Like humans, dogs, too, tend to develop certain rashes, allergies, and skin problems. While getting veterinary help is essential, minor problems can always be resolved with an effective home remedy. So, if you look to eliminate itchiness, discomfort, and redness in dogs, here are a few effective natural remedies to try out. Oat baths When it comes to doggy allergies, an oat bath is an excellent remedy. It washes away any allergens stuck on the dog’s coat and reduces inflammation. One must never use it during a yeast infection, as it can make it worse. To make an oat bath, one has to grind sugar-free, organic oats into a fine powder and then boil it with water. Using this to bathe the dog will provide them with relief. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. It can be used to clean a dog’s paws, ears and even fight off yeast infections. All one needs to do is take a clean spray bottle and add apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it on the dog’s itchy spots for relief. Nonetheless, one must not spray it on wounds or bites. Baking soda Baking soda is an easily available and effective way to provide relief to itching caused by dog allergies.

Heartworm, a type of parasite, is transmitted through mosquitoes. The parasites directly go to the pulmonary artery and heart of a dog. The symptoms are often severe and require urgent medical care and hospitalization. Most dogs need months of care and rest to get back to normal after treatments. This is why dog parents need to take preventative measures against heartworm infection. Here are some of the commonly used heartworm prevention medicines for dogs: Simparica Trio® This is one of the most popular heartworm preventive medicines for dogs. Simparica Trio is used for the prevention of multiple infections. Along with preventing heartworms, this medication can be used to treat stomach worms, hookworms, and roundworms. This is a chewable tablet. The preventive treatment with Simparica Trio usually begins with pups as young as eight weeks old. Heartgard Plus Heartgard Plus, one of the top choices for heartworm prevention in dogs, is an oral medication. Its popularity is because of the flavor that it comes in–beef. This medication has two major ingredients: ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. Both of these are effective in the treatment and prevention of various common infections that affect dogs. These include heartworm, hookworm, roundworms, among others. Tri-Heart® Plus This heartworm prevention medicine for dogs is often a generic alternative to most other medications, including Simparica Trio.

Pet owners most likely don’t like the idea of confining their dog within a room or fence. However, if the dog is hyperactive or aggressive, having a fence around your house can save the pet from unfortunate accidents and wild encounters with other dogs. It keeps them from entering the neighbor’s porch too. While there are many fencing options, we’re here to share the pros and cons of the invisible fence. Pros of invisible fence Aesthetically pleasing An invisible fence is for people who want to enjoy the feeling of being outdoors and, at the same time, do not want the barriers to interfere with the view of the green yards. It also eliminates the need for a gate. So people can move around the space without opening and closing the gate a gazillion times. An invisible fence allows the house owner to retain their view as they please. Convenient The traditional fence takes much longer to get installed as compared to an electric fence, which also makes this option much more reasonable. An invisible fence also eliminates the need for fence posts, nailing boards, rolling wire, or welding iron. Can be adapted to any terrain While conventional fences work only on flat or slightly sloping yards, invisible fences work in all terrains.

Black Friday will be here soon, presenting pet parents an opportunity to stock up on food for their feline friends without spending a lot. There will be plenty of discounts from the top pet food brands, including Royal Canin and Purina. But if you cannot wait until then, check out these ten fantastic deals that are available right now. Take your time researching well and pick the healthiest options for your cat! Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat food This grain-free recipe ensures your pet gets the proper nourishment and maintains a healthy weight. Besides promoting weight control, it supports the muscles and improves digestive health. The product is already available at a discount of 7% on Chewy, but you can expect a better deal during the year-end sale. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Gravies Grain-free Variety Pack This variety pack makes mealtimes quick and easy. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, the recipes are enriched with the finest ingredients to promote your cat’s well-being. Petco is offering a discount of 5%, but you can get it at an even lower price by opting for repeat delivery. Tiki Cat Queen Emma Luau Variety-pack Grain-free Canned Cat Food You can save 10% on this variety pack from Tiki Cat at Chewy.

With Black Friday comes amazing deals on a variety of goods, right from appliances to furniture and home décor to dog foods. Even popular brands, such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science, Iams, and Blue Buffalo, offer hefty discounts during this time. Whether your dog loves dry food or wet food, you will find plenty of nutritious and delicious options at hard-to-miss prices. Check out the best Black Friday dog food deals given below. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food This dog food, originally priced at $67.99, is offered by Chewy at a discount of 10%. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is specially designed for adult dogs. Your pet dog will love to eat this healthy meal made with protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science offers a variety of dog foods to nourish your furry friend who is prone to having an upset tummy. This dry dog food contains nourishing prebiotic fiber and real chicken and is gentle on the stomach. At Chewy, you can get this dog food for $77.99 and save 4%. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food Get a 14% discount on Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food when you buy from Chewy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.