Holistic Supplements Improve Yorkie's Elevated Liver Enzymes

Bailey Rose

"I just wanted to give you an update on my Yorkie Bailey Rose.  Bailey Rose had high ALT levels and an abscess on her liver.  Her last blood work before starting the Pancreatitis and Liver Support Kit showed liver enzymes 4 times what they should be and her WBC was 40,000. She continued on her antibiotics (for a bacterial infection) and started the Kit on Oct 1 as soon as I received it. I took her for her recheck yesterday (a few weeks later) and the vet called today and was amazed that all her levels including WBC were all in normal levels and after losing a pound she has got back to her normal weight!  Even though she is almost 13 she is doing wonderful and acting like a puppy again. I also changed her food to the natural blend fish and sweet potato Ask Ariel suggested and she loves it. Thank you so much for helping me to help my sweet baby.   Cherie  Indiana 2016"

November 1st is National Cook for Your Pet Day

New Cyprus Magazine

Every pet has their specific individual nutritional needs and one diet does not fit all.  For a pet owner it can be very confusing. Should I give a raw diet, commercial canned or dry food, home-cooked, or a combination of any of the above? It is important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your pet. However, on this national Cook for Your Pet day we thought we would give you a few food ideas that you can incorporate into your pet’s diet for added nutritional benefit. Some items can be “cooked” and others given fresh..try to maintain as much nutritional value as possible (don’t overcook). For more diet tips visit our website Askariel.com.

Foods to consider “cooking” for your pet

• Steamed Green Beans- or frozen as a treat
• Zucchini
• Baby Carrots
• Chopped Broccoli
• Baked fish, venison, other lean meats (if pet isn't allergic)
• Pumpkin- adds fiber to their diet

Note- make sure any item is safe to be consumed by your pet. Certain foods (such as chocolate and onions) can be toxic.  Here is a link to American Kennel Club for toxic foods. Also, make sure you consider any health conditions your pet may have, such as: weight issues, diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatitis and Cushing disease to name a few.  Remember…”You are what you eat" goes for your pet too!

Three Excuses For Not Walking Your Dog and How To Overcome Them

1.  Too tired after coming home from work and just want to relax

Tip:  Taking even a short walk can re-energize you and help you leave work behind for the evening.  You will feel better if you get it out of the way right when you walk in the door.  Have the leash and shoes waiting and just do it!  Or try walking before work if that is possible.  A little walk in the morning always helps make a day brighter.

2.  No time--too busy!

Tip:  Each week take a look at your schedule.  Ask yourself "when could I squeeze in a 15 minute walk?".  Put a few walks on your calendar:   Date with Buddy.  C'mon you can do it!

3.  My dog gets plenty of exercise in the yard all day.

Tip:  When a dog is left in the yard, most of the time all they do is sleep.  Dogs are pack animals and want to be with you.  Going for a walk is a lot more than exercise for a dog.  Think of it as "reading the newspaper".  Dogs love to cruise the neighborhood, sniff all around and mark their territory.  It's also special bonding time with you that they may not get any other time of the day. 

Helping Rescued Senior Dogs

Have you ever shared your bed with your beloved pet only to realize you were on the very edge and they had all the covers?  Now multiply that by seven and you can picture what Chris and Mariesa Hughes were facing every night sharing a bed with their seven rescue dogs.  After nights of couch sleeping the Hughes’ came up with a solution that made everyone happy…they created the Megabed!

The Megabed measures just under 14' x 7' with added steps so the senior dogs do not need to jump up

Chris and Mariesa Hughes are founders of The Mr. Mo Project, a nonprofit with a mission to rescue elderly and sick dogs from shelters (saving them from possible euthanasia) and placing them in homes to live the rest of their life in a home filled with love.  Mr. Mo Project also covers the dog’s medical and living expenses. 

How To Help Prevent Cat-Scratch Fever

This month the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC) has released results from a study that shows an increase in serious complications from “cat-scratch” disease (also known as cat-scratch fever). It is a disease spread through contact (usually scratches or bites)with infected cats or cat fleas (carrier of the disease) However, it important to note that the bacterium causing the disease, called Bartonella henselae, is not present in most cats.

According to the report approximately 12,000 people were diagnosed with cat-scratch disease during the study period, of which 500 required hospitalizations. Young children, those with compromised immune systems and the elderly seem to be at higher risk of having complications.

Good hygiene is the key here.  The CDC advises people to wash hands thoroughly after playing with their cats and to treat cat scratches (or bites) promptly to avoid infection. If you notice swelling or redness seek medical attention. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.

Sources: cbsnews.com,usa today, cdc 

Bloodhound Finishes Half Marathon To Her Owner's Surprise

Love this story ...Has your pet ever surprised you with new talents you didn't know before? Last winter, Ludivine, a bloodhound, decided to join the Elkmont Half Marathon in Alabama to the surprise of her owner.  Ludivine lives on a farm near the starting line for the race and decided to investigate all the commotion. As the gun sounded, to start the race, she took off with the other racers and ran the entire 13.1 miles and finished 7th!  Of course she had a couple of stops, sniffing some road kill and taking a dip and drink from a nearby pond. There is talk of next year’s race being called the Hounddog Half with special recognition for 7^th place. What a wonderful surprise for Ludivine's owner!  For the whole story as told to Runner's World click here

What wonderful ways has your pet surprised you?  Email us at support@askariel.com

Is Your Pet Overweight?

 

Is your pet overweight or obese?

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), an estimated 58% of cats and 54% of dogs in the United States are indeed overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to an array of medical issues and addressing the issue, sooner rather than later, can have a huge impact for your pet.

PRIMARY RISKS OF EXCESS WEIGHT IN PETS  
Osteoarthritis
Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart and Respiratory Disease
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
Kidney Disease
Many Forms of Cancer
Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)

How do I know if my pet needs to lose weight?
Here are a couple of tests you can do at home. You can also visit APOP's website, or speak to your veterinarian to determine your pet’s ideal weight.

• Run your hands across the chest of the dog or cat. You should always be able to feel their ribs but not see them. There should never be a layer of fat over the ribs.
• Look at the standing dog or cat from a bird's eye view. They should have what looks like a waist that tucks in right in front of the hips

 
Susan Davis, our Ask Ariel nutritionist, gives these tips to get pets back into shape:
• Control portions. Look at everything you are feeding your pet -- pet food, treats and human food -- and reduce the amount. Use proper measuring tools. Also, food packages will recommend portions by weight ranges. Use the weight range of the overweight pet's ideal weight, not its current weight. And use the lowest suggested amount for that range. For example, if the manufacturer recommends two to three cups for dogs over 30 pounds, give the dog two cups.

• Control quality. Don't feed your pet human junk food like pizza or sweets such as baked goods, ice cream or cookies. Home-prepared meals using fresh ingredients are acceptable, Davis says. Wholesome items such as brown rice, fresh lean meats and carrots are recommended. Be sure to avoid the human foods that can be toxic to cats and dogs: grapes/raisins, mushrooms, chocolate and coffee. Tomatoes and garlic can also be toxic for cats.

• Increase exercise. Get into the habit of walking your dog every day. Getting outdoors is good for a pet's emotional health, too, giving it a chance to make social contact and find out what is going on in the neighborhood. Most dogs love to play fetch and some love to swim. Cats can stay active indoors by actively playing with their toys and “hunting” for food.