It is necessary for every cat parent to know about the houseplants that are poisonous for their feline companions. Vets in our country treat thousands of cases of plant poisoning every year. Cats can experience mild to severe plant toxicity that can lead to anything from vomiting to blood in stool, depending on the intensity of the toxin. If you have any of the following houseplants, then consider replacing it as it can be highly toxic to your cat. Autumn crocus Autumn crocus is also known as meadow saffron. It is ornamental in nature, with all of its parts being toxic to cats. This is because the plant contains a toxic alkaloid called colchicine. Cats ingesting this plant have been reported to exhibit symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, vomiting, kidney and liver damage, and even coma in severe cases. Make sure to replace this houseplant with a non-toxic one or keep the plant out of your cat’s reach. Azaleas and rhododendrons These are flowering shrubs that are typically used as decorative houseplants. However, they are highly dangerous for cats. Your feline friends can get poisoned from the grayanotoxins present in these flowering plants. Accidental ingestion of azaleas and rhododendrons can result in weakness, lack of appetite, drooling, vomiting, heart arrhythmia, tremors, and seizures.

Fleas and ticks are your dog’s worst enemy. They transmit other parasites and tapeworms that cause itching and scratching. Although they infest all year round, their nuisance is intensified between March and December. That’s when pet parents must be on the lookout for the first signs of flea discomfort. There are topical and OTC medications available for treatment. Alternatively, you can explore home remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks in dogs and provide relief with minimal side effects. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is both a topical remedy and can also be ingested safely by dogs. It is rich in essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that help maintain the pH levels naturally. You can mix it with some water and salt and spray the mixture on the skin. This helps make your dog’s skin more acidic in texture, thus warding off the flea infestation. Note that fleas cannot survive on hostile surfaces. Use a lemon comb Lemon is a natural flea and tick repellent, and this home remedy is simple to prepare any day. Use a regular comb that you normally brush your pet’s fur with and dip it in lemon juice. Then, using the lemon coated comb, gently brush the fur and let the residue soak into the hair.

An allergy is the body’s unneeded immune response to certain proteins entering the digestive system. In the case of food allergies in dogs, these proteins come from foods such as vegetables and meat. In fact, of all the kinds of allergies that can affect dogs, food allergies make up for around 10 percent of them. But, despite it being so common, the condition is often confused with food intolerances, which is why it is all the more important to understand it better. Signs and symptoms of food allergies in dogs While even the symptoms of these allergic reactions could be unique in dogs, there are certain signs that every pet parent should look out for. Ear infections: Ear infections are pretty commonplace when it comes to dogs. But, is it alright if your pet is experiencing these around two or three times on a yearly basis? Absolutely not. In fact, this could be an obvious sign of a food allergy that won’t quit. Itchy skin: One of the most common signs of food allergies in dogs is itchy and red skin. This sign is pretty obvious as the skin in that spot turns red or pink, and some may experience dry skin.

Did you know that some foods that are healthy for us can be very dangerous for your dogs and cats? Consuming them can lead to a variety of serious symptoms. As a responsible pet parent, you must be well aware of all the food sources that can be toxic for your pets. This can prevent you from inadvertently slipping harmful foods from your plate to your pet’s eating bowl. This can affect them whether at home or at a pet friendly oceanfront rental or pet friendly resorts. Here are some of the common food sources that can lead to toxicity in pets. Onions and Garlic Any food from the onion family, e.g., garlic, shallots, scallions, and chives, can be a source of toxicity for your pets. If your pet consumes these vegetables, it can cause stomach and gut irritation and can even lead to serious problems like red blood cell damage and anemia. Cats are especially sensitive to these vegetables, however, if consumed in excess, they can be dangerous for dogs too. Common signs of toxicity include lethargy, weakness, and red-tinged-colored urine. These symptoms usually appear a few days after the ingestion. Grapes and Raisins Researchers are yet to discover which compound in grapes or raisins is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it is widely observed that consuming these foods can lead to acute kidney failure and even death.

Kids are always active, and to match their rising levels of energy throughout the day, you must ensure that their diet is full of rich, nutritious foods. A major concern for parents is finding the right healthy food items that can appeal to their children’s taste buds. The good news is that you can make delicious food with healthy ingredients that can be easily found in your kitchen! The following snacks and treats are a great way to keep your kid’s hunger pangs at bay without worrying about how it will affect their health. Veggie pita pockets What is the one thing that most kids don’t enjoy eating? You guessed it right—vegetables. Especially green and leafy vegetables, which should form a part of their diets. However, kids simply can’t stand the taste of a mouthful of veggies like broccoli. So instead of serving them a plateful of steamed or stirred veggies, why not make a tasty snack out of them? You can make delightful pita pockets by stuffing pita bread with healthy vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce to name a few. Add hummus and a few condiments to the pockets to make the fresh filling even more delicious.

Keto diet or ketogenic diet is a high-fat and low-carb diet. The main aim of this diet is to put the body in a high metabolic state called ketosis. Dieticians and healthcare experts have also observed that a keto diet can help fight diabetes, certain cancers, epilepsy, and even Alzheimer’s disease. So, if you are on a keto diet or planning to start soon, here are four common mistakes you should avoid. Not drinking enough water Staying hydrated is the most crucial part of following a keto diet. This is because keto diet causes a reduction in extra fluids and minerals due to a decrease in carbohydrate intake, thereby creating a shift in the electrolyte balance. Ketosis also causes ketones to flush out from urine, which can cause depletion in water and sodium in the body. So, it is recommended to drink plenty of water between meals and replenish lost electrolytes by eating plenty of magnesium and potassium-rich food such as avocados, tomatoes, spinach, nuts, and salmon. Not easing into the diet This is one of the common keto diet mistakes. Most people cut carbohydrates and increase fats in their diet too quickly. One day they are eating pasta and sandwiches and the next they switch to a keto diet with very little or no carbohydrates.

When we talk about diabetes, the most obvious perception people build is they have to give up their favorite treats, which isn’t wholly true. The secret is to choose smart. Doing that when trying to pick something to snack on can be even harder. To help out with that, here are some low sugar snacks for diabetics that are as healthy as they are tasty. Yogurt First up on the list of low sugar snacks for diabetics is the mighty yogurt. Although it may not seem like much but a cup of good ‘ole plain yogurt can do wonders. First things first, yogurt is tasty and creamy and makes for one hell of a snack. But, if the plain version is not what you are looking for, there are ways to sweeten the snack. Feel free to add some berries or raisins or even some fresh veggies to this protein-rich probiotic food, and let your gut thank you for it. Veggies and hummus Hummus is a rich, creamy, and delicious spread full of flavors. Did you know that it is also full of high protein and high calcium, which does nothing but good for your health? Yes, you read that right.

Decorating for Christmas is a favorite pastime for almost all families who celebrate this magical season. From decorating the tree, hanging lights, and setting up the home with figurines, there is no limit to what decorating can do. Decorating your home for the holidays allows families to come together, spend time talking and decorating, and reflecting on the past year. Here are some of the top holiday decorations that every family should use in their home: 1. Personalized Christmas stockings Personalized stockings are a great way to make your home stand out and bring some uniqueness to your holiday decorating. Try having each member of your family decorate their own stocking so that they can feel included and excited about Christmas. 2. LED Christmas string lights LED lights are the best ways to get your home ready for the holiday. Each night when you pull into your home, you and your family will be excited to see your house decorated for Christmas. 3. Artificial Christmas trees Artificial trees are a great alternative to a real tree because they reduce allergies and can be used year after year. This is a cost efficient way to celebrate the holiday and can make decorating easier if you choose to purchase one with lights already on it.

When you look at your favorite fashion influencer on Instagram, it seems like they have the entire world in their closet dressing them up and making them look super glam. However, you would be surprised at how they manage to beautify and dress up their everyday outfits using accessible and dazzling accessories such as the ones listed below: 1. Simple sunglasses Statement sunglasses show the world that you are a woman who not only is out in the world, but also ready for anything. There are a variety of designs to help bring out your personality such as aviator, oversized, round, or the popular wayfarer sunglasses! You might be a woman who likes to look stylish while doing physical activity. A good accessory to show off your healthy lifestyle might be a pair of sport sunglasses (i.e., Oakley Sport RX sunglasses). Not only will they stay put while running or biking, you can also use them in your day to day life! 2. Belted looks You can also use a belt to create layers to show off the fabric and colors of your outfit. Adding a belt cinches the waist and helps to create a sexy silhouette. It can even create length and definition for more petite women when wearing an oversized shirt or maxi dress.

As new parents, we often want to provide the best possible environment for our little ones. We buy all sorts of baby products, from car seats to baby mattresses and from strollers to cozy bedding sets, without realizing that some of these items could be dangerous to our newborns. In this article, we will discuss five baby products that could pose a risk to your baby’s safety: 1. Soft crib mattresses and loose blankets Soft crib mattresses and loose blankets may seem like a cozy place for your newborn to sleep, but they can be dangerous. Soft bedding increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies should sleep on a firm crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet and no other bedding. 2. Infant walkers Infant walkers may seem like a great way to help your little one start walking, but they can be dangerous. Walkers can tip over easily, causing your baby to fall and get injured. They can also give babies access to dangerous areas, such as stairs or hot stoves, that they might not be able to reach otherwise. Instead of using a walker, encourage your baby to practice walking with your help.