3 human foods that dogs should never eat
pets

3 human foods that dogs should never eat

We often cannot resist the urge to give our pet dogs a treat or two. After all, it’s hard to ignore those beady eyes below the dining table every time you have a meal. However, it is important to note that not all foods made for humans are good for your pets. Some of them are harmful and can threaten the pet’s wellbeing. Here are a few human foods to avoid for dogs. Chocolate Chocolate is one product that is found in abundance at home. Hence, it is crucial to keep it far from your dog’s reach. Chocolate can be toxic to pets and can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, and increased thirst. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine – an ingredient that can be extremely toxic to your pet. This goes for any other caffeine-based product too, which can be equally bad for your pet doggo. In fact, such foods are bad even for the human body and should not be consumed in excess. Citrus Citrus tree parts such as stems, fruit, seeds, leaves, peels, and plants contain citric acid and other essential oils that can lead to irritation. Consuming such items can also cause depression of the nervous system when eaten in excess.
4 human foods that cats can enjoy
pets

4 human foods that cats can enjoy

Our pet cats are part of the family. So, it is quite normal and common to want to share your food with them. But when it comes to giving them treats off your plate, you should be careful. This is because some human foods can be harmful; however, there is an extensive list of foods that are perfectly safe for them. Read on to find out more about human foods that are safe for cats. Fish Fish is one of the best human foods that you can treat your pet cat to. But of course, not all fish is good for your cat. You want to stick to oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna to ensure they get the essential omega-3 fatty acids and other vitamins and nutrients. Fatty fish is known to help with eyesight, reduce joint pain, and improve brain function in cats and humans. Note that it is crucial to cook any fish you are feeding your cat to avoid digestive troubles. Meat Meat is another great human food that you can feed your cat. They are rich in protein and provide lots of nourishment when cooked healthily. But remember, meat also contains tons of bacteria such as E.coli, which can make your cat sick.
3 easy home remedies for heartworms in dogs
pets

3 easy home remedies for heartworms in dogs

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.
4 ways to improve a dog’s coat health
pets

4 ways to improve a dog’s coat health

An important aspect of being a pet parent is ensuring your canine is in good health. A clear indication of your pet’s health is the shine on their coats. A coarse, dull coat of dandruff or greasiness is not a healthy sign. Sometimes illness or stress can make their coats flaky and bumpy. To help you, here are three easy ways that will not only significantly improve your dog’s coat but also keep them healthy. Bathe your dogs periodically Dogs do not need a bath every single day, as it can eliminate the skin’s natural oils. However, it is important to bathe them at least once or twice a month. Opt for a mild or specialized shampoo that best suits your dog’s breed. If your dog has irritable skin, consider giving them an oatmeal bath for quick relief. Oatmeal contains vitamin E, which makes the coat soft and shiny. Brush coat regularly Regardless of your pooch having short or long fur, it is essential to brush their coat regularly. This removes dead skin cells and dull fibers. Brushing improves blood circulation, encouraging the growth of healthy hair follicles. You will also see an increase in natural oil with regular brushing, resulting in shinier coats.
Easy and natural ways to get rid of fleas and ticks
pets

Easy and natural ways to get rid of fleas and ticks

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.
6 plants that are toxic to dogs
pets

6 plants that are toxic to dogs

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.
7 human foods that dogs can enjoy
pets

7 human foods that dogs can enjoy

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.
Protecting pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworm
pets

Protecting pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworm

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.
6 kitchen ingredients to manage ticks and fleas on dogs
pets

6 kitchen ingredients to manage ticks and fleas on dogs

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.
6 common mistakes to avoid while buying pet insurance
pets

6 common mistakes to avoid while buying pet insurance

A pet’s overall well-being is every pet parent’s ultimate desire and objective. However, life is unpredictable, and despite one’s best efforts, a pet may require healthcare assistance for health conditions, accidents, and injuries. Pet insurance helps pet owners alleviate the financial repercussions of such untoward events through financial compensation. It is advisable to opt for pet insurance from a reputed insurance company. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while securing pet insurance: Assuming that all healthcare services are covered A common mistake by pet parents is to assume that an insurance policy covers all healthcare services and requirements. For example, some insurance policies may not cover pet pregnancy-related complications, while some may exclude dental checkups and procedures. Thus, it is important for pet parents to browse the list of healthcare services a pet insurance policy includes under its hood and zero in on a policy based on this factor. Only considering the premium Although paying a high premium may burn a hole in one’s pocket, insurance policies with low premiums may sometimes not cover all the essential healthcare expenses. In such cases, one may end up spending a much higher amount at the veterinary hospital in case of a health emergency that the policy does not cover.

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How SBA’s guaranteed loans are beneficial for small businesses
finance

How SBA’s guaranteed loans are beneficial for small businesses

Running a small business during financially turbulent times can be extremely trying. But, monetary aid, specifically small business loans, can definitely make things easier for both the business and its employees. Funded and guaranteed by the federal government, 7(a) loan programs have been designed by keeping business-owners’ best interests in mind. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding small business loans: What is an SBA loan? Loans by the Small Business Administration (SBA) are guaranteed business loans that are given to small businesses by participating lenders. Since these loans are guaranteed by the federal agency, they are much more manageable than those provided by private agencies. SBA loans also have the added advantage of lower interest rates. These loans are available in a broad range in order to suit specific business needs. You can get a loan that ranges anywhere from $500 to $5.5 million to fund your entrepreneurial adventure. Further, the loan can be accessed in the form of fixed assets or working funds. Types of SBA loans SBA loans are available in many types. Some of them include—SBA flagship loans, microloans, SBA disaster loans, and 504 loans, among others. Each of these loans comes with different funding criteria.
Benefits of investing in NNN properties for sale
finance

Benefits of investing in NNN properties for sale

Long-term investments do not necessarily mean that your money becomes inflexible. Instead, you should invest in such a way that you can generate a steady income. To ensure this, you need to invest intelligently by aligning your portfolio to your investment goals. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your returns outweigh your risks. One of the surest ways to ensure this is by investing in NNN properties that are for sale. Continue reading to know more about NNN properties and benefits of buying them. What are triple net(NNN) properties? NNN properties are pieces of real estate that can be leased to commercial franchises or corporations. Here, the tenants undertake all operational and management responsibilities of the property apart from paying rent to the owner. No investment is risk-free; however, investing in NNN properties has proven to be a highly profitable venture for investors. To invest in NNN properties, you must have an accredited net worth of at least $1 million. This value is excluding the value of their residential real estate or $200,000 in income. Other investors who have lower net worths can invest in NNN properties for sale by investing in REITs or Real Estate Investment Trusts. Benefits of buying NNN properties for sale:
Four reasons why a reverse mortgage is not a sound idea
finance

Four reasons why a reverse mortgage is not a sound idea

A reverse mortgage is a loan taken against the value of the home (equity) to meet certain expenses, debt obligations, and even supplement income during a financial crisis. It allows homeowners to convert a part of their home value into cash for expenses and retain the ownership of the property simultaneously. However, reverse mortgage eligibility and feasibility are quite complicated and there are times when it is not a good option, especially for seniors (common applicants for a reverse mortgage) above the age of 60. Here are a few reasons why. Home eligible for inheritance Senior homeowners can benefit from reverse mortgage eligibility only if they can take a loan against their home and repay the same in a timely manner. However, in case the homeowner passes away and the property is inherited by their children, who might not be in a financially sound position to repay the impending mortgage. The inability to do so can result in selling the property to repay the outstanding debt and in the process lose complete ownership. So before taking a reverse mortgage, homeowners must account for the financial status of the people who will inherit the home in the future. Sharing owned property People living on the property are forced to vacate it in case the owner is unable to repay the reverse mortgage.
10 debt settlement companies you can consider in times of crisis
finance

10 debt settlement companies you can consider in times of crisis

Though debt such as student loans, car loans, and mortgage on the house is part of life, it does become a hindrance that affects your savings and future financial goals. As per the Federal Reserve, Americans owe more than $4 trillion in consumer debt, and this number does not account for mortgages. So, if you’re facing crushing debt and want to avoid bankruptcy, you can always engage the help of debt settlement companies. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that can help you in a financial crisis. National Debt Relief The National Debt relief offers a debt settlement service that lasts for around two to four years and charges a 15% fee. They cover all kinds of debts, including unsecured debts. Freedom Debt Relief With average fees and AFCC accreditation, Freedom Debt Relief is one of the oldest debt settlement companies in the country. They are present in 37 states and have been in operation for over 17 years. Guardian Debt Relief Guardian Debt Relief specializes in working with customers who have a debt of more than $10,000. They usually charge a 20% fee and a monetary fee of $200, which goes into the settlement account.