Dogs love smelling things. They want to put their snout on anything that comes across their path, be it garbage on the sidewalk or blossoming flowers in a park or garden. While some things are downright disgusting, other items can be toxic to your dog’s health. Certain plants can cause diarrhea and other serious issues like liver damage. Hence, it’s important to keep your dog away from the plants mentioned below. Sago palms These popular indoor ornamental palms are found in warmer climates. Every part of this plant is toxic to your dog. If consumed, it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and seizures. Aloe vera Aloe vera is another common household plant grown mainly because of its many beneficial properties. However, its gooey gel contains some components that are toxic for dogs. It can cause lethargy, stomach problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. Elephant’s ear Elephant’s ear is a beautiful plant commonly found in warm climates. This plant can be harmful to dogs as it contains glass-like insoluble oxalate crystals, which can result in severe irritation, swelling in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Azaleas All parts of the azalea plant, including the flower, leaves, seeds, and honey made from its nectar, are toxic to dogs. Signs of ingestion include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, eye problems, slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart arrhythmia, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse. In some cases, it can even cause death. Ivy Some of the most common types of ivy are the English ivy and Devil’s ivy, also known as Golden Pothos. All of them are toxic to your furry pet. If consumed, it can lead to mouth and stomach irritation, foaming, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. Snake plant Snake plants are one of the most common household plants in the world since they require little maintenance.

If you have pet cats at home and occasionally feed them from your plate, you must know which foods are safe for them. Cats can be greedy eaters, and irrespective of the cute faces they make at the dinner table, it’s best not to give them anything besides cat food until you’re a hundred percent sure. To help you, we’ve listed a few human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Salmon Cats love fish, and vets recommend feeding them fish-based cat foods. Most options are rich in omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish, in particular, like tuna, salmon, or mackerel, is excellent for their eyesight and joints. However, don’t feed your feline straight from the can; they might lick it too aggressively and cut their tongues. It’s best to provide them with cooked pieces that have no bones. Whole grains Grains are power-packed with nutrients and are healthy for both humans and cats. Oats, mainly, have lots of protein, but not many cats like it. Some cats prefer coarse food made from brown rice and cornmeal. If you’re not feeding your cat meat or fish, whole grains can be a good substitute. You can cook smaller grains like millet, couscous, or wheat berries at home. Boiled eggs Boiled eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B and protein and are healthy for your cat. But ensure the eggs are cooked well to avoid bacteria like salmonella or E. coli from entering your feline’s system. Moreover, some cats can be allergic to eggs, so proceed with caution. Fresh veggies and fruits While not all cats are vegetable and fruit lovers since they cannot taste the sweet flavors, some do nibble on fresh fruits and veggies. Cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli or asparagus, baked carrots, and green beans have the proper nutrients and minerals.

As a responsible pet parent, you do your best to ensure healthy nutrition and a happy environment for your cats. But it can be hard to resist feeding them a few tidbits off your own plate. However, there are certain human foods that should not be given to cats under any circumstances as they can prove to be life-threatening. Here are five foods that are an absolute no-no for kittens and cats. 5 human foods that are toxic for cats Chocolate Milk chocolate and dark chocolate, even in small quantities, can trigger vomiting and diarrhea among cats. Some felines may even experience a rapid increase in breathing rate and body temperature, in addition to the risk of seizures. Garlic and onions Both garlic and onions contain compounds that break down the red blood cells. These vegetables are harmful to cats in every form, be it raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated. If you notice shortness of breath and sudden weakness in your cats, it could be an anemic reaction. Raw eggs Raw eggs are loaded with millions of bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella. Even mild exposure to these pathogens causes vomiting, diarrhea, and increased fatigue. Eggs also contain an enzyme that destroys essential B vitamins and increases the risk of convulsions. Grapes and raisins It is unclear why grapes and raisins trigger severe kidney problems. However, veterinarians advise against feeding any type of grapes and raisins as they are highly toxic to cats, even in the smallest quantities. Raw dough Raw dough used for baking contains yeast, a type of bacteria that causes gas buildup upon ingestion. It may trigger bloating, stomach pains, and could also cause the stomach to twist. Immediate medical attention is advisable at this stage. Best cat food brands Royal Canin® It is one of the popular pet food manufacturers featuring a variety of ingredients, proteins, vitamins, and essential nutrients in most of their wet and dry foods for cats.

Certain foods and ingredients may be used in many dishes, but they may not be safe for our furry little friends. If you have a dog, it is very important to be aware of foods that may be toxic or cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Hence, vets highly recommend keeping the following foods away from your dog’s bowl, as they may be potential allergens. Let’s take a look at them. Garlic and chives While garlic causes nothing more than bad breath to humans, it is harmful to our furry little friends. Dogs are sensitive to garlic, as it makes their blood cells more likely to break, thereby increasing the risk of anemia. It has been especially observed that Japanese breeds like Shiba-Inu and Akita are more sensitive to garlic than other dog breeds. Black pepper Black pepper is typically harmful to dogs. While small quantities may not cause a reaction, some breeds may have severe reactions. Hence, vets recommend avoiding this ingredient in a dog’s daily food. Common side effects of black pepper ingestion may include respiratory issues, burning reactions, and hemorrhoids. Onion powder Like garlic, onion powder is also toxic for dogs. In fact, any form of onion may cause health complications. Onions contain an organosulfur compound called N-propyl disulfide, which ruptures red blood cells, leading to anemia. This might result in other forms of blood disorders that might require urgent medical attention. Tarragon Tarragon, also known as artemisia dracunculus, is known for its flavor in the culinary world. Although it aids in digestion, provides relief from anxiety and stress, and even stimulates appetite in humans, it may be harmful to dogs. Tarragon must not be particularly given to dogs if they are pregnant or scheduled for surgery. It contains a specific chemical called estragole, a natural organic compound that might cause liver damage and obstruct blood coagulation in some pets.

Heartworm disease is a serious medical condition that affects many animals. It is caused by a parasitic worm that spreads through the bite of a mosquito. If undetected, heartworms often result in severe lung infections, organ damage, and even heart failure. There are many options available to prevent this parasitic infection. In this article, there are a few easy home remedies that can help treat heartworms in dogs. Pumpkin seeds Pumpkin seeds are a great home remedy when it comes to deworming your pet dog. They contain an amino acid known as cucurbitacin that eliminates worms from the intestine. They have proved to be an effective treatment in removing heartworms from dogs. The best way to feed your dog pumpkin seed is by drying them, removing the shell, and grounding the seeds into powder. You can then sprinkle it onto your pet’s food until the heartworm dies. Carrots Another great remedy for worms in dogs is carrots. Carrot is a high-fiber veggie. That removes any mucus and parasites residing within the walls of the gut and stomach during digestion. The parasites are then eliminated from the body along with fiber content. When it comes to heartworm, carrots could help by producing anti-parasitic compounds. They are also filled with essential vitamins and nutrients good for overall health. Coconut oil Coconut oil is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It makes a great home remedy for deworming pets. It can also tackle other internal parasites such as heartworm. Give your dog one teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds in body weight as part of their food. You can also give your dog dried coconut or coconut milk. Note that home remedies may not be safe or work in a similar manner for all dogs. So, don’t forget to check with the veterinarian before you start treating heartworm in dogs with home remedies.

If you have a dog or cat at home, you’d be familiar with a flea infestation in your house. It can get very difficult to contain flea infestation once their growth gets out of control, but there are several home remedies to treat flea infestation effectively. The best part about these remedies is that they are natural and chemical-free. The mentioned home remedies to treat flea infestation are very effective in getting rid of infestations that are bothersome to your pets: Boric acid : Boric acid is great at getting rid of fleas from your home, and it is available in powder form. You can spread this powder over the carpets, under the furniture, and also on the furniture. The results of this home remedy can be seen in a few days. Boric acid is not toxic and does not leave any residue either. In case there are toddlers around, you need to be extra careful about them coming in contact with the powder. It is best to vacuum once a week after applying boric acid as vacuuming also helps get rid of the flea debris or rogue eggs. Natural flea collars : A natural flea collar can be used for your pet to ward off fleas. You can either make your own natural flea collar or buy one from the market. For a DIY natural flea collar, you can buy a nylon collar or a cotton pet collar. A teaspoon of vodka mixed with a drop of geranium or cedarwood oil can be applied on the collar. Alternately, you can mix vodka with one drop of eucalyptus oil, one drop of thyme oil, and one drop of lemongrass oil and apply it to the collar. You should refresh the collar on a weekly basis or once the smell fades.

Having pets is not all fun and games; it comes with a great sense of responsibility. We respect working adults and parents who are brave to take on the additional responsibility of adopting or rescuing pets. And in the bid to help some pet parents out, we have compiled the easiest remedies to rid their pets and house of the most unwanted guests – fleas and ticks. We hope these simple home remedies help you out. Use essential oils Rubbing some diluted essential oils on our pets’ coats is one of the best remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks from troubling our pooch. Use the essential oil that suits your pet, something that you may have tested on them before. It is advised to do a patch test and remember only to use diluted versions, as essential oils are strong and could easily irritate their skin. Keep the home squeaky clean No one’s saying your home isn’t clean, but let’s face it, with babies and pets around the house, the parents have to be extra careful. Like we would keep the floor vacuumed and dry at all times if we had a baby in the house, pet parents need to ensure their floors, couches, and bedding are well-vacuumed. Because if there’s any dirt or moisture in these nooks, they can easily catch infestation. It won’t be long before you see signs of fleas and ticks on your furry friend. Use natural flea treatment product If you don’t like using any chemicals on your pets, there are many home recipes to make a solution to get rid of fleas and ticks. To make this treatment solution, you will need distilled white vinegar, water, and essential oil. Use 1 cup of vinegar, mix it with 1 quart of water, and a few drops of essential oil to store it in a spray bottle.