How To Help Your Pet Feel Happy And Calm When You Are On Vacation

Not everyone is excited about your upcoming vacation. Many pets do not like changes in their daily routine. When pets see you pack a suitcase and head out the door, they soon realize that they are not going along. Pets may skip meals, sit by the door or exhibit destructive behavior until you return. Ask Ariel's Happy Paws Organic Hemp Extract can help cats and dogs cope with nervousness, anxiety and stress. It's a full spectrum hemp extract in an unflavored all-natural coconut oil base, so it is easy to digest. Happy Paws can help your pet feel happy and relaxed while you're on vacation. Please click here to learn more.

Injured Baby Seal Rescued At Dana Point Harbor

 

Last Saturday night, on our evening walk at Dana Point Harbor, we came upon an injured young seal who was begging for help. He had a wound on his neck and was approaching people. I called for help and at first it seemed like we weren’t going to be able to help the seal because of difficulty reaching the appropriate rescue places. The seal was emaciated and exhausted and was trying to go into the street. What was so incredible was the number of people who tried to help, good Samaritans blocking him from the street, a fisherman offering fish (the seal was interested but too stressed to eat) and so many wonderful people coming together caring about him. The seal became exhausted…….I asked a fisherman for some fish and he offered it to him. The seal perked up and was trying to get the fish in his mouth but was too weak.  Finally help arrived! Animal Services Officer Keppler and the OC Sheriff Officers carried him into the truck. So thankful to all the kind and caring people, OC Sheriff and Officer Keppler for saving this seal’s life. The seal is now going to the Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach.  

At Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist, we love all pets.  We are so happy to be part of this wonderful rescue.  For tips on how to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy, please visit AskAriel.com 

May Is National Chip Your Pet Month

Lost pets that have a microchip are far more likely to be reunited with their owners than pets without a chip. The month of May has been designated as National Chip Your Pet Month to encourage microchipping as a way to help protect your pet. A microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder (RFID) that is as small as a grain of rice. The implant procedure is as simple as getting a vaccine. The chip is usually inserted between your pet's shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique identification number that you can connect with your contact information. All pets should wear a collar and name tag, but those can fall off or become hard to read. A microchip can help protect your pet for life. Microchipping is a safe and effective way to link you to your pet…..it’s hip to chip!

Is Your Senior Dog Stumbling And Scuffing It's Feet?

                                  

Is your dog stumbling or scuffing it's feet? As dogs age they begin to lose fine motor skills and experience decreased energy levels. Ataxia in dogs is the clinical term for the loss of coordination or unbalanced gait due to sensory dysfunction. Some older dogs may appear to be drunk. Some senior dogs begin to experience stumbling when they walk or their paws may seem to curl under. Knuckling of the paws can be one of the first signs of degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy affects the spinal cord and it resembles arthritis in its early stages, but progresses to ataxia from hind limb weakness and paralysis.

Most pet owners don’t realize signs such as scuffing of the feet, worn toenails, paws dirty on top can indicate a neurological condition. Dr. Michelle Murray of NEST Veterinary Neurology points out that multiple orthopedic or neurological diseases can cause a dog to scuff its feet. This is not normal wear and tear due to aging. Early diagnosis can yield the best results. Please see a vet if you notice these signs in your pet. 

Ask Ariel's Dog Brain Booster can help dogs with neurological motor coordination disorders.  Dog Brain Booster can enhance motor skills with key nutrients such as Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL , Citicoline (as Cognizin) and Glycerophosphocholine (GPC).  ArthroStride For Dogs & Cats can help to improve your dog's mobility and help strengthen hind leg muscle mass.  It contains green lipped mussels, glucosamine, boswellia, MSM and collagen that are scientifically proven to support joint health and connective tissue.

Author:  Susan Blake Davis

Originally Posted: 5/26/2021

Updated and revised:  2/24/2024

Millions Of Dogs & Cats Are Diagnosed With Cancer Every Year

 

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Cancer can touch all of us…..even our pets. Most people have a family member, a friend, a colleague or even themselves that have been touched by cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death of pet cats and dogs in the US. While most pet cancers are deadly, some can be cured and pets can live with some cancers (like mast cell tumors) for years.

The top warning signs of cancer in cats and dogs can include: swollen areas, weight loss, inappetence, bleeding or discharge, sores that do not heal, difficulty eating, lethargy, and difficulty going potty. Every pet, especially older cats and dogs, should get regular wellness exams and blood panels. These vet visits and routine tests can help to diagnose potentially life-threatening conditions, such as cancer, very early. 

Early detection ​of cancer can save lives. If you notice any of the warning signs, please contact your veterinarian right away. To learn more about cancer in dogs and cats, as well as the breeds that are more prone to cancer, please click here.

Does Your Dog Or Cat Make Loud Stomach Noises?

Digestive problems in pets may not be overt such as vomiting or diarrhea. Pets can make unusual noises that may seem like nothing but they could be a sign your dog or cat is experiencing GI distress.  For example,  a dog smacks his lips or makes gulping noises at night.  Cats may have loud stomach noises.  Listening for unusual noises is important as they are a sign your pet may not be digesting their food and experiencing discomfort.  Pets may have acid stomach and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It is commonly caused by poor digestion, food intolerances or allergies, stress or kidney and liver disease. Acid reflux and GERD can be very uncomfortable and painful.  You can help your pet with diet changes and  Ask Ariel's acid reflux supplements for pets such as Soothing Digestive Relief and Gastro ULC.  

What Are Ski Patrol Rescue Dogs?

Have you gone skiing and noticed a working dog riding on the chair lift? Or dogs with the ski patrol? Many ski resorts employ ski patrol dogs to help keep the mountains safe. These dogs are highly trained in search and rescue and are particularly useful to resorts should an avalanche occur. Patrol dogs can smell a victim buried 10-15 feet down in the snow. It is said that one dog with its handler can do the job of 150 trained human searchers in the same amount of time.

Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Border Collies are the breeds most commonly used as ski patrol dogs. These dogs undergo extensive training and must recertify every couple of years. The characteristics that make for a great ski patrol dog are: obedience, prey drive, high energy and exceptional physical condition.

Please visit AskAriel.com for great tips about pet health, nutrition and supplements.