​Senolytics are drugs or compounds that are designed to target and remove senescent cells in the body. Senescent cells are cells that have stopped dividing and are in a state of growth arrest, typically in response to damage or stress. While this state can initially prevent damaged cells from turning into cancer, the buildup of senescent cells over time plays a role in the aging process and the development of age-related diseases.
​Senolytics function by promoting the targeted elimination of senescent cells, which helps decrease their accumulation in tissues and potentially delays or alleviates age-related conditions. Some of the frequently studied senolytic compounds are dasatinib, quercetin, fisetin, and navitoclax.

​Quercetin offers a multitude of benefits for your pet's overall health. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and slowing down the aging process. Additionally, Quercetin has anti-inflammatory effects that can alleviate discomfort caused by inflammation, such as joint pain or skin irritations. By supporting your pet's immune system, Quercetin helps keep them healthy and resilient.

​A strong immune system is crucial for your pet's overall health. Quercetin plays a key role in supporting their immune system by enhancing the function of immune cells and regulating immune responses. By boosting their natural defenses, Quercetin can help your pet better fight off infections and stay healthy.

​Inflammation is a common issue in pets, especially as they age. Quercetin's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in various parts of the body, including joints, skin, and digestive system. This can provide relief for pets suffering from conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. By managing inflammation, Quercetin can improve your pet's mobility and overall comfort.

​Respiratory issues, such as asthma or bronchitis, can greatly impact your pet's quality of life. Quercetin has been shown to have a positive effect on respiratory health by reducing inflammation in the airways and improving lung function. If your pet suffers from respiratory conditions, incorporating Quercetin into their daily routine may help alleviate symptoms and promote better breathing.

​One of the key benefits of Quercetin is its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and premature aging. By incorporating Quercetin into your pet's diet or using supplements, you can provide them with a powerful antioxidant boost, helping them stay healthy and vibrant.

​Skin conditions are common in pets and can cause discomfort and irritation. Quercetin's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe skin inflammation and reduce itching. It can also support the healing process of skin wounds or allergies. Whether your pet has dry skin, hot spots, or dermatitis, Quercetin can be a valuable addition to their skincare regimen.

​Cardiovascular health is essential for your pet's well-being. Quercetin has been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular function by improving blood circulation and reducing oxidative stress. By supporting your pet's cardiovascular system, Quercetin can help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote a healthy heart.

​While Quercetin can be obtained through supplements, it is always beneficial to incorporate it into your pet's diet through natural sources. Fruits and vegetables like apples, berries, broccoli, and kale are rich in Quercetin. Herbs such as parsley and dill also contain significant amounts of this powerful compound.
​It's important to prepare it properly. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly to remove any pesticides or harmful substances. It's best to serve them raw or lightly steamed to preserve the Quercetin content.

​While Quercetin is generally safe for dogs and cats, it's important to use it responsibly. Always follow the recommended dosage provided by your veterinary professionals or the manufacturer of the supplement. Keep in mind that individual pets may have different tolerances, so it's best to start with a lower dose and monitor their response.

As pets age, their bodies may require additional support to maintain optimal health.
Quercetin supplements specifically formulated for aging pets can provide the necessary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support to help them age gracefully.
Whether you choose to incorporate it into their diet through natural sources or use supplements, Quercetin can be a valuable addition to your pet's daily routine. However, it's important to consult with your veterinary professionals before introducing any new supplements or making significant changes to their diet.

​Interested in incorporating natural sources of Quercetin into their diet or exploring Quercetin supplements specifically formulated for pets? ​If you feel your pet could benefit from natural food and herbal care including mushrooms, consider scheduling an appointment with me. I’m happy to help you and your furry friend!

​Resources:
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-020-00434-0
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16071020
https://doi.org/10.1177/0960327115584686
https://doi.org/10.1017/S004393391700023X
https://doi.org/10.1039/d1fo03958j
https://doi.org/10.33549/PHYSIOLRES.933776
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2015.08.008
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2013.02.016
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2019.01.037
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-013-0205-4
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.26.581616v1.full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12504347/
https://botanicalinstitute.org/herbs-high-in-quercetin/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814605009301?via%3Dihub

​​I recently had a severe case of acute gastritis. I couldn't stand, became suddenly weak, felt really nauseous, and couldn't eat. I couldn't eat for a whole 2 days, and for the next several days, I basically forced myself to eat. I couldn't sleep because of the discomfort and unstoppable nausea.

Well, that is my story. 

However, I have encountered a similar situation perhaps once a year or every two years with one of my dogs. She is a medium-sized mixed breed, likely resembling a terrier.
If you own a terrier, you are probably aware that they tend to be picky eaters. Yes, my dog is a picky eater. She has strong opinions about what qualifies as food for her and what does not. Additionally, she has a very sensitive stomach. When we observe her excessively consuming grass outside, it serves as a clear indication that her stomach is upset. In 90% of cases, the cause remains unknown.

Since I now understand how tough it can be to experience nausea, lack of appetite, and stomach discomfort, I totally feel for my dog's symptoms and can't help but think about what I can do to assist her. Here's how I handle the situation. Just a friendly reminder, though, this is not medical advice.

Disclaimer: The following is not medical advice. It is simply how I handle the situation with my own dog.

Before we delve into home care, let's review your dog's condition:

• The stomach pain is acute (sudden), meaning your dog was perfectly fine yesterday but not today.
• Your dog appears stable, still able to walk and run normally, but hesitates to eat.
• Your dog may be obsessively eating grass, although it is not necessary.
• The dog has vomited no more than twice.
• It is evident that your dog has not consumed anything harmful, such as human medications, pesticides, compost, toys, bones, or a fatty diet.

​Please do not underestimate your dog's condition. If you are unsure, please contact your vet.

If you have confirmed all the above, you can consider the following steps for home care:

Some picky eaters are just a little particular. I'm sure you've already figured out whether your dog is being fussy about the food you're giving them or if they're not feeling well.

Either way, it's perfectly fine to hold off on feeding them for 12 hours. You can even wait up to 24 hours. But please make sure to always have water available for your dog.

​Fasting is actually a really important and healthy way to help their digestive system. I understand that you might feel guilty or want to see your dog start eating right away. Just be patient. Just like with our own bodies, fasting is the best way to let their body heal on its own. I remember when I had gastritis, I didn't want to eat anything either. So, please give your dog some space for a little while.

​I rarely recommend OTC drugs on my website. However, if it can be useful and helpful for your baby, why not give it a try? Just keep in mind that famotidine is a temporary solution, so it's not something you should give to your dog for an extended period of time. If you don't notice any improvement within 2-3 days, famotidine may not be the right choice for your dog.

CBD oil is known for its pain-relieving properties. There have been studies that suggest CBD can help reduce stomach pain. Here are some ways CBD may be beneficial for dogs with gastritis:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBD, derived from the cannabis plant, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. This means it may help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining, which is a common characteristic of gastritis.

Pain Management: Some studies have indicated that CBD may help reduce stomach pain. This could be particularly helpful for pets suffering from gastritis, as abdominal pain is a prominent symptom of the condition.

Regulation of Gastric Acid: Evidence suggests that CBD may help regulate gastric acid secretion. In dogs with gastritis, excessive gastric acid production can worsen the condition. By regulating gastric acid levels, CBD oil may potentially help manage this aspect of gastritis.

Protection of Gastric Mucosa: Preliminary research suggests that CBD may have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa, potentially shielding the stomach lining from damage caused by inflammation and excessive acid production.

Promotion of Appetite and Digestion: Some pets with gastritis may experience a loss of appetite and digestive disturbances. CBD has been reported to have effects on appetite and digestion, which could potentially benefit those with gastritis.



Then, after 12 or 24 hours, give a bland diet a try. You can cook lean meat like chicken and turkey (with little to no fat and skin) since they're easy to digest. If you're looking for an easier option, grab a glass jar of baby food (single protein).​

​I actually know quite a few dog owners who subscribe to my newsletter and read my blogs (Thank you always!) and they feed their furry friends high-quality, grain-free, high-protein food. And you know what? There's absolutely nothing wrong with that kind of food.

But here's the thing. I'd like you to shift your focus from high nutritional value to better healing food. It's just temporary, you see. When I say "healing food," I'm talking about high fiber. There have been many studies showing that fiber soothes the GI lining and makes it easier for your dog to pass stool.

Sure, high-quality, high-protein food might be nutritionally superior, but right now we're all about healing your dog's GI. Think about it this way: you wouldn't give a 50 lb. dumbbell to a very skinny, less active person, right? High protein and fat requires a lot of energy for GI to digest. It's just too much. Same goes for your pup.

I know this might go against what you believe, but I usually go for some good-quality, reputable bland weight management canned food. You see, weight management food has more fiber and less fat.

​Now, I don't know about your dog, but my picky eater absolutely loves meat. She's not a fan of steamed vegetables to up her fiber intake. So, during the recovery period, I usually give her some boiled/cooked lean chicken along with the weight management canned food.
And once I see that she's able to eat some, I start adding probiotics into the mix.

Here is some additional information. If your dog doesn't want to drink either, you might consider giving water with a syringe. Staying hydrated is really important, and we definitely want to avoid "dehydration." That's why a vet usually gives "SQ fluid."

I personally use some herbs to make herbal tea to soothe the stomach. Here are the herbs I use:

Chamomile: If you've been following me for a while, you probably know how much I love this herb. It's super safe and has a lot of great medicinal properties. Plus, it's really gentle on the stomach.

Ginger: If you drink Ginger Ale or ginger tea for motion sickness, then you know ginger is great for nausea. Just remember, you only need a tiny amount, especially since it has a bit of a bitter taste.

Marshmallow root: Another herb that's really soothing. Marshmallow root has this slimy substance that coats the irritated layer.

After you make the tea, I recommend trying it yourself first. You'll be able to tell if your dog can handle it or not. Most dogs don't mind the taste of chamomile. And if you think ginger is too strong, you can always reduce the amount or increase the ratio of chamomile next time.
​
Your dog won't need a large volume of tea. Start with 1 ml or less. If they seem okay, you can give them a bit more (around 3-4 ml), or save it for later in the day. You can give it multiple times a day. Just remember to discard the tea after 4 hours if you leave it at room temperature. If you refrigerate it, you can store it for up to 24 hours. Or, you can even drink it yourself for your own stomach.

It can be emotionally difficult to see your dog in pain or experiencing nausea. However, you may question whether it is necessary to immediately take them to a vet if they are still able to walk with a happy tail wag and have normal urination and bowel movements, but simply lack appetite.
​
The home care method described above is what I personally do for my dogs. It is a relatively simple and affordable approach. If you have gastritis, you can try it on yourself (except for eating weight management canned food :) Once you confirm the healing ability that we all possess, you may want to consider trying it for your beloved pets.
Please remember that if you are unsure about the stability of your dog's condition, it is important to call your veterinarian and seek their advice.

​If you feel your pet could benefit from natural food and herbal care including mushrooms, consider scheduling an appointment with me. I’m happy to help you and your furry friend!

This post is a little bit different from other posts as I would like to take this opportunity to share three stories that I personally experienced during my last 15 years of working in the field of veterinary medicine. Each of these stories holds a special place in my heart and has taught me valuable lessons that I hope you will also learn from by the end of this post.

The first story takes us back 13 years ago when I was still an intern for a veterinary technician. It was a typical day at the hospital when a black Labrador retriever and his owner walked in. As part of my responsibilities, I checked in the dog and gathered some important history about his condition and why he was brought to the hospital.

Once I had gathered all the necessary information, I promptly brought a doctor into the room to examine the dog. As the owner explained what was going on with her beloved pet, the doctor excused himself momentarily to retrieve some instruments and check on some medication in the back room.
In that brief moment, I found myself alone with the owner and the dog. The dog, a black Labrador retriever, was lying down on the bench, appearing quite mellow. However, I couldn't help but wonder if his calm demeanor was due to his illness or if he was naturally a docile dog. At that time, I was still in the early stages of my veterinary career and lacked the medical knowledge and experience to make a definitive judgment.
​
It was during this moment of solitude that the owner began to open up and share a deeply personal situation with me. Despite knowing that I was just an intern, she confided in me and asked for my help in saving her beloved dog. It was a heart-wrenching conversation as she revealed that the dog was her only family. She had recently lost her husband and had no children. In her 60s or 70s, she expressed her fear of losing her faithful companion, emphasizing how much the dog meant to her.
Listening to her emotional plea, I couldn't help but feel the weight of her pain. Though I was unable to provide any immediate solutions, I offered her a sympathetic ear. Unfortunately, I do not have the details of whether the dog ultimately recovered or not, but I do recall that he was not particularly old at the time.

The second story I want to share with you took place approximately 7-8 years ago. It revolves around a dog who was transferred from a regular veterinary practice to the emergency department where I was working at the time. This poor dog was suffering from a severe case of constipation, and despite the regular practice's attempt to alleviate the issue with an enema, it proved to be unsuccessful. It became evident from the radiograph that surgery was the only viable solution to relieve the dog's distress.

I entered the room and introduced myself to the owner, who happened to be in a wheelchair He was patiently waiting for a staff member to return. As I approached him, he shared with me that he had recently undergone cardiac surgery and had spent the past week in the hospital. During his hospitalization, his beloved dog had been cared for by his family. This loyal canine had always been his constant companion and emotional support, especially since the owner had been confined to a wheelchair for an extended period of time. The owner's eyes were filled with tears as he recounted his story to me, expressing his deep love and gratitude for his furry friend.

What struck me the most was the dog's unwavering loyalty and devotion to her owner. Despite her own discomfort and illness, her sole focus was on providing comfort and solace to the person who meant the world to her. As if sensing her owner's distress, she gently approached him and began licking his face, attempting to wipe away his tears. It was a touching display of empathy and affection that left me in awe of the incredible bond between humans and animals.
​
Regrettably, as the day went on, it became evident that surgery was not a viable option for him. Consequently, the difficult choice was made to euthanize her at another hospital. This was a devastating outcome, particularly given that she was not even an elderly dog.

The third story I want to share with you is about a heart-wrenching incident involving a one-year-old dog. This particular incident took place during my time working at a hospital, where the dog was brought in already lifeless. The owner, understandably devastated, recounted how the dog had been unresponsive when she woke up that morning. It was a sudden and shocking turn of events, as the dog had been perfectly fine the day before.

The owner, who had a deep affection for her first-ever dog, was desperate to understand what had caused her beloved pet's untimely demise. She expressed her need to know the cause so that she could avoid making the same mistake in the future, if it was something she had done.

In an attempt to shed some light on the situation, a veterinarian and I explained to the owner that determining the cause of death in such cases can be incredibly challenging. There were no visible signs of physical trauma, making it even more perplexing. We informed her that there was no guarantee that the outside lab, a university with advanced diagnostic capabilities, would be able to find the cause. We were at a loss as to where to begin, so we made the decision to send the dog's full body to the university for further examination.

What many people may not be aware of is that there is no dedicated field of forensic medicine for pets. In situations like this, it is up to the veterinarian to order the necessary tests for the lab to perform. We found ourselves in a position of uncertainty, not knowing which specific tests to request. Contrary to popular belief, the lab does not independently choose the types of tests or conduct autopsies on different parts of the body like a scene from a CSI show. It is the responsibility of the hospital and the veterinarian to select the appropriate tests, which often involves a certain level of guesswork.

As we delved deeper into the investigation, we realized that ordering tests was not a one-time affair. In fact, we had to request tests multiple times, each time hoping to uncover some clue that would lead us closer to the truth. The complexity of the case even led us to transfer the dog's body to another university in search of answers. Remarkably, the owner remained undeterred by the cost and time involved in this arduous process. Her unwavering determination to uncover the cause of her dog's death was a testament to the profound love she had for her furry companion.
​
After nearly eight long months of tireless efforts, the university laboratory finally discovered potential evidence pointing to the dry food the dog had been consuming. To our surprise, the brand of food was widely recognized and had earned a reputation for its high quality. The test results were promptly reported to the FDA, leading to a recall of the product.

As you can clearly observe, it is evident that the three owners mentioned above had an immense adoration for their beloved dogs. Their love for their furry companions was so profound that they were willing to go to any lengths to ensure their dogs' well-being and even save their lives. It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to place blame on these owners for their actions. However, it is natural for one to question oneself to some extent in such situations. The thought of "what if I had done things differently?" or "should I have done more?" often crosses one's mind.
​
Having personally bid farewell to four dogs in the past, I can relate to this feeling of self-doubt as a dog owner. Each time I had to say goodbye to a beloved pet, I found myself questioning whether I had done everything within my power to provide them with the best possible care and support. It is a common concern among pet owners, as we strive to ensure the well-being of our furry friends.

As you may already be aware, many pet illnesses can be attributed to their diet, much like our own health issues. Certain foods have the potential to cause or accelerate the deterioration of the immune system, cognitive decline, inflammation, and even cancer in our beloved companions. However, unlike us, our pets are unable to make choices about what they consume. They place their complete trust in us, their owners, relying on our judgment to make decisions that will promote their health and longevity. Therefore, it is our responsibility to be knowledgeable about the foods that are beneficial for their well-being and to ensure that we ourselves are in good health to care for them.

In light of this, my mission is to provide valuable information about the importance of proper nutrition and medicinal properties of food for both humans and their furry companions. By sharing my blogs and newsletters with your friends and family, you are actively contributing to the dissemination of this vital information. The act of sharing increases the likelihood of reaching individuals who may be in dire need of this knowledge to improve the lives of their pets. (It happened to my dog in the past.) Your support and engagement are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read this elongated text. 
I look forward to sharing more valuable insights with you in the future. 

Until then, take care and see you next time!