How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog Or Cat?

 

Now that the fall is here, pumpkin is back.  Pumpkin is a miracle food that offers many benefits for cats and dogs with digestive problems. Pumpkin is high in fiber and helps to regulate the natural wave action in your pet’s GI tract. Pumpkin can help cats and dogs with both constipation and diarrhea. The high fiber content adds bulk to the diet, helping your pet feel full and lose weight. Pumpkin is a nutrient powerhouse containing Vitamins A, C and E that you can mix directly into your pet’s food. If your pet has diarrhea or other digestive problems, pumpkin can help.

How much pumpkin to add? It all depends upon the size and sensitivity of your pet. Always start slowly because too much pumpkin can have a laxative effect. For cats and small dogs, start with 1/2 teaspoon per meal and big dogs can start with about a tablespoon per meal. Be sure to check with your veterinarian first if your pet has diabetes or is especially sensitive.

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Help Homeless Pets On Remember Me Thursday

 

Today is a special holiday for animals and one that is dear to my heart. Sharing one of my all time favorite memories of Legend when we went on a 2 week road trip and visited Bryce Canyon.

Today is Remember Me Thursday, an international awareness day meant to bring attention to the millions of adoptable pets waiting in shelters.

Ways To Celebrate:

1) Adopt A Shelter Pet. If you are considering adding a new cat or dog to your home, you can find many local pets available for adoption through petfinder.org.

2) Volunteer At A Shelter or Rescue. If you aren't quite ready to add a new pet, most shelters are always looking for volunteers to help clean cages, play with cats, walk dogs or promote awareness.

3) Foster A Homeless Pet. Temporarily open your home and care for a homeless animal while the rescue group tries to find the pet a permanent home. Most foster arrangements are easy and short-term except when they fail (as in Legend ….🤣)

4) Make a donation to a rescue group or shelter. These organizations need more than cash. Crates, bedding, towels or a bag of food go a long way!

Promoting adoption and giving honor to animals who are left behind in shelters is what Remember Me Thursday is all about. Consider that changing just one mind can save the life of a cat or dog or need. Help others #SeeTheLight about pet adoption on #RememberMeThursday.

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A Low Carbohydrate, Novel Protein Diet For A Dog With Food Allergies And Cancer

 

Are you wondering what foods might be helpful for dogs with inflammatory conditions like cancer or allergies? We are sharing what was in our rescue dog Legend's breakfast bowl this morning.  14 year old Legend has epilepsy, atypical Cushings, food allergies and now liver cancer.  He is 78 pounds and still going on two walks a day. Here is what is in Legend’s bowl: baked salmon, raw rabbit patty, dandelion greens, artichoke hearts, Amazing Omegas, okra, asparagus, carrots and broccoli. We change the vegetables every day and include green beans, shredded cabbage, peas and squash (butternut, zucchinni and yellow squash).  Every pet's needs are different and if your dog has to be on a special diet such as a low fat diet or one for a health condition like kidney disease,  than this would not be a good fit.  It's best to always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

If your dog has any joint issues, allergies, skin problems or cancer, adding omega 3s in the form of fish and fish oil is helpful. Veggies like artichoke (chopped frozen from Trader Joe’s), dandelion greens and carrots support liver health. The raw frozen food is the gold standard in providing fresh nutrients for pets. Notice the diet is low in carbohydrates—very important for any cat or dog with cancer, digestive issues and especially inflammation. Finally, feeding your pet these types of foods doesn’t have to be an all or nothing decision. Vegetables, fish and raw food are definitely expensive so even if you mix in what you can a few times a week or on the weekends when you have more time, that’s a big win. Anything you can do to add more fresh nutrients to your pets diets is great!

For more helpful pet nutrition diet tips, please visit our pet health articles library. 

Husky Legend Adores His Kitty Friend

Contrary to the age-old notion that cats and dogs are natural adversaries, many heartwarming stories and countless households stand as testaments to the beautiful friendships that can blossom between these two different species. With patience, understanding, and a gradual introduction, cats and dogs can often develop deep bonds characterized by companionship and playfulness. Shared living spaces often witness moments of mutual grooming, playful chasing, and even cuddling between feline and canine friends. These unique relationships challenge stereotypes and showcase the individual personalities of our pets, emphasizing that with the right approach and a bit of time, cats and dogs can indeed become the best of buddies, enriching our lives with their charming camaraderie.

Traditionally, huskies are quite prey-driven and will chase birds, squirrels and cats.  Legend loves to go to the Harbor to watch the squirrels with endless fascination. In his younger days, he would have probably been much more playful with Meow.  But, now here he is Paw to Paw with his kitty pal!  Precious memories of two very special pets. 

Making Life Easier For our Senior Pets

14-year-old Legend is “doing the ramp” his way. We have tried all kinds of ramps over the years. Most are either too narrow, too flimsy or the surface is slippery and the dogs won’t use it. What has made this one a winner is that it has a grass covering. Ramps save senior dogs from injuries and can protect their limbs, even if they could still jump in.

Ramps can be invaluable aids for senior dogs, providing a gentle and supportive means for them to get in and out of cars safely. As dogs age, they may experience joint issues, arthritis, or reduced mobility, making it challenging for them to navigate elevated surfaces like car seats. A ramp offers a gradual incline, minimizing the strain on their joints and muscles. It allows senior dogs to walk up or down at their own pace, reducing the risk of falls or injuries. Ramps come in various designs, including foldable and portable options, making them convenient for use during travel. By incorporating a ramp into a senior dog's routine, pet owners can promote independence, reduce stress, and enhance the overall well-being of their furry companions, ensuring that every car journey remains comfortable and accessible throughout their golden years.

It Might Be Scary... But Be Brave

Yesterday was a tough day for us. Legend’s liver cancer has returned and he went in to have the tumor removed. Unfortunately, the tumor was inoperable due to its location and there were new liver nodules present as well.

In spite of all we went through, we have no regrets. While it was terribly disappointing to get the news, at least we know where we stand (waiting for biopsy results) and now have the information we need to make the very best decisions for Legend going forward. We are very grateful to Legend’s dedicated holistic veterinarian Dr. David Gordon Arch Beach Veterinary Clinic who has been guiding us through this challenging journey. However scary it was to go through the tests and surgery, we still have time left to see what else we can do. Without those tests, we would just be hoping he was doing ok at 14 years of age.

We wanted to share our story because we hope it might give you courage to move forward with any lab tests that you might be considering for your senior pet. While no one likes to get bad news, when it comes to lab tests, we all must find the courage to BE BRAVE so we can do the best for our pets.

Do You Know The Difference Between IBD and IBS In Cats?

Kitties can have digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, gas, stomach gurgling and blood or mucous in the stool. These symptoms can occur with both IBD and IBS. IBD in cats results from chronic inflammation in the cat’s intestinal tract that prevents the proper digestion and absorption of food. It is a long-term condition that can cause weight loss and if left untreated, can lead to intestinal lymphoma. IBS in cats is usually a result of an event like going to the vet or occasional food intolerance. It doesn’t happen daily, just when your kitty is stressed. Ask Ariel’s IBD Kit provides relief from IBD and IBS symptoms, especially when diet changes are made. The three supplements help calm and soothe the digestive tract, firm up stool, relieve tummy rumbling and reduce gas, mucus and bloody stool. Please click the link to learn more