It can be difficult for pet parents to spot signs of illness in their dogs, as these animals are skilled at hiding them. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the illness may have already progressed significantly. Dogs tend to display discomfort when the symptoms worsen, which could mean they have been sick for a while. Therefore, it’s important to be observant of any signs that may indicate your dog is unwell. Increased or decreased urination It’s important to watch out for signs such as difficulty urinating, changes in urine output, or blood in urine to determine if your dog is unwell. This is especially important for senior dogs. Bloody urine could indicate health problems such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, blood disorders, or cancer. Frequent urination could be a sign of kidney problems. Low energy levels It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s energy levels. If you notice that they are more lethargic or lazy than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling under the weather. They may seem unusually tired or sluggish and may not be as playful or responsive as they normally are. If you observe any of these symptoms, taking your dog to the vet for a checkup is a good idea to ensure they are in good health.

Cats are natural but small predators. They believe showing signs of sickness makes them easy prey for other larger predators. That is why they tend to hide their discomfort when feeling unwell. If a cat you care for displays signs of ill health, that can be a major cause of worry, warranting immediate attention from a vet. Watch out for the following changes in behavior or signs that your cat is sick: Vomiting or diarrhea: While vomiting occasionally is not a concern, keep an eye out for the timing and frequency of vomiting and diarrhea, as this may require a trip to the veterinarian. Sudden changes in appetite, drinking, or eating habits: Changes in appetite and eating habits could result from or lead to hyperthyroidism, fatty liver disease, or hepatic lipidosis in cats. Noticeable weight changes: If your cat has been experiencing unexplained weight gain or loss, it may be time to visit the veterinarian. Breathing problems: If your cat is experiencing wheezing, rapid or raspy breathing, or shortness of breath, rush them to the veterinarian for an emergency check-up. Mood changes: If your friendly and confident cat begins to show signs of aggression or fear, you may want to have them checked.

Emotional support is one of the foundations of mental health and well-being. Recent studies suggest that 74% of pet owners believed their mental health improved after buying a pet. Thus, it is believed that emotional support from animals plays a therapeutic role in helping one navigate tough times. As of 2019, there are nearly 2,00,000 emotional support animals in the country. Here are the answers to some key questions on emotional support animals: What are emotional support animals? Emotional support animals are animals that provide comfort to individuals through companionship. Individuals with mental health conditions are typically able to manage their symptoms better in the company of such animals. What animals are typically classified as emotional support animals? While dogs and cats are typically classified as emotional support animals, other animals like ferrets, guinea pigs, and rabbits are also becoming popular in this category. Dogs Dogs are popularly referred to as a human’s best friends and for a good reason. Studies have shown that the company of dogs can reduce stress and anxiety and help manage depression and loneliness. Cats Many individuals find the company of cats to be soothing and comforting. Their stress-reducing effect can elevate one’s mood. A study has demonstrated that cat owners have better psychological health than individuals without pets.

Dogs are cherished members of our families, and their well-being is a top priority for all pet parents. Recognizing signs that your dog might be sick is essential for providing timely care and ensuring their health. While dogs can’t communicate their discomfort through words, they do display various physical and behavioral indicators that can alert you about their illness. Here are some common signs that your dog might be sick: Changes in Appetite Signs: A sudden loss of appetite or a significant decrease in food consumption. What to Do: Keep an eye on your dog’s eating habits, as a persistent lack of appetite could indicate underlying health issues. Consult your veterinarian if the change persists. Vomiting and Diarrhea Signs: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if the excreta contains blood or mucus. What to Do: Ensure your dog stays hydrated by providing small sips of water. Don’t give food for a few hours and then reintroduce a bland food regime. If vomiting or diarrhea continues or worsens, seek veterinary care. Lethargy Signs: A sudden or prolonged lack of energy, reluctance to move, or inability to engage in usual activities. What to Do: Pay attention to changes in your dog’s activity level.

Pets become an inseparable part of the family. This is why, many pet parents immediately seek insurance when they take over the responsibility of their new companion. Pet insurance is an ideal tool to recoup healthcare expenses incurred on the pet’s welfare. However, buying any insurance is a difficult task, so making mistakes is not uncommon during the process. Here are some of the mistakes one can avoid while buying pet insurance: Choosing the policy with the lowest premium While buying any type of insurance policy, one must know the age-old adage— the lowest premium does not equate to the best value. If buyers dither over the premium amount while purchasing policies and choose the cheapest one available, there are chances that the one they have purchased does not provide adequate coverage. Inevitably, this means that once this coverage is exhausted over, say, a treatment for the pet, owners will have to shell out the remaining healthcare fees separately. To avoid burning a hole in one’s pocket, pet owners must buy the policy with the best coverage, not the cheapest one available on the market. Buying insurance too late Several pet owners tend to purchase a policy after their loved one has a health problem.

Pets become an inseparable part of the family. This is why, many pet parents immediately seek insurance when they take over the responsibility of their new companion. Pet insurance is an ideal tool to recoup healthcare expenses incurred on the pet’s welfare. However, buying any insurance is a difficult task, so making mistakes is not uncommon during the process. Here are some of the mistakes one can avoid while buying pet insurance: Choosing the policy with the lowest premium While buying any type of insurance policy, one must know the age-old adage— the lowest premium does not equate to the best value. If buyers dither over the premium amount while purchasing policies and choose the cheapest one available, there are chances that the one they have purchased does not provide adequate coverage. Inevitably, this means that once this coverage is exhausted over, say, a treatment for the pet, owners will have to shell out the remaining healthcare fees separately. To avoid burning a hole in one’s pocket, pet owners must buy the policy with the best coverage, not the cheapest one available on the market. Buying insurance too late Several pet owners tend to purchase a policy after their loved one has a health problem.

If you’ve been looking for natural ways to repel and kill fleas on your dog, you might already know that lemon is a crucial ingredient. The citrus fruit contains a compound called limonene, which has insecticidal properties and can keep fleas away from your furry friend. One of the most popular ways to use lemon against fleas is a lemon spray. We’ve shared two simple recipes to make a lemon flea spray for your dog. Basic lemon flea spray For this recipe, all you need is water and lemons. Boil a pint of water in a pot and add around ten slices of lemon to it. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture sit overnight for about 8 hours, and the solution will be ready! Remove the lemon slices and pour the solution into a spray bottle. You can spray this solution on your dog’s coat generously every day until they are flea-free. While spraying, avoid areas like your pet’s ears, genitals, and eyes. An excellent plus point of this lemon flea spray is that you can use it in all flea-infested areas in your home, such as your dog’s bed, your carpet, and your upholstery. Lemon flea spray with rosemary and sage This recipe is similar to the previous one, except you need to add two sprigs of rosemary and one sprig of garden sage while boiling the water.

Cats are smart animals who are typically mindful of what they eat. But sometimes, seeds or pollen of a toxic plant get stuck in their fur or on their paws, and cats may ingest toxic substances while grooming themselves. To avoid this and keep your cat safe, all pet parents should take some time to learn the names of plants that are toxic to their health. Some of these plants are mentioned below. Peace lily (spathiphyllum) All its parts, including the leaves, roots, petals, and pollen, should be kept away from cats. If cats ingest peace lilies, they could get acute kidney failure. Other symptoms of poisoning would include vomiting, irritation of the mouth and GI tract, excessive drooling, and in rare cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Sago palm (cycas revoluta) Sago palm contains a toxic substance called cycasin, which, when consumed, may result in liver damage in cats. It could also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and black, tarry-looking stool. It could also lead to bruising, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in rare cases, death. Eucalyptus (myrtaceae) Eucalyptus can cause complications like drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea in cats. The toxicity level of this plant is low, and the symptoms often disappear within 24 hours.

Like humans, our furry best friends, dogs, need a balanced meal plan to help them live long and healthy lives. If you are someone who cooks meals for them daily, here are some human foods that can easily be added to their bowl for some much-needed nutrition and taste. However, always observe your pet to check if they like these foods and respond well to them. Here are some of these foods: Veggies Our furry friends are just as much in love with veggies as us humans. While not all vegetables are good for them, you can safely give them foods like carrots, green beans, peas, and even pumpkin. These veggies are good for your pets as they are dense in nutrients and easy to digest. Pumpkins are great dogs as they are known for keeping the gut healthy and relieving any digestive issues. Green beans are known for their high protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin K nutrients that keep your furry best friend healthy. And carrots have vitamin A, beta carotene, and fiber content that keeps your dog healthy and happy. Peanut butter This is another extremely safe human food to feed your dog in small to moderate quantities.

Like us humans, dogs experience pain and weakness in their joints as they age. Conditions like arthritis become increasingly common and harrowing if pet owners do not address the issue immediately. Therefore, individuals must give dogs the care they need to improve their quality of life. One does not have to make frequent vet visits to achieve this goal. Several remedies can help manage a dog’s joint pain at home. Hydrotherapy Pool-based exercises and physical movement are great for reducing the pain dogs experience when they have conditions like arthritis. Low-impact routines help strengthen a dog’s joints, keep the muscles around the joints toned and fit, and enhance a dog’s mobility. Underwater exercises are also helpful as they improve muscle mass and joint structure without stressing the joints too much. These exercises also reduce the impact of injuries and pain. When using hydrotherapy, one must ensure their pets are safe. Dog owners must also check the temperature of the water. Cold water tends to make a dog’s joints and muscles stiffen up, so it must be avoided as much as possible. Massages Exercising is a good way to reduce the joint pain dogs experience as they age. However, pets need to warm up their muscles and loosen any stiffness in their joints before exercising.