certain parasites and their stages.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test: This advanced molecular test detects the genetic material of parasites, viruses, or bacteria. It provides a more sensitive and specific analysis, especially for detecting certain pathogens that may be challenging to identify using traditional methods.

The choice of fecal test depends on the suspected issue and the veterinarian's assessment. Regular fecal testing is an essential part of preventive care to ensure the early detection and effective treatment of gastrointestinal issues in dogs

Natural Remedies To Help Digestive Problems

If your dog does have ongoing digestive issues, than a change in diet and supportive digestive supplements can really help.  Here are some of the best digestive supplements for dogs with mucus in their stool:

Ask Ariel's Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Kit  is a great place to start if you have a cat or small dog.  The IBD Kit includes 3 gentle, natural remedies that have been specially formulated for IBD and digestive system inflammation and have been used together to successfully help pets find relief from symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tummy rumbling, mucus in stool, hunching over and inappetance.   The Kit includes Power Probiotic, Soothing Digestive Relief and NotaSAN Anti-Inflammatory Drops. When a pet has an upset tummy,  it is important to use a combination of supplements because they work differently to help reduce the symptoms and repair the intestinal lining.

Power Probiotic - Pure, safe and natural--absolutely no fillers! Power Probiotic repopulates good intestinal flora which is essential for pets with malabsorption and digestive issues. Power Probiotic supports your pet's bowel and immune health, reducing inflammation and improving digestive discomfort.

Soothing Digestive Relief - Gentle, effective formula for the treatment of any type of indigestion in pets. Helps with gas, loose stool, mucous in stool, tummy rumbling, diarrhea and malabsorption.  

NotaSAN Drops and Capsules – Natural homeopathic formula that controls inflammation and infection and helps with allergy symptoms.  Clients report improved well being overall.  Very important for pets with autoimmune conditions.  Gentle, easy to administer and safe for long-term use.  

Gastro ULC - Provides natural stomach acid relief, coating the stomach to relieve pain.  Many pets have an improved appetite after using Gastro ULC. 

K9 Digestive Enzymes (for larger dogs)- This powerful digestive enzyme is more complex than typical pet enzymes and helps pets digest protein and fats.  Contains HCL and pancreatin--two animal-based nutrients that help ensure proper digestion of protein and reduction in symptoms related to poor digestion.

Author Susan Blake Davis, Nutritionist

Orignal Post October 18, 2018

Updated Febuary 5, 2024