When you sit down to enjoy your favorite snacks, it’s pretty hard to resist the urge to give a few tidbits to your furry buddy, right? More so when they run around pawing and asking for a bite. But many foods are unsafe to give to your pets, especially young puppies and seniors. Fortunately, here are some safe options in fresh and cooked food that your pet can munch happily. Eggs Eggs are a great source of proteins and healthy omega-3 fatty acids essential for growth and boosting immunity. But ensure that eggs are cooked all the way through as raw eggs can upset their stomach. Boiled eggs can also be a great filling snack loaded with all the goodness of home-cooked nutrition and taste. Apples A few apple slices will pack a great crunch for your pet to enjoy and supplement essential nutrients like vitamins A and C and soluble fibers. This fruit acts like a natural cleanser for the teeth and mouth as the fibers inside scrub away bacteria and germs that accumulate on their canine teeth. Ensure you remove all the seeds and that the fruit is fresh. Cooked meat Chicken, turkey, ham, and even fish are popular human foods pets can give safely. Here again, it is crucial to ensure that the meat is cooked all the way through and that there a no raw bits that could contain bacteria. For turkey meats, it is advisable to trim off the skin and excess fat, leaving behind protein goodness. Salmon, sardines, and tuna are acceptable seafood choices since they contain proteins, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. Peanuts and peanut butter Dogs love peanut butter, and who doesn’t really? This simple condiment takes us back to the good old days of PB and J sandwiches we used to get as kids.

If you have a pet cat, you probably feed them many table scraps as they are readily available. Sometimes, you might also feed them from your plate to save time cooking separate cat foods. But only a handful of human foods are healthy for pets, and feeding them the wrong kind can lead to several complications. So before giving your cat anything meant for humans, read about the foods that are safe. Vegetables Most veggies, such as asparagus, steamed broccoli, and cucumber, are safe and highly nutritious for pets cats and kittens. They are rich in water, fibers, and vitamins that can improve overall well-being. To get them interested in eating veggies, try making a burger. But skip the onions and garlic, as those might not be safe. Cheese Cheese offers several health benefits to humans, and its protein content is also healthy for cats. However, ensure you feed cheese in tiny amounts. As it is a dairy product, too much can lead to digestive problems. Experts also believe that some varieties are better than others. For example, aged cheeses have lesser lactose and are unlikely to cause trouble. Fish Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to stay healthy. Fish is a form of meat that contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help maintain a cat’s vision and manage health conditions like kidney disease, heart disorders, and arthritis. While canned or cooked fish meals are acceptable, avoid sushi or sashimi. Raw fish may contain harmful bacteria that can affect your pet’s health. Oatmeal Oatmeal is a whole grain with several essential proteins that are also healthy for cats. But it is best to serve oats in the form of porridge as it is easier to digest that way. Other whole grain sources include brown rice, barley, cooked millet, wheat berries, and couscous.

Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a debutante, purchasing cat food is quite a task. Since the Black Friday 2022 sale is coming up on the 25th of November, it is the perfect time to stock up on cat food for your kitty, especially before the holiday season commences in December. We have rounded up some of the most exciting cat food deals that you can obtain at this year’s Black Friday mega sale. American Journey Dry Cat Food (Salmon Recipe) If you’re looking to feed your cat some wholesome kibbles with the taste of real salmon, then this grain-free, high-quality dry food should be your choice. Manufactured in the country, this dry cat food contains 40 percent proteins and contains no artificial preservatives. Expect prices to be lower than $31.68 during the Black Friday sale. Nutro Adult Dry Cat Food (Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe) This dry cat food features natural chicken extracts, which help provide a source of high-quality protein for your cat. Furthermore, it has natural fiber to help your cat digest its food properly. It’s made with non-GMO-containing ingredients and has no artificial preservatives. Prices are expected to fall below $31.95 during the Black Friday sale. Solid Gold Dry Cat Food Created with the Alaskan Pollock recipe, this cat food has low-fat and low-calorie content. It is ideal for indoor cats looking to lose weight. Furthermore, it’s grain-free and will cost $25.97 or less. Iams ProActive Health Dry Cat Food For Kittens If you’ve recently adopted some cute-looking kittens, then it’s time to provide them with the perfect nutrition with this kitten-specific cat food. The cat food contains chicken as its first ingredient, omega-3 for brain development, and Vitamin E for more substantial immunity power. Expect prices to be $23.74 or lower. Purine One Indoor Advantage Adult Dry Cat Food This cat food has natural fiber with 100 percent complete nutrition for your feline, and also contains real turkey as the primary ingredient.

The holiday season is almost here, and your dog deserves holiday treats too! We know that your dog is not only your best friend but also a family member. Black Friday is the best time to get your dog supplies to save money and still get the best food and supplies for your dog. We have researched the best Dog Food Black Friday 2022 Deals for you to make the most of. Here goes our list: Up to 55% off on Bully Sticks from I and Love and You I and Love and You’s No Stink! Free Ranger Beef Bully Stix are created from free-range Brazilian cattle fed only grass and bred without antibiotics or additional hormones. These bully sticks are designed to be odor-free and naturally enhance canine dental health. Up to 20% off on Hill’s science diet items Hill’s science diet adult-sensitive stomach & skin dry dog food is a terrific choice if you have a canine family member who experiences frequent stomach upsets. This dog food mix is American-made, has premium ingredients, and doesn’t use artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives. Up to 30% off on Nutro Ultra items Salmon, lamb, and chicken are three premium, lean proteins found in Nutro Ultra The Superfood Plate’s large breed adult formula. It also includes a special superfood blend. This recipe for large-breed dog food also includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support the joints of your furry giant and sunflower oil, which has a high linoleic acid content and will nourish your dog’s skin and coat. Up to 35% off on Halo Pet food items Halo Holistic uses non-GMO garden vegetables and cage-free, sustainably reared chickens to provide your dog with a tasty, nutritious meal. It is produced in the country without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, growth hormones, or rendered meat meals.

From beautifying one’s home naturally to serving as healthy food sources, plants serve various functions. However, dog parents have the added responsibility of understanding what plants are safe for their canine friends. Certain plants generally safe for humans can prove fatal to dogs. While some plants may have such detrimental effects upon ingestion, even exposure to others may induce such effects in dogs. Here are some plants that can be toxic to your pooch: Sago palm Resembling a mini palm tree, this plant is often grown indoors as well as outdoors in homes and offices. However, ingesting the sago palm’s leaves, barks, nuts, or seeds can lead to detrimental effects among dogs, including diarrhea, liver failure, and seizures. Garlic While garlic is highly nutritious for humans, it can irritate dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts and cause severe adverse reactions, including vomiting and diarrhea. It also damages their red blood cells and should be kept out of their reach at all times. Onion Ingestion of onion can also damage dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts and cause severe digestion issues. Thus, onion in all forms, including cooked, raw, and powdered, should be kept away from dogs. Alocasia This visually appealing plant with wide, dark-green leaves is a favorite among homeowners. However, the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to severe irritation in dogs and cause shortness of breath. Dogs having accidentally ingested any part of this plant should be taken to the vet immediately. Daffodil These beautiful flowers can cause severe reactions among dogs, including intestinal spasms, diarrhea, and low blood pressure. In severe cases, dogs may also suffer from cardiac arrhythmia upon ingesting this flowering plant. Dumb cane Even exposure to this plant can trigger serious health conditions in dogs, including gagging, diarrhea, vomiting, and coughing. Thus, pet parents must avoid purchasing this plant or taking their dogs to places where it is grown.

It can be difficult for pet parents to spot signs of illness in their dogs, as these animals are skilled at hiding them. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the illness may have already progressed significantly. Dogs tend to display discomfort when the symptoms worsen, which could mean they have been sick for a while. Therefore, it’s important to be observant of any signs that may indicate your dog is unwell. Increased or decreased urination It’s important to watch out for signs such as difficulty urinating, changes in urine output, or blood in urine to determine if your dog is unwell. This is especially important for senior dogs. Bloody urine could indicate health problems such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, blood disorders, or cancer. Frequent urination could be a sign of kidney problems. Low energy levels It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s energy levels. If you notice that they are more lethargic or lazy than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling under the weather. They may seem unusually tired or sluggish and may not be as playful or responsive as they normally are. If you observe any of these symptoms, taking your dog to the vet for a checkup is a good idea to ensure they are in good health. Loss of appetite Most dogs will immediately gobble up whatever food you place before them, whether it is their meal or special treats. However, if your dog refuses to eat breakfast or dinner and even turns up their nose at their favorite treat, you need to pay attention. Several things like nausea, infections, tooth pain, hormonal imbalances, gut pain, and anxiety can affect a dog’s appetite and will to eat. If your dog’s appetite has reduced, consult a vet as soon as possible to understand the cause.

Cats are natural but small predators. They believe showing signs of sickness makes them easy prey for other larger predators. That is why they tend to hide their discomfort when feeling unwell. If a cat you care for displays signs of ill health, that can be a major cause of worry, warranting immediate attention from a vet. Watch out for the following changes in behavior or signs that your cat is sick: Vomiting or diarrhea: While vomiting occasionally is not a concern, keep an eye out for the timing and frequency of vomiting and diarrhea, as this may require a trip to the veterinarian. Sudden changes in appetite, drinking, or eating habits: Changes in appetite and eating habits could result from or lead to hyperthyroidism, fatty liver disease, or hepatic lipidosis in cats. Noticeable weight changes: If your cat has been experiencing unexplained weight gain or loss, it may be time to visit the veterinarian. Breathing problems: If your cat is experiencing wheezing, rapid or raspy breathing, or shortness of breath, rush them to the veterinarian for an emergency check-up. Mood changes: If your friendly and confident cat begins to show signs of aggression or fear, you may want to have them checked. Confused or disoriented cats may need emergency medical intervention. Over-grooming: Over-grooming could indicate that your cat is experiencing a skin infection or pain. Lethargy: If your cat never seems to have the motivation to play, is sleeping more than usual, or has low energy levels, it could be a warning sign for their health. Bad breath: Severe bad breath (halitosis), excessive drooling, and bleeding from the mouth could be signs of an oral infection. This can spread through the body and affect the heart and lungs. Some other signs and symptoms to watch out for include constricted or dilated pupils, neglecting grooming, improper use of their litter box, limping, showing signs of injury such as wounds or swelling, changes in vocalization, changes in urination patterns, discharge from eyes, ears, or nose, ear debris, hair loss, skin irritation, or hiding.

Emotional support is one of the foundations of mental health and well-being. Recent studies suggest that 74% of pet owners believed their mental health improved after buying a pet. Thus, it is believed that emotional support from animals plays a therapeutic role in helping one navigate tough times. As of 2019, there are nearly 2,00,000 emotional support animals in the country. Here are the answers to some key questions on emotional support animals: What are emotional support animals? Emotional support animals are animals that provide comfort to individuals through companionship. Individuals with mental health conditions are typically able to manage their symptoms better in the company of such animals. What animals are typically classified as emotional support animals? While dogs and cats are typically classified as emotional support animals, other animals like ferrets, guinea pigs, and rabbits are also becoming popular in this category. Dogs Dogs are popularly referred to as a human’s best friends and for a good reason. Studies have shown that the company of dogs can reduce stress and anxiety and help manage depression and loneliness. Cats Many individuals find the company of cats to be soothing and comforting. Their stress-reducing effect can elevate one’s mood. A study has demonstrated that cat owners have better psychological health than individuals without pets. Ferrets These tiny, energetic animals are becoming popular emotional support animals today. Ferrets love cuddling in the arms of their owners, which helps lower one’s anxiety and stress levels. Guinea pigs Guinea pigs are classified as highly effective emotional support animals for individuals with mental and emotional issues. Classroom activities involving guinea pigs can help enhance children’s social skills and are beneficial to children with autism spectrum disorder and other conditions. What is the difference between service and emotional support animals? Service animals are those trained to perform specific services, such as assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs in daily activities, altering their owner to low blood pressure levels, etc.

Dogs are cherished members of our families, and their well-being is a top priority for all pet parents. Recognizing signs that your dog might be sick is essential for providing timely care and ensuring their health. While dogs can’t communicate their discomfort through words, they do display various physical and behavioral indicators that can alert you about their illness. Here are some common signs that your dog might be sick: Changes in Appetite Signs: A sudden loss of appetite or a significant decrease in food consumption. What to Do: Keep an eye on your dog’s eating habits, as a persistent lack of appetite could indicate underlying health issues. Consult your veterinarian if the change persists. Vomiting and Diarrhea Signs: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if the excreta contains blood or mucus. What to Do: Ensure your dog stays hydrated by providing small sips of water. Don’t give food for a few hours and then reintroduce a bland food regime. If vomiting or diarrhea continues or worsens, seek veterinary care. Lethargy Signs: A sudden or prolonged lack of energy, reluctance to move, or inability to engage in usual activities. What to Do: Pay attention to changes in your dog’s activity level. If they appear lethargic and it persists, it’s time to consult your veterinarian for an evaluation. Changes in Urination Signs: Increased frequency of urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine. What to Do: Changes in urination habits could indicate urinary tract infections or other problems. Consult your vet, especially if your dog seems uncomfortable or in pain while urinating. Coughing or Labored Breathing Signs: Persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. What to Do: Respiratory issues can be serious. Seek veterinary care, especially if your dog’s breathing becomes rapid or distressed. Changes in Weight Signs: Unexplained weight loss or gain.

Owning a pet can bring great joy, but it also comes with responsibilities, including veterinary care. While everyone wants the best for their furry family members, the cost of veterinary care can be significant. However, providing excellent care for pets doesn’t mean it has to drain one’s finances. The following article explores ten valuable tips to help one save money on veterinary bills while still providing excellent care for pets. Preventative care is key The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” holds true in this scenario too. One must ensure their pet receives the vaccinations as recommended by the veterinarian. These vaccinations can prevent common and often costly diseases. Preventive care also includes regular screening for pets. Regular check-ups Routine check-ups with the veterinarian are essential for a pet’s overall health. These vet visits can detect health issues early, saving on costly treatments. During check-ups, pet parents must discuss their pet’s food regimen, exercise, and any concerns they may have. Comparison shop for veterinary clinics Like with any service, prices for veterinary care can vary from one clinic to another. Take the time to compare prices and services offered by different clinics in the area. Some clinics may offer affordable wellness packages. Consider pet insurance Pet insurance can extensively help offset the cost of unexpected health expenses. Research different insurance providers to find a plan that suits the budget and provides adequate coverage for the pet’s needs. Maintain a healthy food routine Feeding a pet nutritious meals can prevent many health problems. Consult a veterinarian for advice on the best meal plan for the pet’s specific needs. Avoid overfeeding and excessive treats to prevent health complications. Home dental care Dental issues can lead to expensive treatments. Regularly brushing a pet’s teeth and providing dental chews can help maintain their oral health and prevent costly dental procedures.

As the warmer months approach, many pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for more time spent outdoors. However, with the great outdoors come unwanted pests like fleas and ticks, which can be a nuisance for humans and their furry companions. While chemical-based repellents are commonly used, there are natural alternatives that can help keep these pests at bay. One such alternative is using plants that naturally repel fleas and ticks. 1. Lavender Lavender is a natural flea and tick repellent. These insects are repelled by the strong fragrance of lavender, making them an excellent choice for gardens or indoor pots. Planting lavender in one’s garden or outdoor sitting areas can deter fleas and ticks from bothering inhabitants and their pets. 2. Rosemary This versatile herb acts as a natural pest repellent; its aromatic scent acts as a deterrent to fleas and ticks. One can plant rosemary in their garden or create a natural spray by boiling rosemary leaves and using the infused water as a pet-friendly flea and tick repellent. 3. Mint Like peppermint and spearmint, mint plants emit a strong scent that fleas and ticks find unpleasant. Planting mint around one’s garden or patio can help keep these pesky insects away. 4. Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemums contain a natural insect repellent called pyrethrin, commonly used in commercial flea and tick products. Planting chrysanthemums in one’s garden can help keep these pests away from outdoor spaces. 5. Lemongrass Lemongrass is another natural plant that repels fleas and ticks effectively. Its lemony scent is pleasant for humans but not for these insects. Planting lemongrass around the yard or patio can create a natural barrier against fleas and ticks. 6. Eucalyptus Eucalyptus trees and plants contain essential oils known to repel fleas and ticks. One can plant eucalyptus trees or shrubs in one’s yard to help keep these pests away.

Bully sticks, often touted as the ultimate chew-time companion for dogs, have secured their place as a beloved treat. These all-natural treats serve multiple needs in a little pup’s life. The primary purpose of bully sticks lies in satiating a dog’s instinctive need to chew. Chewing on bully sticks offers dogs a wholesome outlet for their energy and anxiety. Additionally, this gnawing action helps maintain healthy dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. 5 best bully sticks for little pups Pawstruck Bully Sticks One standout option for pups is the Pawstruck Bully Sticks, sourced from high-quality, free-range, grass-fed cattle. These single-ingredient treats contain no artificial additives or preservatives, ensuring a natural and healthy chewing experience. Available in various sizes, they cater to different breeds and chewing styles and are oven-baked to lock in flavor and nutrition. One of the reasons buyers prefer Pawstruck is because it is sold by weight instead of the number of sticks. This eliminates the problem caused by inconsistent sizing of the bully sticks. Nature Gnaws For those seeking an economical yet high-quality option, Nature Gnaws Natural Dog Chews fit the bill. Sourced from free-range, grass-fed cattle in South America, these treats are a single-ingredient delight with no added hormones, chemicals, or preservatives. They’re available in multiple sizes to suit a range of pup breeds, making them an accessible choice for responsible pet parents. The company has options like braided bully sticks, spring-shaped bullies, extra large, thin, small, and more. Jack & Pup 6-inch Premium-Grade Odor-Free Bully Sticks Offering a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes, the Jack & Pup 6-inch Bully Sticks stand out with their assortment of natural, smoked, and braided bully sticks. This variety pack is an excellent option for picky eaters or pups looking for a range of textures to chew on.