Have You Checked Your Pet's Water Bowl?

What’s lurking in your pet’s water dish? This water bowl was cleaned this morning and it already has bacteria collecting. From afar, our pet water bowls may look clean, but get up close and there is hair, particles and slimy biofilm.

Pet water bowls can accumulate various forms of debris and contaminants, creating an environment that is less than ideal for their hydration. Over time, biofilm, a slimy layer of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms, can develop on the surface of the water, making the bowl a breeding ground for potential health hazards. Additionally, pet hair, food particles, and even outdoor debris may find their way into the water, further compromising its cleanliness. It's crucial for pet owners to regularly clean and sanitize water bowls to ensure their pets have access to fresh and uncontaminated water. Proper maintenance not only prevents the growth of harmful biofilm but also promotes the overall health and well-being of our beloved companions. 

With the summer heat, our pets need fresh, clean water more than ever. It’s not enough to just refill a water bowl. Please take the extra few minutes to clean it with warm, soapy water at least once a day. 

Keep Your Pet Healthy With Routine Blood Test

When was the last time your pet had a blood test? A blood test can help your pet in many ways. A CBC test, also known as a complete blood count, is the most common blood test done by veterinarians. It is usually suggested prior to surgeries, as part of a yearly wellness exam, and every 6 months as part of senior wellness checkups. Bloodwork can help detect and identify health issues like kidney and liver disease, cancer and pancreatitis. It provides a snapshot picture of how your pet's organs are functioning. Even if you have a young pet, a blood test is important to establish a baseline. Bloodwork can be expensive but early detection can help you address health issues early on and give you more time with your pet. For more information on keeping your pet healthy click here. . 

Help For Cats With Chronic Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Does your kitty have a chronic sinus or upper respiratory tract infection? Symptoms can include nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, conjunctivitis, fever and lack of appetite. The color of nasal discharge in cats can provide valuable insights into their health. Clear nasal discharge is generally considered normal and may be associated with factors such as humidity, stress, or excitement. However, discolored nasal discharge can indicate an underlying issue. A green or yellowish tint may suggest a bacterial infection, while a rusty or bloody hue may be indicative of trauma, foreign bodies, or more severe infections. Additionally, a brown or black color might be associated with dried blood or inhaled particles. Monitoring the color and consistency of nasal discharge, along with other symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or lethargy, is essential in helping veterinarians diagnose and treat respiratory issues in cats promptly.

Often, an underlying virus, such as herpes or calicivirus is weakening the cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to getting infections. Feeding a low-carbohydrate, novel protein like a raw frozen or freeze-dried rabbit diet can help. In addition, natural treatments for nasal charge and chronic URIs can help. Ask Ariel's Immune Support Kit contains 3 easy to use tasteless remedies that have helped cats with chornic sinus infections and nasal discharge.  The drops provide both anti-viral and anti-infection support. 

Dogs Help Us Bond With Others

Stuart (Legend’s Daddy) takes Legend on exciting walking adventures every day. Legend’s all-time favorite place is the Dana Point Harbor. It’s cool with the breezes coming off the water, very scenic and it has a myriad of wildlife and of course, Legend’s furry squirrel friends.

But there are also a lot of lonely people there too. Sometimes when we walk, especially at night, there might be someone who will strike up a conversation about Legend as we pass by. Sometimes they have a pet or remember one they did have. Regardless, the people are drawn to Legend, find him to be just the icebreaker they need to connect to another human being.

Legend is no exception. There are thousands of us walking our dogs (or other pets) and your pet may be the lifeline that a terribly lonely person needs (often elderly) to connect with someone. In today's world, we never know what another person may be going through. A dog has a way of making people smile and helping them to open up.

We are all busy, in a hurry and it’s hard to stop. But sometimes when we meet these people, we wonder that maybe by spending 5 or 10 minutes talking, that we might have made a difference for them in a much bigger way. Just those few short moments can make someone's day.

It’s been a tough couple of years and there are a million reasons NOT to stop and talk to someone who is clearly lonely and desperate for another human to connect with. But just remember that the next time you are out with your dog, your pet may be the one bright spot in another person’s day.

Can An X-Ray Save Your Pet?

X-rays or radiographs have become a routine and essential procedure in veterinary care, commonly included in senior wellness packages. This diagnostic tool proves invaluable in identifying a range of health issues in cats and dogs, aiding veterinarians in providing timely and accurate treatment.  While X-rays are expensive, here are some ways they can help your pet.

Diagnosing Respiratory Issues:

Chest X-rays play a crucial role in diagnosing breathing problems in pets, including conditions such as collapsed trachea, asthma, and pneumonia. The ability to visualize the lungs allows for early detection of potential respiratory ailments.

Screening for Cancer:

X-rays are instrumental in screening for cancer, as tumors often metastasize to the lungs. Early detection through chest X-rays can contribute to a more effective treatment plan, potentially saving a pet's life. For more information on cancer in pets click here. 

Specialist Radiologists' Expertise:

Veterinarians can collaborate with specialist radiologists, leveraging their extensive experience to identify issues that might be overlooked. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of your pet's health.

Monitoring Chronic Conditions:

A series of X-rays over time proves beneficial in tracking the progression of chronic conditions like collapsed trachea, lung scarring, or asthma. Despite the initial investment, regular X-rays can provide essential insights into your pet's health and aid in timely interventions.

Versatility in Diagnosis:

X-rays are not limited to respiratory issues; they are also effective in diagnosing arthritis, broken bones, and hip dysplasia. In cases where a pet has swallowed a foreign object, X-rays offer a quick and reliable method of diagnosis.

Dental Health Assessment:

Oral X-rays become necessary for pets with dental issues such as abscesses, tooth resorption, or oral tumors. This aspect of diagnostic imaging ensures a comprehensive evaluation of a pet's overall health.

Life-Saving Potential:

While X-rays may seem like a significant investment, they often prove to be life-saving by facilitating accurate early diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.

In conclusion, the use of X-rays in veterinary care extends beyond routine procedures; it becomes a lifeline for our pets. The ability to diagnose a wide array of health issues, collaborate with specialists, and monitor chronic conditions underscores the indispensable role of X-rays in ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.

For more information on holistic care for your pet click here 

Author: Susan Blake Davis, nurtritionist

Original post: August 10, 2022

Updated: Febuary 5, 2024

Pay Attention To How Your Dog Breathes

 

I have experienced scary incidences with two different dogs and wanted to share their stories. Tessie was an older rescue dog who had an occasional slight cough when we got her. She was lively and happy but after a few years the cough became more frequent. It took THREE ultrasounds to finally find the tumor (hemangiosarcoma) on her heart. 

In the second case, it’s our big boy Legend. He always breathed really hard after exercise, even as a young dog. We found out that he had lung scarring from a possible untreated case of pneumonia.  Later as he got older he would pant excessively every night. This was due to pain from reflux and when we give him a little food with tummy supplements, it goes away. 

Seeing your dog breathing heavy, coughing and gagging, panting at night or wheezing is alarming, and often, quick action on the part of the pet owner is needed. Did you know? Panting excessively can be a sign of pain? It is also a classic sign of Canine Cushing’s. Dogs can have a variety of breathing problems with causes ranging from allergies to cancer What’s important is to get your dog’s lungs and heart checked out. If you notice your dog having any difficulty breathing, especially if your dog is a senior, please contact your veterinarian as some dog breathing problems can be life-threatening. 

Vets can often diagnose breathing problems with a simple XRAY. The X-RAYs can be carefully screened by specialist radiologists (often without extra charge) to make sure your vet didn’t miss anything. These specialists see all kinds of nuances in chest X-RAYs and provide very meaningful analysis. Chest X-Rays are also a great quick screening for cancer as it often metastasizes to the lungs from other organs. Once you have a diagnosis, conventional veterinary treatments can be combined with home remedies to help your pet feel better. Please click here to learn more about dog breathing problems.

Natural Supplements Keeps 18 Year Old Beagle Healthy and Happy

I'm a doctor (for humans) and because I'm well aware of all of the side effects that accompany medications, I always choose to go the all-natural route first for all of my fur-babies. I've been using Ask Ariel products for several years now and have been more than pleased with the results. The picture I posted is of my 18 year young beagle, Bella. Bella has K9 Cushing's and she's been on Ask Ariel's formula (by the same name) for a few years now. We've been able to keep her healthy, happy and still active. She walks/runs 1/2 mile every day and looks forward to her car rides. I have 2 dogs and 5 cats and I rely on Ask ariel products to keep them healthy. Great Job Ask Ariel. BTW...I continue to learn so much from your newsletters. ~Dr. Valerie Monteiro