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5 home remedies to prevent flea and tick infestation

5 home remedies to prevent flea and tick infestation

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.

Citrus
Citrus is a natural repellent for fleas because of its acidic nature, and it also kills their eggs. Citrus extraction from oranges or lemons is a useful home remedy for treating tick and flea infestation. Take a few orange and lemon peels and boil them in water. Let the water cool down and filter it out to bottle it up in a spray bottle. This spray can be used around the house to help kill the fleas and their eggs. Extracts from citrus peels, like d-limonene and linalool, are easily available in the market and can be bought to use at home for these pests. One of the best things about these extracts is that they are non-toxic to both pets and humans. Moreover, they add a citrusy fragrance to the room.

Salt
Similarly, there is a lemon wash remedy with salt, which can also be applied to a pet’s fur that helps in repelling these pests. To prepare this remedy, take 4 slices of lemon, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 6 cups of water. Boil the water and add the lemon slices and salt. Let this mixture cool down, and the ingredients steep overnight. The next day, spray the mixture generously on the pet’s fur. The lemon water coating will help keep fleas and ticks away, while the salt dehydrates the fleas and their eggs, which can ultimately help in killing them.

Herbal sprays
The evidence of how well this works still remains inconclusive, but herbal sprays are also a remedy option that some people suggest. Some of the essential oils that are used include:

Lavender oil: This oil is known to repel both ticks and fleas, and some suggest adding it to the pet’s bathing routine to help soothe any irritated skin issues and prevent infections.

Lemongrass oil: This has active ingredients like citral and geraniol, which are known to be natural flea repellents. Add a few drops of this oil to a spray bottle, mix it well, and spray it around the house and on the pet’s fur.

Peppermint, rosemary, cedar, citronella, and eucalyptus are all some of the popular options suggested by some. However, it is important to speak to a vet to know the best approach. If there are any noticeable signs of infection in the pet, it is recommended to seek immediate help from a vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Boric acid
This is a common ingredient found in most washing powders or detergents. This can be bought independently from a pharmacy as well. It is a completely safe product to use in a house with pets. Like diatomaceous earth, this boric acid can be sprinkled on furniture, carpet, and bedding. This comes in a powder form and can easily spread around the house. Keep it as it is for a couple of hours, and then vacuum up the whole house. This boric acid helps in killing these pests and the eggs left behind. While it is safe to use, it is recommended to keep babies away from it as they may get too close to it. Apart from that, it is observed that the upholstery and carpet may get damaged over time with regular use of this product. So, use some precautions while applying this.

Apart from the home remedies mentioned above, here are other preventive measures to keep these pests away from home and the pets.

Light traps
This is another effective and non-toxic way to keep fleas away from pets. They work by emitting yellow-green light for 10 minutes and then flashing off for 5 seconds before starting up again. This on-and-off mechanism tricks fleas into thinking it’s a host, causing them to jump towards it and get trapped. This method can be used to attract any living fleas in the house, on furniture, carpets, or anywhere else as they jump to find their host.

Vacuum and steam clean
A regular deep cleaning can keep the house free of pests easily. It is very important to thoroughly clean the house every couple of weeks, especially if one has a pet. This includes vacuuming the carpet, furniture, small nooks and crannies, closet, pet bedding especially, small crevices underneath the furniture, under the bed, and cleaning the floor. Steam cleaning is also helpful similarly. Some also suggest sprinkling cornstarch before vacuuming to help dry up the pests and their eggs. Once the job is done, make sure to wash the canister properly with hot water and soap.

Laundry trick
To ensure that the pet’s bedding is free of pests, it’s important to wash and dry the laundry in hot water and high temperature. A temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius (140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 to 20 minutes is sufficient to kill these small pests, which can infest by the hundreds.

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7 Human Foods That Cats Can Enjoy

If you are a pet parent, you must be used to examining the ingredient list of pet foods at the grocery store. While cats are carnivores, not all human foods suit them. Ensuring that everything they eat is safe can require considerable research. However, certain foods from your plate could be great snacks for cats. So, read on to see the delicious yet safe foods you can give your pet to meet their nutritional needs: Human foods safe for cats Here are some fruits, vegetables, and other snacks your cat may enjoy. However, you must give them these items in moderation, as most of your pet’s food should be specifically designed for them. Many brands offer wet cat food products to help pets meet their daily nutrient requirements. Nevertheless, here are a few human foods safe for cats: Strawberries Strawberries are an incredibly delicious treat, and they can be just as beneficial for cats as humans. Strawberries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. These nutrients help boost your cat’s digestive and overall health. Strawberries contain ellagic acid, which helps protect the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals (unstable damage-causing atoms) and improves eye health. The fibers in strawberries promote a healthy gut, and the fresh flavor makes the fruit a favorite for your furry friend. Additionally, strawberries can even help eliminate bad breath in cats.  Bananas Cats may enjoy bananas as occasional treats, and the fruit can have certain benefits. First, it is a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation. Banana also contains several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, that can help improve overall health. Salmon Salmon packs protein and essential fatty acids, which can help support the overall health of cats. The fatty acids in salmon are known to enhance coat (fur) health and reduce inflammation and joint pain in cats. The fish also offers proteins and vitamins, including vitamins A and D, which boost vision and immunity and strengthen bones.  Additionally, salmon has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than other protein sources. Omega-3 is an important nutrient for cats, providing them with the fatty acids that their bodies can not make naturally. Spinach Spinach is packed with nutrition for cats. Not only is the leafy green low in calories, but it also contains essential vitamins and minerals that are important for your cat’s overall well-being. Vitamins A and C in spinach help maintain your pet’s immune system health and digestive health. Spinach also has high amounts of potassium, iron, magnesium, and calcium, which can help strengthen muscles and contribute to the cat’s bone strength, enzyme production, and cardiovascular function. Its taste may not always appeal to cats, but veterinarians may recommend adding this leafy green food to their meals. Fish oils Fish oils can be healthy for cats in several ways. One of the main benefits is their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are essential for a cat’s health and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of its skin, coat, joints, and immune system. Fish oils are a powerful source of important vitamins and nutrients for cats. These essential fatty acids provide cats with anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve joint health, reduce skin allergies, and increase fur sheen.  Additionally, studies have shown that regular fish oil supplements can help lower high cholesterol levels in cats and the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease. Fish oils particularly benefit elderly cats who cannot properly utilize vitamins and minerals from their food. By supplementing your pet’s meals with fish oils, you can ensure they stay healthy and active for a long time. Oatmeal Oatmeal is a healthy and nutritious cat food that contains protein, fiber, zinc, vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B3 (niacin), and fatty acids. Oatmeal aids easy digestion by providing prebiotic fibers, which help feed the good bacteria in your cat’s intestinal tract. Other minerals in oatmeal, such as iron and zinc, contribute to a strong immune system. The texture of oatmeal is great for cats who need to brush their teeth as it helps scrape off plaque buildup. Additionally, oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that boost the animal’s immune system health. All these benefits make oatmeal an excellent snack for your furry friend. Cheese Cheese can be a wholesome and healthy cat snack, although it should always be given in moderation. It is rich in protein, an essential nutrient for cats’ overall health and development. Cheese also supports bones, promotes a healthy immune system, and supplies energy for cats’ active lifestyles. When choosing cheese for your pet, look for cheese with high protein content and low levels of saturated fat, as this will provide the most health benefits. However, certain cheeses, such as blue cheese or those with high sodium levels, should be avoided. Additionally, always check the label to ensure the cheese has been pasteurized; otherwise, it poses a risk for foodborne illness (such as botulism and salmonella). Cats require customized meal regimens to meet their particular nutritional needs and health. Some human foods can be safe for cats, and adding these items as supplements or occasional treats rather than replacing their regular meals should be safe. Royal Canin, Purina, and Weruva are some of the best wet food brands for cats. Wet food provides cats with the hydration and nutrients they need, and they also find wet food easier to eat and digest food. While daily meals should always consist of nutrient-rich cat food from trusted pet food brands, occasional treats like cooked meat (not raw), plain boiled potatoes, unsalted mixed nuts, healthy bottled fish, ripe bananas, plain cream cheese, and small amounts of yogurt can give cats the variety they seek. Whether you are considering feeding your cat human foods or not, you should seek a vet’s advice to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy.

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6 benefits of invisible wireless electric dog fences

For dog parents, nothing is more precious than their canine companions’ well-being and safety. So, from dog-proofing the home to installing fences, they go all out to protect and nurture their beloved pets. With fencing, there is always the risk of dogs leaping across the fences and escaping from their homes. Sometimes, dogs may even dig over the fence to find their way out, leading to bruises and cuts on the body. That’s where invisible, wireless fences can save the day. How do invisible wireless dog fences work? Traditionally, for invisible fences, a wire is laid around the area in which a dog resides. Every time the dog steps on the area underneath which the wire runs, a radio signal is emitted, which activates the “shock collar” around the dog’s neck. As a result, the dog receives a harmless electric shock and is dissuaded from crossing the yard. But these days, wireless dog fences have made the invisible fencing process even easier. Here, a wireless transmitter emits this radio signal to activate the dog’s shock collar, sending a tingling sensation across the animal’s body, so it gives a startling effect without causing any harm to the dog. This foolproof method is becoming immensely popular for various reasons. Benefits of invisible wireless electric dog fences Fewer chances of the dog escaping As mentioned earlier, traditional concrete fences may be sturdy, but there is always a chance that the dog will find a way around it by leaping over it, digging through the gaps, or up the ground and uprooting the fence. In the bargain, the dog may even end up getting bruised. But since invisible fences involve mild electric shocks, dogs may come to associate escaping the yard with the shock sensation and steer clear of the yard’s boundaries. So, there is typically a minuscule chance that a dog might escape an invisible electric fence. Quick and convenient installation Unlike conventional or even invisible wired fences, which need to be built over a period of time, invisible wireless dog fences are incredibly easy to install, so they are very convenient for dog owners looking for practical solutions to prevent their four-legged friends from wandering away. Cost-effective Very few materials are required to install a wireless, invisible dog fence, so its installation costs are usually much lower than those of other fencing options. Consequently, it’s a great option for dog parents who want a pocket-friendly but effective solution to fence their yards. No interruptions to open spaces Sometimes, one may not want a fence to disrupt the open, green landscape outside their home. Even with wired fences, one would have to dig up the perimeters of the yard so the activity does interfere with the environment around. With wireless fencing, one does not have to compromise on the aesthetics of the area surrounding one’s home; at the same time, these fences protect one’s canine friends from leaving the home premises. No need for multiple gates Usually, with concrete fences, one also has to install gates to allow for entry and exit to different areas surrounding the yard, which increases the time and effort involved in the installation. However, with invisible fences, there is no requirement of installing extra gates. One can easily navigate the areas around the home without having to open and shut gates repeatedly. Highly portable Another major advantage of invisible wireless dog fences is that they are extremely portable. If one plans to move to another home, they can easily carry these fences along with them to the new place. This saves time and money because one doesn’t have to go through the entire installation process all over again. Things to remember when installing wireless invisible electric dog fences Find the right location to place the transmitter It is essential to find the ideal location for the transmitter - for starters, the location should be dry and shouldn’t have any debris lying around. Also, they should be placed at a distance from other electrical appliances or devices because these may prevent the signals from reaching the dog’s collar effectively. Also, they need to be placed at a central point so that it is in the purview of the whole yard. If there are too many trees and other obstructions, the signal quality may be poor, so one should find the ideal location considering these aspects. Accurately measure the perimeter of the yard Even if it’s a wireless dog fence, finding the perimeter of the yard is essential because one needs to get an idea of the range for the fence. Ideally, the range should be from 10 to 30 feet. The boundaries should then be marked using stakes, flags, etc., so one can have an overview of the area and whether there’s sufficient space for the dog to roam about freely. Train the dog Merely installing an invisible wireless fence isn’t enough - one should also train the dog to use it optimally. To begin with, one should train the dog to follow basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” They should also be trained to recognize the flags around the yard as boundaries that should not be crossed. Only after these steps should the wireless fence be activated so that they can explore it and understand the negative outcome of trying to cross the fence. One should use the reward technique while training them.

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