Category: Health & Care

A dog’s love of bones is a tale as old as time, but are bones really safe for dogs? It may surprise some to learn that chewing on and eating bones can actually pose significant health risks. As to whether or not it’s okay to give a dog a lamb bone, the answer is too… Read More

Chickpeas are a popular replacement for animal proteins in human diets. These fibrous, little legumes pack high amounts of fiber and protein, making them ideal for many plant-based diets. However, they don’t represent a replacement for animal proteins in a dog’s diet. They also shouldn’t be used to replace grain ingredients in a dog’s diet…. Read More

Essential oils are incredibly popular and are widely used for both aromatherapies and alternative health practices.  To fill your home with the pleasant scent of these oils one must turn to an oil diffuser, but is this safe for cats? Many experts agree that oil diffusers are not so safe for our feline friends and… Read More

If you are longing to bring home a new cat but either suffer from cat allergies or live with someone who does, you may be on the search for a hypoallergenic cat breed. It’s easy to be drawn to the beautiful, majestic, and wild-looking Savannah cat, but are they a hypoallergenic breed? First and foremost,… Read More

Balinese cats are not hypoallergenic. However, no cat is truly hypoallergenic. When someone has cat allergies, they are allergic to the proteins that the cat makes. These proteins are apparent in the cat’s skin, saliva, and urine. While cat hair can theoretically help spread skin cells and saliva around, they do not directly contribute to… Read More

Peanuts are a staple food for most households in the United States. Whether it be a jar of peanuts or peanut butter, this is certainly a food that is enjoyed by many. But are they bad for cats? We all know that certain foods can be toxic to our pets and knowing the safe from… Read More

Dogs’ noses serve important purposes beyond nudging us lovingly for more pats, scratches, and tummy rubs. While humans use their eyes to find their way around, dogs use their noses. As dog noses are often cold and wet, it leaves many wondering why, while others may worry if it means their dog is sick. In… Read More

You may have heard that lilies are toxic to dogs and should be removed from pet households, but what about Daylilies? Thankfully, they’re not a threat to your dog’s health as they are non-toxic to dogs. However, they don’t form part of a dog’s diet and can, therefore, cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed. It’s also… Read More

With over 7,500 different types of apples in the world, boasting numerous health benefits for people, it’s natural to wonder whether the same goodness our bodies receive from apples will benefit our dogs. The answer is yes—and no. Apples are an enjoyable snack for dogs, but the seeds can be dangerous to their health if consumed in… Read More

Carrots are tasty and nutritious foods that offer health benefits for humans. Fortunately, carrots are safe for cats and don’t contain any toxins. So, you and your cat can enjoy snacking on carrots together. However, unlike humans, cats need carrots to be prepared a certain way for them to enjoy them safely. So, here’s everything… Read More

Raw eggs are a controversial topic when it comes to cats. Some people believe that they are an excellent source of nutrition for felines, while others think that they can cause health problems. So, is it safe for my cat to eat raw eggs? What do I do if they eat one? Let’s take a… Read More

An old phrase says, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” But what if those eyes are cloudy and look like there’s a storm a brewin’? There are a few reasons why your dog has cloudy eyes, so keep reading if this is your dog. We’re discussing five possibilities for cloudy eyes in dogs… Read More

As dog owners, we love offering treats to our pups. And let’s face it—dogs eat anything they can get their paws on. One drop of food scrap on the kitchen floor and your dog has swallowed it before you know it’s gone. For this reason, dog owners everywhere want to know if plums are okay… Read More

So, your dog ate a peach. And now, here you are, wondering if you should worry or not. The good news? Peaches are generally safe for dogs as long as they don’t consume the pit, stem, or leaves. They can even be a good option as a healthy snack. But before you toss a peach… Read More

The cicada, a little insect with a characteristic sound that enchants summer nights, can be a tempting treat for your curious pup. Therefore, you may be wondering if cicadas are toxic to your dog. Technically, the answer is no: These thunderous insects are not toxic to your pooch. However, they are difficult to digest due… Read More

Does the name Schlumbergera bridgesii ring a bell? This is the official name of the Christmas cactus, a decorative plant with red flowers that adorns many tables during the holidays. But if the beauty of this plant seems to entice for your dog, you may wonder about the potential risks if they were to eat… Read More

Generally speaking, it is not advisable to give table scraps and other human food to dogs, even if they make us melt with their pleading puppy eyes. However, certain foods are allowed and can even be delicious, healthy treats for our beloved pooches. This is the case with blueberries. These delicious, colorful berries are packed… Read More

Notice an inflamed area on your dog’s body that doesn’t seem to go away? Is the area similar to that of an old scab? Does your dog constantly scratch and sniff the area? Well, chances are that your dog is suffering from what’s known in the vet world as a “hot spot”.  Continue reading to… Read More

If you are out on a walk with your precious pup and come across a lovely field of yellow daffodils during the springtime, it is highly likely your dog might find a way to ingest thegolden beauties. The bright sunshine of the flowers might bring an instant boost of happiness, but there is danger looming… Read More

Delicious, nutty sunflower seeds are a snack synonymous with summertime. Sunflower seeds contain essential nutrients like iron, vitamin E, and fiber for us humans,– but what about serving sunflowers to our furry friends? Let’s be honest, we’ve all accidentally dropped sunflower seeds onto the ground. If you happen to have a furry vacuum roaming around… Read More

Few people are fond of spiders, especially when they are lurking about the house. And nobody wants to deal with a spider bite! If you have pets, though, it’s not just you or your human family you should be concerned about—our pets run the risk of being bitten as well. Wolf spiders can be found… Read More

Dogs will eat nearly anything, up to and including plants. However, some plants are incredibly toxic for our four-legged friends, so it’s good to know which plants are safe to have around and which are not. One plant you can safely have around is the money tree. What is a money tree? This plant is… Read More

As much as we love having plants in and around our home, we love our dogs more, and dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t. When your dog starts chowing down on your plants, there’s probably a moment of panic if you aren’t sure whether the plant is dog-safe or not. Take dahlias, for… Read More

You are probably familiar with that wet doggy nose rubbing up against you. There is some conflicting information out there revolving around a dog’s health concerning the wetness of their nose. So, the question stands, are dogs’ noses supposed to be wet? The truth is a wet nose is completely normal for dogs. That doesn’t… Read More

Onions are a staple in most households and have their place in many delicious recipes. They are typically included with meals that are meaty and mouth-watering for not only us but our dogs too. Sometimes our beloved pooches will set aside their manners and dive right into our food. It’s important to know that onions,… Read More

Acorns are the fruits of an oak tree. It is part of the tree’s natural life cycle to have the acorns fall from the tree, which can leave our yards covered in acorns. While it’s a smorgasbord for the neighborhood squirrels, it can pose a potential danger to our beloved dogs. Acorns are poisonous to… Read More

If your pup rolls over for a belly rub one day and you notice there’s less room on their stomach than normal, you might wonder what’s going on. Both female and male canines can suffer from enlarged nipples, depending on the cause. Here are 5 possible reasons your dog’s nipples could be enlarged and what… Read More

Because many dogs make a bad habit of eating things that they shouldn’t, their worried owners must constantly remain on guard. We know some foods, such as chocolate, are dangerous for dogs, but that leaves many others in the category of unknown danger. If your dog decides to play rabbit and scavenge some radishes from… Read More

If you’re a fan of bubble baths and scented candles, you probably enjoy the pleasant aroma that surrounds you when you relax. If you’re also a dog owner, however, you might wonder if it’s okay to indulge your candle habit around your pups. Are candles bad for dogs? Burning some types of candles could be… Read More

As pet owners, we’re obsessed with our dogs’ feet and how cute they are. Next time you’re lavishing your dog’s paws with the love they deserve, you might want to observe their texture. It’s common for the paw pads to be rough or cracked, and it’s important to take care of them when you notice… Read More

Tomatoes are an important part of cuisine. You can find them in sauces, salads, chili, soups, salsa, and ketchup! With tomatoes in our gardens and on our tables, you might wonder if they are okay for dogs to eat. The good news is that tomatoes in moderation are healthy for most dogs. But there are… Read More

Peas are a familiar and favorite vegetable in many households. If your dog looks at you with literal puppy-dog eyes for a few of your peas, you might find yourself wondering if they are safe for dogs. Fresh peas are healthy snacks for dogs, but there are a few warnings that come with peas. Here, we… Read More

Potatoes are the essential backbone of so many comfort foods, and they also happen to be delicious! We have Thomas Jefferson to thank for these crispy and salty bites of bliss. Jefferson brought them to America in the late 1700s, but he named them “pommes de terre frites à cru en petites tranches” (which translates to “potatoes… Read More

Green apples can make crunchy, delicious, sour treats for us—and our dogs might enjoy them, too. That’s right—if served safely, green apples can be a safe and healthy treat for dogs. These apples are packed full of vitamins and are an occasional ingredient in dog foods. However, it’s important to be safe when feeding them… Read More

Figs can be a delicious treat that’s healthy for you—and if you have a dog, you might be thinking about eating one. However, it’s important to do your research before adding figs into your dog’s diet. That is because they have some great health benefits and many dogs love the taste, but they also carry… Read More

Cranberries bring to mind delicious holiday meals and yummy trail mixes. If you want your dog to join in the fun, you might wonder if cranberries are a safe treat to share. Or maybe you put some popcorn and cranberries on your Christmas tree and didn’t realize it would make a tempting snack. Don’t worry—cranberries… Read More

Petunias are beautiful flowers that are popular among gardeners with dogs because the plants are non-toxic to animals and people. Some people believe that since the flowers are so vibrant, that automatically makes them poisonous to dogs. This is not true, and the petunia is proof that not all pretty plants are poisonous. The ASPCA… Read More

If you’ve dropped a carrot on the floor and watched your dog snatch it up before you could retrieve it, you might be wondering if carrots are safe for dogs to eat. Maybe you’re researching different treat or snack options for your pup and heard that carrots make for a good choice. Carrots are indeed… Read More

Every animal fits into one of three categories related to its diet. Cats are carnivores; rabbits, horses, and ruminants are herbivores; pigs and dogs, like people, are omnivores. That’s what most people have always thought, anyway. A growing body of veterinary professionals and researchers are providing strong arguments for dogs being carnivores rather than omnivores…. Read More

Black beans are loaded with vitamins and minerals and have all sorts of beneficial properties for people. But are they also good for dogs? The answer is yes! Black beans are a fantastic source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, protein, and fiber. These ingredients aid in fat burning and blood sugar regulation and strengthen… Read More

Cats are beautiful and unique no matter their coat color and pattern. We can sometimes decipher what breed a cat is by their coat color and pattern, but this isn’t always the case, especially when the cat in question has an entirely black or white coat. Sometimes, people correlate a cat’s coat with superstitions. For… Read More

If your dog just took a bite off a rose bush while out on a walk, you’re likely concerned about whether roses are toxic to dogs. You may also be worried about your dog sustaining an injury from rose thorns. The good news is that roses are non-toxic to dogs! Here’s what to do if… Read More

Since dogs have sharp teeth and like to hunt, fruit likely isn’t the first thing that you think of when it comes to your dog’s diet. But dogs can benefit quite a bit from the vitamins and minerals in fruit and vegetables. A treat in the form of a juicy piece of fruit is a… Read More

Dogs are inquisitive creatures and often get themselves into trouble by nibbling on plants that are harmful to them. Lilies are among the most dangerous plants for pets, with many of them being toxic to dogs and cats. But while all lilies are toxic to cats, there are a few types that are considered non-toxic… Read More

Hyacinth plants are beautiful when they bloom and can spruce up any basic garden and turn it into a relaxing oasis. They also happen to be easy to grow. However, hyacinths tend to be a concern for cat owners because it’s thought that such plants are poisonous to felines. Is there any truth to this?… Read More

Sphynx Cats are most known for their hairlessness. While these cats have sweet personalities and make amazing pets, they’re not the best option for allergy sufferers as they are not hypoallergenic. You may think that cat hair causes allergies, but a cat’s coat isn’t the main culprit for allergies. Cats produce a type of protein… Read More

Unlike humans and dogs, cats are not omnivores. They’re obligate carnivores and mainly consume meat. However, this doesn’t simply mean that cats should only eat meat. In fact, there are some meat products that are actually unsafe for cats to consume. When it comes to a cat’s diet, the most important thing is to ensure… Read More

Aloe plants have healing and soothing properties that are beneficial to humans. People can also consume this plant as well. However, aloe is toxic to cats and unsafe for them to eat. If you think your cat has bitten off a piece of an aloe plant, it’s important to monitor your cat’s condition and keep… Read More

Spiderwort plants (Tradescantia zebrina) are amongst the most beautiful and statement-making houseplants you can grow. They’re also incredibly easy to take care of and pretty hard to kill, making them a great pick for new plant owners and green thumbs alike. If you’re a plant aficionado and a cat owner, you might be wondering if… Read More

Being a plant lover and a cat owner can be difficult. There are so many plants and flowers that are toxic and dangerous to keep in homes where there are curious little kitties about. If you’re searching for a perfect cat-safe houseplant, you might be wondering about prayer plants. Are they safe to grow when… Read More