Home remedies for protecting dogs from fleas and ticks

Home remedies for protecting dogs from fleas and ticks

With summertime just a few weeks away, the warm weather will invariably bring with it the flea menace. As everyone ruses outdoors and the flea season kicks in, these pests can be a source of much discomfort for our four-legged companions. While you can buy deterrents and repellents from the pet store, quite a few everyday kitchen ingredients are effective natural remedies for fleas and ticks.

Natural oils
Essential oils are quite effective in eliminating fleas; they are diluted and used to make shampoos and sprays for dogs infected by fleas and ticks. These oils need to be applied with caution because the scent is extremely pungent and indiscriminate use even can cause to harm your dog. The idea is to apply the oils like peppermint, lavender, cedar oil, or lemongrass onto a well-ventilated surface of their body, but not near their face. You can dilute these natural oils in a carrier like almond or olive oil.

Garlic
Freshly crushed garlic may be added to your dog’s food to protect him from fleas. Depending on how big your dog is, you can use a couple of cloves to get the desired result. But you should not use more than half a clove if their body weight is less than 20 pounds. For dogs suffering from hemolytic anemia, garlic must not be given.

Vinegar
You will readily find this ingredient in every kitchen. Vinegar is an excellent home remedy for removing fleas and ticks in pets. You can mix this condiment with your pet’s drinking water or even use this solution to spray on their coat. When you think that fleas can come inside your home, you can always spray undiluted vinegar near the door frames to make sure they stay outside.

Supplements
Supplements like nematodes are often used in the garden for killing flea larvae and food-grade diatomaceous earth. This naturally available soft and siliceous sedimentary rock can be easily broken down into a powder. However, the application must be done carefully so that your dog does not inhale the dust.

Rosemary
This natural remedy is effective for treating light flea infestations. You can prepare a herbal flea powder using rosemary, wormwood, fennel, rue, and peppermint. This mixture may be sprinkled on carpets, pets’ bedding, furniture, and window sills to repel and prevent fleas at home.

Baking soda
Both salt a well as baking soda work as dehydrating agents and get rid of fleas equally well. Besides, you will get baking soda anywhere, making it a convenient and affordable solution. You can mix salt and baking soda into a spice bottle and shake this well. You can sprinkle this mix on all the infected areas and let it stay like that for about two days, after which you must vacuum these areas thoroughly.

Apart from the home remedies, you may try medications from BRAVECTO that work just as well. The vet-prescribed medication lasts three times longer as compared to other monthly treatments.

BRAVECTO (FLURALANER) chews: The mediation available as BRAVECTO (FLURALANER Chews) is chewable that must be given as a single dose to the dog with their food.

BRAVECTO (FLURALANER) topical solution: The solution is another popular treatment and a single dose must be applied directly to the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades.

Apoquel: Apoquel chews are prescribed by vets to millions of pet parents whose dogs deal with itchy and scratchy skin. It starts showing results within the first four hours of administration and has the capacity to suppress allergic reactions in about 24 hours. The dog anti-scratching, anti-itch chews by Apoquel can be administered to dogs that are either 12 months or older. These chews have to be taken orally, two times a day. Apoquel is safe to use and has no serious infection rate.

Advantix II: This topical medication starts working within two hours of application. Advantix II kills fleas, ticks, lice, mosquitoes, stable flies, and flea eggs. You have to let the medication air dry on your dog’s skin instead of rubbing it into their coat or skin. Repeat the procedure once a month, and look out for allergic reactions, lesions, or rashes on your pet to ensure that Advantix II does not harm your dog and suits them.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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8 superfoods that help manage osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones in the body, making them delicate. As a result, the bones become prone to injuries, and subsequently, fractures. But the good news is that despite the severity of osteoporosis, medical treatments can help curb its symptoms. There is also evidence that combining medical treatments with healthy foods reduces the condition's impact. So, here are a few foods that help manage osteoporosis and increase bone density. Dairy Products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are loaded with calcium, one of the primary nutrients that complement bone strength and structure. Other products like soy milk, almond milk, and tofu are also fortified with calcium and work wonders to improve bone health. These are also suitable alternatives for those suffering from lactose intolerance. Dark green veggies Dark green vegetables like kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, turnip greens, cabbage, and collards are stuffed with calcium. Some of these foods are even rich in vitamin K and magnesium. Together, these help manage osteoporosis. Fruits Certain fruits like figs and kiwis contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients help boost bone density. Other fruits like bananas, oranges, and papayas have significant amounts of potassium that ward off the growth of acid in the bones, protecting them from losing calcium. Eggs Eggs are one of the most healthy foods if had in moderation. They are also known for their ability to manage osteoporosis. Eggs have substantial amounts of vitamin D and regulate a particular calcium-binding protein. It, in turn, controls how and when the body absorbs calcium. Fish Fish like canned sardines and salmon are excellent foods for managing osteoporosis because of their rich calcium levels. The two fish, along with other fatty seafood like mackerel, and tuna, are stuffed with vitamin D – an essential nutrient that aids calcium absorption. Nuts Eating a handful of nuts every day makes for a great snack to promote healthy bones. Several types of nuts contain exceptional levels of proteins, fats, nutrients like calcium, and even magnesium. A one-ounce serving of assorted nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and pecans should do the trick. Plant seeds Certain plant seeds like flax seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are excellent sources of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The seeds also come with omega-3 fatty acids and essential fibers effective for moderate cholesterol levels and other health conditions. Dried foods and more Apricots, prunes, and raisins are the best alternative for people who prefer vegan foods. These dried fruits are rich in boron that acts as a bone-growing property. Bread, breakfast cereals, and orange juice are other food items that benefit bone health and fight osteoporosis as they contain vitamin D. Doctors may also prescribe Prolia® to manage osteoporosis symptoms.  Prolia® (denosumab) Prolia® (denosumab) is a popular prescription injection for osteoporosis. It stops bone-removing cells and prevents them from making contact with bones and damaging them. Prolia® helps treat osteoporosis in women who are more susceptible to fracture and who are not responsive to other treatments. It is known to improve the condition in situations where earlier treatments were ineffective. Prolia® also helps increase bone mass in men. The injection is administered in people who will be taking corticosteroids for a minimum of six months. Evenity® Evenity® prescription is mainly suggested for managing osteoporosis among women post-menopause to reduce the risk of fracture. The anabolic injection helps stimulate new bone formation while simultaneously reducing bone loss. Doctors usually recommend two single-dose shots given each month for a period of one year. They also suggest an increase in calcium and vitamin D intake for the prescription to be effective during the treatment.

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