All you need to know about food allergies in dogs If you observe your dog constantly itching or shaking their head vigorously as if to dislodge something, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it is not easy to confirm a food allergy, but a visit to the vet can help rule out any other causes of your dog’s behavior. While most of the cases of dog allergies are a direct result of an adverse reaction to an ingredient, a latent allergy can be triggered by environmental factors too. Keep in mind that food allergies are different from food intolerance. What is a food allergy in dogs? These happen when your pet’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the food. You may think that meat alone supplies proteins to your dog, but there are many grains and vegetables which are equally good sources of proteins. Any of these proteins are capable of causing a food allergy. What are the signs of a food allergy? The most common signs of food allergies in dogs are a gastrointestinal disorder, itching, chronic diarrhea, ear inflammation, and licking their feet. What are the most common allergens found in dog food which can trigger a reaction? Beef: When you have been feeding one type of food for years to your dog, it can cause intolerance to it or an allergic reaction to its ingredients. Beef is perhaps the most common component of any kind of pet food and thus, also the most common allergen. Dairy products : Dogs may have problems digesting lactose and this is usually intolerance and not so much an allergy per se. It can result in diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Wheat: Dogs are more likely to develop an allergy to meat rather than whole grains. But, there are always exceptions to this and wheat may be a trigger too.

You may experience nights where no matter how tired you feel, your mind refuses to let you sleep. This could happen despite a busy day and having gone to bed at a reasonable hour. Research shows that the secret to good sleep is more than just hitting the sack early. Your activities and habits before bedtime are crucial. So, here is a list of five things you must avoid before going to bed. 5 things to stay away from before going to bed Using electronics Nine times out of ten, people scroll through various social media sites after getting into bed. The blue light from the gadgets and the constant stimulation from the media keep your mind awake and make it difficult to fall asleep early. Instead of reaching for your phone or laptop before bed, reach for a calming book to get a good night’s sleep. Eating a large, heavy meal Consuming an entire pizza or a couple of tacos may not be the best idea to eat right before hitting the bed. Our digestive system is meant to rest while we sleep. The process of digestion is also the slowest at night, and a heavy meal can cause complications like disturbed sleep. Avoid having more than a few drinks five to six hours before bedtime if you have bladder problems. Sipping on caffeinated drinks A cup of coffee may make you feel energized in the morning, but as the day ends, it could result in restless nights. Caffeine has a half-life of about six to eight hours, which means any caffeinated drink you drink after 3 pm could make your nights uncomfortable and leave you will a feeling of tiredness when you wake up. Watching horror films You may want to end your tiring day by watching a movie, but avoid watching slasher or horror genres.

Our pets can mean the world to us. With cats being among them and one of the most adored creatures, these furry loved ones deserve great care on our behalf. When it comes to choosing the right foods and healthy diet options for cats, it is essential to choose one that comprises an adequate amount of nutrition with the right protein and healthy fat levels. However, choosing the right one considering the plethora of options available in the market can be a daunting task. In the following, some of the popular food treats for cats and also some healthy diet options have been listed to help you make an informed choice. The price of the product does not always determine the quality of the food. Always read through the ingredients and make sure it meets all essential nutritional values for your pets. Look for high-grade animal and edible proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and carbohydrates which would all make a portion of wholesome food with natural ingredients. Some of the popular food treats with these benefits include the following: Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Canned Food This product is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that can help in developing and strengthening muscles. It is a wet food with a grain-free chicken recipe. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food It is a dry variety of grain-free cat food that is made of real meat with digestible resources such as fruits and vegetables that help in easy digestion. Weruva Your cat will love this tasty wet food which is made of natural animal proteins with no added preservatives or artificial coloring. Purina Beyond® Indoor Grain-Free Food A tasty meal for your cat prepared from fresh salmon and chicken is a thickened source of protein and other essential supplements. If packaged food might seem to be expensive at times, cat owners can resort to delicious cat food recipes that they can make from the items available in their pantry.

Migraine is one of the most unpleasant neurological conditions and can even disrupt everyday activities. Anyone who has ever experienced it knows how difficult it can be to cope with the constant throbbing pain and nausea. If you are susceptible to these headaches, here are some tips to help deal with the pain and discomfort. We’ve curated a list of effective remedies that you can use to avoid the headaches: Don’t skip meals Eating habits can have a major impact on a person who suffers from migraine headaches. Skipping meals is an unhealthy habit that can increase the risk of a headache as fasting or skipping a meal can result in low blood sugar levels. You should ensure that you follow healthy eating habits and consume food at frequent intervals to prevent the attacks. Sleep well According to reports, people prone to migraine headaches often experience sleep problems that worsen the condition. To avoid headaches, it is imperative to get proper sleep regularly. By getting seven to eight hours of sleep every day, you may keep migraine headaches at bay. Meanwhile, improper sleep habits can spark intense headaches if you are prone to migraines. Try to stick to a sleep schedule to improve your sleeping habits as it can help with the treatment and prevention of the headaches. Manage stress It is a tried-and-tested tip that can help with the treatment as stress is one of the primary culprits of headache disorders like a migraine. High-stress levels cause certain hormones to act abnormally, which can trigger a migraine headache, and managing stress is crucial to ward off the risk. There is an array of ways to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Practice meditation and spend time doing things that you enjoy regularly to keep stress levels in check. Exercise regularly Regular exercise is another effective way to fend off migraine headaches.

Cooking at home is one of the best ways to keep your little pup healthy and happy. It’s cost-effective, and you get the freedom to control the nutrients your dog gets. Moreover, homemade treats can be a lifesaver if you run out of your dog’s favorite store-bought food. But what can you prepare for your pet? Here are five tasty homemade dog food options that can be handy when your pooch is hungry. Turkey and rice Dogs love turkey. This homemade dog food recipe requires a pound of ground turkey , two cups of brown rice, water, and some of your pup’s favorite veggies. Mix turkey, rice, and water in a large saucepan evenly and bring it to a boil for 20 minutes. Add your dog’s favorite veggies and cook for another five to seven minutes until the vegetables have softened. Let it cool before feeding it to your dog. The preparation can be stored in the refrigerator. Beef and vegetables Beef and vegetable is one of the healthiest homemade dog food options that can be made in a jiffy. Boil cuts of beef liver and sweet potato, and cook ground beef separately. Boil lentils, add chopped spinach, diced carrots, and omega-3 fish oil, and mix well. Separate into individual servings and refrigerate anything that remains. Consult a vet to ensure these ingredients don’t negatively interact with your dog’s heartworm flea tick treatment. Brown rice and broccoli This all-vegetarian recipe has several essential nutrients for your little pooch. You need some brown rice, zucchini, broccoli, and sweet potato. Cook at least half a cup of brown rice and set it aside. Chop and steam zucchini, broccoli, and mashed sweet potatoes. You may also add spinach. Add the chopped-steamed veggies to the brown rice. Cook for another five minutes and then set aside to cool before serving it to your dog.

The severity and duration of a migraine attack tend to vary from person to person. For some individuals, the pain may subside within a few hours, while it may last for a couple of days for others. Coping with debilitating pain and constant nausea can be extremely challenging. The diet you follow can either help you get relief from the symptoms or worsen the condition. Read on to know about the food items you should consume when you have a migraine to help you deal with the symptoms: Magnesium-rich food As per clinical studies, magnesium plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of migraines. It has been reported that most people who are prone to attacks have low magnesium levels. Increasing the intake of magnesium can yield positive results in such individuals. By including magnesium-rich foods in your diet, you can lower the likelihood of an attack and also get relief from the pain during a migraine episode. Increase your intake of food items like brown rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts and grains, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried apricot, and avocado to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine. Ginger Since time immemorial, people have used ginger for migraine treatment. Ginger is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory components, and as per clinical studies, it can exert abortive and prophylactic effects that can reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with migraine. There are various ways to include ginger in the diet to alleviate pain associated with migraines. You can either mix ginger root powder with water and consume it once a day or brew a cup of herbal tea with ginger and honey. However, it is important to maintain caution while taking ginger, as overconsumption may lead to side effects like abdominal discomfort. Fatty fish Fatty fish like trout and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).

Allergies can be concerning, and even possibly life threatening for your dog. It could even drastically lessen the quality of life of your dog. So, it is important for you to be aware of the possible allergies that your dog could suffer from. This article talks about the most common allergies that could affect your dog: Flea allergy dermatitis: A pretty common allergy amongst dogs, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) occurs when the saliva in the flea bites cause an allergic reaction. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, FAD is the commonest dermatological disease in domestic dogs in the country. FAD is rampant during warm weather, such as the summer months. The reactions occur when the fleas bite, injecting saliva into the host, which contains compounds similar to amino acids, polypeptides, enzymes, and histamine. FAD can affect the entire body. One of the most natural remedies for FAD is medicated shampoo baths and a flea medication collar to prevent them from coming back. Seasonal allergies: Dogs can also suffer from seasonal allergies as well, the signs of which include sneezing, red, puffy eyes, loss of hair, itching, and irritated skin with hives and rashes. Usually, there is no natural treatment for seasonal allergies. The dog needs to be taken to the vet who will prescribe antihistamines and OTC medications, such as benadryl, for your pet pooch. Human food allergies: Human food allergies are quite common in dogs, with almost 10% of all dog allergy cases being food-related. Allergies occur when the dog’s body wrongly identifies a certain food as harmful, and produces antibodies that lead to a variety of potentially dangerous symptoms. Symptoms could be anything from nausea, vomiting, and itching to gastrointestinal issues, ear inflammation, and diarrhea. Dogs can be allergic to various foods including dairy, soy, wheat, fish, chicken, beef, pork, and more.

A migraine is a headache that occurs due to changes in the brain and the blood vessels surrounding it. This headache can last from four hours to three days, with the frequency varying from a daily basis to less than once a year. National Headache Foundation has found out that around 37 million people in the country have issues related to migraine. Also, it affects women three times more than it affects men. Causes of migraine headaches The exact causes of migraine headaches are yet not known, but it is believed that it occurs due to the expansion of the blood vessels and release of some chemicals, which results in the occurrence of pain. Two chemicals, namely serotonin and dopamine, have been found to be responsible for the occurrence of a migraine. These two chemicals are generally found in the brain but can result in abnormal functioning of blood vessels. It is, however, known that different triggers ignite a migraine, and different people have distinct triggers, which incite a migraine in them. Foods such as cheese, nuts, and chocolate are the causes of migraine headaches in some people. Others find that missing a meal can result in a headache, which eventually transforms into a migraine. Tension and stress are some other causes of migraine headaches. This stress could be emotional or physical. Symptoms of a migraine The symptoms of a migraine also vary with people. Five distinct phases of a migraine are known now. Prodrome A migraine has many pre-warnings before it occurs. Change in mood, change in sensations, fatigue, and muscle tension are some of the warnings which indicate that a migraine is about to occur. Aura This is kind of sensory disturbance which precedes a headache. Some people see blind spots and feel as if geometric patterns and colorful lights are visible.

Constipation is essentially a digestion-related problem. The food you consume can affect the digestive system. Constipation leads to difficulty in having bowel movements, bloating, irritability, and a host of other problems. Those who have constipation should ensure to avoid consuming the food listed below. These foods can worsen digestive problems and make it difficult to pass stool and cause other problems. Processed foods Processed foods are one of the items to avoid if you have constipation. Processed meat found in bacon, hot dogs, and sausages can increase constipation. Processed foods made from white flour, like cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pizza, and sandwiches made from white bread, should be avoided. Even processed grains can cause constipation in some people. White rice, pasta, and white bread can cause constipation as it does not have bran needed for a smooth bowel movement. Fried foods like French fries, potato chips, hamburgers, and fried chicken are also a problem for people suffering from constipation. Gluten Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and other such grains. Food having gluten can cause constipation in some people, while others are allergic to gluten. Consuming foods with gluten can aggravate constipation symptoms. Dairy products Milk and products made from milk can cause constipation in many people. Children are especially at risk of constipation when they consume cow’s milk. Red meat Red meat can be a problem for many people. It does not have much fiber and is high in fat. It makes digestion difficult and takes more time to get absorbed. Red meats can affect bowel movement and cause difficulty in emptying bowels. Alcohol Most people suffer from constipation when they indulge in too much alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate the body and slow down digestion, thus contributing to constipation. Alcohol must be completely avoided or its consumption should be strictly limited.

Menopause is an inevitable phenomenon in any woman’s life that marks the end of menstruation. In general, menopause occurs in women who are 51 years of age or older. This natural condition is often accompanied by a host of unpleasant symptoms that can take a serious toll on the quality of one’s life. Some of the commonly experienced menopausal symptoms are hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, fatigue, and vaginal dryness. Good nutrition plays a vital role during menopause and can help get relief from the symptoms and also promote overall health in the years following menopause. Listed below are a few food options that one can eat during menopause to cope with the symptoms and associated complications. Iron-rich foods Iron is a vital mineral that has powerful properties essential for women during and after menopause. One should aim for 3 servings of foods packed with iron to promote overall health. Also, iron is essential to ward off medical conditions like anemia. Including food items like nuts, eggs, vegetables (spinach, kale), and fish in the diet to ensure the daily iron requirements are met is advisable. High-fiber foods The onset of menopause often leads to estrogen deficiency that increases the risk of heart diseases. As per the findings, an increase in the intake of dietary fiber can help lower the risk of heart disease in women. Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is found in abundance in many food items such as fruits, beans, legumes, bread, grains, breakfast cereal, and pasta. One should consume at least 21 grams of fiber per day to prevent menopause from putting them at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Calcium-rich foods During menopause, women experience a sharp decrease in the levels of estrogen, a hormone that plays a vital role in bone health. Low estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis, a chronic bone disease.

Several conditions can cause poor circulation in the body, including stress, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. Poor circulation may also result from low blood count, wherein the body fails to produce the necessary red blood cells (RBCs) in a day. Furthermore, a low blood count can lead to symptoms like numbness, digestive problems, and cramps. So, here are a few healthy foods that help increase blood count and improve circulation. Foods to increase blood count Eating healthy results in several health benefits. Here are some foods that can help raise the red blood cell count in the body: Cherries Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which compliments iron absorption by the body. Eating cherries can result in an increase in red blood cells in the body. Egg yolk Yolks contain folic acid, which is essential as it helps maintain hemoglobin levels in the body. Red meat Red meat, like beef, lamb, and pork, promotes healthy blood levels. These foods contain iron that is easily absorbed by the blood. The process helps improve hemoglobin levels, which improves the production of red blood cells. Dairy products Moderately having cheese and milk benefits the heart and regulates blood levels. Milk alternatives like soy and almond milk also help improve blood count. Foods for better blood circulation It is equally important to eat foods that improve blood circulation. Some of these foods include: Garlic One should add garlic to their daily meals because it is rich in allicin, which boosts immunity. Studies show that the regular habit of adding this allicin-rich herb soothes the blood vessels and promotes blood flow in the tissue. Beetroots Beetroots are known for their nitrate content, which helps blood circulation. The element helps improve the flow of blood and compliments blood pressure. Beetroots are also known to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels and increase nitric oxide levels in the body.

Vertigo is an ailment where a person feels dizzy or has a sensation of being off balance. The person might feel that the world around him or her is spinning. Medical diagnosis has clearly stated the fact that vertigo is a problem that can occur due to inner ear problems. Some of these inner ear problems could be: · Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo, also known as BPPV, occurs when very small particles of calcium get deposited and clogged up in the ear canals. · Meniere’s disease is yet again another disorder of the inner ear in which there is an increase of fluid that changes the pressure in the ear. This can lead to vertigo coupled with the loss of hearing power. · The problem of Vestibular neuritis is another infection that could lead to inflammation in the inner ear that can give rise to vertigo and loss of balance. · The other minor reasons for vertigo could be aging, injury to the head and neck, medications of certain types, migraines and also strokes and tumor in the brain. Symptoms of Vertigo Some of the most common symptoms of vertigo are as follows: · Spinning of the head · Nausea · Titling of the body · Feeling of being pulled in one direction · Headache · Sweating · Loss of hearing at times Treatment of Vertigo Treatment for vertigo is done in many different manners. Doctors often advise patients to take rest, ample of fluids and wait for some time. Often the brain can get accustomed to the condition of the inner ear and stabilize the body functions. In this context, we see that often all problems and other uneasiness can go away without having to go to any particular type of treatment for vertigo. However, depending on the nature and the seriousness of the problem, there can be a few types of treatment for vertigo that you could try.