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.

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.

Denying your pets a nibble here and there off your plate is a difficult task. It hurts to say no to your baby. But, sadly, more often than not, it is a necessary evil. You do not want your pet falling ill just because you could not decline their incessant demand to taste your dinner. That said, there are some foods that you can share with them without worrying about their health. Apple Apples are among the common human foods that dogs find appealing. It is a nourishing snack with ample fiber, calcium, and vitamins. Since it helps maintain the cleanliness of your dog’s teeth, you can use it as a snack or a treat once in a while. Banana Bananas are full of nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and essential vitamins. It is also one of those human foods that dogs love to chew on. Just make sure not to go overboard with the banana-licious treats and contribute to your pet’s increased risk of diabetes. Carrots Carrots are nutrient-dense, juicy, and crunchy. They are full of fiber, minerals, and vitamins with low-calorie content. It makes for a perfect snack or treats; the best part is it is doggo-approved. As an added benefit, chewing carrots can help keep your pets’ teeth clean and plaque-free.

A home cooked meal is a great way to ensure that the pets are well fed with proper nutrition. Moreover, there are many pet food brands available that are a convenient option if cooking at home is not possible. However, one should always be aware of the ingredients that are safe and unsafe for the pet to consume. Here are some toxic foods that should not be part of the pet’s meal plan. Chocolate While delicious, chocolate is a toxic food for pets, which is usually a known fact for many. But it is important to know why it is not okay to feed dogs or cats chocolate and it needs a visit to the emergency room if ingested. The problem is the theobromine component in chocolate. It is found in both milk and dark chocolate, so both the varieties are a big no for pets. Moreover, the unsweetened baking chocolate is the most toxic as it contains the highest amount of theobromine. Eating this can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and other serious issues like seizures, tremors, and heart problems in pets. It can even be fatal in some cases if the right treatment is not administered quickly. Grapes An otherwise sweet and snackable fruit, grapes are toxic to most pets.

Besides helping cats stay clean, litter boxes maintain a hygienic home environment. So much so that often, when a cat urinates outside its litter box, it could indicate a health condition. So, cat parents should consult a veterinarian to rule out such issues. However, this change could also mean the cat is not comfortable using the box. In such cases, here are some litter box mistakes one may want to avoid: 1. Not considering the cat’s preferences A cat is typically uncomfortable in a litter box if it is not to its liking. While animals cannot express their tastes and preferences, a trial-and-error method can help cat parents identify what their feline friends like or detest in their litter boxes. For example, some cats may not be comfortable with specific textures, while others may steer clear of certain fragrances. These aspects should be carefully observed until one discovers exactly what their cat likes in its litter. 2. Placing the box in noisy spots Just like humans, cats prefer quiet, peaceful surroundings. Placing the litter box in a noisy environment can make the cat leave the box often. So, one should find a quiet place for the litter. This spot should be away from the kitchen as the noise emitted by cookers, blenders, and other appliances could bother cats.

Parenting pets, such as dogs, is a wonderful experience. However, tick and flea infestations could become every owner’s and canine’s nightmare. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate and prevent such critters. You could visit a vet to seek prescriptions, flea collars, or for other treatments to rid your dog of these infestations. You could also consult with the vet about using these six kitchen ingredients to reduce ticks and fleas. Apple cider vinegar The combination of apple cider vinegar and salt is the most common kitchen ingredient to ward off ticks and fleas. Using a diluted solution of this combo could help balance your pet’s pH levels to make it optimal for their health while making it unsuitable for fleas. To create the solution, mix six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water. Next, add a dash of sea salt, then spray directly onto your dog’s coat. But ensure that you avoid contact with your pet’s eyes. Baking soda This ingredient does not need to be applied to your pet’s fur; instead, sprinkle it onto the carpet. Once you do this, sweep it from side to side so the powder settles deep within the fibers, which could keep fleas away.

With the critter season just around the corner, it is natural for pet parents to grow cautious. We do all we can to prevent the infestation of ticks, fleas, heartworm, and other disease-causing parasites. One of the best ways to avoid any of the blood-sucking parasites being home guests is to opt for regular vet appointments. However, there are some natural remedies that can be implemented while waiting for the appointment date to arrive. Fleas Fleas cause excessive itching, scratching, and overall annoyance once they latch on to a dog’s fur. If left unresolved, they start laying eggs all around the house, causing a greater nuisance to every resident. Here are certain natural ways to control a flea infestation. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar sprays and baths work to repel fleas by balancing the pet’s pH levels. This helps make the environment unsustainable for fleas and healthier for our furry friends. Essential oils Essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, citronella, rosemary, and peppermint are all capable of repelling fleas. Diluting a few drops of one of these essential oils in water and regularly spraying it onto the pet’s coat is a convenient way of avoiding any flea infestations. Ticks Ticks are small parasitic creatures that can find a home in the fur of our pets.

Tick and flea season can be extremely frustrating for your furry friends! The bites and infections cause consistent itching, but some bites can also lead to infections that cause tick fever and other potentially fatal complications. Always speak to your vet regarding medicines and methods used for avoiding ticks and fleas all year round. And to make sure that your pooch stays clean, here are some of the best options for tick and flea collars. TevraPet ProAct™ TevraPet uses a waterproof design for their collars to keep the deltamethrin effective through the six months of usage. This chemical kills both fleas and ticks on your dog’s fur and skin on contact and gives the whole body protection from these insects. Say bye-bye to tick or flea bites that can irritate your furry friend. SENTRY® Dual Action Flea & Tick Dog Collar Sentry uses a chemical called deltamethrin to protect your dog from fleas on your pet. The collar is designed to work against adult fleas by killing them quickly and thus preventing any eggs from being laid in your pooch’s fur. You can use the collar for up to six months and also not worry about keeping it dry as it is waterproof.

The pet food in your cart is not going to be healthy just because the packaging claims it is. Instead of relying on what the advertisements tell you is good for your pet, you should research and understand what is actually beneficial for them. If you want to keep your canine healthy and happy, select the best dog food at your disposal. Here are four factors to consider the next time you’re shopping for dog food. Be mindful of their age The most important factor to consider while choosing the best dog food is your pet’s health. You should pick food age-appropriate food for your pooch, both in quality and quantity. Experts say that puppies need food packed with protein and vital minerals, while an adult dog’s diet should depend on their daily activities. Older dogs should be served low-calorie food that’s rich in fiber, protein, and fatty acids. Meet their nutritional needs Meeting your pet’s nutritional requirements is essential to keep them healthy. One of the things to keep in mind while looking for the best dog food is the type, quality, and amount of nutrients it contains. Professionals say selecting foods with all essential macro and micronutrients is the right way to go.

Pests can invade a dog’s furry coat and create quite havoc. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to these crawly bugs and can develop skin reactions. That said, several products are available in the market to tackle this problem, and flea tablets are one of them. These fast-acting pills control ticks, worms, and other pests, so pet owners won’t have to worry about infestations. Here are a few trusted flea pills for dogs that will actively protect your pet’s fur coat. Capstar Flea Tablets Capstar is a well-known brand for effective flea-prevention and treatment products. Their flea pills for dogs and puppies can prevent allergy dermatitis, which often occurs due to a flea infestation. Their tablets can start killing these pests within half an hour of ingestion, and they are safe enough for daily single-dose consumption. While no prescription is needed to purchase these, remember to get approval from your vet as they will know if the medicine will agree with your canine. Trifexis Chewable Tablets These strong monthly chewable flea pills for dogs are a good fix for fleas, and they also help keep heartworm disease at bay. They have a blend of pest-fighting agents like milbemycin oxime and spinosad that fight parasites and curb infestation.