Birds are the fourth most-preferred house pets in the country. Since many people are allergic to cats and dogs, they cannot have them as pets and opt for birds instead. Birds do not require a lot of space and are easier to maintain, care for, and clean after. Also, you wouldn’t need to make that many visits to the pet store. Cockatiel, Budgerigar, finches, and parrots are some of the birds that thrive in homes. Among these, Eclectus parrots are more popular for their colors and ability to talk. They are loveable, ideal companions and mood changers, making you smile when you need it most. However, food allergies are one of the common conditions that can affect them. The symptoms of food allergies in parrots: The symptoms of food allergies in parrots can develop in perfectly healthy birds. Most birds flex their body. However, frequent and periodic flexing all through the day is one of the symptoms of food allergy. The parrot will seem irritable and uneasy. Itching and scratching are other symptoms of food allergies. In case of severe allergies, the birds will scratch non-stop, disrupting their resting and sleeping patterns. If you see them flicking their wings even when they are resting or sleeping, it is an indication that they do have allergies.

Diatomaceous earth, commonly known as diatoms or DE, is an effective natural remedy to get rid of fleas and ticks. It can be used without any worry as it is safe and natural and has been effectively used by farmers to kill pests in grains. Diatomaceous earth, a crumbly deposit form, is a natural sedimentary rock and has been used extensively for pest control. There are different forms, so make sure you use food-grade diatomaceous earth to get rid of fleas and ticks in your pets, especially dogs. DE is not expensive and easily available in stores or online. How safe is the use of diatomaceous earth as a repellent Diatomaceous earth is safe to use on pets as it is used even in food products to control pests. When used with food products, it gets rid of the pests by absorbing water and humidity. When used to get rid of fleas and ticks on dogs, it works by cutting through the pests and sucking the water from their bodies and not by poisoning them. The diatoms can be used in your lawns and garden. You can use it to prevent the infestation of fleas and ticks in carpets or floors in your home.

If you have welcomed home a furry four-legged adorable ball of fur for the first time, then, Congratulations on being a first-time pet parent. Your new pup will be an exciting addition to your home and life, and no doubt, you will be posed with numerous questions and doubts as you start taking care of her. You have come to the right spot. Here are 10 healthy dog food tips for raising healthy puppies. Read, learn, and enjoy your new puppy love. As excited as you are about having a new pup in your home, he/she too might be delighted with all the attention he/she is receiving. Give her gentle rubs, caress her behind the ears, shower her with hugs, and speak lovingly with her, but do not use food to show your happiness or affection. Puppies need to eat more times than older dogs because they are in the development stage. They need nutrient-rich food for the healthy growth of their bones, muscles, and other organs, while older dogs need food to maintain themselves in good condition. The type of food and quantity you feed your puppy depends on what breed he/she is, her metabolism capacity, and her nutritional requirements.

A dogs’ metabolic processes differ from those of humans. Therefore, giving your pets certain human foods can lead to severe health problems and in some cases, pet fatalities. Feeding such foods to your dogs can also cause pet obesity, allergies, and toxicities. Here are five potentially harmful and toxic foods you need to avoid when feeding your dogs: 1. Onions and garlic Onions and garlic contain a toxic substance known as thiosulphate. Whether in the powdered, cooked or raw form, onions and garlic are harmful food ingredients to your pets. Thiosulphate is dangerous as it harms your dog’s red blood cells hence causing anemia. While minimal quantities of the two ingredients won’t cause severe damage, feeding your dog with large amounts can be lethal. In some cases, the damage can be so severe to the extent that your dog may need a blood transfusion. In case your dog consumes onions and garlic, the symptoms to look out for include difficulties in breathing, vomiting, and weakness. If your pets are severely affected, take them to a veterinarian for a check-up. 2. Raw eggs Excess intake of raw eggs can cause biotin deficiency in dogs. The biotin is responsible for the development of your dog’s skin and fur.

Feeding your dog harmful foods for pets can cost you dearly in vet bills. For instance, unsafe human foods for pets can lead to dog obese, allergic reactions, canine diabetes, heart disease, or even pet toxicity and death. The good news is that there are still many safe foods for dogs to eat, and they can provide several benefits. Here are six human foods that are safe for dogs to eat: 1. Sardines Sardines have a low-calorie count, with each serving providing just 98 calories. You can be sure that your dog won’t lack energy after eating her favorite sardine. They are excellent ingredients to use to make your dog a healthy meal. The proteins in this food are fatty, less caloric, and low in fat, making them safe for your canine friend. These can be steamed or baked (with no added seasoning) then combined with your dog’s favorite food to create a tasty meal that will provide loads of healthy fats, vitamins and dietary fiber. You can also mix vegetables like carrots, broccoli and green peas, with sardines and a bit of yogurt for your dog to enjoy. 2. Pumpkin Pureed fresh or canned pumpkin has a high fiber count, making it a healthy food for your dog to eat.

It’s not uncommon for well-meaning pet parents to share their meals with their cats—after all, cats are part of the family. Unfortunately, not all human foods are safe for cats to eat. In fact, some can be downright dangerous, as they can lead to health problems like feline obesity, digestive issues, feline diabetes, and even pet toxicity, which can be fatal. However, there are some common human foods that are safe for cats to eat: 1. Salmon This fatty fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy coat and healthy skin. Salmon is also a low-calorie food, making it a good choice for cats who are overweight or obese. This is a welcome benefit for cat owners, as obesity is one of most common health problems in cats. Besides assisting with weight management, salmon is also known for preventing inflammation. Note that you should never feed cats salmon cooked with any garlic, onions, or spices. 2. Spinach Including spinach in your cat’s diet can help keep them healthy and free from disease. This dark leafy vegetable is very rich in nutrients like iron and vitamins A, C, and K, all of which are beneficial for your cat’s health.

Dogs are intelligent creatures with their own unique ways of communicating with us. These fur babies may not be able to speak, but they do communicate using verbal and non-verbal cues. From barking and growling to tilting their heads and chewing—dogs use a combination of body language and physical behaviors to let us know how they’re feeling. Whether your dog is a family pet or a service dog, like a dog that has an emotional support animal (ESA) online certification, it’s important to understand their communication. Let’s look at the eight most common behaviors dogs use to communicate with humans: 1. Howling Howling is a common form of communication in dogs and can indicate anything from loneliness and distress to joy and excitement, depending on the context and situation. It is scientifically proven that older dogs howl the most due to the distress they have caused by aging, such as losing their sight, hearing capabilities, or even dementia. It is important to keep a lookout for this sign, for your dog may need help. 2. Tilting their heads Tilting the head is often interpreted as your dog’s way of showing confusion or interest in something you’re saying or doing. Head tilting could be your dog’s way of trying to understand anything from a funny noise you made to seeing something new in their environment that has caught their attention!

If you are a plant as well as a pet lover, then you should be aware of the plants you choose to keep your feline friends safe. Though there are some plants that could be toxic to cats, there are some that are safe and prove beneficial for their health. There are some beautiful flowering plants that you could plant in your house without worrying that they may poison your cat. Plants like gloxinia, orchids, camellia, and others do not affect your cats. These pretty flowering house plants are non-toxic for cats. Cats nibbling on them will not suffer symptoms of poisoning. Some of them could be beneficial, whereas others do not affect them at all. These flowering plants will not only enhance your space at home but also keep your pets safe around them. Have a look at the following flowering plants that are safe and non-toxic for cats. Gloxinia A gorgeous bloomer that grows in indirect sunlight, it is non-toxic for cats. Gloxinia, a native to Brazil, can be grown anywhere as potted plants indoors or outdoors. They have large, velvety, bell-shaped flowers that are white, blue, purple, pink or red. African violet This popular houseplant grows and blooms year-round in optimum light conditions.

It can be a great experience to travel by road with your pet. It is very satisfying to have your pet along with you throughout the travel and not to have it go through the restrictions of air travel. But for the entire trip to be safe and happy, you have to take care to make it a stress-free time for your pet. You both will have to go through many unfamiliar conditions like cramped spaces, heat, and different food. Herein, we provide a guide for pet-friendly travel so that the trip stays memorable. Familiarize your pet to travel Our first tip in this guide for pet-friendly travel is to take your pet on short trips and visits before you plan that dream trip by road. This lets your pet get to know the vehicle and also learns to be seated in its crate or carrier. Avoid exposure to heat If you are making a summer trip with your pet, keep in mind that your car gets heated up very fast and so your pet should not be left in the vehicle unattended even for a short while. Your pet could be exhausted easily by the heat, so you have to watch out for differences in breathing or any other discomfort.

Aging is a natural process common to all living beings. Cats are no exception to this. And with increasing age, like in human beings, cats too develop many illnesses. Type 2 diabetes is one such condition that affects several cats in the country. Diabetes mellitus can certainly be managed and the quality of life of your pet cat improved. A modified diet, insulin injections, and oral medication, all under the advice and watchful eye of a qualified veterinarian, is the right treatment approach to treat diabetes in cats. Here are a few sensible dietary tips you can follow as you take care of your senior cat with diabetes. Watch What You Feed As cats grow older, they might not enjoy the same foods, or in the same quantities, they are used to eating. For example, a young cat with razor-sharp teeth might enjoy dry kibble or strong raw meat. Apart from keeping their stomachs full, these foods keep them occupied and expend their energy adequately. As cats age, however, their teeth might not be as strong, and their energy levels too might dwindle. Diabetic cats might lose muscle mass and even become weak. Hence softer textures of food, and in lesser quantities might be more appropriate for them.