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.
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
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 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
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.