Boston Terrier Survives Mast Cell Tumors

"In April of 2013, my precious Boston Terrier, Marcie had 3 mast cell tumors removed at age 7.They had been misdiagnosed by previous conventional veterinarians. Thankfully I located a wonderful holistic DVM who I have to drive 320 miles round trip to see, but well worth the travel.One of the tumors had become a grade 2. After reading the pathology report and various other articles, I was terrified of what might happen. My first Boston Terrier lived to be sixteen and my second eighteen. Naturally I am shooting for at least twenty with my little third charm.

She's my baby and I will do anything I can to give her the best and all she needs. Being a huge fan of nutraceuticals, I started exploring options. Without using any western cancer solutions, my holistic vet had outlined a base diet to feed and recommended some supplements in addition to the holistic Chinese herbs she mixes just for Marcie. She did not think we needed to do any type of western intervention and I was open to whatever my pup needed.

I was concerned that I was not doing all I could though, so I consulted Susan for a nutrition consult. Susan made her recommendation and also suggested supplements from the AskAriel.com website. I immediately placed my order for several products she recommended and have been using these now for years. Other than a couple of changes in protein sources, which is necessary with dogs with serious allergies, my baby is amazing. Everybody that meets her is in awe of her beauty and comment on the glow of her coat which I attribute to Amazing Omegas. They cannot believe that she is nine years old and has puppy energy!

I still have a twenty year goal and I thank God each day He gives me to love her. Marcie's recent bloodwork results were awesome. I know it would not be possible without Susan's help. I highly recommend her expertise and products."

Kim (2015)
Florida

Supplements that help Marcie include: Amazing Omegas for Pets, Onco X, AllerEaze, Gastro ULC, Power Probiotic for Pets, K9 Digestive Enzymes, and Immune Harmony.

My Can't Won't Eat! Reasons Why Your Kitty May Not Be Eating Well

We were recently contacted by a client that wanted to know what to feed her 10 year old cat, who had started to  be "finicky" about food recently.  She went on to explain that, a few weeks ago, her furry baby had stopped eating her regular dry food.  She then tried a few different canned foods, only to have her lose interest every few days, and finally resorted to pieces of cooked chicken and tuna.  She did not notice any other changes in her cat's behavior.

It is important to know that a change in your cat's eating habits usually indicates a problem! It is not common for a cat to get "tired of the food". You need to get to the bottom of the issue sooner than later.  Even if your cat is drinking it can become dehydrated, which can have devastating results.There could be many reason a cat will stop eating, here are the most common:

Dental Problems-Your cat's mouth may be sore...it could be from an injury, broken tooth, an infection or from a common condition known as stomatitis, which causes it to be painful to chew.  You will need to have an assessment of your pet’s mouth, treatment of cause and possibly a dental cleaning to resolve the issue.

Gastrointestinal Issues- If your cat has nausea due to gastrointestinal (GI) problems, he or she will not want to eat. Often cats with GI problems will have weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.  Power Probiotic and Soothing Digestive Relief provide relief for the discomfort associated with GI symptoms. There are many reasons your cat could have GI issues, some include

• Parasites (Colostrum + Power Probiotic can help ward off parasites, especially if your cat is vulnerable and has had these previously)
• Colitis (acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the colon)
• Gastroenteritis (inflammation or infection of the GI tract)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation or infection of the pancreas)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)  inflammation of the intestinal lining which is often due to food allergies
• Cancer (e.g. intestinal lymphoma)

Kidney Disease-Very common, particularly in older cats, not wanting to eat is kidney disease. Kidney disease causes acid to build up in the GI tract which causes nausea. Only your veterinarian can diagnose kidney disease so it is again important to have your feline examined as soon as possible.  Using Gastro ULC + Power Probiotic can greatly help.  Kidney disease is very common in senior cats.  It can be treated using the appropriate kidney friendly diet, IV fluids, subcutaneous fluids done at home along with a few supplements.

Other Possible Causes-If you rule out major diseases or conditions, your veterinarian may ask you about any changes in the cat's routine or living conditions.  Cats can be sensitive to changes to their environment and may stop eating if feeling anxious or depressed.  Or perhaps they recently received a vaccination and is not feeling quite itself.  

Refusal of food can have significant consequences, and determining the underlying reason quickly is important.  Unlike dogs, cats can get very sick quickly from not eating and early intervention is key. Seek help from a veterinarian professional immediately if your cat stops being interested in eating. 

 Diet changes can help bring about relief very quickly.  Many cats that not feeling well are eating nothing but poultry and fish.  These protein sources, along with the grains and starches found in dry foods are hard to digest for many cats and can be a big allergen too.  Many times pet owners have tried various foods already so getting help from a professional can make a difference.  Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist will provide a free diet suggestion custom tailored for you cat with your order. Be sure to include what you are currently feeding on the order form at checkout.

Top Five New Year Resolutions For You and Your Pet

The following are some of the most common resolutions people make this time of year. The same resolutions can  be good for your pet.

1. Exercise More
You
Many people do not get enough regular exercise, which can lead to long term health problems. Try to find something you enjoy and make realistic goals to include more physical activity into your life.
Your Pet
Regular exercise can keep your pet healthy too. Consider including your pet in your exercise goals. It can be fun and you both could benefit!

2. Improve your eating habits
You
Evaluate your current eating habits and make goal to improve.  It might be to lose weight or just improve the quality of your diet.
Your Pet
Evaluate your pet’s current diet. The quality of your pet’s diet is directly related to their health.  Pet obesity has been on the rise and leads to many other health problems can be life threatening for your pet. Also, many foods contain allergens that can be causing your pet problems too.

3. Detox your life
You
We all can benefit from detoxing our bodies and eliminating unhealthy substances from our environment. (Quit smoking, stop/limit drinking alcohol, reduce caffeine intake, use only natural cleaning agents, etc) 
Your Pet
Detox your pet’s environment. Your pet is just as susceptible to environmental toxins as you. Beware what products your pet comes in to contact with to protect them. Look at your pet products, but also your cleaning supplies and pesticides used in and around the home.

 4. Financial Checkup
You
Evaluate your finances and make sure you are spending your dollars wisely.
Your Pet
Being proactive with preventive care saves money. Preventive care for your pet will save you money. Providing a healthy, high quality, hypoallergenic diet, and supportive supplements (such as Power Probiotics for Pets and Amazing Omegas) can save you money in the long run by reducing your veterinarian expenses.

5. Spend more time with loved ones and have more FUN!
You
 Life gets busy and it is easy to get caught up in the day to day and forget to have fun. Make an effort to schedule quality time with those special to you and take time to enjoy life!
Your Pet
It is important for your pet to spend time with the ones they love.. When life get’s busy it is often our furry friends that get neglected. Our pets want and need our attention, neglect can often lead to negative behavior. Make it a goal to have more “fun time” with your pet.  Who knows, it might surprise you who has more fun!

Keeping Your Senior Pet Healthy

 The care of a senior pet will differ from that of younger one.  It's never too late to make healthy changes to your pet's diet and supplement regimen.  Many times pet owners may see signs of a pet's deterioration and conclude that is just "old age" when in fact, it a health problem that can be readily addressed.  Taking your senior pet in at least twice a year for regular check-ups that include laboratory tests (blood and urine) every 6 months is a way to find potential health problems early.

What is your your pet's true age in human years? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association your pets age is estimated as:

*Small: 0-20 lbs; Medium: 21-50 lbs; Large: 51-90 lbs; Very large: >90 lbs 

Older Pet Care Considerations

These are some considerations that become more critical as a pet gets older:

• Increased veterinary care- senior pets should have more frequent veterinarian exams to monitor their health
• Diet and nutrition- nutritional needs change as the pet ages ---it's never too late to improve your pet's diet!
• Weight control - changes in weight ( gain or loss) may be a sign of a problem 
• Parasite control-becomes more important due to an immune system not being as effective as in younger pets
• Maintaining mobility-older pets keeping mobile through exercise helps keep them healthier. Curcumin for Pets reduces inflammation and improves mobility in both cats and dogs.
• Vaccination - vaccination needs may change, and a program for geriatric pets should be discussed
• Mental health-Senior pets can begin to show signs of senility.  Keeping them stimulated and mentally active can help.  Dogs in particular can display dementia and using Dog Brain Booster can greatly help.
• Environmental considerations- reevaluate your pets environment for comfort and safety.

You can play a big role in your pet's health, as they age, by watching for physical and behavioral changes. Often your pet may show behavior changes before a disease is detected.  The following are some behavioral changes an older pet may dipslay:

• Increased reaction to sounds
• Increased vocalization
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Decreased interaction w/humans
• Increased aggressive/protective behavior or anxiety
• Increased anxiety
• House soiling
• Decreased self-hygiene/grooming

Be sure to bring your pet to the veterinarian if you notice any of these changes.  Adding powerful, purified Omega 3 fatty acids found in Amazing Omegas is essential for all aging cats and dogs.

Does Your Puppy or Kitten Have Worms?

It is important to know that almost all puppies and kittens will have intestinal worms by the time they are 2 weeks old. They most often get them from their mother before birth through the placenta or soon after birth through mother's milk.  The most common types of intestinal parasites in kittens and puppies are Hookworms, Roundworms, and Tapeworms.

It's best to get a stool sample done at your vet's office and use the proper medication to kill off the worms.  Since the gastrointestinal tract houses the majority of your pet's immune system, it is important to get your puppy or kitten off on the right start.  It's not unusual for pets that develop IBS in their early years, to have had repetitive cases of worms or giardia as a baby.  It is extremely important that you provide extra immune system support to your pet to help prevent the worms from returning and to rebalance the natural intestinal flora. Colostrum for Pets + Power Probiotic is an excellent combination for all puppies and kittens with worms.  

Hookworms -cause blood loss through the intestines and can cause a puppy or kitten and can lead to death from anemia (severe blood loss) if not treated.  This worm can also be transmitted to humans through the skin.
Signs include: pale mucous membranes, dark tarry stools, constipation, loss of condition, poor appetite, dry cough, and sudden death. 

Roundworms- This worm also causes blood loss through the intestines, is present often at birth in these babies, and can be transmitted to humans.
Signs include: abdominal distension (bloated belly), colicky pain, anorexia, scanty feces, coughing due to larval migration, weakness, sudden death. 

Tapeworms- They are the most common parasite and  are caused by the pet eating/swallowing fleas carrying the tapeworm eggs. This is the only way to get tapeworms, by eating infected fleas. These worms are not dangerous, and cause no other real harm to the pet. 
Signs include: dragging or rubbing the anus on the ground, and visible tapeworm segments on the feces. Causes or risk factors are eating viscera of rabbits or rodents, and fleas in the environment. 

Diagnosis 
The most common method of diagnosis is through fecal examination, however, receiving a negative fecal report cannot guarantee that your kitten or puppy does not have internal parasites. The result may give a false negative if the infestation is not severe, making it ever more important to use supporting supplements; such as Colostrum for Pets plus Power Probiotic.

Woody - Kitty With IBD is Feeling Better!

Woody

"We are so thankful for the Ask Ariel products! Our Woody started the Power Probiotic and Soothing Digestive Relief enzyme on Dec. 1 and we are seeing such improvement. He was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, but these products have really helped…….his appetite has returned, his coat has become shiny and fluffy again, he’s actually grooming again so we think he’s feeling better, he’s not hiding - sleeping like a baby on our bed again, and the diarrhea is gone and nicely formed “poops” have returned……..yeah!! Thank you !!!"
Sue Ellen- Arizona (2014)

Canine Brain Tumors: Signs To Watch For

A canine brain tumor is a mass inside your dogs cranial cavity, it may be cancerous or non cancerous. There are different levels of malignancy and depending on the level, the treatment options will vary.The mass may be the main tumor or possibly a secondary tumor, that has spread from another part of the body. Brain tumors are more common in older dogs (and cats too), but can also develop in younger pets. It is important to know the signs, depending on the location the symptoms may vary. 

Forebrain Symptoms-responsible for "thinking," behavior, and final integration of sensory information

• Behavioral abnormalities such as loss of learned behavior and depression
• Increased or decreased appetite and thirst
• Constant pacing or circling
• Decreased awareness and vision on one side of the body,
• Seizures

The Brainstem-regulation of motor function (the ability to walk), the level of wakefulness, and the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.   nerves that control movement of and sensation to the face, the eyes, the throat, larynx and tongue, and the muscles of mastication 

• Head tilt
• Leaning and falling to the side of the head tilt
• Drunken gait with loss of balance (ataxia)
• Circling to the side of the head tilt
• Involuntary flicking of the eyes (nystagmus)
• Loss of appetite and vomiting
• Abnormal eye position (strabismus)

The Cerebellum - The cerebellum controls coordination of movements and interacts closely with the vestibular system to control balance and posture. Signs of a tumor in the cerebellum include:

• Uncoordinated gait characterized by dramatic goosestepping (hypermetria)
• Head tremors that are worst when the animal is intent on something (i.e., food) but disappear when the animal is relaxed (intention tremors)
• Swaying of the trunk
• Wide based stance
• The animal's strength remains normal

How is a brain tumor diagnosed? 
If your pet is over five years of age and new neurological symptoms pop up, testing for a brain tumor should be performed. Testing will include a complete physical and neurological examination, routine blood work (to rule out other causes), CT or MRI (MRI will show more detail and is the first choice), possible surgery or biopsy to determine type of tumor.

Treatment and Prognosis
The options for treating brain tumors usually include surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and palliative treatment of the symptoms or a combination. Alternative Holistic Care can also be an important part of your pet's care plan.  Holistic supplements that can help are:

• Happy Paws-  It is an easy to use natural supplement that is helpful for dogs and cats with anxiety, cancer, pain, mobility issues, seizures and stress. Just a few drops of this anti-inflammatory hemp extract CBD oil reduces muscular nerve pain and inflammation.
• Dog Brain Booster- Provides vital support to the brain with ingredients such as acetyl l-carnitine and phosphatidyl serine, scientifically proven to support brain health.  This leading brain support supplement can help reduce and prevent dog seizures, help dogs with dementia, brain tumors and other brain disorders.
• Amazing Omegas-Omega -3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain

We must stress that most brain tumors can be treated but not cured.  The goal should be to maintain and extend, for as long as possible,  a good quality of life for your pet.  From our experience, pets that use the supplements along with their treatment regimens have a much better outcome.