Bully sticks are a popular snack option that many pet parents give their dogs. These are single-ingredient treats or dog chews made from high-protein beef muscle, the pizzle of a bull. However, many concerns are associated with bully sticks, which has been worrisome for many and caused their popularity to decline. Pet parents need to understand the dangers of bully sticks and how they can be safely given to one’s pets. Dangers of bully sticks 1. Bacterial contamination One of the biggest risks associated with bully sticks comes from bacterial contamination, leading to upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea.  This  can be quite disconcerting for dog parents. This worry has been more prevalent since 2018, when the FDA recalled thousands of bully sticks due to salmonella concerns. Other dangerous bacteria that have also been found on bully sticks include  Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA), and  Escherichia coli . Let’s  break this down a little. Most bully sticks are minimally processed,  “ all-natural ”  products.  This  means  that harmful  bacteria continue to thrive on them, which can make their way to the  pet’s  insides. Processes such as irradiation, baking, and the use of chemicals generally help get rid of these bacteria. However, the appeal of bully sticks, by and large, is their naturality, which does not leave room for any such processing.

Whenever you have a meal or a snack, it can be hard to resist sharing tidbits from your plate with your pet. But not all foods are safe for dogs, especially for the young and old ones, as their digestive system may not process all foods with ease. Nevertheless, it is difficult to keep pets from eating human foods every now and then, so here are a few safe foods you can share with dogs: Apples Apples are rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Also, nutritionists recommend apples for pets to boost their vitamin intake, making them one of the best human foods dogs can enjoy. The fruit is loaded with essential polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Also, the fibrous texture of the fruit makes it a great munchie to keep their teeth clean. However, you must remove the seeds before feeding apples to dogs, as the seed can release cyanide—a known poison for both humans and pets—when chewed. Blueberries Blueberries are the richest source of antioxidants that should be a part of your and your pet’s daily meal plan. Blueberries naturally help boost immunity and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals attacking the immune system.

When our pets stare at us while we eat, it can be difficult to resist their pleading gaze. However, giving in to their begging behavior can create a bad habit we don’t want to encourage. In addition, some human foods can be toxic to our pets and cause them to become very ill. So, it’s important to resist the urge to share our food with our furry friends. Some foods to avoid are: Caffeine Tea, coffee, soda, and other caffeinated beverages can harm your cats and dogs. This is because their bodies are more sensitive to caffeine than ours. Although licking a little shouldn’t lead to poisoning, consuming too much caffeine can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and even death. Xylitol Xylitol is a commonly used sugar alternative found in baked goods, chewing gum, vitamins, and other “sugar-free” labeled foods. Even in small amounts, xylitol is highly toxic for your cats and dogs and could cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and death. Xylitol poisoning occurs quickly, so if you suspect your pet has consumed any, contact the veterinarian immediately. Avocados Avocados have become popular in many households due to their high nutrient content.

Dogs love food and are always ready to catch their next snack. To keep them happy, many pet parents give them a bite of whatever they are eating. However, doing so can be dangerous. Many foods that are nutritious for humans tend to be unsafe and, in many cases, downright fatal for dogs. Here are some common foods that are unsafe for dogs and should be kept away from their reach. Ice cream Many people believe dairy products are healthy for pets. However, there are several exceptions to that, especially in the case of dogs. For instance, ice cream is delicious but not very safe for dogs. Ice cream can be a significant health hazard for canines because their digestive system cannot process dairy-based foods well. Their bodies cannot manufacture the enzyme that breaks down the sugar heavily found in milk. When someone feeds their dog a cup of ice cream, their pet will likely vomit it out entirely due to the large number of gastrointestinal complications the food creates in their body. Canines may also develop allergy symptoms and itching after eating dairy-based products. Avocados Avocados contain a high percentage of persin. While this toxin does not harm humans, it can be deadly for dogs.

Having a pet is a promise of loving companionship. While these furry companions bring lots of love and joy into a pet parent’s life, they also attract bugs and pests like ticks and fleas, which attach to their skin and fur. These pests are unhygienic and unsafe as they potentially also carry illnesses like tick fever, which can even be fatal. Here are some home remedies that should be used frequently to prevent flea and tick infestation. Diatomaceous earth This is a fine, powder-like substance which is made from silica. The same substance that makes up sand. This diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled on various furniture, rugs, and even bedding. One can use it generously around the house and even at the corners. This substance helps in drying up the fleas and the eggs, which means it can kill the infestation, if any, in the house. Leave this lying around for a couple of hours, and then vacuum it up. This is a safe and non-toxic remedy that can help keep ticks and fleas away from one’s pets. However, one thing to note is that the dusty powder can irritate the airways if breathed in. So it is important to not stay in the house while this is sprinkled around.

Ensuring the well-being and comfort of pets is the most important part of pet care. Dogs, in particular, can be vulnerable to parasite infestation, as pests like fleas and ticks can find their way onto the fur. These pests can also hide in grassy environments. Upon finding a habitable spot, these pests swiftly reproduce, causing discomfort and health issues for their unsuspecting hosts. So, here are a few ways to manage such infestation in dogs: 1. Regular grooming and bathing Good pet hygiene is a key step toward flea and tick prevention in dogs. Here, bathing serves a dual purpose—cleaning the dog’s coat and getting rid of existing pests. One should consider using a mild, dog-friendly shampoo and thoroughly rinsing the dog’s coat. Additionally, grooming is a practice that allows one to spot fleas or ticks early, preventing infestations from worsening. By gently combing through the dog’s fur and paying special attention to areas like the neck, ears, and tail, one can find and physically remove pests. 2. Using flea combs or tick tweezers These are indispensable tools for managing an infestation. The fine-toothed flea comb allows one to gently sift through their dog’s fur, focusing on areas where these pests tend to hide.

Fleas often infest dogs, posing a significant risk to their well-being and causing discomfort and potential health problems. These pesky little pests find their way into the home by hitching a ride on the pet’s coat. Over time, they turn the living space into their abode. While several commercial products help tackle a flea infestation in dogs, pet parents can use specific kitchen ingredients to solve the problem naturally without spending a lot. Coconut oil Coconut oil, a popular kitchen ingredient, is an excellent natural solution for removing fleas from a dog’s fur. Rubbing the oil directly onto the fur will either kill the parasites by suffocating them or cause them to hop out. After rubbing coconut oil on the fur and eliminating the fleas, one can give their dog a bath to wash off the oil and the dead fleas. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is another commonly available kitchen ingredient that helps repel fleas from a pet’s fur. Dog owners can use it in two ways to keep these harmful pests away from their furry companions. The first way is to make the dog drink the vinegar by adding a few drops to their water. The ratio for this can be one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in about four cups of drinking water.

Finding the right dog food can be tricky because many brands and varieties are on the market. New pet owners might need extra help sifting through the options and picking the most suitable one. A good way to simplify the process is to learn about the popular types of dog food, such as kibble or dry food, canned food, and semi-moist food. Knowing the types can help individuals make well-informed decisions. Kibble or dry food Dry food is popular for being economical. Many people pick this type for their pets when on a budget. Dry dog food also has a longer storage time. One can use the same pack for several months without keeping it in the refrigerator. Another advantage of buying dry dog food is that it is healthy for a dog’s teeth. Chewing the crunchy kibble lowers the risk of tartar buildup and keeps their teeth strong. Since there are many options for dry dog food, it is important to check the list of ingredients. One must pick a brand that uses wholesome and nutritious ingredients that do not put the dog’s health at risk. One can know which ingredients the package uses by reading the label printed on it.