Fleas and ticks are parasites that are a nuisance for pets as well as pet parents. If these pests are not dealt with on time, quite a few health problems can occur. In such cases, flea and tick collars are one of the most effective products that can help your dog get rid of these blood-sucking parasites. Here are three of the best flea and tick collars that are popularly used by pet parents. PREVENTIC® Tick Collar for Dogs by Virbac The PREVENTIC® by Virbac is one of the most effective dog collars in the market today against fleas and ticks. Customer reviews suggest that the collar starts killing and repelling parasites on your pet within 24 hours. A single collar can provide protection from fleas and ticks for up to 90 days. Since the active ingredient used in this collar is an odorless insecticide called amitraz. This collar can even be used on puppies as young as 12 weeks. The available sizes of this flea collar are 18 inches for medium to small dogs and 25 inches for large dogs. Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar by Bayer This collar can also be one of your best bets for protecting your dog against blood-sucking parasites. Bayer’s Seresto collar is known to offer long-term protection against fleas, larvae, ticks, and lice. This one-size collar lets you adjust the circumference of the collar up to 27.5 inches. The Seresto® is one of the best flea and tick collars for dogs, offering protection against parasites for up to 8 months. Mild insecticides used in this collar make it suitable for seven-week-young puppies too. The collar doesn’t contain powdery residue and is water-resistant, making it effective even when your pooch is having fun in the water. However, consulting a vet before usage is recommended as this collar can cause skin irritation in some puppies.

A single tick on your pet dog is reason enough to be concerned about their wellbeing. That’s because ticks multiply constantly, and before you know it, your pet will be prone to allergic reactions, irritations, hair loss, and unstoppable itching. What’s more, they’re bound to become vulnerable to many diseases. So here are a few popular chewable tablets to ward off such abominations from your dog and to prevent any recurrences.  Simparica Trio Simparica Trio is an FDA-approved chewable that can protect your pet dog from ticks, fleas, hookworms, ringworms, and heartworm diseases. It is also safe when it comes to giving it to puppies who are eight weeks old and weigh about 2.8 lbs. Simparica Trio is also the first monthly chewable, which means you only have to give it to your pet once a month. The brand claims the pill is capable of killing off deer ticks in eight hours and fleas within four hours of administering the chewable. BRAVECTO® The BRAVECTO® chewable must be given to your pet once every 12 weeks. Such dosage allows you to protect your dog and save on costs simultaneously. Despite the extensive time gap in its dosage, the chewable is known to last three times longer than other monthly treatments out there. What’s more, it is FDA-approved and is also vet recommended, placing it among the reputable and trusted medications for dogs. NexGard® Among other popular brands stand the NexGard® chewables. These are known to get rid of ticks and fleas quickly, with month-long effects. The treatment is also effective against black-legged ticks, thus preventing infections such as Lyme disease. You can administer this chewable orally to pet dogs as young as eight weeks and those who weigh about four pounds right to adult dogs.  Trifexis® The Trifexis® chewable is a beef-flavored, monthly tablet with a primary focus on killing and preventing fleas from infesting your pet.

Many of you feed your cats small morsels of food from your own bowls. But have you ever stopped to think whether the food you are eating is suitable for your cat? Cat’s digestive systems are built differently, and while they may show no severe symptoms at the time of consumption, complications may develop later. We have put together a list of safe human foods for cats to avoid emergency vet trips. Meat Cats cannot digest fibrous foods as easily as dogs. They are meat-eaters that derive protein from meat to maintain a healthy reproductive system, good vision, and strong heart. Cooked chicken, beef, turkey are some good options. Avoid meats with high sodium content as too much salt is toxic for cats. Whole grains Whole grains like oatmeal are a great source of vitamin B and energy for your feline companions. Cats tend to like smaller and coarser grains like cornmeal, millet, and couscous, but make sure all of these are properly cooked for easy digestion. You can also give them brown rice, barley, and wheatberries but mash them before serving. Bananas Bananas are rich in potassium and soluble fiber, making them a perfect snack for your cats. However, limit the intake as this fruit has high sugar content. Experts recommend that treats like bananas make not more than 10 percent of daily calorie intake. You can also feed them pumpkin, apples, pears, berries, watermelon, and pineapple in limited quantities. Fish Fish is present in a majority of commercial cat food for good reason. It contains necessary vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that keep up your cat’s health. Make sure the fish is boiled and cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid any seasoning and food enhancers. Pick fresh-caught fish instead of the canned ones and remove all bones to prevent choking hazards.

Many pet parents feed human foods to their dogs from time to time. While there is nothing wrong with feeding them small bits of chocolate or other tidbits, pet parents must keep in mind that a dog’s digestive system is different from humans. If you are wondering what human foods are safe for dogs, we have got you covered. The article sheds light on human foods that dogs love and can eat. Human foods that are safe for dogs Peanut butter Dogs love peanut butter and for good reason. It is tasty and a good source of protein, vitamin B and E, and niacin. That said, ensure that you give your pet peanut butter that is unsalted, made with raw peanuts, and contains zero sugar or artificial sweeteners. Cooked chicken Feeding your doggo a piece of cooked chicken from your plate is completely alright as long as it contains zero or limited spices. Chicken is a rich source of protein and a healthy meal replacement option. Opt for boiled chicken if your pet is a senior or has a sensitive stomach. Carrots Carrots are high in fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A, making them an excellent snack option for dogs. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and it’s best to feed bite-sized pieces or diced baby carrots to your canine to avoid choking mishaps. Pumpkin Pumpkins and carrots have almost the same healthy properties. This juicy fruit helps reduce digestive issues in dogs. A fresh pumpkin is an excellent option for dogs; however, if you have a canned one, make sure it doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, as excessive sugar consumption can be toxic to dogs. Oatmeal Oatmeal is relatively healthy for dogs, especially for older pets with bowel irregularities. It contains soluble fiber and is best for pets that are allergic to wheat.

Flowers are known to accentuate the décor of your home. And many plants boast a variety of properties that can help treat topical allergies as well as infections. Some households have shrubs, creepers, herbs, and spices planted around their gardens. But if your house also has pets, it is necessary to keep toxic plants away from their reach for safety. Here are seven common household plants that are dangerous to have around pets. Aloe vera Aloe vera is rich in healing properties, and the gel is used for preparing topical applications. However, this plant is highly toxic for dogs as the gel upsets their stomach and can trigger nausea or vomiting. Sago palm This easy-growing indoor plant significantly improves home décor. However, if pets accidentally ingest the palm leaves, it can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors, or even seizures. Fever is also a noticeable effect to look out for. Tulips Tulips are one of the most beautiful and decorative plants to have indoors. But the stem and the blooming flowers contain poisonous compounds that can upset your pet’s stomach. The bulbous parts trigger vomiting, excess drooling, and diarrhea. Allium plants Onion and garlic plants belong to the allium species. Ingesting the bulbous part of the herbs in large quantities triggers hemolysis, which is a severe reaction that harms the red blood cells. Symptoms include passing red urine, severe weakness, and excessive breathing that indicates a toxic reaction. Daffodils Daffodils are common household plants that bloom for longer periods. But every part of this plant is toxic when ingested, which is why daffodils should be kept out of the reach of pets. Ivy English and Boston Ivy are outdoor plants grown on wood frames or around trails to help accentuate the landscape. However, always ensure that your pets don’t accidentally end up chewing any part of the plant, as most types of ivy are toxic.

Flea and ticks are common parasites that carry different types of diseases. These pests thrive in soft and warm environments, and the pet’s fur is a perfect home for them. If left unchecked, they can cause severe complications. But there are simple ways to control and prevent this problem. Here are some effective preventive treatments, plants that repel parasites, changes in daily foods, and DIY remedies to manage the infestation: Effective treatments Simparica TRIO oral chews are suitable for dogs eight weeks and older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs. The tablet should be given once a month.  K9 Advantix II, on the other hand, is another popular monthly flea protection treatment that is effective within the first 12 hours of consumption. K9 Advantix is suitable for dogs seven weeks or older, weighing at least 4.4 lbs.  Bravetco® is a more long-lasting alternative as one tablet can prevent flea and tick infestations for 12 weeks. Bravetco® is available in five dosing options, depending on the size and weight of the dog. Some heartworm prescriptions like Advantage Multi® topical solution and Trifexis® oral chews also help counter flea and tick infections. Immunity boosting meals and foods Consult with a vet to better understand what dogs should eat daily to develop more resilience and fight flea and tick infestations. For example, garlic can ward off parasites and is safe to include in small quantities for most breeds. But ensure the garlic is always freshly chopped. Honey pairs well with this garlic mixture and boosts immunity to combat common allergens that trigger flea infestations. Helpful plants that repel parasites Swapping out old plants for pet-friendly plants can actually help repel fleas and ticks. Basil, catnip, chamomile, chrysanthemum, eucalyptus, plantain, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, mint, pennyroyal, rosemary, rue, sage, tansy, thyme, wormwood, and yarrow are all acceptable choices.

While some cats would spend an absurd amount of time in their litter boxes, the others tend to avoid it. While the former might do little more than pique your interest, the latter could mean soiled carpets, furniture, and linens on the regular. Cats not using their litter box could be a problem, and to know how to solve it, understand these few common reasons why cats start avoiding the litter box like the plague. Change of location It is possible that your cat does not like the area its litter box has been placed in. Or, they prefer a few other places to take care of its business. In this case, try to check if placing the cat litter box in an area of your cat’s preference can help solve the problem. If your cat hunts down a new place to go, you will have to make the new place unlikeable for them. You can employ tools like lights, motion sensors, double-sided tape, and other such tactics to repel your cat. Litter issues One of the possible reasons why a cat starts to avoid their litter box and hunts for other places to eliminate may be contained in its litter box. Chances are, the new litter you brought home does not appeal to your cat. Since cats are sensitive to touch, smell, and even their location, a sudden aversion to their litter box might result from changes. This could be either because the new cat litter does not smell and/or feel right. To avoid these problems, you might want to stick with the same quality of the litter. Negative ideas If your cat has borne witness to an uncomfortable or upsetting event while on the litter, it might develop an aversion to the box. Signs of this problem could possibly be the speed with which your cat exits the litter box after entering it.

Most pets enjoy playing and relaxing in the backyard. Sadly, time spent outdoors comes at a cost known as infestations of ticks and fleas. These parasites can also affect human beings and cause health problems, such as Lyme disease. Fortunately, you can grow certain plants in your backyard that are effective at keeping ticks away. Some of these additions to the backyard can also enhance the beauty of the garden. Rosemary The fragrant herb contains a naturally occurring compound called terpinolene that makes rosemary a natural tick repellent. The plant can also keep mites, flies, and aphids away. Pennyroyal Apart from beautifying your garden, Pennyroyals have a pungent odor that ticks and fleas detest. As a result, they will steer clear of the backyard. Wormwood Wormwood, also used as an ornamental plant, has a bitter taste which is known to repel disease-causing parasites. Rue Rue has a beautiful blue-green leaf structure and produces compounds hated by ticks. The plant’s leaves also serve as a strong disinfectant that can deter fleas when rubbed on a dog’s fur. Lavender The oil of lavender disturbs the olfactory sensors and makes it difficult for the blood-sucking parasite to find hosts. Citronella grass Citronella grass gives other plants a significant amount of cover in the backyard. The plant also has a natural lemon fragrance that blood-sucking pests detest. Marigold Besides enhancing the overall look of your garden, marigold can also drive away ticks with its odor. Chrysanthemums Chrysanthemums produce a natural chemical called pyrethrum. The concentration of this chemical attacks the nervous system of ticks, fleas, and mosquitos. Garlic This plant has a strong odor because of its sulfur composition. So, when you plant garlic in your backyard, the smell of the compound will repel unwanted pests. Thyme Thyme gives off a sweet lemon smell that one can enjoy while cooking.