We all are found helpless when our furry friend starts making those puppy eyes during meals at the dinner table. While there’s a bowl full of food right in front of it, they undeniably convince us to share our food with them. While it satiates their uncontrollable urge and makes us feel better for that moment, we must be very careful about what foods should and shouldn’t be ingested by our four-legged friend. Here’s a list of foods that are dangerous for dogs. Xylitol Found in sweets like gum, candy, toothpaste, cakes, cookies, muffins, and sweetbreads, xylitol is a sweetener that’s toxic for dogs. It brings down their blood sugar levels due to excess release of insulin from the pancreas, causing vomiting, lack of coordination, seizures, liver failure, and even death in some breeds. Caffeine This is a stimulant and its impact is much higher in dogs than it has on humans, for instance, the ingestion of caffeine could disrupt their sleeping pattern more than it disrupts ours. Caffeine is a stimulant that keeps us wide awake at night and that should be enough reason to keep our pet away from the pantry. But the reason caffeine makes it to the list of foods that are dangerous for dogs is due to its adverse symptoms like hyperactivity, spiked blood pressure and heart rate, barking more than usual, and cardiac arrhythmias are the most fatal symptoms of all.

Fleas and ticks are nasty creatures, causing your pets to scratch and bite themselves to get rid of the constant itch. Not to forget that these parasitic creatures can then transfer and nest into your furniture, carpets, and every nook and cranny your pet visits. If that wasn’t enough, they also attract other parasites and tapeworms, making your pets sick. To help you, here is a list of deterrents for fleas and ticks you can easily find at home. Apple Cider Vinegar Your pet’s pH level works as a natural deterrent for fleas and ticks. You can further boost your pet’s pH level by simply feeding your dog half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar regularly. This will work on balancing their pH levels and ensure that they remain healthy, internally and externally. If your pets do not like the smell of ACV, you can make a solution with 6 parts of water and 4 parts of ACV and spray on them. This means not only is your pet going to be free from the parasites, but also, thanks to the acidic nature of their coat, they will have better gut health. Citrus If you’re looking for a no-mess, no-fuss deterrent for fleas and ticks, opt for citrus juice.

Without the right quality and quantity of food, our vital organs and bodily functions will not perform optimally. On the other hand, certain foods and beverages can trigger quite an adverse reaction. If you happen to care for a pet, extra precaution must be taken with human foods that you should not feed your dog or cat. Here are the top four foods to absolutely avoid, especially for dogs. Chocolate Chocolate can be quite toxic for dogs as it is rich in stimulants that negatively affect their metabolism. Moreover, large quantities can trigger a seizure, cause irregular heart function, and may prove to be fatal for smaller breeds if not treated in time. You must ensure the pet comes nowhere near even a single piece of chocolate. It will instantly induce diarrhea and they might start vomiting soon after eating. You must immediately rush to the vet once the symptoms start flaring up. Avocado While you may enjoy the delicious combination of some crunchy nachos with a generous scoop of guacamole made with fresh avocados, keep both away from your dog. In fact, there are also people who are allergic to avocados, owing to a rich soluble oil compound called persin.

Pet health insurance is an arrangement that provides coverage for costs of your pets’ health care. Pet insurance plans typically cover unexpected illness and injury, as well as some routine procedures like vaccinations, checkups, and dental cleanings. Most pet insurance plans are reimbursement plans rather than true insurance. This means the plan will reimburse you for costs associated with your pet’s treatment up to a certain amount. There are many benefits associated with pet health insurance. Below are five of the benefits you’ll enjoy as a pet owner: 1. An easy way to budget pet health costs When you’re at the animal hospital with your pet, costs can add up quickly. Especially over time, even the costs of routine care can add up. For instance, $50 per month for flea and tick medication adds up to $600 annually. If you have a dog that requires monthly heartworm medication, there can be an even more significant dent in your wallet. Using a pet insurance plan can help you to save on these costs. It also makes budgeting easier, since you know exactly how much you’ll be paying the insurance company. 2. Doesn’t discriminate by breed or age of pet Quotes for pet insurance typically don’t have any exclusions for different ages or breeds.

Cats are carnivores, so it may seem unnatural for them to eat anything other than meat. However, felines should be fed healthy wet cat food, vet-approved dry cat food, and a variety of cat treats, such as greenies filled with ingredients to promote cat health. There are also some human foods that cats can safely consume. The key is to choose the right ones for your cat’s needs, while avoiding foods with ingredients that are harmful to cats.  Here are five human foods that most cats can enjoy safely 1. Eggs Cooked eggs are a nutritious choice for cats, but raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that interferes with the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). Even eating one or two raw eggs can result in a deficiency that can cause problems with your cat’s skin and fur. Plus, raw eggs run the risk of salmonella poisoning. Cooked eggs do not contain the same enzyme and should be safe to feed to cats. Try cutting eggs into small pieces so your cat can easily eat and digest them 2. Cucumber Slices of fresh cucumber make a fun, crunch treat for cats. They are especially beneficial for cats who need to increase their water intake.