If you are a plant as well as a pet lover, then you should be aware of the plants you choose to keep your feline friends safe. Though there are some plants that could be toxic to cats, there are some that are safe and prove beneficial for their health. There are some beautiful flowering plants that you could plant in your house without worrying that they may poison your cat. Plants like gloxinia, orchids, camellia, and others do not affect your cats. These pretty flowering house plants are non-toxic for cats. Cats nibbling on them will not suffer symptoms of poisoning. Some of them could be beneficial, whereas others do not affect them at all. These flowering plants will not only enhance your space at home but also keep your pets safe around them. Have a look at the following flowering plants that are safe and non-toxic for cats. Gloxinia A gorgeous bloomer that grows in indirect sunlight, it is non-toxic for cats. Gloxinia, a native to Brazil, can be grown anywhere as potted plants indoors or outdoors. They have large, velvety, bell-shaped flowers that are white, blue, purple, pink or red. African violet This popular houseplant grows and blooms year-round in optimum light conditions.

It can be a great experience to travel by road with your pet. It is very satisfying to have your pet along with you throughout the travel and not to have it go through the restrictions of air travel. But for the entire trip to be safe and happy, you have to take care to make it a stress-free time for your pet. You both will have to go through many unfamiliar conditions like cramped spaces, heat, and different food. Herein, we provide a guide for pet-friendly travel so that the trip stays memorable. Familiarize your pet to travel Our first tip in this guide for pet-friendly travel is to take your pet on short trips and visits before you plan that dream trip by road. This lets your pet get to know the vehicle and also learns to be seated in its crate or carrier. Avoid exposure to heat If you are making a summer trip with your pet, keep in mind that your car gets heated up very fast and so your pet should not be left in the vehicle unattended even for a short while. Your pet could be exhausted easily by the heat, so you have to watch out for differences in breathing or any other discomfort.

Aging is a natural process common to all living beings. Cats are no exception to this. And with increasing age, like in human beings, cats too develop many illnesses. Type 2 diabetes is one such condition that affects several cats in the country. Diabetes mellitus can certainly be managed and the quality of life of your pet cat improved. A modified diet, insulin injections, and oral medication, all under the advice and watchful eye of a qualified veterinarian, is the right treatment approach to treat diabetes in cats. Here are a few sensible dietary tips you can follow as you take care of your senior cat with diabetes. Watch What You Feed As cats grow older, they might not enjoy the same foods, or in the same quantities, they are used to eating. For example, a young cat with razor-sharp teeth might enjoy dry kibble or strong raw meat. Apart from keeping their stomachs full, these foods keep them occupied and expend their energy adequately. As cats age, however, their teeth might not be as strong, and their energy levels too might dwindle. Diabetic cats might lose muscle mass and even become weak. Hence softer textures of food, and in lesser quantities might be more appropriate for them.

Most of use just fall prey to the cute purring sound of a cat. And in return, we do everything to keep them comfortable; more than that, we show our love by feeding them the best treats we can find. But there are a few things that you need to know about treats. How much is good, what is good, and what to avoid are bits of information that will help you giving them the best there is. Here are some handy tips for buying healthy cat treats. Count the Calories the first of our tips for buying healthy cat treats is to be aware of the calories you are feeding your cat through a packaged cat treat. All the information may not be on the label, but you can find that out through the manufacturer. Cats can suffer from weight-related problems, so feed smaller portions of calorie-rich treats. But not all treats focus on nutrition. You should also check if the treatment is approved by the officials of the Association of American Feed Control. Treats Should be Occasional You must feed moderate quantities of treats to your cat. If they develop a liking for the treat, they may avoid their regular healthy food.

Some popular essential oils are comfortably endured by dogs. Because of their vulnerable body systems, essential oils have to be properly diluted and used in an acceptable ratio for both topical application and diffusion. Dogs accept essential oils more than cats and its benefits have been seen in improving its mental and physical health. Herein, we discuss the various factors to consider before using essential oils for pet dogs and recommend some oils for them. Suggested Dosage Before topical application, one of the major factors to consider before using essential oils for pets should be to dilute them with carrier oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil. A safe ratio is a drop of essential oil for 1.5 tablespoons of carrier oil. This dilution makes it 0.25% of essential oil and is safe to be applied on your dog. A patch test should be done on a part before using it on the whole body. While diffusing, a test run has to be done with a drop or two of the oil that is approved by your vet and keeping the exposure time to about 15 minutes. Dilution should be done considering the size of the dog, its health, age, and condition.

Birds are the fourth most-preferred house pets in the country. Since many people are allergic to cats and dogs, they cannot have them as pets and opt for birds instead. Birds do not require a lot of space and are easier to maintain, care for, and clean after. Also, you wouldn’t need to make that many visits to the pet store. Cockatiel, Budgerigar, finches, and parrots are some of the birds that thrive in homes. Among these, Eclectus parrots are more popular for their colors and ability to talk. They are loveable, ideal companions and mood changers, making you smile when you need it most. However, food allergies are one of the common conditions that can affect them. The symptoms of food allergies in parrots: The symptoms of food allergies in parrots can develop in perfectly healthy birds. Most birds flex their body. However, frequent and periodic flexing all through the day is one of the symptoms of food allergy. The parrot will seem irritable and uneasy. Itching and scratching are other symptoms of food allergies. In case of severe allergies, the birds will scratch non-stop, disrupting their resting and sleeping patterns. If you see them flicking their wings even when they are resting or sleeping, it is an indication that they do have allergies.

Diatomaceous earth, commonly known as diatoms or DE, is an effective natural remedy to get rid of fleas and ticks. It can be used without any worry as it is safe and natural and has been effectively used by farmers to kill pests in grains. Diatomaceous earth, a crumbly deposit form, is a natural sedimentary rock and has been used extensively for pest control. There are different forms, so make sure you use food-grade diatomaceous earth to get rid of fleas and ticks in your pets, especially dogs. DE is not expensive and easily available in stores or online. How safe is the use of diatomaceous earth as a repellent Diatomaceous earth is safe to use on pets as it is used even in food products to control pests. When used with food products, it gets rid of the pests by absorbing water and humidity. When used to get rid of fleas and ticks on dogs, it works by cutting through the pests and sucking the water from their bodies and not by poisoning them. The diatoms can be used in your lawns and garden. You can use it to prevent the infestation of fleas and ticks in carpets or floors in your home.

If you have welcomed home a furry four-legged adorable ball of fur for the first time, then, Congratulations on being a first-time pet parent. Your new pup will be an exciting addition to your home and life, and no doubt, you will be posed with numerous questions and doubts as you start taking care of her. You have come to the right spot. Here are 10 healthy dog food tips for raising healthy puppies. Read, learn, and enjoy your new puppy love. As excited as you are about having a new pup in your home, he/she too might be delighted with all the attention he/she is receiving. Give her gentle rubs, caress her behind the ears, shower her with hugs, and speak lovingly with her, but do not use food to show your happiness or affection. Puppies need to eat more times than older dogs because they are in the development stage. They need nutrient-rich food for the healthy growth of their bones, muscles, and other organs, while older dogs need food to maintain themselves in good condition. The type of food and quantity you feed your puppy depends on what breed he/she is, her metabolism capacity, and her nutritional requirements.

A dogs’ metabolic processes differ from those of humans. Therefore, giving your pets certain human foods can lead to severe health problems and in some cases, pet fatalities. Feeding such foods to your dogs can also cause pet obesity, allergies, and toxicities. Here are five potentially harmful and toxic foods you need to avoid when feeding your dogs: 1. Onions and garlic Onions and garlic contain a toxic substance known as thiosulphate. Whether in the powdered, cooked or raw form, onions and garlic are harmful food ingredients to your pets. Thiosulphate is dangerous as it harms your dog’s red blood cells hence causing anemia. While minimal quantities of the two ingredients won’t cause severe damage, feeding your dog with large amounts can be lethal. In some cases, the damage can be so severe to the extent that your dog may need a blood transfusion. In case your dog consumes onions and garlic, the symptoms to look out for include difficulties in breathing, vomiting, and weakness. If your pets are severely affected, take them to a veterinarian for a check-up. 2. Raw eggs Excess intake of raw eggs can cause biotin deficiency in dogs. The biotin is responsible for the development of your dog’s skin and fur.

Feeding your dog harmful foods for pets can cost you dearly in vet bills. For instance, unsafe human foods for pets can lead to dog obese, allergic reactions, canine diabetes, heart disease, or even pet toxicity and death. The good news is that there are still many safe foods for dogs to eat, and they can provide several benefits. Here are six human foods that are safe for dogs to eat: 1. Sardines Sardines have a low-calorie count, with each serving providing just 98 calories. You can be sure that your dog won’t lack energy after eating her favorite sardine. They are excellent ingredients to use to make your dog a healthy meal. The proteins in this food are fatty, less caloric, and low in fat, making them safe for your canine friend. These can be steamed or baked (with no added seasoning) then combined with your dog’s favorite food to create a tasty meal that will provide loads of healthy fats, vitamins and dietary fiber. You can also mix vegetables like carrots, broccoli and green peas, with sardines and a bit of yogurt for your dog to enjoy. 2. Pumpkin Pureed fresh or canned pumpkin has a high fiber count, making it a healthy food for your dog to eat.