What Are Prebiotics?

Many of us have heard of the benefits of probiotics, but did you know that prebiotics are equally important? Probiotics provide friendly bacteria to support a healthy digestive tract and immune system, but they need prebiotics to stay alive and flourish. Just taking probiotics without prebiotics may not be nearly as beneficial. Your pet's gut contains micro-organisms such as bacteria (good and bad), viruses and fungi, all of which must live in balance. Prebiotics are plant fibers that feed the good bacteria. Pet-friendly prebiotics are found in flax seeds, berries and vegetables such as carrots, asparagus and green beans. Ask Ariel's Power Probiotic includes six powerful probiotic strains along with inulin, an effective prebiotic sourced from Jerusalem artichoke. By combining these ingredients, Power Probiotic is designed to provide the most complete probiotic supplement for your cat or dog. For more information on pet nutrition click here. 

How Often Should Your Cat Or Dog Get A Blood Test?

Time flies! That is why it is SO important to check your files to see when your pet last had a blood test and urine analysis. Sadly pets’ life cycles are more rapid than a human’s and if it has been more than a year for your dog for example, that is the rough equivalent of 7 years! Would you wait 7 years before having your lab tests done? Lab tests are very important because pets can have health issues without any outward symptoms. A classic example is kidney disease. Please look through your records & make a plan to bring your pet to the vet. Yes, it’s a hassle and it’s expensive - but early detection saves lives!

Supplements For Cats With IBD & Intestinal Lymphoma

We are so thankful to Lily’s Mom Kate for sharing her success story:

"I wanted to provide an update on my 7-yr old cat, Lily. In January, she was diagnosed with IBD and most likely colon cancer (intestinal lymphoma). A cytology of a thickening or mass in her lower intestine showed it was exfoliating spindle cells. The pathologist diagnosed it as very likely cancer, though the sample didn't produce enough of the spindle cells to be 100% certain. My understanding is that having any spindle cells indicates cancer of some degree.

The vet said that they could try exploratory surgery, but she might not survive it. The best thing to do was to wait until she got worse and then give her steroids to keep her comfortable. At this point, her weight was down from a normal 7 to 8 lbs to 4.7 lbs and she had chronic diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucous.

After researching for anything I could try, I found Ask Ariel. I started her on the IBD Kit and Immune Harmony. I've given her the supplements as directed every day since. I'm thrilled that she can't detect them in her food, because she usually can sniff anything added out and won't eat the food, even things cats are supposed to like, such as salmon oil.

The first improvement was in only 2 days... the awful gurgling intestinal noises went away. After a few weeks, her diarrhea went away. I was so happy just to see normal poop in her litter box! The ruffled and spiky look to her fur has also improved quite a bit and her beautiful smooth coat is the norm now.

All in all, I'm thrilled with her improvement since starting on your products. I plan to keep her on them indefinitely! Thank you so much!! Kate S., PA

Does You Cat Have Mast Cell Tumors?

 

Did you know? Cats can get Mast cell tumors (MCTs) just like dogs? MCTS contain chemicals such as histamine and heparin, which are released during an allergic or inflammatory reaction. MCTs are found in connective tissue such as the skin, respiratory system and intestinal tract. ProAller Drops were developed as a detox treatment for allergies and allergic skin disorders. These spagyric drops (herbs fermented into a liquid) help calm the histamine response that can trigger mast cells. Some clients report that Proaller helps relieve allergic itching even when antihistamines don't. ProAller works most effectively when combined with NOT anti-infection drops.

What Vegetables Can I Add To My Dogs Food?

Do you ever wonder what vegetables you can add to your dog's food? Here are some veggie ideas for your dog’s meals. Shown: broccoli/cauliflower/carrot mix, okra, green beans, spinach, a few bell pepper pieces, butternut squash, and zucchini. There are so many vegetables to choose from—all from the frozen vegetable aisle. The wide assortment of veggies with different colors ensures your dog is getting a wide array of prebiotic immune-supporting fibers, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Added to the vegetable assortment for Legend: raw frozen rabbit meat patties, Amazing Omegas fish oil, flaxseed powder, and some canned food for flavor. How much time did I spend chopping, cutting, and preparing? NONE

Everything came already chopped frozen. Just lightly steam or microwave and you will add substantial nutrition to your pet’s meals. Always introduce new vegetables slowly, with just a small piece to start. For more information on pet nutrition click here.

Give Your Dog Vegetables For Good Health

Here is Legend’s haul of vegetables for this week. Giving vegetables to your pet is so important and variety is the spice of life. Different vegetables have prebiotic fibers that feed bacteria in your pet’s microbiome. Your pet's microbiome is the colony of organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc) that coexist. A healthy gut is the core of a healthy immune system. You can buy frozen vegetables and use a little bit of each to make a medley. Last week we used peas and carrots, a bit of shredded beets, cabbage, broccoli, squash and green beans. This week you can see we are using okra, spinach, collard greens, dandelion, asparagus and more. If you haven’t given your pets vegetables before, start with just a small amount and mix into food. We gently heat them and mix in his raw frozen meals and Amazing Omegas. Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, fresh enzymes and real food to a pet’s diet.

What Can You Do For A Dog That Gets Car Sick?

Does your dog get sick every time you go in the car? While some dogs love going for rides, others get nervous and anxious. Car sickness can cause nausea, vomiting, crying, restlessness, and loss of control over bodily functions. Causes can be psychological, inner ear balance-related and digestive (dog has a sensitive stomach and/or reflux.)

Physical: Motion sickness is caused by a disrupted sense of balance. A dog uses the inner ear for balance and puppies are more likely to get car sick than adults because their ears aren't fully formed or mature. The motion from a car ride can be just enough to cause a dog with a sensitive tummy to throw up. Pets with acid reflux are especially susceptible.

Psychological: Pets may associate going in the car with a traumatic event (e.g. going to the vet) or just feel unsettled leaving the comfort of their home. Some pets just have a nervous temperament and car rides are something new to which they need to adjust.

Here are a few things you can try to make your dog’s car ride more comfortable. For many pets, calming their anxiety along with stomach and digestive support before getting into the car often does the trick.

• Fresh air - Cracking a window can greatly help

• Happy Paws Drops - Give your pet our help extract drops about 20 minutes before you leave

• Digestive Support - Give your pet a highly digestible snack an hour before along with Power Probiotic and Soothing Digestive Relief (Gastro ULC if your pet has acid reflux) to settle their stomach. Some snacks that work well for pets: raw freeze-dried novel protein food and treats such as Vital Essentials or Stella & Chewy's rabbit.

• Have treats on hand - Reward your pet during the ride

• Crate - Some dogs find comfort and security in their crate

• Talk to your dog in a soothing, reassuring voice

• Slowly introduce car rides by starting with 5 minutes around the block and gradually increasing the frequency.

Car sickness can be challenging but there is hope. Many times addressing both the psychological and physical aspects can help pets feel better.