End Of Summer Vacations

Are you taking one last trip before summer ends? Taking the time to type up a clear instruction sheet of your pet’s meals, medications, supplements and health concerns can make a world of difference. Here are a few tips to help keep your pet comfortable while you are away:

* Consider a pet sitter instead of taking your pet to a boarding facility.  Ask your vet, neighbors and friends about who they use when they travel.

* If you do have to take your pet to a facility, ask about doggie daycare.  Even if your pet has never been to doggie daycare, many pets enjoy the companionship and activity that doggie daycare can provide.  Try to avoid leaving your pet in a cage with minimal contact.  If your dog isn't social, many facilities offer extended walks.

* Bring your pet's regular food to the boarding facility (divided into normal meals). Pets can get tummy problems when they are stressed and away from their families.

* Make sure to leave a few items, like a special toy or blanket, that will help keep your pet be calm and happy while you are gone.

* If you give your pets supplements, put them in separate meal baggies to make it easy for the caregiver to administer. Medications usually must be brought in their original bottles prescribed by your veterinarian

The Benefits Of Good Nutrition For Your Pet

It’s a new day and time to start a new habit—-adding vegetables to your pet’s diet. For dogs—there is a vast array to choose from: green beans, broccoli, shredded cabbages, carrots, okra, spinach, zucchini, carrots, spaghetti squash and more. For cats: rumor has it that some like asparagus and butternut squash. Vegetables are real food. They contain enzymes, vitamins and minerals in their natural form. To keep it simple, buy frozen and just defrost or warm a few pieces. Mix into canned food if your pet is finicky. The benefits are plenty. Vegetables are fantastic for helping pets lose weight too. A healthy pet starts with good nutrition!

Embracing a holistic approach to your pet's nutrition not only involves incorporating a variety of vegetables but also understanding the significance of a balanced diet. Beyond vegetables, consider including high-quality protein sources suitable for your pet's dietary needs. Protein is essential for muscle development, immune function, and overall vitality. Opt for lean meats, poultry, or fish.  Additionally, explore the benefits of incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish oil or flaxseed, promoting a healthy coat and supporting joint health. By diversifying your pet's diet with a range of nutrient-rich foods, you contribute to their overall well-being, ensuring they receive the essential building blocks for a healthy and happy life. Remember, gradual introductions and consultation with your veterinarian can guide you in tailoring a nutrition plan that aligns with your pet's specific requirements.

At Ask Ariel, we include free diet tips with your order.  Please include your pet's diet, health issues and current diet on the order form at checkout.  Click here to visit AskAriel.com

Let's Celebrate National Holistic Pet Day Every Day!

 

We can't be more excited to share National Holistic Pet Day with you! It's time to celebrate the amazing results you have achieved helping your pets get well using pet nutrition and natural remedies. Hooray for you and your pets! August 30th has been designated as National Holistic Pet Day to increase awareness about holistic treatments and give pet owners everywhere a chance to learn more.

Holistic veterinary care increases the options available to you to treat your pet's condition. Conventional veterinary medicine and holistic veterinary medicine are not mutually exclusive. When your pet receives a holistic examination, conventional laboratory testing and diagnostic techniques are used. However when your holistic veterinarian determines the best treatment plan for your pet, it will usually include some natural alternatives to minimize side effects and potentially harmful invasive procedures. Many times, prescription medications are needed to effectively treat the pet's disease, but supplements, diet changes and holistic therapies such as chiropractic or acupuncture might also be recommended. To find a holistic veterinarian in your area, you can visit the American Holistic Veterinary Association website: www.ahvma.org

The Dangers Of Red Food Dye In Pet Treats

 

What is Red 40 and why is it in your pet’s treats?

There is a misconception that cats and dogs see the world in black and white. Research shows that they actually see in a spectrum of yellows and blues. So while they do see more color than we thought, they can’t see red. So why do some pet food manufacturers use Red 40 in treats?

The use of Red 40 dye in commercial pet foods and treats is added to please you—the pet owner who is buying the products. Pet food companies use psychology to try to trick us into thinking that fake bacon or a seafood nugget would be better for our pet if it appears to be a “natural” meat color. There is no nutritional value in Red 40.

Scientific research shows that red dye 40 can cause behavioral problems and hyperactivity in children, can cause allergic reactions in people and can cause immune system cancers in mice. Most laboratory research is done on small animals, so it’s quite possible that red dye would pose the same potential risks to your cat or dog.

There are many healthy dye-free alternative treats for pets. Raw freeze-dried food is a convenient alternative. Since it’s made with real meat, the reddish/brown color is natural. Some pet owners freeze cubes of homemade bone broth and give those as a treat on hot days. Vegetables such as carrots also work well for some pets. The important thing is to please read the label before giving your pet treats! 

Celebrate Your Dog Today!

 

On National Dog Day, we rejoice about all dogs, big and small. Many dogs are considered beloved family members who bring comfort to us every day. Some dogs put their life on the line in the military, in law enforcement and in service to the disabled. National Dog Day is special because it serves as a dedicated occasion to celebrate and honor the incredible bond between humans and dogs. This day recognizes the diverse roles that dogs play in our lives – from loyal companions and family members to service animals, therapy dogs, and working partners. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership, promoting adoption from shelters, and supporting the well-being of all dogs. National Dog Day also acknowledges the unconditional love, loyalty, and joy that dogs bring into our lives. It encourages people to spend quality time with their canine friends, pamper them with extra attention, and consider the welfare of dogs in need. Overall, National Dog Day is a special and heartwarming occasion that emphasizes the positive impact that dogs have on our lives and encourages kindness and compassion towards these wonderful creatures.

National Dog Day was founded to celebrate the joy of dogs as well as to raise awareness about the plight of homeless dogs and the many that still need to be rescued. Celebrate with your special pups by giving them some extra love and attention. Consider going for a hike, having a doggie playdate or giving your dog a new special toy. It’s also a great day to donate to your favorite shelter or rescue. We wish you a Happy National Dog Day!

Rawgust Tip- How To Transition To Raw

It’s  RAWgust and a great time to learn more about the benefits of feeding raw food to your pets! Raw frozen pet food diets are the gold standard of pet nutrition. Raw frozen diets are especially helpful for pets with allergies, asthma and digestive problems.

Here are a few tips on how to introduce raw frozen into your pet’s diet. Start by adding a small amount to your cat or dog's current food. Slowly increase the raw food portion over a week's time as you decrease your pet's current diet.

Raw frozen diets are found in the freezer section at your local pet store. They usually come in different sizes like large patties for big dogs, smaller size patties or in bite sized pieces. Bring a bag home and store in the freezer. Open the bag and take out a small portion. Store the portion in a container in the refrigerator. Let it defrost for a few hours. NEVER defrost sitting on the counter as the food will become contaminated with bacteria.

You can mix the raw food with vegetables, canned food or kibble. If your pet doesn’t like the taste, you can try crumbling a little raw freeze-dried on top or buy raw freeze-dried toppers.

Why Dogs Often Get Kennel Cough At Boarding Facilities & What You Can Dog

Are you planning an end-of-summer vacation? Labor Day weekend is a very busy time for doggie daycare and boarding facilities. Kennel cough is a common ailment that dogs often get when in close contact with other dogs. Kennel cough can cause flu-like symptoms such as upper respiratory infection, sneezing, runny eyes and a hacking cough. 

Dogs often contract kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, when they are placed in boarding facilities due to the close proximity and shared environment with other dogs. Kennel cough, scientifically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is primarily caused by a combination of the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and several viruses, including canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of kennel cough in boarding facilities:

Close Quarters: In boarding facilities, dogs are often housed in close proximity to each other, facilitating the easy transmission of the infectious agents through respiratory droplets when infected dogs cough or sneeze.

Stress and Weakened Immunity: Boarding environments can be stressful for dogs, and stress weakens the immune system's ability to fend off infections. This makes dogs more susceptible to contracting kennel cough when exposed to the pathogens in a boarding facility.

High Volume of Dogs: Boarding facilities typically host a high volume of dogs from various backgrounds, increasing the likelihood of introducing new strains of the infectious agents. This diversity can make it challenging to control the spread of the disease.

Shared Facilities: Dogs in boarding facilities often share common areas, such as play areas, water bowls, and grooming spaces. These shared resources provide ample opportunities for the transmission of the bacteria and viruses responsible for kennel cough.

Preventing kennel cough in boarding situations involves vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene, and minimizing stress on the dogs.   Since Kennel cough is due to a virus, antibiotic treatment isn’t all that helpful Using AskAriel’s Olive Leaf Extract along with Quent Drops can help. They are natural antiviral supplements that are especially effective in targeting lung-related infections. You can use them along with treatments from your vet for conditions like asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.

To learn more about how to treat canine kennel cough at home, click here.