4 houseplants that should be kept away from dogs

4 houseplants that should be kept away from dogs

Dogs tend to chew and nibble on anything and everything they come across. But this habit can be rather dangerous when it comes to plants. Certain plants contain toxic elements and can lead to severe symptoms and make your pet pooch ill. Dogs do not know which plants can be toxic to them, and therefore, it is safe to just remove or avoid having such plants in your household. Read on to find out more.

Aloe vera
Aloe is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not to mention, it can work wonders for your skin and makes for a great indoor plant. But, what many do not know is that aloe vera can be toxic to dogs. This is because of the saponins in the succulents. Consuming even small amounts of the aloe vera plant and gel can cause severe poisoning in dogs. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cause general central nervous system depression.

Sago palm
Another popular houseplant that is toxic to dogs is the sago palm. Commonly known as cardboard palm or coontie palm, this plant contains the toxic element cycasin. Consuming even small amounts of any part of this plant can lead to poisoning and cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even liver failure. Note that while the leaves and bark also contain poison, the seeds and nuts are the most toxic part of this plant.

Tulips
Tulips are commonly found in many homes, thanks to their colorful flowers and pretty esthetic. But, if you do have pet pooches at home, you may want to skip out on having these plants. Dogs are likely to chew the long leaves of this plant and this could lead to digestive troubles. Not to mention, if your dog does somehow end up eating the bulbs of this plant, they could experience severe poisoning. This is because bulbs of the tulip plant contain high concentrations of toxins known as Tulipalin A and B. Consuming these can lead to vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and even hypersalivation.

Oleander
Oleanders are usually kept at homes for their esthetic appeal. These plants have beautiful and colorful flowers that make for a great addition to the backyard garden. But, every part of this plant contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to dogs. Even if consumed in small amounts, this can lead to drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and depression.

Ensuring that you steer clear of toxic plants is essential to the health of your dog. But, dogs are also prone to infections and diseases from bugs such as ticks and fleas, which can lead to diseases such as heartworm, tick fever, and much more. Moreover, ticks can latch onto humans and spread the disease. To avoid this, it is important to try treatments such as Advantix® and Simparica Trio. Advantix® is a monthly spot-on treatment that helps get rid of fleas, ticks, sandflies, mosquitoes, and other such bugs. It can be used for puppies over the age of 7 weeks and adult dogs. Simparica Trio, on the other hand, is a monthly chewable that provides protection and prevents heartworms, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms in dogs.

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5 tips to choose the right dog food

Any loving and responsible pet parent would want their dog to eat the healthiest food. After all, a nutritious meal plan directly affects their mood, behavior, overall health, and longevity. However, if you’re looking for dog food, you might have realized that choosing one isn’t easy. There are a variety of options from numerous brands, all claiming to be the most nutritious dog food in the market. To help you narrow down your options, we have shared a few tips to pick the right food product for your dog. Read on to find out! Consider your dog’s breed, weight, and age The physical characteristics of dogs vary significantly from one breed to another. Accordingly, their nutritional requirements also change. For example, a German Shepherd needs a totally different set of nutrients to stay healthy and active than a Chihuahua. Similarly, overweight dogs’ meal plan is a lot different than that of underweight and ideal-weight dogs. Age also plays a vital role in determining a dog’s nutritional needs. Verify nutritional requirements When shopping for dog food, be sure to pick one that's not overloaded with artificial ingredients like preservatives that can harm their health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary organization that has laid down strict requirements to ensure that a product has all the essential macro and micronutrients for pets. So, you should only buy dog foods that are certified by AAFCO. Check the labels and ingredients Reading the ingredients list is crucial to selecting appropriate dog food. The best products have whole proteins, such as ground beef, diced chicken, or dried yeast, listed as their first ingredients. Keep in mind that dogs, unlike cats, are not strict carnivores. Though meat is generally the most vital component of their food regimen, grains, fruits, and vegetables also provide them with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The best dog foods are packed with high-quality versions of meats and plant-based ingredients. Freshness matters Many dog foods are loaded with preservatives to make them last longer. These additives can lead to weight gain and diabetes, among other health problems. Typically, foods with shorter shelf lives are healthier, as they contain more nutrients and fewer additives. If you’re unable to find such readily available food products, consider getting a subscription to fresh dog food delivery services, like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and PetPlate. Opt for top dog food brands The many options available in the market can make it overwhelming to choose. Here are some of the most well-known and reliable brands you can turn to: Hill's Science Diet They use natural ingredients to make their delicious products. Royal Canin Each formula is customized to deliver nutrition based on a dog's health needs. ORIJEN Their products are made with the finest ingredients and are packed with protein. Purina Their ingredients are responsibly sourced, and the products are enriched with high-quality protein and nutrient-rich fats and oils. Taste of the Wild This brand offers budget-friendly dog foods with high-quality ingredients. Blue Buffalo Many of their product lines, like Blue Basics, Baby Blue, and Blue Freedom, are for puppies. Wellness Pet Food They specialize in food for smaller dog breeds, offering both wet and dry food options. Nutro Natural Choice™ Nutro™ Natural Choice™ is a collection of dog food recipes by Nutro™. These are flavorful combos of both dry and wet food that constitute a complete meal. It is made with non-GMO ingredients like lamb, venison, chicken, brown rice, turkey, potato, and peas. Everything your pooch will love. They have a wide variety of recipes that you can select based on texture, life stage, breed size, and health needs.

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7 human foods that are safe for cats

Cats make excellent pets. But, they can also be fussy when it comes to food. The argument between the two of you might even hold the potential of turning hostile if the four-legged creature does not get its way. However, that cannot be motivation enough to let your kitty steal food off your plate. That said, there are some foods that you can treat without worrying about the safety aspect of it all. Meat Meat is one of the tastiest and safest human foods cats can enjoy. Since cats need proteins in abundant quantities, meat is a great addition to their home-cooked meals. Beef or poultry does not matter much as long as it is not loaded with sodium. Excess salt in your feline’s food can lead to toxicity and needs to be avoided. Cheese If there is something we have all learned from binging cartoons is that cats love cheese. It is one of the human foods that are also safe for them. Cheese can be used as a treat or snack as it is rich in calcium and protein. However, abstain from growing lenient about the amount of cheese your cat nibbles on, as excessive dairy can cause complications like diarrhea. Bananas We are all aware of the many benefits of this fruit. It is rich in potassium and can be a great source of electrolyte balance in the body. It is a great snack option to entice your cat every once in a while. But since they are high in calories, ensure that it is seldom served, or it can contribute to the risk of diabetes and other related complications. Carrots Your cat may have been eyeing the bunch of carrots you placed on the kitchen counter during meal prep. If that is the case, do not shy away from treating your feline friend to some juicy and crunchy vegetable. If unsure about their chewing ability, serve them with cooked carrots to ensure they won’t choke on a chunk. Melons Your cat probably wants a piece of the melon you are helping yourself to. If that is the case, you do not need to worry about your pet’s safety before sharing the juicy bits of fruit off your plate. But before you do, check to see that there aren’t any seeds that could inadvertently lead your cat to a choking incident. Spinach If you have any houseplants or a garden, you must have noticed your kitty occasionally nibbling on the plants while playing with them. It is possible that your cat or kitten likes the texture of the green leaf. Instead of letting it go on without being sure about how safe that plant is, it is advisable to serve your pet with some spinach leaves. Eggs Eggs are one of the most balanced meals you can add to your or your cat’s plate without worry. All you need to do is ensure the egg is fully cooked. Of course, you don’t always have to depend on home-cooked meals for your pets. Store-bought packaged foods might be more nutritionally balanced for your cat. Hill’s Hill’s Cat Foods has been a prominent fixture in cat food. It produces food that provides energy and nutrients and equips your cat to fight off infections and health issues. Iams IAMS manufactures food made from healthy ingredients that are safe for pets. You can get your hands on snacks, treats, supplements, and wet and dry cat food, all in the same place. Sheba Sheba offers your cat some variety in their meals while keeping them balanced and nutritionally rich. 9Lives If you are looking for decent cat food options for your feline furries, then the 9Lives cat food is an inexpensive purchase you want to indulge in. Purina Purina is known for providing pets with tasty and nutritionally dense food options. You can browse through their wide range to select a healthy and suitable option for your kitten or cat. Some foods and natural remedies also help protect cats from external parasites like fleas and ticks and relieve discomfort caused by these pests. For example, applying lemon spray on their coat can keep fleas at bay. You can squeeze lemons into boiled water and let the solution sit for a few hours before using it on pets. Additionally, coconut oil can help relieve itching, whereas aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, cedar, and oregano oil can repel fleas.

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4 tips that can help you pick the right investment advisor

4 tips that can help you pick the right investment advisor

An investment advisor can be a game-changer. A capable advisor can help solve most of your financial issues and give you the best investment advice so that you can turn market situations to your favor. But, finding the right investment advisor is not easy. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind while looking for the best investment advisor. Know what type of service you need First, you need to decide what kind of financial assistance you need. Do you need help picking investments? Or are you seeking advice on real estate, retirement, or insurance needs? Asking yourself these questions will help determine the type of investment advisor you are looking for. Nowadays, many people use a robo-advisor, which is as competent as a human investment advisor. A robo-advisor is great for investment management and other basic investments. But if you want substantial transformation in your money-situation, a human advisor is the viable option. Choose a fee-only advisor If you’ve decided to pick a human advisor, the next step is to choose the type of advisor: commission-based, fee-based, or fee-only. If you’re planning something big financially, you must pick a fee-only advisor. Such advisors work for and get paid by other clients like you, so they always act in their clients’ best interest.
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Handy tips for retirement-focused investments

Handy tips for retirement-focused investments

With pension plans becoming more and more obsolete, retirement-focused investments have come to the fore in the past few years. Besides helping you fund your future, these valuable assets also provide incredible gains, and in some cases, constant income till the end of life. Since investing for retirement—and planning it—can prove to be challenging, we have put together a list of tips that may be helpful in the process. Assess your options Multiple investment vehicles are ideal for long-term gains and can return a sizable amount by the time you retire. Mutual funds, stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, cash investments, annuities, and dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) are also good sources of high returns, although they depend on investor characteristics and risk aptitude. Saving money in certain tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k), individual retirement accounts (IRA), and brokerage accounts is also an option. Start early and young No one is ever too young to invest. It’s a healthy habit that can earn serious money in the long term, with even the smallest of investments capable of making a difference a few years down the line. Starting early gives your money time to grow and lets you accumulate more compound interest over a period of time.
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4 popular credit cards for college students

4 popular credit cards for college students

A good credit score is essential as it can be a criterion for lucrative job prospects or renting an apartment. Moreover, a good credit score is an uncompromisable necessity while applying for a loan that has terms and conditions that favor you. To ensure that you have a good credit score, it is better to start building it young and early. One of the easiest ways to do so is by applying for a student credit card from prominent credit cards companies. Now, there are several credit cards companies that offer lucrative credit cards, making choosing the right one confusing. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the best credit cards companies that offer student credit cards. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: One of the biggest credit card companies in the country Bank of America offers a slew of benefits with its student credit card. With each dollar spent using this card, students can earn 1.5 points. This applies to purchases without any caps. The points can be redeemed as discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. There are no restrictions or blackout dates applicable for availing these discounts. With no foreign transaction fee or annual fee, the card allows one to earn nearly 25,000 points on spending about $1000 in the first 90 days.
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What you must know about guaranteed business loans

What you must know about guaranteed business loans

If you’re looking for funding your small business with a loan, you’ll most likely come across the term “guaranteed business loans.” People often misunderstand this term as business loans that are guaranteed to be approved. But, this is not what guaranteed business loans means. To clarify the confusion, let’s understand what the term actually means, and discuss the most popular types of guaranteed business loans. What are guaranteed business loans? In simple terms, guaranteed business loans in the world of small business loans refer to loans that are secured or backed by a guarantee. The guarantee can be in the form of collateral, deposit, or an agreement. This essentially means that the lender is guaranteed to receive their money back even if the borrower fails to pay. When we talk about guaranteed business loans, we refer to loans with a personal guarantee or, more commonly, loans guaranteed by the small business administration (SBA). Let’s take a look at both these types. Personally guaranteed business loans As you understand from the term “personal,” when you make a personal guarantee on a business loan, you essentially agree to sell your assets to pay off the loan, if your business is unable to do so.
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5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

Exchange-traded funds (ETF) have been gaining popularity in the investment sector for some time now. Along with mutual funds, they have been one of the most preferred investment options among investors. With investors having pumped in billions of dollars in ETFs by now, these funds sure seem like a lucrative investment avenue. However, financial experts suggest treading this path carefully so as to avoid unforeseeable losses. Here are a few mistakes that you can avoid while investing in high dividend ETFs: Overlooking long-term investment Looking at long-term goals is the golden rule when it comes to any type of investment. However, seasoned investors invest in ETFs on a short-term basis through a type of trading called intraday trade. This type of trading allows the investors to buy and sell stocks and other investments on the same day. However, if not thought out carefully, investing in high dividend ETFs through intraday trading can result in lower returns and higher trading costs. Buying an ETF simply based on its name This is one of the most common mistakes people make when investing in high dividend ETFs. Investors may think that an ETF’s name provides an insight into its investment reach, i.e., whether the ETF has local or/and global investors.
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How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage provides the elderly access to equity in their homes and supplements their income. With its flexible repayment option, it gives homeowners more control over their money. However, the government has laid out strict rules and guidelines concerning reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. So, if you’re considering a reverse mortgage, read on to know the reverse mortgage eligibility criteria and the types of reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgage eligibility criteria The first criterion for a reverse mortgage is that the primary homeowner must be at least 62 years of age. If your spouse is under the age of 62, you might still be eligible if you meet other reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. If you’re not 62 or older than 62, then you won’t qualify for a reverse mortgage even if you satisfy the criteria mentioned below. You must be the primary resident of the home you’re seeking a reverse mortgage for. Note that vacation homes or rental properties do not qualify. You must either entirely own the house or have at least 50% equity in it. If you have any mortgage balance remaining while applying for a reverse mortgage, you must be in a financial position to pay off that balance.
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