Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. They have powerful fragrances and are used for cleaning, relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits for pets and some holistic veterinarians use them in their practices.
August is RAWgust - a month to celebrate raw food! Raw frozen pet food can be especially helpful for pets with allergies, digestive problems and young, active pets. Raw frozen diets are the gold standard in pet food containing real meat, fresh vegetables, omega oils and nutrients. These high moisture, low carbohydrate diets can be included in your pet’s daily regimen in a variety of ways. Raw food doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing diet. Many people mix it with canned food, give it as treats or feed it for just one of their pet’s meals. This August, we encourage you to consider adding raw frozen or raw freeze-dried food to your pet's diet for superior nutrition and health benefits. There are so many great brands of raw frozen and raw freeze-dried to choose from like Vital Essentials, Small Batch, Instinct, Stella & Chewy’s and Primal. Not only do they make great food, but terrific raw freeze-dried treats. For step by step help on how to introduce raw food and transition your pet’s diet please click here.
You may be wondering "What vegetables can I give my dog?" We wanted to provide just a sampling of the vegetables that many dogs will eat readily. Adding vegetables to your pet’s meals doesn’t have to cost a lot or take a great deal of time. Choose whatever works for you. Here are just a few examples of what goes into Legend’s meals. Buying frozen vegetables takes a lot of the work out of it. Just defrost a handful or run under warm water. Depending upon the size of your pet, you can quickly chop up. Cats sometimes like a few pieces of asparagus or carrots. Try just a spoonful thoroughly mixed into the meal and work up to more if your pet is finicky. Vegetables add important prebiotic fibers which build a healthy immune system. They contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Vegetables help ward off disease and support a healthy liver. There is just no substitute for the wholesome goodness of vegetables. We all need to eat more!
Please visit our pet health library for more pet nutrition tips!
During the summertime, dogs are more prone to ear infections due to various environmental factors and increased outdoor activities. The warm weather creates a conducive environment for the growth of bacteria and yeast in a dog's ear canal. Dogs that enjoy swimming, especially those with floppy ears, may trap moisture within the ear, providing an ideal breeding ground for infections. Additionally, allergens like pollen and grass can trigger allergic reactions, leading to inflammation and increased susceptibility to infections. Increased outdoor exploration during summer may expose dogs to foreign bodies, such as grass seeds or debris, which can also contribute to ear issues. Regular ear cleaning, keeping ears dry after water activities, and monitoring for signs of discomfort are essential preventative measures to ensure our furry companions stay healthy and happy during the summer months.
Repetitive swimming combined with humidity is the perfect environment for yeast to grow, especially if water collects in your dog's ears. Symptoms of yeast overgrowth include red, swollen skin, constant itching and licking, a cheesy odor, and ear shaking or scratching. K9 Yeast Defense is an all-natural antifungal supplement scientifically proven to fight yeast. Combine with Power Probiotic and Olive Leaf Extract to control yeast overgrowth and skin problems.
Many dogs with Lyme disease do not show any symptoms. However, symptoms may include joint pain, inflammation, fever and lethargy. Canine Lyme disease treatment will include antibiotics from your veterinarian. Using natural supplements in conjunction with treatment from your vet can help to manage the uncomfortable symptoms of Lyme disease.
Ask Ariel’s holistic approach to treating Canine Cushing's Disease is a comprehensive. Along with diet changes, it’s important to use 3 types of supplements to properly affect hormone levels and support your dog’s overall wellness. Here is a summary:
1. Phosphatidylserine - AskAriel’s Canine Cushing's Support helps reduce cortisol levels.
2. Liver support supplements. Chronically increased cortisol can lead to elevated liver enzymes or liver disease. Ask Ariel's K9 Liver Support Kit can help to reduce elevated liver enzymes
3. Lignans & Melatonin - Melatonin and lignans inhibit enzymes that are used in cortisol production. Research studies conducted at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville (UTK) concluded that melatonin can help reduce excessive cortisol levels. Lignans have also been studied for their role in blocking enzymes needed for cortisol production.
Many dogs with Cushing's disease have mild symptoms which can be successfully managed without medication. To learn more please click here.