7 human foods that are safe and nutritious for dogs
Pets

7 human foods that are safe and nutritious for dogs

There is perhaps a reason why your dog sneaks under your table even after being served premier dog food in a separate bowl. Your doggo craves human attention and companionship. The best way to strengthen your bond is to share your meal with your dog. But are human foods safe for them? We are here with a list of human foods you can feed your pet in moderation without worrying about the consequences. Unsalted popcorn Does your little pup feel left out as you gorge on popcorn while watching movies? The good news is you both can share plain, unsalted popcorn. It is not only safe for your pet but also healthy. Popcorn is a rich source of phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, which can maintain overall health. However, ensure the popcorn you serve does not contain traces of salt, spices, or butter. Bananas Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamins, fiber, and biotin and are good energy sources for dogs. However, they have high sugar levels and should be served in moderation. A piece of peeled banana for breakfast or snack once or twice a week is acceptable. While the peel is not toxic, it can be hard to digest and must be kept aside.
Read More
11 foods that should never be fed to dogs
Pets

11 foods that should never be fed to dogs

For a dog parent, their beloved pooches are a source of joy and contentment. Thus, they leave no stone unturned to ensure their pets receive nutritious food and plenty of exercise. In addition to providing them with nutrient-rich foods, dog parents should also know about the hidden dangers of certain seemingly innocuous foods that dogs may ingest when they can access them. Here are 11 human foods that can be toxic to dogs: Grapes and raisins Grapes and raisins can be highly toxic to dogs, although the exact cause of their toxicity is unknown. Ingesting grapes or raisins, even in small quantities, can cause kidney failure and even death among dogs. Therefore, it is important to keep grapes and raisins out of a dog’s reach. Mushrooms Although only a few types of mushrooms are poisonous to dogs, the poisonous ones can prove lethal. Moreover, it is difficult to distinguish the harmful mushrooms from the safe ones. Hence, to err on the side of caution, it is advisable to avoid feeding mushrooms to dogs. Xylitol This artificial sweetener is increasingly used as a sugar substitute and is harmless to humans. However, even small quantities of xylitol are dangerous for dogs. In humans, this sweetener does not cause the pancreas to release insulin.
Read More
8 Nutritious Human Foods Safe for Pet Cats
Pets

8 Nutritious Human Foods Safe for Pet Cats

Ensuring that a pet cat gets the best nutrition is imperative so that it can live a healthy lifestyle. And most people often resort to feeding their feline friend table scraps or home-cooked meals to save time putting together a pet-specific meal. However, feeding pets the wrong types of foods can lead to multiple health problems. Therefore, here are eight safe food items to consider adding to your pet’s next meal. Salmon Fish like salmon are highly nutritious, not just for humans but also for pets. The seafood is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and proteins essential for your pet. Salmon also nourishes cats with necessary vitamins and minerals, including niacin, selenium, potassium, and vitamins B6 and B12. You can serve the fish as a tasty treat or mix it with other regular meals. However, ensure that the salmon is cooked and not served raw. You should also consider removing the tail, bones, and head of the fish as they might lead to choking hazards. Spinach Spinach is one of the healthiest food sources for pets, including cats. The leafy green is abundant in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and K. The food also contains other minerals like iron and calcium that are equally important to improve their health.
Read More
Everything to know about dog grooming programs
Pets

Everything to know about dog grooming programs

Taking good care of a dog may seem like the easiest thing to do in the world, but one needs to be diligent and consistent with their grooming efforts. Fortunately, dog grooming can be learned and is a viable and well-paying profession. Undergoing training for professional dog grooming can help people learn everything about always keeping dogs healthy and happy. Here are some key details about professional dog grooming programs: What is dog grooming training programs? Dog grooming courses are learning programs in which professional trainers teach learners everything about taking good care of a dog. For instance, the training involves sessions on brushing, bathing, and drying dogs. Apart from that, one also learns how to trim or clip dog hair and nails with clean and sanitized brushes and blades. Learners are taught to clean a dog’s ears and other body parts and check for signs of illness. Other things, such as which natural products and daily techniques to use to keep a dog’s skin healthy, are also covered in these programs. Some dog breeds need to be given baths once every 4 to 6 weeks. Certain dogs need to have their hair cut once every 8 to 12 weeks.
Read More
8 clear signs of tick bites in pets
Pets

8 clear signs of tick bites in pets

Tick bites can be a severe problem for our furry friends, leading to discomfort and health issues if left untreated. Since ticks are known to carry diseases and infections, pet owners have a moral responsibility to learn to identify the signs and symptoms of a tick bite on their pets. In this article, one can find the common signs of tick bites in furry companions for timely treatment and tips to prevent serious complications. Common signs that a tick may have bitten a pet Tick bites are commonly seen in pets that spend much time outdoors. However, indoor pets can be at risk if people or other pets who have spent time outdoors bring ticks inside the house. Whether the pet spends most of their time indoors or outdoors, it is important to be aware of the common signs of tick bites and watch out for them. Tick fever This is one of the most common signs that a tick may have bitten a pet. A tick bite can trigger a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or more. Lethargy Episodes of deficient energy levels generally follow tick bites. As a result, the pet will experience severe lethargy. They are unwilling to engage in activities or do not respond in their usual, energetic way.
Read More
14 ingredients for managing flea and tick infestations in dogs
Pets

14 ingredients for managing flea and tick infestations in dogs

Managing tick and flea infestations in dogs is vital to ensuring their well-being. Here, home-based tick and flea repellents can be a gentle and cost-effective alternative to harsh chemical products commonly used to kill pests. Some at-home ingredients and products can help keep pests at bay without harming dogs or their surroundings. So, here are a few readily available kitchen ingredients that can help in getting rid of ticks and fleas living on dogs: 1. Apple cider vinegar ACV is a versatile remedy considered safe to be applied on dogs. Its acidic nature can create an unwelcome environment for ticks and fleas. Here, one can mix equal parts ACV and water in a spray bottle and gently mist the dog’s fur, avoiding sensitive areas like the eyes. This solution not only repels pests but also alleviates skin irritation while giving the dog a healthy, shiny coat. 2. Coconut oil Popular for its moisturizing properties, coconut oil can be a handy kitchen ingredient for tackling tick and flea infestations. Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil can be used topically on a dog’s coat to keep pests at bay or added to the pet’s meals to boost their skin health. So, the oil can repel pests and fortify the skin.
Read More
Top 5 ways to reintroduce cats to the litter box
Pets

Top 5 ways to reintroduce cats to the litter box

Sometimes, cats may suddenly pee and poop everywhere except the litter box. This may happen for a few reasons, such as the litter box’s location or type having changed, the cat not liking it, or because of an undiagnosed medical condition. For a cat parent, this can be frustrating. Thus, understanding why the cat refuses to use the litter box and reintroduce it begins. Here are a few tips that can help. Figure out any health issues Inappropriate defecating – especially peeing in unusual areas may indicate a health issue. In such cases, if the cat’s urine appears dark, bloody, and in pain while passing it, it could be a urinary tract infection, blockage, or cystitis. If the cat defecates more, it can be a sign of kidney, diabetes, or thyroid problems. When this happens, one must immediately consult a vet. They will diagnose the problem, rule these issues out, and recommend treatments. The vet may run urine or blood tests to ensure the cat is disease-free. Once the cat has recovered, they may use the litter box like before. Clean up the spots to break the cycle Sometimes, cats may start peeing in new spots just out of curiosity.
Read More
9 tips for toilet training a cat
Pets

9 tips for toilet training a cat

Getting a cat toilet trained may seem like a time-consuming activity, but it is a must to keep the floors and other surfaces clean. The activity requires patience and the right tactics, but once cats get used to their litter boxes, life becomes much easier for their owners. However, as cats can be quite finicky when it comes to hygiene, one can use the following tips to toilet-train them with ease: 1. Choose a box of the right size Cats need to be comfortable in their litter boxes, or they may reject them altogether. So, while buying a litter box, cat owners should measure the cats’ height and buy a box that is at least one and a half times that. 2. Determine the preferable litter type Cats are often particular about textures, so they may not like all types of litter. However, the only valid strategy here is trial and error. So, one should try filling up the litter box with one type of litter and see if the cat takes to it. If not, they should empty the box and refill it with some other litter until they figure out the type of litter the cat prefers. 3.
Read More