Pets Have Anxiety Especially Around The Holidays! Here's How You Can Help Them

 

Did you know? Dogs and cats can experience holiday anxiety just like people do? Cats and dogs are creatures of habit. Some pets may just naturally be more skittish, while others may have difficulty with changes to their routine that often occurs during the holiday season. Simple changes in your work schedule or bringing a guest to the house can affect some sensitive pets. Some breeds may be more genetically inclined to need a companion and have difficulty being alone. Rescued animals may have endured hardships before they came into our lives and may have developed fearful behaviors as a result. Regardless of the reason, anxiety and stress can affect your pet’s health, so it’s important to do all you can to help them feel safe and comfortable.  Ask Ariel offers several calming supplements for dogs and cats with anxiety.   (PSY-Stabil) along with Happy Paws Drops and a consistent routine (e.g. regular feeding and exercise times) can greatly improve your pet’s quality of life and keep them calm during the holidays. 

What Is The Difference Between IV vs. SubQ Fluid Therapy For Pets?

Many pet owners what the difference is between IV fluid therapy vs subcutaneous fluid therapy (subq therapy).  Fluid therapy helps because when pets have kidney disease, their kidneys are not able to flush out toxins as efficiently as they did before.  Veterinarians often recommend fluid therapy to keep the pet hydrated and help the kidneys flush out toxins.  This can be done through IV fluids or subcutaneous fluids (under the skin).

At your veterinarian's office, IV Fluids are administered by injecting the fluid directly into your pet's vein.  IV fluid therapy can bring fast relief and help pets feel better quickly.  IV fluid therapy can be  stressful for pets and expensive.  Thus, an alternative is to do subcutaneous fluid therapy at home.  

While that might sound scary, many pet owners (even those afraid of needles) can be easily trained by their veterinarian's office.  It might be a little awkard at first, but most pets, even skittish cats, will relax if you are relaxed as well.   Pets generally feel much better after fluid therapy and will often eat and play once they have been hydrated.   To learn more about the pros and cons of IV fluid therapy vs Subcutaneous fluid therapy for your dog or cat's kidney disease, please click here. 

Ask Ariel Annual Halloween Toy Contest Going On NOW-- Still Time To Enter And Vote!

                     

                    

We have had some fabulous entries in this year's Halloween Toy contest. We would love to feature your pet too! There is still time to enter. 

Visit our Facebook page to enter. 

Ask Ariel’s Annual Halloween Toy Contest is going on NOW - No Purchase Necessary!

Please join the fun and enter your pet in our Halloween Toy Contest! It's easy!
Prizes: 1 Grand Prize Winners (valued at over $150) plus 4 Halloween Toy Winners
Here is how to enter to win:

1) Post A Photo of Your Pet (s) on Ask Ariel's Facebook page

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

3) Be sure to vote for your favorites and ask your family and friends to visit our Facebook page and vote too. 

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

Enter between now and Friday, October 29th, 9 am Pacific Time when the contest ends. Winners will be announced Friday, October 29th at 12:00 pm PT.

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 and only one entry per household. 

This contest is not endorsed, sponsored, or administered by Facebook.
 

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.

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.   

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

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.