Cats or kittens are adorable pets, but you need to look after them if you want them to be healthy and safe. Treating a feline with a delicious snack every now and then is alright, as long as you know what to buy. Remember that cats tend to gain weight quickly and develop health issues like diabetes. Also, treats should not account for more than 10% of the calories consumed by your pet. However, if you want to use treats for training or rewarding your cat, here are some essential tips for buying healthy cat treats: Get treats free from corn, soy, and wheat Wild cats don’t just eat meat but also derive fiber from the content of the stomach of their prey. And although house cats live differently, their dietary needs remain the same, which implies that carbohydrates are not suitable for cats. So, the treats you buy should be free from filler ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy, as they do more harm to your cat than good. Ensure that the treats do not contain added sweeteners Checking the label to ensure that the snack doesn’t contain any added sweeteners is one of the most important tips for buying healthy cat treats.

The frustrating aspect of food allergies in dogs is, pinpointing the source of the same. Further, there are several varieties of allergies that can be the cause of your dog’s discomfort. The good news is that, if you watch for the symptoms and triggers of food allergies in dogs, you may be able to manage them effectively. Let us look at the possible signs and triggers: Frequent ear infections:  This may not seem like a food allergy, but more than 3 visits to the vet may be one of the symptoms of food allergies in dogs, and foods like beef, fish, soy, and chicken are common triggers. Scratching the infected ear or constant shaking of the head can indicate a food allergy, but always rule out swimmer’s ear, ear mites, or other ear problems before treating a food allergy. Watch those nail beds:  The nail beds of your dog can tell you a whole lot about their immune system. Discoloration, red, or muddy-looking nail beds indicate an inflammatory response of the immune system. Also, observe whether your pet keeps licking them, which indicates that the nails may have become sensitive. While this may not rank as one of the symptoms developed by the consumption of common triggers of food allergies in dogs, it must be treated.

If you have a canine companion, you surely want them to be healthy and happy at all times. Right from the time you bring a furry one home, it becomes your responsibility to look after them and ensure that they eat well. Here are some healthy dog food tips and feeding instructions to keep your canine pal satisfied and active: Stick to a balanced, nutritious diet Different breeds of dogs have different feeding habits, so there’s no single diet plan that suits every dog. Having said that, a balanced and nutritious diet is a must for every dog, and the components of such a diet remain somewhat the same. One of the basic healthy dog food tips is to ensure that your dog’s diet comprises adequate fluids, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates. However, the proportion varies depending on the breed, size, food habits, and health condition of your pet. Understand the frequency of feeding Eating twice daily is most suitable for adult dogs, but puppies should be fed three to six times a day to prevent low blood sugar levels. A few treats once in between meals can also be good, and you can consult the vet to decide on a feeding schedule.

While adding indoor plants can make the air fresher and add to the homely vibe, you must avoid selecting certain plants if you have a cat. Ensure that you steer clear of common houseplants that are toxic for cats, and don’t assume that your cat will instinctively stay away from poisonous plants. Here are some houseplants to avoid if you’re a cat parent: Aloe vera While Aloe has several medicinal benefits for humans, it is listed among the most common houseplants that are toxic for cats. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, changes in urine color, depression, and tremors in your furry friend. Asian lilies All parts of the lily plant, including the flower, pollen, leaves, and stem, are toxic to cats. If a cat licks even a few grains of pollen that might have transferred onto their fur, it can cause renal failure. Asparagus fern This lush, green plant contains chemicals that can cause skin issues in your cat if its skin comes into contact with the plant. Eating the plant may also cause gastric trouble like pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Begonia Though they look harmless, begonias are one of the houseplants that are toxic for cats. The sap from this plant contains microscopic crystals that can be poisonous if ingested by cats, and the roots are also considered to be toxic.

In spite of being extracted from plants, not all essential oils are safe for pets. Some essential oils have calming effects on pets, but some can agitate them to a great extent. Felines and canines are extra sensitive to smells compared to humans, so you need to be extra cautious while using essential oils around pets and be aware of the factors to consider before using essential oils for pets: Safe essential oils for pets This is one of the most important factors to consider before using essential oils for pets. You can use lavender, chamomile, clary sage, marjoram, frankincense carterii, myrrh, valerian, ginger, and cedarwood Virginian as they have many benefits. These ease mental and emotional stress, calm the mind and body and soothe anxiety, panic and hyperactivity. These oils tranquilize pets and encourage general well-being as they have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Toxic essential oils for pets On the other hand, refrain from using oils such as anise, basil, birch, clove, eucalyptus, garlic, lemon, juniper, and cinnamon, as they can irritate the skin. Some of these essential oils can even cause kidney and liver toxicity in some pets. Breathing difficulties, weakness or fatigue, stumbling, and vomiting are other side effects of these oils.