Pets are often curious and like to sniff around what their human parents are eating. As a result, one may get tempted to feed their pets from their own plate. However, this is a bad and dangerous habit. Individuals must remember that not all human foods are safe for pets. Some can harm them by causing severe health complications. Here are a few toxic foods to avoid feeding one’s pets. Garlic Garlic, onions, leeks, and chives belong to the family of vegetables called allium, which is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Feeding these may cause the pet’s red blood cells to rupture and lead to poisoning. Furthermore, garlic and onion can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as excessive drooling, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Some pets may also experience symptoms like pale gums, lethargy, weakness, sudden collapse, and increased respiratory and heart rate. Chocolate People are often tempted to treat their furry companions with chocolate. However, even a small amount can harm them. Chocolate contains theobromine and methylxanthines, elements that are toxic to pets. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, panting, hyperactivity, excessive urination and thirst, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and tremors. Raisins Grapes, raisins, and currants can cause extreme toxicity, particularly in dogs. Even small quantities can have harmful effects like acute kidney dysfunction. It can also lead to lethargy, a loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, and urination problems. Hence, one must keep these foods away from their pet. Avocado Avocados may seem healthy and safe for pets, but they are not. The fruit contains an element called persin, which can be poisonous to most birds. Avocados can also cause gastrointestinal problems in cats and dogs, disrupting stool movement or causing severe diarrhea. Salted snacks Salted snacks, such as pretzels, salted popcorn, and potato chips, contain a huge percentage of sodium.

The effects of aging are inevitable and pervasive across all species, including dogs. One of the common conditions many pups develop with age is arthritis. Because of this, they lose cartilage and develop thicker bones, causing stiffness, pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. In addition to formal medical intervention, pet parents can also integrate other forms of therapy to ease their dogs’s lives. Some of these popular home remedies include the following: 1. Exercising Low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming can do wonders for strengthening the joints. It may also help improve the dog’s activity levels. Try to take the pets on frequent short walks to keep their joints moving. With time, slowly increase the duration of this activity to keep them happy, engaged, and healthy. 2. Getting massages and stretching Massaging and stretching can be relaxing for dogs, too. Speak to a veterinarian to learn more about safely practicing these techniques at home. A massage could be part of a great warm-up routine for older pets, while stretching may help them improve their muscle flexibility around affected areas. In more severe cases, pet parents may need to manually manipulate the joints to promote blood flow and reduce stiffness. 3. Getting heat and cold therapy Another great way to manage joint pain caused by canine arthritis is by opting for heat and cold therapy. Use heat before an exercise session. Simply wrap a warm towel around their joints to improve circulation and flexibility, thereby alleviating pain. After the session, use an ice pack, preferably wrapped in a towel, to help reduce any soreness. 4. Trying out natural remedies Some natural treatments may also help to reduce inflammation and pain. Many people often opt for turmeric, comfrey, and yucca for their pets. Turmeric and comfrey have potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can help manage joint pain.

Pet parents must always be ready to deal with worm infestations in their furry companions. The problem could arise from any worm, like heartworms, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, or intestinal worms. Dogs usually get worms from chasing wildlife, touching animal feces, or eating soil. Sometimes, fleas and ticks are to be blamed for passing on worms to one’s beloved pets. Whatever the cause, individuals should know how to treat and prevent worms in pets. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is very useful for treating and preventing worms. It improves the good bacteria in the pet’s intestine, helping them fight the worms. The improved pH levels and higher amounts of good bacteria gradually make it difficult for the worms to survive. Add a little raw organic ACV to the pet’s water every day to reap this remedy’s benefits. Coconut Coconut is a natural deworming agent. Feeding the pet fresh or dried coconut chunks can help them eliminate the worms from their system. However, ensure there are no additional ingredients in the coconut if it comes in a package. It’s also vital to keep the pup hydrated and avoid overfeeding them with coconut. Decide a proper dosage based on their age, breed, and weight. If unsure, confirm the dosage with the vet and ask them whether coconut oil would be better than coconut. Chamomile Chamomile is known to have soothing effects on both humans and pets. Using it correctly can help reduce the damage caused by the worms and combat the inflammation and swelling of the intestines. Speak to the vet to determine the dosage of the chamomile tincture or concoction for the pet. Deworming treatments Dogs with fleas are more susceptible to a tapeworm infestation. So, it’s important to give them deworming treatments periodically. Keep the next dosage ready and speak to the vet before using it.

Keeping pets entertained all day can be tough, and that is where toys help. They are a great way to inspire play, improve training, and deal with dog behavior problems. With so many novelty dog toys currently on the market, choosing the right ones can feel like a struggle at times. Here is a short guide to choosing safe chews and non-toxic dog toys: 1. Consider durability Any toy purchased should be durable and strong enough to withstand repeated use. Brittle or easy-to-break toys create a choking hazard and could damage the pet’s internal organs if ingested. Experts recommend staying away from toys made of cheap plastic and flimsy rubber. Instead, look for toys made from tougher materials, such as nylon and heavy-duty rubber, to ensure safe and lasting playtime. Additionally, pet parents must keep an eye on the wear and tear of the toys and replace any damaged or worn-out pieces. 2. Check safety In recent tests conducted by ConsumerAffairs.com, toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium and chromium, were found in several popular dog toys, posing significant risks to their health. That is why one must exercise caution when picking out new toys and avoid any with too many dyes, preservatives, or chemical residue. Another aspect of safety to consider is the size of the toy. Toys that are too small could pose a choking hazard to one’s pets. Look for appropriately sized toys to ensure a safe playing experience. 3. Avoid rawhide Rawhide bones and edible chews pose a severe choking risk and are notorious for containing toxic chemicals. Speak to the veterinarian to check which ones are considered safe for the pet, and only give them these chews in a monitored environment. Rawhide is also a byproduct of the international fur trade, which most animal lovers avoid.