Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Odd Pet Behaviors: Pica, Butt Scooting, Walking Flatfooted & More

Is your dog doing the Butt Scootin' Boogie dance? Your dog might be scooting or dragging his butt due to: yeast overgrowth, allergies, parasites or anal gland problems. Signs of yeast can be doggie odor, ear infections, blackened skin and smelly paws. Yeast is itchy and is often caused by high carb diets and frequent antibiotic use. Use Ask Ariel's K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic to help control the yeast and rebalance your pet's intestinal flora. Stop the itchiness and irritation from the inside out.

Is your cat walking flat-footed on their rear paws? Normally a cat's hocks are vertical. The most common (not exclusive) culprits are diabetes and kidney disease. Diabetes can cause nerve damage in cats, resulting in a plantigrade (flat-footed) stance. If diabetes is the cause, working with your vet to control your kitty's blood sugar can help. Since diabetes impacts the kidneys, Ask Ariel's Kidney Health Protein Support is essential to help optimize kidney function and improve protein metabolism.

"My dog shakes his head all of the time"... Does this sound familiar? Some head shaking is normal, but if it is excessive, it usually indicates that your pet's ears are bothering them and this is their way to relieve the symptoms.  

The most common cause is Otitis Externa, an inflammation of the external ear canal. Ears are a prime location for bacteria and yeast infections. Even a mild yeast infection could cause your dog to shake his head frequently.  A common cause for ear infections are  underlying allergies.  Here is an interesting article on ear infections and yeast.  We have had wonderful results using K-9 Yeast Defense . 

Other causes include: Ear Vasculitis-an inflammation of the vessels in the pinna or ear flap. Ear Mites, a parasite infestation that will show the outer ear and the visible part of the inner ear to have a fine dark substance that looks like coffee grounds, and Ear Hematomas which can occur if your pet shakes his head too much from the ear infection.

Is your dog or cat eating non-food items?  Pica is when a pet eats items such as rocks, fabric, dirt or plastic.  It can be caused by both behavioral and physical reasons.  Pets with behavioral pica eat non-food items out of boredom, stress or play (e.g. eating their owner's socks). Organic Hemp Extract can be given to pets to reduce separation anxiety and calm nervous pets. Physical pica can be due to digestive disorders, anemia or hormonal imbalances. It's essential to work with your vet to find the cause. Whatever the cause, pets with pica can benefit from Power Probiotic to ease tummy discomfort and promote a healthy digestive tract. 

When is a yawn just a yawn and when can it mean your pup is having a problem? Yawning is a common sign your dog may be stressed. It is not known exactly why they yawn, but if you notice your pet yawning frequently make a note of where and when it happens. That way it can help you figure out what is going on and address the issue. Sometimes you can calm them with a little loving, but if not natural supplements can help. PSY-stabil is a gentle homeopathic remedy that has a soothing, harmonizing effect on pets and can help anxiety.