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.

Like humans, dogs, too, tend to develop certain rashes, allergies, and skin problems. While getting veterinary help is essential, minor problems can always be resolved with an effective home remedy. So, if you look to eliminate itchiness, discomfort, and redness in dogs, here are a few effective natural remedies to try out. Oat baths When it comes to doggy allergies, an oat bath is an excellent remedy. It washes away any allergens stuck on the dog’s coat and reduces inflammation. One must never use it during a yeast infection, as it can make it worse. To make an oat bath, one has to grind sugar-free, organic oats into a fine powder and then boil it with water. Using this to bathe the dog will provide them with relief. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. It can be used to clean a dog’s paws, ears and even fight off yeast infections. All one needs to do is take a clean spray bottle and add apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it on the dog’s itchy spots for relief. Nonetheless, one must not spray it on wounds or bites. Baking soda Baking soda is an easily available and effective way to provide relief to itching caused by dog allergies. Create a simple paste using baking soda and water, and apply it to the dog’s itchy spots to alleviate itchiness and redness. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly. One can also add a little coconut oil to provide the dog with some moisturizing goodness. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat several problems. It reduces redness and discomfort, treats burns and itchiness, and provides cooling. Its application is simple:

An allergy is a disease caused when our immune system becomes hypersensitive due to contact with any foreign substance. These allergic reactions vary from person to person –while some allergies are less complicated with rashes or redness on skin some can be fatal like sending you into an anaphylactic shock where you find it difficult to breathe. Based on the different types of allergies, you need the best allergy medicine which can help your immune system to recover. Food allergy Although more popular among kids and infants, it can also affect adults at any point in time. The concerning thing about food allergies is that it can even occur suddenly after eating food you have been consuming for long. While allergies can happen after consuming anything from eggplant to prawns, the 8 foods that trigger 90% of allergic cases include eggs, soy, milk, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish. Sesame or mustard seeds can also trigger allergies. Symptoms include a swollen tongue, breathing problems, dizziness, wheezing, vomiting, repetitive cough, pale or flared skin etc. Severe symptoms include anaphylactic shock with a sudden drop in blood pressure, unconsciousness and blockage in the air passage. The best way to avoid food allergy is to avoid those foods or products that contain this food in them. In case of Anaphylaxis, injecting an EpiPen initially will help followed by medical attention. Drug allergy Drug allergies can occur after you take a medicine and your immune system gets sensitized with the ingredients of the medication, regardless of whether they are in liquid, tablet, capsule or are transfused through injections. The common triggers of this allergy can be attributed to Anticonvulsants, Penicillin and Penicillin-based antibiotics, Sulfa Drug based antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and NSAIDs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen. The symptoms include hives, itching, rashes, swelling, wheezing and other breathing complications and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Common dog allergies and their treatments You will find that dogs suffer from different kinds of allergies, like food allergies, skin allergies and even allergies from environmental allergens. What is more challenging when it comes to dog allergy is that symptoms are of various types, and they often overlap. Herein, we discuss the various allergies that dogs suffer from and the appropriate natural treatment options. Types of dog allergies Dog allergies can be of various types, prime among them are Skin allergy It is a common type of dog allergy wherein the allergen is a flea bite or food substance. Insect bite allergy can be an exaggerated response to stings or bites of specific insects such as spiders, ticks, fleas, deer flies, blackflies, horseflies, ants, bees, mosquitoes, wasps, and bees. Flea saliva is unarguably the most common allergen that triggers flea allergy dermatitis. Inhalant allergy The main inhalant allergens include tree pollen, grass pollen, molds, house dust mites, mildew, and weed pollens. Symptoms may include bronchitis in dogs but it usually manifests as itchy skin, the condition is known as inhalant allergic dermatitis. While symptoms can be controlled, a permanent cure is not possible. You can conduct skin tests to identify the allergens and try to protect your pet from getting exposed. But since most allergens are environmental, the allergy is likely to come back. Bathing your dog with hypoallergenic shampoo may soothe the itchy and inflamed skin. Bathing will also rinse out allergens on its coat. Food allergy This can occur as a reaction to any protein or carb in their food, more often in response to dairy foods, wheat gluten, beef, chicken eggs, lamb, chicken, and soy. This type of allergy will not respond well to medical treatment or corticosteroids. You must identify the responsible allergen and eliminate it.

Addiction to alcohol, or any other kind of harmful substances such as cigarettes, is a problem that many people face. It causes liver damage and also decreases the immunity of the body to a great extent. Different alcohol types have different ill effects on the body, but all of them are extremely harmful if consumed too often or in exceedingly large quantities. Under such circumstances, alcohol rehab proves to be an extremely helpful and effective solution, especially for those who realize the gravity of the situation and want to leave behind their addictive habits. Determination and willpower are extremely important for any kind of medical rehab, and the case is no different with this one. Alcohol rehab is something which is often suggested to people who understand the effects it has, both on their physical as well as mental health. However, there are certain things which one needs to keep in mind under all circumstances before considering registering to go to an alcohol rehab center. They are as follows: The planning After a patient has committed himself or herself to an addiction treatment centre, they should think about the steps they should take in order to be fully prepared for their stay in a rehab, which would vary from person to person. It is common to feel stressed over putting things such as one’s job, bills, or family obligations on hold temporarily while they are in rehab. However, it is absolutely essential for everyone to understand that all of these can be dealt with if the patient takes enough time to prepare for the treatment. In most cases, these patients have already made the difficult decision that it has been long enough and now they should get help. Hence, appropriate measures must be taken to allow the concerned parties to return to a positive space where they are meant to use the skills they were taught in rehab.

Poison ivy is a toxic plant widely found throughout the country. This plant, upon contact with human skin, causes a painful rash, known as contact dermatitis. The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin, called urushiol, which is found in the leaves, roots, and stem of the plant. If you come in contact with the oil, wash your hands immediately to avoid the rash. In case it develops, it may be extremely itchy and last for weeks. Mild cases of poison ivy rash can be treated at home, using cool baths and soothing lotions. However, if the rash becomes widespread and severe, you may require proper medical evaluation and suitable medication. Common symptoms of poison ivy rash Usually, the rash appears after 12 to 48 hours of the contact and lasts up to 2-3 weeks. The most common symptoms include: Swelling Redness Itching Blisters Difficulty in breathing. This usually happens if you have inhaled the smoke produced from the burning of poison ivy. The severity of the rash depends upon the amount of urushiol that comes in contact with your skin. If this oil is more, the rash will be more intense. Usually, the rash looks like a straight line because of the way the plant brushes against your body. If you come in contact with urushiol through pet fur or some piece of clothing, the resultant rash will be more widespread. This rash can be spread to other parts of your body through your fingers. Treatment of poison ivy rash There is no specific poison ivy treatment available on prescription. The rash generally clears up on its own with 2-3 weeks. However, there are some options that can help to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Changing clothes and showering It is important to take a shower and wear fresh clothes after coming home from outside.

Allergies can be extremely debilitating and can get in the way of leading a full and fulfilling life. Come allergy season, you might experience symptoms of allergies that include a runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat, and tightness of the chest to name a few. Allergies can be towards a host of things from dust mites to pollen to even pets. Knowing what you are allergic to can be half the battle as it can let you prepare your home to avoid the allergens. Here are the best anti-allergy products you need to invest in for an allergy-free life. Air Purifier Many Americans suffer from allergies caused by impure air that contain dust particles, pollen, or even pollution. Some studies even suggest that the indoors are more polluted than the outdoor environment. Hence, it becomes extremely important that you maintain the integrity of the air quality indoors. An air purifier can be the best solution for this problem. The Meaco Clean Ca-HEPA particularly comes highly recommended and has consistently been rated highly by industrial experts. It has various filters to remove dust particles, dust mites, pollen, and even bugs and insects. While this device cannot remove the allergens entirely, most people who have used this product have reported a marked decrease in allergy symptoms. While buying an air purifier, it is extremely important that you choose one that is suited for the size of the room you wish to install it in. Most people choose the wrong size, usually smaller, and then find that the device does not help as much as it should. Do your due diligence, figure out the volumetric dimensions of your room, and only then should you choose a model. Mite-proof Pillows Dust mite allergies usually result in asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis. Dust mites usually live and thrive in soft furnishings like curtains, carpets, and particularly pillows.

Lungs, an integral part of the respiratory system, hold oxygen which is then supplied to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. It is essential to keep the lungs healthy to maintain optimum oxygen intake. However, there can be things in the environment that can trigger lung damage. This article lists five such household factors that can trigger lung damage, which can, in turn, cause diseases. Let’s check them out. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and corners. It is common in houses with issues of leaking pipes. The fungus releases spores in the air and can trigger a severe reaction in those allergic to mold. The response is relatively severe in people with lung damage and diseases like asthma and COPD. Carpet Carpets add to the allure and warmth of our homes. But there are some other harmful things that they add. Carpets can act as a storage space for dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, dander, pet hair, and other allergens. These are released back into the air often. As a result, it is advisable to clean and vacuum carpets multiple times a week to ensure they do not work as carriers for lung-damaging components. Flour Baker’s asthma is a common condition among bakery workers. It is caused by the dust and flour particles that saturate the air and are transported with humans as vectors. Those who suffer from this have a difficult time breathing. Baker’s asthma can also be detected in people who live close to bakers, including their family and friends. Candles Candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum-based product. When lit, candles release chemical-fueled fumes into the environment that can trigger allergic reactions in people. This reaction is enhanced in people with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, allergies, and low immunity.

Is your pet pooch scratching and itching itself? Does it have a poor coat quality and does it suffer from frequent ear infections? What you’re feeding your beloved dog could be adding to its distress if you don’t know what he or she is allergic to. Today, food allergies are a rising common concern among dog owners, with more and more dogs seeming to suffer from them. Here’s all you need to know about dog food allergies: Common triggers Sometimes, allergies are a genetic problem, and when they are triggered, it is because the dog is exposed to the allergen in some or the other way. Some of the common allergens include fish, rabbit, pork, soy, lamb, chicken, egg, wheat, dairy, and beef. Usually, dogs are allergic to more than one of the above. Allergies are caused due to multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, environment, whatever the immune system is exposed to when the dog is a puppy. Dog breeds and allergies There are certain breeds that are more prone to food allergies. However, it also differs from country to country, or even different regions in the same country. According to research, breeds that are more commonly affected are Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, German Shepherds, and Retrievers. Diagnosing food allergies The only method to diagnose food allergies in dogs accurately is via an elimination challenge and diet. The dog needs to be taken off of all the food it was eating and needs to be put on a diet it has never had before. Once the dog’s health improves, begin reintroducing the old foods which could have caused the allergies earlier. If the dog suffers from a reaction, then you will know that it has a food allergy. Other specific testing methods include testing a discharge sample from the ears or skin testing.

If you have a dog at home, you’d be familiar with a flea infestation in the house. Flea infestations can get out of control and can be difficult to contain. But there are some home remedies that can get rid of fleas and provide anti-itch relief for dogs. The best part about these remedies is that they are natural and free from chemicals. So, here’s a list of home remedies that are super-effective at treating flea infestations. Boric acid : The use of boric acid in powder form is an ideal way to get rid of fleas from your home and furniture. You can easily spread this powder over the carpets, under the furniture, and also on the furniture. It is not toxic and does not leave any residue either. Moreover, it can help provide anti-itch relief for dogs. It has antiseptic properties that provide relief to itchy skin and skin problems in dogs. Natural flea collars : A natural flea collar can be used to prevent dog fleas. These collars can be made at home or purchased from the market. For a DIY natural flea collar, you can buy a nylon collar or a cotton dog collar. A teaspoon of vodka mixed with a drop of geranium or cedarwood oil can be applied on the collar. One can also mix vodka with one drop of eucalyptus oil, one drop of thyme oil, and one drop of lemongrass oil, and apply this mixture to the collar. You should reuse the collar by adding the oils again on a weekly basis or once the smell fades. Apple cider vinegar : When applied topically or given orally, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a highly effective home remedy to treat a flea infestation in dogs. Spraying unfiltered apple cider mixed with water on your pet’s coat keeps fleas away.

6 FDA-approved asthma medications to know about There is no known cause of asthma; usually, a combination of genetic and environmental factors lead to the condition. Exposure to allergic substances and irritants can trigger asthma symptoms. The triggers and symptoms vary from person to person. Everything from airborne substances like pet dander, mold spores, the common cold, cold air, smoke, GERD, and stress can trigger asthma symptoms. These triggers can induce asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling, coughing attack, or wheezing attack. These symptoms can be alleviated and controlled using asthma medications. There are no complete treatments for asthma, but therapies and medications are used to prevent flare-ups and keeping the symptoms under control. For flare-ups, quick-relief inhalers are recommended. Long-term control of asthma symptoms can be done with certain FDA-approved asthma medications. Fasenra It is a medication used for the treatment of a type of severe asthma called eosinophilic phenotype asthma. This medication is usually prescribed to patients who are 12 years or older. Younger patients whose asthma condition is not under control with current medications have found relieve with the use of Fasenra. It is prescribed along with asthma maintenance medications. The medication lowers the number of severe asthma attacks that require hospital stay or emergency room visits. Additionally, taking Fasenra lowers the daily maintenance dose of oral corticosteroids. Zyflo Zyflo is a leukotriene inhibitor prescribed for the prevention of asthma attacks in adults and children above 12 years of age. Leukotrienes are chemicals released in the body whenever a person breathes in allergens. These allergens make the lungs swell and cause muscle tightening around the airways, triggering asthma symptoms. Zyflo prevents the effects of the allergens on the lungs and respiratory system, thus controlling asthma symptoms.

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.