5 Protein-rich Dog Food Options
Pets

5 Protein-rich Dog Food Options

Protein is one of the most important sources of nutrients in food as they are the building blocks of the body. If pet owners give pets homemade food, it is easy to add the necessary nutrients to their meals. But when it comes to packaged food, one should be careful of the ingredients on the label. Some brands in the market have higher protein content in them than others; here are some options to explore. 1. Ollie Dog Food This brand offers subscription-based dog food for your pets. What they pride in is the human-grade ingredients they provide in their food, which makes the meals highly nutritious, tasty, and safe to ingest. The chicken flavor in the food comes from the chicken and chicken gizzard listed as the first two ingredients, which means that the majority of the ingredients is chicken – about 37% protein. They insist on fresh subscriptions so that the food can remain fresh and retain all the nutrients. There can also be a customized recipe based on your pet’s food needs. 2. Porky’s Porchetta Cubies by A Pup Above This is a dry food company started by its mother company that makes fresh food for dogs.
Read More
5 Helpful Tips for Preventing Diabetes Mellitus in Cats
Pets

5 Helpful Tips for Preventing Diabetes Mellitus in Cats

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent health condition among cats that occurs when their pancreas cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The reason behind this is primarily genetic factors. Due to this, cats may show symptoms like an increase in urination, thirst, and appetite. In most cases, these symptoms go unnoticed, especially if a cat spends most of its time outdoors. While there is no cure for feline diabetes, there are certain ways to lower the risk.  Prevent excessive weight gain One of the most significant risk factors for developing diabetes in cats is obesity. To lower the chances of diabetes mellitus, it is crucial to follow good weight management measures. Preventing excessive weight gain is easier than forcing a cat to follow a weight loss regime once they have become obese. Pet owners can do this by measuring the food given to the cat during each meal. If a cat is overweight, follow a weight loss plan a veterinarian suggests. Always give healthy food Diabetes mellitus is often associated with high insulin resistance in cats. One way to lower the possibility of insulin resistance is to provide meals high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Generally, wet foods tend to have lower carbohydrates than dry foods.
Read More
4 Ingredients to Look for in Healthy Cat Treats
Pets

4 Ingredients to Look for in Healthy Cat Treats

When it comes to selecting treats for the cats, one should not focus solely on the flavors the cat would like. Even though treats are not complete meals, their ingredients and nutritional value directly affect the cats’ health. So, as a pet parent who plays a crucial role in ensuring their cat’s well-being, one must know which ingredients to look for in cat treats. So here are a few key things cat treats should have:  1. Protein sources As cats are carnivores, they rely on animal protein for their growth and development. Proteins are made up of essential amino acids that help in the growth and maintenance of body tissues as well as muscles, organs, skin, hair, and nails in cats. So, when choosing cat foods, it is important to ensure that protein is listed as the first ingredient on the label. Along with that, it is equally important to find the right source of protein, like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, fish, and organ meats. 2. Foods with fatty acids Another essential ingredient to look for in healthy cat treats is omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Along with proteins, fats are equally essential for supporting the growth and development of cats.
Read More
9 Essentials to Carry When Flying with Pets
Pets

9 Essentials to Carry When Flying with Pets

Being unable to take one’s pet along is a major drawback of travel for pet owners. Fortunately, most commercial airlines have provisions to accommodate pets. Nonetheless, traveling with pets requires several considerations, which might increase distress among pet parents. One must also carry certain documents and other belongings while flying with pets. Being prepared with the following essentials before flying can help pet parents be more at ease before their flight: 1. Appropriate ID tags Before boarding a flight with a pet, one should ensure it is microchipped. Moreover, a collar should be fastened around its neck, with currently relevant information printed on it. A leg band acts as a form of identification for birds onboard flights. Thus, appropriate ID tags should be fastened to pets before they board a flight. 2. Leash Pets should be leashed while maneuvered through the airport check-in processes. Therefore, a leash is among the most essential belongings pet parents should carry while flying. The leash should only be removed when the animal is carried through a metal detector at the airport. 3. Vaccination records Airlines only allow pets that have been vaccinated against various animal diseases, including rabies, canine parvovirus, distemper, and contagious hepatitis.
Read More
5 Best Smart Devices for Pets
Pets

5 Best Smart Devices for Pets

Pets are a big part of the household and require much care and attention from the family. Apart from the right nutrition, exercise, and other care, there are many avenues to explore when it comes to the pet accessories business. Many smart devices have come up in the market to help with pet parenting and make the journey a bit easier for pet parents. Here are some of the smart devices to explore for pets. Pet camera Leaving the pet alone at home is a thought that leaves most pet parents worrying and anxious. This separation anxiety (of the parent) can easily be solved with this convenient device called the pet camera. Just like a nanny cam was devised with the purpose of keeping an eye on the kid, pet cameras are made for the same objective. There are many pet cameras available in the market, and all have some unique or special features. Most have the 360-degree view option, and night vision mode lets one look at their pet even in the dark. Self-cleaning litter This is a great way to keep a cat’s litter clean and maintained when one is not around the house. In these self-cleaning litter devices, the pet waste is automatically separated into another compartment, which is sealed.
Read More
5 Reasons Why Prescription Flea Options are Better for Dogs
Pets

5 Reasons Why Prescription Flea Options are Better for Dogs

Dog owners often face the problem of fleas and other parasites which can cause discomfort to their pets and lead to serious health conditions. Veterinary professionals typically recommend prescription-based solutions to dog owners in order to treat their pets’ parasitic infestation problem. While some pet owners prefer to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) treatment solutions, there are some reasons why prescription flea medications are a better choice for dogs. 1. Greater control over ingredients The active ingredients in any treatment play a significant role in its effectiveness and longevity. Generally, OTC-based solutions to resolve the flea problem in dogs come with several active ingredients, many of which could potentially be harmful to one’s beloved canine. The degree of control the pet owner and their healthcare professional have over the ingredients is fairly limited. On the other hand, prescription-based treatments are well-regulated and controlled. This directly means that over or under-dosing is not possible when a doctor prescribes a set of treatments to manage infestations in dogs. 2. OTC solutions are only partially useful Prescription-based flea and tick prevention cover every aspect of treatment in order to kill the parasites festering in a dog’s bloodstream or skin. Essentially, prescription-based treatment is much more rounded and extensive in its effectiveness than OTC solutions.
Read More
7 Decorative Plants That Are Dangerous for Cats
Pets

7 Decorative Plants That Are Dangerous for Cats

Several popular decorative household plants are dangerous for cats. If your feline friend is curious and tends to nibble on leaves, you must consider keeping certain plants away from your yard. Moreover, while cats are typically wary of eating anything unusual, walking over the leaves or brushing against a plant before grooming can cause toxin ingestion, resulting in collapse, seizures, or sickness. Here are seven decorative plants that are dangerous for cats. 1. Daffodils Daffodils are beautiful flowering plants that are a treat to the eyes but can be severely dangerous for cats. While the whole plant is poisonous, ingesting the bulbs can trigger severe damage to cats. If ingested in large quantities, daffodils can result in facial seizures like epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmia, or a drop in blood pressure. 2. Autumn crocus Botanically called Colchicum autumnale, autumn crocus or meadow saffron is a popular decorative flowering plant. It blooms during the fall and is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses. The plant is particularly harmful to cats because of the alkaloid colchicine content. Every part of the plant is severely toxic; when cats ingest autumn crocus, they may show symptoms like breathing difficulties, seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and drooling. In some cases, it may even cause liver or kidney damage and can be life-threatening.
Read More
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pet Insurance
Pets

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pet Insurance

As a pet parent, one will do everything for one’s pet’s well-being. However, keeping them healthy and happy could cost a lot of money. Beyond the everyday costs encompassing grooming, cleaning expenses, toys, and food, one must take them to the vet. One can curb this cost by getting pet insurance, much like the health insurance one gets for one’s family. Nevertheless, pet insurance has its pros and cons. Let’s discuss them in detail. Advantages 1. Visit a preferred vet Contrary to health insurance, which mandates that one visits a physician in the network, pet insurance has no such restrictions. So, one can take their furry friend to any specialist or a licensed vet. 2. Gives financial relief Pet insurance can significantly alleviate one’s financial burden from unforeseen veterinary costs depending on one’s chosen insurance coverage. Some insurances can cover up to 70-90 percent of the claim. A few may cover 100% of the costs but are a rarity. 3. More employers offer pet insurance A survey revealed that millennials comprise the largest pet owner generation. With that thought in mind, some employers include pet insurance perks to their list of employee benefits. 4. Coverages are customizable Pet insurance offers a flexible coverage plan to cater to one’s pet’s needs.
Read More
8 Essential Oils Safe for Dogs
Pets

8 Essential Oils Safe for Dogs

While essential oils is mostly safe for dogs, this can change based on the animal’s sensitivity and the oil’s intensity. Many studies point out the positive impact of essential oils on dogs for different problems, like anger management, digestive discomfort, and tick infection. Beyond this, essential oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal impacts. However, not every essential oil is safe for your furry friends. Read on below to learn about a few safe options. 8 essential oils safe for dogs 1. Lavender oil Experts believe it to be the perfect selection for introducing your pets to essential oils. It is versatile and helps calm your furry friend if they are anxious or rambunctious. You can diffuse pure lavender oil an hour before your pet’s bedtime, and they will sleep tight at night. Of course, you can also diffuse it during the day if your dog is wound up, stressed, or anxious. 2. Chamomile oil Few things can beat the comfort of a cozy blanket, a prime seat on the sofa, and fresh, warm chamomile tea. Your furry friends can also experience calming effects from chamomile. So, when you see your pet dog looking a little stressed, offer them chamomile oil. It helps settle an upset stomach and ease their stress.
Read More
3 Reasons to Adopt from an Animal Shelter
Pets

3 Reasons to Adopt from an Animal Shelter

Adding a new member to the family, such as a pet, is a huge step and requires a lot of deliberation, such as buying a pet from a breeder or adopting and rescuing it. Adopting or rescuing pets is a responsible choice, as it helps abandoned and homeless animals find a forever home. It also frees up shelter space, allowing them to rescue more animals. Here are the many benefits of adopting or rescuing a pet: 1. Their lives are saved By getting a pet from a shelter home, individuals provide the little one with a second chance they rightfully deserve. Many of these animals have been abandoned, neglected, or shown cruelty. Some might have even been lost and separated from their parents or met with an accident. People at the shelter organizations work tirelessly to nurse such animals and bring them back to their best health. They rehabilitate animals and do everything to ensure that they are mentally and physically ready to go to a new home. However, not each of them is fortunate. Sadly, some shelter homes euthanize animals due to a lack of space, which means that many animals lose their lives. Resuing and adopting them helps save their lives and give them a stable, loving home.
Read More