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.

One of the biggest concerns that trouble pet owners during summers are the flea and tick problem. While there are many over-the-counter and prescription products that help manage the infestation, it is always better to first explore homemade remedies made with ingredients found in the kitchen. Here are some common preventive measures that include homemade sprays, topical remedies, and even general hygiene that can help keep such infestations at bay. Vinegar spray Vinegar is one of the more effective ingredients among other natural remedies for dog flea and tick control prevention. Fleas and ticks cannot survive the pH levels of apple cider vinegar and are eliminated upon contact. Use the diluted homemade spray once or twice a month to prevent infestations. You can also prepare a cider-based vinegar shampoo by mixing some soap into the solution. Give lather baths twice or thrice a month to control flea and tick infestation. Lemon wash and baths Citrus fruits work as a potent repellent to counter flea and tick infestations. And lemon juice is one of the common suggestions for a topical spray. You can cut some lemons and keep them immersed in boiling water overnight. Strain the liquid the next day and use a simple spray applicator to spread the solution evenly over your pet’s coat. Cover the area under the fur, behind the ears, around the legs, and most importantly, all over the tail. If you prefer a lotion, simply mix some salt and dilute the lemons in boiling water. Apply this homemade lotion after shampooing and conditioning, and make sure you coat the fur properly. Essential oils Lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, cedar, citronella, and eucalyptus essential oils are excellent herbal flea and tick repellents. Once you are sure that your pet is not allergic to any of these oils, you can prepare a strong shampoo or topical spray to counter the infestation.

One of the biggest concerns that trouble pet owners during summers are the flea and tick problem. While there are many over-the-counter and prescription products that help manage the infestation, it is always better to first explore homemade remedies made with ingredients found in the kitchen. Here are some common preventive measures that include homemade sprays, topical remedies, and even general hygiene that can help keep such infestations at bay. Vinegar spray Vinegar is one of the more effective ingredients among other natural remedies for dog flea and tick control prevention. Fleas and ticks cannot survive the pH levels of apple cider vinegar and are eliminated upon contact. Use the diluted homemade spray once or twice a month to prevent infestations. You can also prepare a cider-based vinegar shampoo by mixing some soap into the solution. Give lather baths twice or thrice a month to control flea and tick infestation. Lemon wash and baths Citrus fruits work as a potent repellent to counter flea and tick infestations. And lemon juice is one of the common suggestions for a topical spray. You can cut some lemons and keep them immersed in boiling water overnight. Strain the liquid the next day and use a simple spray applicator to spread the solution evenly over your pet’s coat. Cover the area under the fur, behind the ears, around the legs, and most importantly, all over the tail. If you prefer a lotion, simply mix some salt and dilute the lemons in boiling water. Apply this homemade lotion after shampooing and conditioning, and make sure you coat the fur properly. Essential oils Lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, cedar, citronella, and eucalyptus essential oils are excellent herbal flea and tick repellents. Once you are sure that your pet is not allergic to any of these oils, you can prepare a strong shampoo or topical spray to counter the infestation.

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.

Being a pet owner comes with a few responsibilities, especially if your dog or cat begins to have fleas. Flea infestation can be a constant worrisome issue to deal with. Fleas are parasites that suck on the blood of the host (dog or cat). As a result, the infestation can be a problem in one’s home, causing bite marks, which could eventually lead to sore wounds, allergies, and diseases. If one notices the infestation of fleas in their house or on their property, they must learn how to get rid of them. Luckily, there are a bunch of home-based remedies that can help you deal with fleas. Some of the remedies to help get rid of fleas: This home-based remedy is great as it creates a trap for fleas with dish soap and water. All you would need to do is fill a bowl or dish with a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Then, place this mixture in the room with the most flea infestation. This mixture acts as a glue and traps the fleas as it has high viscosity. Repeat this method a few times with a fresh solution every night. It is best to use this home remedy at night as fleas are nocturnal and are most active at nighttime. This remedy works more effectively if one keeps a candle near the mixture, as insects get attracted to light. If you continue to struggle with the infestation of fleas, you should also consider vacuuming your house regularly. This is a great way to help you get rid of fleas from furniture, carpets, and your pet’s bedding. You can boost this process by sprinkling baking soda around the affected areas before you vacuum the place. One should sprinkle baking soda on furniture and carpets as well. This then needs to be rubbed into the fabric with a hard brush.

You must have tried special shampoos, altered grooming routine and also tried medications; but your dog has not stopped itching, scratching or biting fur. But have you considered working on your pet’s diet? Similar to humans, dogs too have food allergies. Dogs can experience severe itching, irritation, swollen face, among others due to food allergies. There is no age bar in dogs for developing food allergies. Symptoms of dog food allergies Your dog may have developed food allergies if you notice the below symptoms. Itchy skin Allergic dermatitis or itchy skin is one of the common outcomes of dog food allergies. The irritation of itchy skin can occur in various parts of the dog’s body such as ears, paws, rear end and stomach. Hives Hives are primarily itchy red bumps. These are also known as urticaria. Hives may surface within 6 to 24 hours if your dog consumes any food which he or she is allergic to. If the hair or fur of your dog is short, they are easily visible. Stomach trouble Gastrointestinal issues such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea are also the outcomes of dog food allergies. Swollen face Dog food allergies can lead to swelling of lips, eyelids, or ear flaps. Paw infections Sometimes your dog may have repeated infections in his or her paws or ears. These are the result of certain sensitivity towards certain food ingredients. What are the common allergens? Every dog owner should understand the difference between food sensitivity and food allergies. The prime difference is food allergy triggers an immediate immune system response. But the reaction of food sensitivity is gradual. Most of the common allergens which trigger food allergies in dogs include chicken, beef and dairy products. On the other hand, corn, wheat, rice, barley and oats are some of the less common allergens.

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. These tablets come in a beef flavor, so your dog may look forward to feeling better with these chewable pills. The complex formulation of the tablet may cause side effects, so it is only recommended for dogs that are 8 weeks or older and weigh 5 pounds or more. Sentinel Flavor Tabs These flavored tablets are ideal for preventing adult roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections in pups more than 4 weeks old and over 2 pounds of weight. Plus, it won’t be difficult to get your pet to eat them as they taste just like treats.

While our pets are a part of our family, their digestive systems differ from humans. Therefore, feeding them the foods you eat might not always be safe. We understand it can be hard to dodge those puppy eyes and say “No.” So, we browsed the internet to find out which human foods are safe for dogs and listed them here. In the end, you’ll also find some brands for healthy packaged dog food. White rice Steamed rice without any seasonings or spices is safe for your furry friend. In fact, it’s an excellent option when they have an upset stomach as rice is easy to digest. Carrots Carrots are good for your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system. The crunchy vegetable is also great for their dental health because it helps remove plaque and makes the jaw work harder. Milk Milk and dairy products like yogurt and cheese are safe dog foods if had in moderation. However, look for signs as some dogs may be lactose intolerant. Peanut butter Yes, dogs love peanut butter, and it’s also nutritious with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. However, choose unsalted varieties and those that don’t have xylitol (an artificial sweetener). Bananas This easy-to-peel-and-eat fruit is another safe human food for dogs. While bananas are high in fiber and potassium, they must be served only occasionally as they’re also high in sugar. Apart from feeding the above foods that are readily available in the kitchen, you can buy dog food from the following highly trusted brands: Natural Balance This brand is known for its sweet potato formula that’s not only nutritious but also a favorite among dogs for its taste. Natural Balance predominantly uses plant-based ingredients, making it a healthful dog food option. Purina Purina specializes in making treats for large breeds, like the Great Dane.

An individual’s eyes are highly sensitive and are the first ones to react to any sort of allergy. The most prominent symptoms include a peculiar burning sensation, redness, and watery discharge from the eyes. Allergies are temporary in nature and can be avoided by staying away from the potential source. If triggered, home remedies work best to cure them. However, if the symptoms persist for a considerable period of time, it is sensible to give your doctor a quick visit. Watery eyes caused by allergies can be experienced as a result of the body’s reaction to a particular allergen that is found specifically during a change in the seasons. Hence, these are called seasonal allergies. For example, allergy caused by pollen during the season of autumn. Moreover, an individual might be allergic to basic, day-to-day substances such as dust, perfumes, smoke, etc. Such type of allergies are known as perennial allergies as their causes cannot be dispensed with and hence, they keep on triggering an allergic response. The eyes discharge a typical watery liquid as a reaction to irritation, especially for cleanliness purposes. Moreover, since the eyes are connected to the nasal cavity, any type of nasal allergy also initiates a watery discharge. The antigen can either be a virus or pollen. Following are some of the ailments that cause watery eyes from allergies: Hay fever – This is a type of nasal allergy that is activated by an immune response to a very commonly found allergen such as dust. Seasonal changes aggravate the allergy. It results in watery eyes along with sneezing and a running nose. Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis or eye flu, turns one or both the eyes watery and gives a deep pink color. This happens when the outermost layer of the eye, known as conjunctiva, gets inflamed and infected.

Allergies are fairly common and no matter the kind of allergy, the best treatment is to avoid the allergen. Proper treatment involves finding the cause of the allergy and treating it. There are a few common factors that cause allergy. These include pollen, pollution, or other such factors. Many tests can help determine the allergen. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can get it treated or avoid it. Not taking steps towards curing it will only make the situation worse. The common symptoms experienced are cold, cough, and rashes. There are two allergy treatment options available for you to try. Avoid Exposure To The Allergens If the allergen can be removed from your environment, you can recover much sooner. It may not always be possible, and this is when allergy medications come in handy. Here are a few ways in which you can avoid the allergen. Food allergies are fairly common. So be careful about what you eat. Many people have pet allergies too. If you have any pet allergies, get yourself tested. You can keep your pets in a separate place. Also, make sure that you keep your pets clean by bathing them regularly. Dust allergy happens when the surrounding is not clear regularly. Make sure your house is ventilated and dry. Damp environments can attract fungus. So, make sure you clean your house on a daily basis. Grassy or polluted areas can cause allergy. Places that have high pollen content in the air can make you react by sneezing or coughing. Dust your pillows and curtains regularly. Avoid having carpets at home. Allergy Medication When you cannot get rid of the allergy by avoiding the cause, this is the best way to go. There are many medicines that you can get without a prescription. However, it is always better to consult a doctor before taking them as some are not suitable for everyone.

Allergic reactions affect everyone. Kids, infants, and toddlers are no exceptions. Your child could suffer from any of the numerous allergies. Identify the trigger, and consult with your pediatrician to find the right treatment. What are allergic reactions? Allergic reactions are the first signs of the body’s defense mechanism, kickstarting its work. The immune system releases a chemical called histamine which stimulates the body to display signals in the form of allergic reactions like—sneezing, running nose, rashes, etc. Histamine might help the body block or kick out invasive substances, but severe allergic reactions can be harmful. That is why people with allergies are prescribed antihistamines, which suppress the reactions caused by histamines. Allergies in kids Allergic reactions in kids can include skin symptoms like hives and rashes. These are caused by allergens like insect stings, animal dander, etc. Allergies can also manifest themselves in the form of respiratory symptoms like—blocked nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing. Severe reactions can trigger anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. Some common allergic reactions: Rashes or hives Itchy skin Bumpy, inflamed red spots Sneezing Running nose Nasal congestion Coughing Itchy, watery eyes Wheezing If the reaction is severe, and it develops into anaphylaxis, you might notice these symptoms: Swollen throat, tongue or face Dizziness Cramps, nausea, and vomiting Diarrhoea Your child may even become unconscious If you notice any of these severe symptoms, emergency medical attention is required, so rush your child to a hospital. Kids allergy relief Consult your pediatrician about your kid’s allergies, and try to identify the common triggers. Once you find what causes the reaction, do your best to keep your child away from triggers. Knowing the best kids allergy relief is of utmost importance. If your pet is causing allergies: You may have to consider giving your pets away If the allergy is not severe, you could give the pets frequent wash and brush to keep them free of dander Limit the contact the child has with animals If insect bites cause an allergic reaction:

While it may be tempting to share everything you do with your dogs, you might want to think for a moment before sharing your food. Humans and dogs metabolize foods in different ways. Therefore, what might be healthy and even delicious for you might actually be toxic for your dog! To make things easier for you, we have put together some human foods that are good for your dogs as well as those that aren’t. Humans food that dogs can eat Certain human foods that are safe for dogs to eat are described as follows. Apples Sliced apples with the seeds removed can be safely given to your dog for snacking. Fruits like apples and pineapples are good for them, as they contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog’s digestive system. Carrots Carrots are a rich source of nutrients like vitamin A and dietary fibers. You can cut up carrots into smaller bite-sized pieces and feed them as snacks to your dog. White rice Cooked white rice and even brown rice can be safely given to your dogs in their meals. You can also add some meat and gravy to this rice to create a full meal. Peanut butter Humans aren’t the only ones that enjoy peanut butter. Your dogs can enjoy them too! However, they must be given in limited quantities, contributing to unnecessary weight gain. Human foods that dogs cannot eat Certain foods can prove to be quite toxic for dogs. Some such foods to avoid are as follows. Chocolate This is a known fact among most dog owners, but we want to reiterate it for the sake of new pet parents. Do not feed your dog any foods that may contain chocolates, caffeine, etc. Grapes Among fruits and dry fruits, you should avoid feeding grapes or raisins to your dog.