What To Know About Essential Oils and Pets

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.

In some cases, natural isn’t always safe for our pets. Some essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs, whether they are applied to the skin or taken in orally. The following essential oils are poisonous to cats and dogs:

Cinnamon oil

Citrus oil

Clove oil

Pennyroyal oil

Peppermint oil

Pine oils

Sweet Birch oil

Tea Tree oil

Wintergreen

Ylang Ylang

Please check with your veterinarian before using essential oils for your cat or dog. If using a diffuser, keep pets out of the rooms with high concentrations of diffused particulates. Remember that the more dilute the oil, the safer it is for your pets.

Legend At His Favorite Place - So Thankful!

 

Took our Ol’ Boy Legend to his favorite place, Dana Point Harbor, yesterday for a lovely morning walk. He gets so excited to go but it’s hard not to feel a pang of heartbreak seeing him slowdown once he gets there after walking for a bit. Legend is now in his very senior years—his DNA test said he was genetically 102 years old (in human years) 6 months ago. We are so so grateful every day we have with him. He is an incredible survivor and all the conventional and holistic veterinary care and love have helped him live the absolute best life. But no matter how much we hope and pray our beloved pets will live forever, signs of aging (e.g slowing down on walks, not going as far as he used to) remind us that they don’t. The most painful part of loving a pet is knowing someday we will lose them, right? Please take a moment from your busy day to give your pet a little extra time and attention. They bring so much love, joy and happiness into our lives. With all that goes on in this world, it’s truly a miracle how pets bring out the best in us.

What Vegetables Can I Give My Dog?

          

                    

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!

Summertime Ear Infections In Dogs

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.

Supplements Help 16 Year Old Black Labrador With Kidney Problems

Bodie

"Our black lab Bodie, turns 16 on Monday. He has had a lifelong skin problems stomach issues, and with his age, has elevated kidney levels. We started Bodie on AskAriel.com's supplements when he was a year old. We have tapped into Susan’s expertise & products for over 15 years & have been so happy with her knowledge & love of animals. AskAriel's kidney, probiotic, & amazing omegas have helped support Bodie’s improvement so much. " Linda, CA.

Products used: Kidney Health, Renelix, Amazing Omegas, Power Probiotic, K9 Digestive Enzymes.

Kidney disease can affect both cats and dogs, especially as they get older. The kidneys play an important role in maintaining the body's overall health by filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood.  They also regulate electrolyte balance and produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and stimulate red blood cell production.

In older dogs, kidney disease commonly occurs due to the gradual decline in kidney function over time. This decline is often associated with aging and can be exacerbated by factors such as genetics, diet, infections, toxins, and certain medical conditions. As a dog ages, the kidneys may become less efficient at filtering waste and maintaining proper fluid and electrolyte balance.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is particularly prevalent in older dogs and is characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over an extended period of time. Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs may include increased thirst and urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, and changes in urination (such as increased or decreased frequency or changes in color). Early detection and management can help slow the progression of kidney disease and maintain a good quality of life for affected dogs. 

Treatment typically involves dietary management (feeding a lower phosphorous diet),  fluid therapy for hydration and supplements to support kidney function. Natural supplements, such as antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the kidneys, amino acids, B vitamins, herbal supplements, probiotics, and phosphorus binders, can aid in supporting kidney function in dogs with kidney disease. These supplements may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, support circulation, maintain overall kidney health, and regulate phosphorus levels. It is also important to have regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests which can help monitor kidney function so that treatment plans can be adjusted.

Author:  Susan Blake Davis

Revised and Updated 4/28/2024

Originally Published on 7/6/2022

Supplements For Dogs With Lyme Disease

It's Spring and the ticks are back. Lyme Disease comes from a tick bite but that doesn't mean that a single tick bite is always going to cause your dog to get Lyme Disease. We hear so much about the dangers of a tick bite in dogs, but thankfully only a small fraction of ticks actually carry the borrelia bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

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.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health tested the effectiveness of plant-based extracts in the treatment of Lyme Disease. Japanese knotweed was one of the top two most effective in killing off Lyme bacteria. Ask Ariel's Resveratrol For Dogs is made with Trans-Resveratrol from Japanese Knotweed, an antioxidant with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Resveratrol for Dogs can increase circulation, especially to the heart and joints, making Lyme Disease treatment more effective as blood flows into areas where the bacteria can hide. Ask Ariel’s Resveratrol can help alleviate the systemic, chronic inflammation associated with Lyme disease in dogs. To learn more about holistic treatments for Lyme disease please click here.

How To Help Your Dog's Cushing's 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.