Saturday, October 16, 2021

Orange Vegetables For Pets

 

The autumn harvest brings an abundance of orange vegetables and fruits. Did you know that orange foods are beneficial for cats and dogs? Orange foods such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, yams, butternut squash and carrots are a natural source of potassium, fiber, Vitamin C and beta carotene. The fiber in pumpkin can help regulate loose stool or constipation. Carrots contain lutein, a flavonoid that supports eye health. When adding any new veggies to your pet’s diet, it’s best to start slowly with just a small piece initially.

Can dogs eat squash? Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Yes, they can and they provide valuable prebiotic fibers to their diet. There are health benefits that these orange-hued foods can offer to our beloved pets. Pumpkin, a seasonal favorite, not only adds a festive touch to their meals but also provides a rich source of fiber that aids in maintaining digestive health. The soluble fiber in pumpkin helps absorb excess water in the digestive tract, regulating bowel movements and addressing issues such as diarrhea or constipation in cats and dogs. Additionally, the beta carotene found in orange vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots is converted into essential Vitamin A, supporting overall immune function and promoting healthy skin and coat. Integrating these nutritious, orange foods into your pet's diet not only adds variety but also contributes to their well-being.



Friday, October 15, 2021

Picture Of Collapsed Trachea In Dogs


What does collapsed trachea look like? Many small pets have collapsed trachea and their owners want to get a better understanding about what this condition looks like. An image of collapsed trachea can help.  Tracheal collapse is a progressive condition that affects small breed dogs, like the Yorkie, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Pug and Shih Tzu. It can cause coughing, gagging and respiratory problems. In the picture of tracheal collapse, you can see the trachea (tube for air) runs beside the esophagus (food tube). The trachea has rings of cartilage that help keep it open. As the rings weaken and start to collapse, the air tube becomes flatter. This makes it harder for dogs to breathe normally. Excitement, stress and digestive upset can make the symptoms worse. Natural supplements from Ask Ariel can help to strengthen the tracheal rings and diet changes can help reduce inflammation.   
Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Are You Feeding Vegetables To Your Pet?

Here is Legend’s breakfast this morning. The bowl on the right is the vegetables and on the left is the vegetables mixed with raw Small Batch @smallbatchpets rabbit and a little canned rabbit. Legend has a lot of food allergies so he eats primarily raw frozen and raw freeze-dried rabbit, vegetables, flax seed powders, and a variety of omega oils. Because he had liver cancer, I am trying to fill his bowl with an assortment of brightly colored vegetables to support liver health. Vegetables in the bowl: Whole Foods chopped vegetable salad mix, cooked butternut squash, chopped steamed beets, dandelion greens. Also some flaxseed and other green food powders and Amazing Omegas. I rotate vegetables later on in the day and use others such as green beans, carrots, and peas, broccoli cute, okra, and asparagus. Veggies provide fiber, antioxidants and so many benefits. Please try to include some vegetables in your pet’s diet. You can use chopped, frozen for convenience and defrost in the refrigerator, steam, or bake. In case you are wondering…….yes our dog eats better than we do

Monday, October 11, 2021

Girl Dog Vaginitis - How To Relieve Your Dog's Licking And Discomfort

 


Girl dogs can get the same problems "down there" as their moms.  Vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections and discharge are common in female dogs. Many moms know how uncomfortable any of these can be. Natural supplements along with diet changes can help prevent recurrent infections in dogs. 

Dog vaginitis,  including bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, can cause symptoms that may include swelling, redness, itching, strong odors, and white or yellowish discharge. Dogs may lick the area incessantly and can cause external skin redness and irritation. What can you do to stop your female dog licking vaginal area?  A low carbohydrate diet and a few immune support supplements can help.   

Power Probiotic is essential in helping to repopulate good flora. This multi-strain probiotic supplement promotes the growth of good bacteria for a healthy immune system and to help fight infections. The use of antibiotics can kill the good bacteria along with the bad, creating an environment where yeast and bad bacteria can quickly overgrow.  

Olive Leaf Extract and K9 Yeast Defense have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties to help inhibit the growth of yeasts, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. They can help prevent vaginal discharge, vaginal licking and repeat infections in your female dog. If your dog has yellowish discharge with a strong odor, please check with your vet to see if it is a bacterial infection, as prescription medication may be needed.

It is common for female dogs to get repeat vaginal infections and discharge. Chronic use of antibiotics can weaken the immune system and kill off the good bacteria, enabling a cycle of reinfection. Diet can also play a role in repeat infection. Diet that are high in sugars and starchy carbohydrates can create a favorable environment for yeast and bacteria growth. Hypoallergenic, grain-free novel protein diets are helpful for female dogs that are prone to vaginal yeast infections.



Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Got the biopsy results: Diagnosis: Liver Cancer

 



Got the biopsy results: Diagnosis: Liver Cancer ▶️ Prognosis: 🎉🐾FAVORABLE 🐾🎉 How could these two things coexist? We are very “fortunate” in that this particular type of tumor grows massive in size but isn’t likely to metastasize and it was excised to perfection by Dr. David Gordon @archbeachvet Legend is continuing to improve and we are thanking our lucky stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ We don’t know what the future will bring but we are so happy to have more time with him! He was very, very sick last week, not eating, and could barely walk. Legend’s symptoms came on suddenly over a few weeks. If you have an elderly pet, please don’t assume it’s just “old age”. Sometimes there are treatments that will help, but with elderly pets, time is of the essence. Sending you all so many hugs and thanks for all of your support and keeping our sweet Legend in your thoughts. 
Sunday, September 26, 2021

Remember Me Thursday Honors Homeless Shelter Pets

 


Remember Me Thursday, which was held this year on September 21st, is an international awareness day meant to bring attention to the millions of adoptable pets waiting in shelters. Since the event was started in San Diego County almost a decade ago, the need for animal adoption has increased steadily. Here are ways you can still celebrate Remember Me Thursday:

  • Adopt A Shelter Pet. If you are considering adding a new cat or dog to your home, you can find many local pets available for adoption through petfinder.org.
  • Volunteer At A Shelter or Rescue. If you aren't quite ready to add a new pet, most shelters are always looking for volunteers to help clean cages, play with cats, walk dogs or promote awareness.
  • Light a Candle for Remembrance. Light a candle as a peaceful way to honor the cats and dogs that were not lucky enough to make it out of the shelter and into a loving home. 

Promoting adoption and giving honor to animals who are left behind in shelters is what Remember Me Thursday is all about. Consider that changing just one mind can save the life of a cat or dog or need. Help others #SeeTheLight about pet adoption on #RememberMeThursday and everyday.


Friday, September 10, 2021

What To Do About Hairballs In Cats



While it's true that long-haired cats have more of a hairball issue than short-haired kitties, your cat's diet and digestive health are often the biggest contributing factors. Here are four tips to help reduce a hairball problem:

1. Avoid dry food. Cats need a high moisture diet and dry food is high in carbohydrates which are harder to digest. Cats are not big water drinkers and frequently don't make up for the lost water in the dry food by drinking more.
2. Give your kitty Omega 3s in their diet. Amazing Omegas provide Omega 3 fatty acids derived from sardines, anchovies and mackerel. Omega 3 fatty acids improve the quality of your cat's skin and coat reducing the shedding and opportunity for hairballs.
3. Mix a small amount of canned pumpkin into your cat's meals. You can also try mashed yams or sweet potatoes. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are high in fiber which is important to keep the hair moving through the intestinal tract.
4. Brush your kitty a few times a week. This should improve your cat's skin and coat, reducing hairballs.