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. These flea pills for dogs also prevent intestinal worms that otherwise affect the digestive system. Speak to a veterinarian if you notice side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, hypersalivation, and weakness after administering this pill. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult a vet about taking this pill if your canine is already on other medication.

One loves pampering their pet dogs with the best of foods and treats. This often means that you may indulge in sharing some of your foods with them. But dogs have a different digestive system compared to humans. This means that some of the foods that you enjoy could actually be harmful to them. This article discusses foods that are safe for your dog and provide them with necessary nutrients.

Carrots
Carrots are known for their nutritional benefits for humans. They are loaded with vitamins and beta-carotene that help promote heart, eyes, and skin health. Carrots are also super good for dogs. Carrots help remove plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth, helping maintain good dental health. Their nutritional content can also help improve a dog’s immune health, promoting a shiny coat and skin.

Chicken
Dogs love chicken meals and chicken broth, and these foods are also healthy for them. Plain-boiled chicken is a great option for when your dog has an upset tummy. It is important to remember that you should give them this food with little to no seasonings.

Popcorn
Popcorn is a great snack for humans and dogs. They contain minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can help both you and your dog stay healthy. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when serving your dog popcorn is that the snack needs to be completely devoid of any butter, salt, or sugar. Ensure that you do not give them any uncooked kernels, as this can cause them to choke.

While human foods act as great treats for your dog, you may want to consider dog food for all your pet’s nutritional needs. Some of the most popular brands of dog food include the following.

Royal Canin
Royal Canin is one of the most popular dog food brands across the globe. They have tons of options that suit your pet’s nutritional and health needs. They even offer foods based on the breed, size, and age of the dog, such as the Royal Canin Chihuahua and Royal Canin Labrador.

Purina
Purina is another popular dog food that has tons of options based on the age, size, and breed of the dog. They also offer tons of treats options.

Hills Science Diet
Hills Science Diet is known for its high-quality and all-natural dog food. They combine nutrient-rich ingredients to provide balanced nutrition for even the pickiest of dogs.

Natural balance dog food
When it comes to the use of limited nutritious ingredients, Natural Balance is the most popular brand in pet food for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. You can also shop for small breed and large breed bite-sized treats.

Nom Nom dog food
Nom Nom is a popular alternative to buying pet food, as the service sources, cooks, packages, and delivers some of the most nutritious proportioned recipes in dog food. 

NUTRO™
Most of the products from NUTRO™ contain no artificial flavors, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers. They use real animal proteins like lamb, chicken, venison, and salmon, which are perfect for maintaining the health of your dog.

Just Right Pet Food
This brand provides customized meals according to your dog’s nutritional requirements. All you have to do is create your pet’s profile on the Just Right website and enter details like their breed, age, and food preferences.

Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula™ Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is formulated for the health and well-being of senior dogs. It does not contain chicken or poultry by-products and is also free from artificial colors, corn, wheat, or soy. It is an allergy relief dog food as it contains antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits™—a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the immune system and provide healthy oxidative balance.

Dogs tend to chew and nibble on anything and everything they come across. But this habit can be rather dangerous when it comes to plants. Certain plants contain toxic elements and can lead to severe symptoms and make your pet pooch ill. Dogs do not know which plants can be toxic to them, and therefore, it is safe to just remove or avoid having such plants in your household. Read on to find out more.

Aloe vera
Aloe is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not to mention, it can work wonders for your skin and makes for a great indoor plant. But, what many do not know is that aloe vera can be toxic to dogs. This is because of the saponins in the succulents. Consuming even small amounts of the aloe vera plant and gel can cause severe poisoning in dogs. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cause general central nervous system depression.

Sago palm
Another popular houseplant that is toxic to dogs is the sago palm. Commonly known as cardboard palm or coontie palm, this plant contains the toxic element cycasin. Consuming even small amounts of any part of this plant can lead to poisoning and cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even liver failure. Note that while the leaves and bark also contain poison, the seeds and nuts are the most toxic part of this plant.

Tulips
Tulips are commonly found in many homes, thanks to their colorful flowers and pretty esthetic. But, if you do have pet pooches at home, you may want to skip out on having these plants. Dogs are likely to chew the long leaves of this plant and this could lead to digestive troubles. Not to mention, if your dog does somehow end up eating the bulbs of this plant, they could experience severe poisoning. This is because bulbs of the tulip plant contain high concentrations of toxins known as Tulipalin A and B. Consuming these can lead to vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and even hypersalivation.

Oleander
Oleanders are usually kept at homes for their esthetic appeal. These plants have beautiful and colorful flowers that make for a great addition to the backyard garden. But, every part of this plant contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to dogs. Even if consumed in small amounts, this can lead to drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and depression.

Ensuring that you steer clear of toxic plants is essential to the health of your dog. But, dogs are also prone to infections and diseases from bugs such as ticks and fleas, which can lead to diseases such as heartworm, tick fever, and much more. Moreover, ticks can latch onto humans and spread the disease. To avoid this, it is important to try treatments such as Advantix® and Simparica Trio. Advantix® is a monthly spot-on treatment that helps get rid of fleas, ticks, sandflies, mosquitoes, and other such bugs. It can be used for puppies over the age of 7 weeks and adult dogs. Simparica Trio, on the other hand, is a monthly chewable that provides protection and prevents heartworms, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms in dogs.

Cats are smart animals who are typically mindful of what they eat. But sometimes, seeds or pollen of a toxic plant get stuck in their fur or on their paws, and cats may ingest toxic substances while grooming themselves. To avoid this and keep your cat safe, all pet parents should take some time to learn the names of plants that are toxic to their health. Some of these plants are mentioned below.

Peace lily (spathiphyllum)
All its parts, including the leaves, roots, petals, and pollen, should be kept away from cats. If cats ingest peace lilies, they could get acute kidney failure. Other symptoms of poisoning would include vomiting, irritation of the mouth and GI tract, excessive drooling, and in rare cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Sago palm (cycas revoluta)
Sago palm contains a toxic substance called cycasin, which, when consumed, may result in liver damage in cats. It could also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and black, tarry-looking stool. It could also lead to bruising, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in rare cases, death.

Eucalyptus (myrtaceae)
Eucalyptus can cause complications like drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea in cats. The toxicity level of this plant is low, and the symptoms often disappear within 24 hours. But higher concentrations can cause serious problems.

Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia may be known by its various other names, including dumb cane or tropic snow. It is a part of a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Araceae family. Dieffenbachia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause a burning sensation in the mouth if consumed by cats. It can also lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Kalanchoe
All parts of this plant are toxic to cats, as it contains bufadienolides. This can cause gastrointestinal issues like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If cats eat this plant, they can experience heart arrhythmias and seizures.

Oleander
This outdoor shrub contains cardiac glycoside toxins that are harmful to the heart muscle. Oleander can also cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and heart abnormalities, so it is essential to keep your cats away from this plant.

Jade plants (crassula)
Jade plants, also known as money plants or dollar plants, are easy to grow as they require little maintenance and are believed to bring luck and fortune. But not for your cat. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, depression, and incoordination.

Just like humans, good nutrition is crucial for the overall well-being and longevity of canines. Though some foods that you eat can harm your four-legged companions, many others are completely safe. In fact, some even contain an array of nutrients beneficial for your dog’s overall health. In this article, we’ve listed common human foods that are safe for dogs. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian before giving these foods to your dog.

Human foods that dogs can eat safely and easily

Fish
Fish is not only safe but extremely nutritious for dogs. Salmon and tuna, in particular, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve and maintain their immune system, coat, and skin. Remember, you must only give well-cooked fish to your dog, as undercooked or uncooked ones may contain harmful parasites.

Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which plays a role in maintaining a dog’s immune system, fur, and skin. Their low-calorie content also makes a great snack. Besides, chewing on raw carrots helps remove plaque from your furry friend’s teeth.

Peanut butter
It’s not just humans who love this snack; dogs love peanut butter too. Peanut butter is a good protein source and it is also packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamin B and E, and niacin. However, it’s best to give them unsalted, sugar-free peanut butter and make sure it doesn’t contain a toxic additive called xylitol.

Chicken
It’s one of the most common ingredients in dog foods and is an excellent source of protein. If you’re sharing chicken with your furry friend, make sure it’s cooked, boneless, and skinless, and without any spices or marinade.

Blueberries
This tiny fruit is delicious and loaded with a slew of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Thanks to the high level of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, blueberries offer a range of health benefits to canines. Since they are small and low in calories, you can feed multiple blueberries to your dog at a time.

Eggs
Eggs are also common human foods that are safe and healthful for dogs. Just one medium egg supplies loads of protein and a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals to your pet. Raw eggs contain infection-causing bacteria, such as salmonella, so you must only give cooked eggs to your dog.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the best sources of fibers, which makes them perfect for dogs with bowel issues. It also contains many vitamins and minerals and is a great gluten-free alternative to wheat. However, flavored oatmeal can contain potentially harmful additives, so you should select a plain version.

Yogurt
Another safe and wholesome human food for dogs is yogurt. Besides being high in calcium and protein, some yogurt contains live bacteria called probiotics, which are beneficial to your dog’s digestive system. Go for plain probiotic yogurt instead of flavored varieties, as they’re typically full of sugar and other unhealthy additives.

Sharing food with your cat doesn’t always have to be dangerous! Even though it is advisable to keep your pets away from some human food like onions, garlic, sugar, chocolate, dairy, caffeinated products, raw dough, nuts, salt, xylitol, grapes, and raisins, it is safe to treat your pets to some human food every once in a while. Here are 7 human foods that are safe for your kittens to consume.

7 human foods you can share with your cats

Fish
Canned or cooked fish like salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, and crab are good for your cats as it helps their eyes stay sharp and helps them with arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disorders. Fatty fish contains nutrients like omega-3 that can help with your cat’s heart health. However, it is best to avoid giving them raw fish as it can be dangerous for your cat’s health.

Whole grains
Cooked whole grains are easily digestible for cats and are popularly found in most dry cat foods. Grains like oats are a good source of protein, iron, and fiber, and they’re easy to make as well. Many cats like eating corn, and a coarse cornmeal called polenta as well. Other grains that you can give your cats include brown rice, barley, wheat berries, millet, and couscous. All you need to do is make sure that the grains are fully cooked, so your kitten can digest them properly.

Meat
By nature, cats are meat eaters. Protein from meat is an important part of their meals to ensure a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system. It is safe to give them cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of deli meat for their dose of protein. Avoid giving them any raw or spoiled meat, as this could make them sick.

Veggies
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, fiber, and water to help your cats and kittens with digestion. While all cats may not enjoy eating vegetables, you can try offering them fresh cucumber or cantaloupe, steamed broccoli, carrots, squash, or asparagus. However, make sure you don’t add onions or garlic to any food you may give them.

Cheese
Cheese is a high-protein snack that is okay to share with your cats in small amounts. Although it contains significantly less protein than meat, fish, or whole grains, it’s a yummy treat to offer them once in a while. Make sure you don’t give them too much because many cats’ stomachs can’t handle excess dairy.

Eggs
Eggs are also a great source of protein for cats. Opt for cooked eggs, as raw eggs can carry bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or E.coli that are dangerous for your pets. However, it is important to note that cats cannot survive on eggs alone, and need nutrients from other food sources to remain healthy.

Fruits
Mangoes, apples, bananas, apricots, blueberries, and cranberries are safe fruits for cats to eat. Melons can help them with digestive problems, and be a good source of water for them too. It is best to limit cats to two or three berries or one small chunk of fruit at a time, starting with tiny pieces and working your way up to a one tablespoon serving size. It is also important to deseed the fruit and remove any rind or skin that may be a choking hazard.

Most cat food suppliers like Hill’s Pet Nutrition, IAMS™ Cat Food, Sheba®, 9Lives®, and PURINA® FRISKIES® provide wholesome, well-rounded nutrition for your cats. High in protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and calcium, along with other fatty acids and antioxidants, these cat foods (wet and dry) can be found in various flavors of meat as well, to add variety to your pet’s meal plans.

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.

Virbac PREVENTIC® Tick Collar for Dogs
Collars made by this brand comprise an insecticide called amitraz that works on different types of common insects found during tick season, like deer ticks, lone star ticks, and of course dog ticks. The collar kills and detaches the tick from the body and is good for 90 days. This is a short-term tick solution compared to the other collars.

Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs and Puppies
This collar works well on both ticks and fleas owing to the a combination of tetrachlorvinphos and methoprene. This amazing product kills and repels pests from all their life stages—from eggs to larvae to adults. One of the many concerns about these pests is their eggs, but with the insecticide used in this, it gives a full-body protection against them.

Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Repellent Dog Collar
Vet’s Best uses natural ingredients like cedarwood and peppermint oils on their collar to help prevent fleas and ticks. Unfortunately, the collar can be worn only for four months. However, it is also water resistant and does not contain harmful insecticides that you or your dog may be allergic to.

Apart from flea and tick collars, there are various medicines that help keep fleas and ticks off the dog. One such medication is Simparica (sarolaner). It is an FDA-approved chewable tablet that kills fleas in three hours and ticks in eight hours. When administered monthly, Simparica can protect dogs from flea and tick infestation for up to 35 days. Simparica Chewables are known to kill five types of ticks including the Gulf Coast tick.