While human foods like fish and milk are safe for dogs, certain other options can harm their health and cause allergic reactions. Unfortunately, many pet parents don’t know this and continue to feed their four-legged friends from their own plate. Keeping this in mind, we’ve put together a list of human foods that are harmful to dogs, including the Chihuahua breed, and some pet food brands like Royal Canin® and Purina® that provide healthy alternatives.

Chocolates
Chocolates are toxic for all dogs, but Chihuahuas and other small breeds can have a more intense reaction. Chocolates have a compound called theobromine, which dogs can’t handle. While some dogs may vomit and suffer from diarrhea, others may experience seizures, tremors, or irregular heartbeat.

Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in non-sugary gums, cakes, mints, and candy. Ingestion of this substance may interfere with a dog’s blood sugar levels. The smaller the dog, the more the impact. Other foods that have xylitol include peanut butter, jellies, jams, and fruit drinks, to name a few.

Grapes and raisins
These tiny foods that are super delicious for us humans can cause severe reactions among dogs when ingested in large quantities. And since pups never stop searching for food, you must be careful not to drop grapes or raisins around the kitchen area.

Macadamia nuts and walnuts
While nuts may be a top snacking option for us, they can be toxic to all dog breeds. Ingestion can instantly cause diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, lethargy, and hyperthermia. Macadamia nuts particularly can lead to inflammation in the pancreas.

While the above human foods are bad for dogs, you can try the following brands that provide nutritious meals for pets:

Royal Canin®
This is among the famous brands selling dog foods that contain essential proteins, prebiotics, fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids necessary for your dog’s health. Royal Canin® also has treats specially made for Chihuahuas.

Purina®
This is another trusted dog food brand that specializes in making both wet and dry foods for puppies, adults, and older dogs. 

Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet is one of the preferred choices among vets and pet parents. They have products specially designed to help with conditions in pets, like weak bones, sensitive stomachs, and skin diseases.

Keeping your dogs safe from fleas and ticks can be an exhausting job. The constant scratching and biting can be tiring and unhealthy. Not only this, it can bring down the mood of your furry friend, affecting the whole household. Therefore, it is better to stay prepared in case of an unforeseen pest attack. This article talks about some effective and accessible natural remedies that will give you and your dogs some much-needed relief.

Home remedies for fleas and ticks in dogs

• Natural oils
  Natural or essential oils must be diluted first, after which you can use them as a spray or a pre-bath rinse. Alternatively, you can dilute them with carrier oils and massage them into their coat. Whatever you do, make sure to get your vet’s approval beforehand.
• Garlic
  Garlic has various nutritional benefits apart from being an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. Don’t get too concerned about its strong odor. Add a small amount of crushed garlic to your pet’s food and watch this natural remedy work its magic.
• Vinegar
  Another natural remedy that is not only easily accessible but can double up as a flea and tick repellant for dogs is vinegar. You can dilute it with water and use it as a spray. Or, if your dog does not mind its taste, add very small amounts of it to their drinking water. Similarly, you can also make use of apple cider vinegar.

While these are all commonly used natural remedies, some pet parents prefer trying medicated ointments or powders to help their dogs get rid of fleas and ticks. It is recommended to consult a vet to know the best course of action before proceeding.

Medications for fleas and ticks in dogs

• FRONTLINE® Plus
  A powerful topical solution, it can beat ticks and fleas at all stages of their lifecycle. The formula is composed of two primary ingredients: fipronil and (S)-methoprene. FRONTLINE® Plus offers protection against future infestation for as long as 30 days. You can buy it in doses of three months, six months, or nine months. After the application, take care that your dog stays dry for 48 hours.
• NexGard®
  NexGard® is a perfectly safe FDA-approved chewable medication that your dogs might actually welcome. The beef-flavored pill fights different types of ticks: the brown ticks, the black-legged ticks, the Lone Star ticks, and the American dog tick.
• Simparica Trio™
  Simparica Trio™ is another reliable chewable medication. Composed of moxidectin, pyrantel, and sarolaner, these are also effective against roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm disease. The FDA-approved medicine can be safely administered in pups as young as eight weeks as long as they weigh 2.8lbs. Tests confirm that the effects of this oral medication can be seen in eight hours.
• BRAVECTO®
  BRAVECTO® offers chewable tablets and topical solutions for tick and flea protection for dogs of all ages and breeds. A single dose is effective for a period of 12 weeks. You can give the chewable tablet mixed in pet food or apply the topical solution directly to their skin between the shoulder blades for long-term flea and tick management.

Pet owners can also try purchasing a flea collar for their four-legged companions.

Developed by Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company, Seresto is one of the most popular flea and tick collars. It works by releasing medicine on the dog’s hair and skin surface, offering protection against fleas, ticks, and lice continuously for eight months. Seresto flea collar is designed to be convenient, non-greasy, and odorless, but strong enough to kill or repel fleas and ticks, kill lice, and even treat and control sarcoptic mange on dogs.

Tick and flea season can be extremely frustrating for your furry friends! The bites and infections cause consistent itching, but some bites can also lead to infections that cause tick fever and other potentially fatal complications. Always speak to your vet regarding medicines and methods used for avoiding ticks and fleas all year round. And to make sure that your pooch stays clean, here are some of the best options for tick and flea collars.

TevraPet ProAct™
TevraPet uses a waterproof design for their collars to keep the deltamethrin effective through the six months of usage. This chemical kills both fleas and ticks on your dog’s fur and skin on contact and gives the whole body protection from these insects. Say bye-bye to tick or flea bites that can irritate your furry friend.

SENTRY® Dual Action Flea & Tick Dog Collar
Sentry uses a chemical called deltamethrin to protect your dog from fleas on your pet. The collar is designed to work against adult fleas by killing them quickly and thus preventing any eggs from being laid in your pooch’s fur. You can use the collar for up to six months and also not worry about keeping it dry as it is waterproof.

Virbac PREVENTIC® Tick Collar for Dogs
Collars made by this brand comprise an insecticide called amitraz that works on different types of common insects found during tick season, like deer ticks, lone star ticks, and of course dog ticks. The collar kills and detaches the tick from the body and is good for 90 days. This is a short-term tick solution compared to the other collars.

Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs and Puppies
This collar works well on both ticks and fleas owing to the a combination of tetrachlorvinphos and methoprene. This amazing product kills and repels pests from all their life stages—from eggs to larvae to adults. One of the many concerns about these pests is their eggs, but with the insecticide used in this, it gives a full-body protection against them.

Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Repellent Dog Collar
Vet’s Best uses natural ingredients like cedarwood and peppermint oils on their collar to help prevent fleas and ticks. Unfortunately, the collar can be worn only for four months. However, it is also water resistant and does not contain harmful insecticides that you or your dog may be allergic to.

Apart from flea and tick collars, there are various medicines that help keep fleas and ticks off the dog. One such medication is Simparica (sarolaner). It is an FDA-approved chewable tablet that kills fleas in three hours and ticks in eight hours. When administered monthly, Simparica can protect dogs from flea and tick infestation for up to 35 days. Simparica Chewables are known to kill five types of ticks including the Gulf Coast tick.

Every good child should be treated with some goodies and treats. The monthly puppy box can be a source of joy and excitement for dogs and their parents. Thanks to the range of chews, toys, and treats that these subscription boxes offer, they have fast gained popularity. If you are looking to work on a budget but get the best of everything for your good-est boy, here are some options to look into.

BarkBox
BarkBox costs $23, $26, or $35, depending on the subscription you choose. Although the monthly puppy box is one of the cheapest finds, their product quality remains high, and the subscribers are satisfied. BarkBox has themed boxes that add to the brand’s appeal and make for a nice surprise each month. You get access to treats, toys, and grooming essentials and get customization options based on your dog’s allergies and preferences.

Kong Box
At $49.95 a month, Kong Box has been a favorite among pets and pet parents alike. One of the best sellers in the Kong box includes the trusty rubber toy that can keep the heaviest chewers engaged. The monthly puppy box comes packed with the classic Kong toy, treats for your dog, recipes, training tips, and some more toys. Second box onwards, the numbers change, but the excitement does not. You can also choose from the type of box you want to subscribe to, including teething, barking, crate training, and other behavioral issues.

Pooch Perks Box
If you are looking for something that only caters to your dog’s toy needs, pooch Perks have a box that costs only $20.82 a month. Alternatively, they also have bigger, better boxes that provide treats, toys, and even themed goodies. One significant benefit of Pooch Perks is that they provide a single shipment option. This way, you get to try out their services before committing to anything. The monthly puppy box also keeps your dog’s age and requirements in mind while sending you the goodies.

RescueBox Dog Subscription Box
If you are looking to do more good than just getting your dog a box full of food and goodies, Rescue Box might be the right choice for you. At just $29.95 a month, and less for subscribers, the brand promises to bring happiness to your dog and donate 10 pounds of food for every box that is sold. The donated money goes to animal shelters. This helps keep your dog satisfied and sheltered.

Pet owners most likely don’t like the idea of confining their dog within a room or fence. However, if the dog is hyperactive or aggressive, having a fence around your house can save the pet from unfortunate accidents and wild encounters with other dogs. It keeps them from entering the neighbor’s porch too. While there are many fencing options, we’re here to share the pros and cons of the invisible fence.

Pros of invisible fence

• Aesthetically pleasing
  An invisible fence is for people who want to enjoy the feeling of being outdoors and, at the same time, do not want the barriers to interfere with the view of the green yards. It also eliminates the need for a gate. So people can move around the space without opening and closing the gate a gazillion times. An invisible fence allows the house owner to retain their view as they please.
• Convenient
  The traditional fence takes much longer to get installed as compared to an electric fence, which also makes this option much more reasonable. An invisible fence also eliminates the need for fence posts, nailing boards, rolling wire, or welding iron.
• Can be adapted to any terrain
  While conventional fences work only on flat or slightly sloping yards, invisible fences work in all terrains. One can even have an electric fence closer to their house or on their house walls to avoid break-ins and other mishaps. Also, the dogs can be trained to understand their boundaries by placing flags in the initial stages. You can remove the flags gradually. 

Cons of invisible fence

• Training is essential
  With an electric fence, your pet may definitely need some training at the beginning. Although, the plus with an invisible fence is that it beeps before someone reaches the fence to avoid electric impulse. Once your pet gets acquainted with the sound of the invisible fence, they soon start respecting the boundary.
• Behavioral change due to the barrier
  Your dog may not be comfortable when they see other dogs roaming freely on the streets. This could induce frustration in your pets, and they may have a hard time adjusting to the fence. Friendly dogs may also get aggressive when they cannot greet another human, or a dog due to the barrier.

Heartworm, a type of parasite, is transmitted through mosquitoes. The parasites directly go to the pulmonary artery and heart of a dog. The symptoms are often severe and require urgent medical care and hospitalization. Most dogs need months of care and rest to get back to normal after treatments. This is why dog parents need to take preventative measures against heartworm infection.

Here are some of the commonly used heartworm prevention medicines for dogs:

• Simparica Trio®
  This is one of the most popular heartworm preventive medicines for dogs. Simparica Trio is used for the prevention of multiple infections. Along with preventing heartworms, this medication can be used to treat stomach worms, hookworms, and roundworms. This is a chewable tablet. The preventive treatment with Simparica Trio usually begins with pups as young as eight weeks old.
• Heartgard Plus
  Heartgard Plus, one of the top choices for heartworm prevention in dogs,  is an oral medication. Its popularity is because of the flavor that it comes in–beef. This medication has two major ingredients: ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. Both of these are effective in the treatment and prevention of various common infections that affect dogs. These include heartworm, hookworm, roundworms, among others.
• Tri-Heart® Plus
  This heartworm prevention medicine for dogs is often a generic alternative to most other medications, including Simparica Trio. Moreover, Tri-Heart is one of the most popular medications against heartworms in dogs. This medication, which is known to be safe and effective for all breeds of dogs, is quite affordable than most others. In addition to heartworm, it can be used to prevent roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
• Iverhart Plus
  Similar to Simparica Trio, Iverhart Plus is also known for its effectiveness in the prevention of heartworm. It also offers protection against a host of other parasites, including hookworms and roundworms. This chewable tablet is often easy to give to dogs due to the flavors it comes in, such as pork liver. In most cases, the tablet is generally given once a month. Make sure to consult a vet to avoid any side effects.
• Proheart
  This is an injectable heartworm prevention medication for dogs. Proheart is usually recommended when it is not possible to give monthly prevention chewable tablets to a dog. One of the major ingredients of this medication is moxidectin, which protects against heartworms and hookworms. Injectables such as this medication are given only in rare cases due to their potential side effects.

Like humans, dogs, too, tend to develop certain rashes, allergies, and skin problems. While getting veterinary help is essential, minor problems can always be resolved with an effective home remedy. So, if you look to eliminate itchiness, discomfort, and redness in dogs, here are a few effective natural remedies to try out.

Oat baths
When it comes to doggy allergies, an oat bath is an excellent remedy. It washes away any allergens stuck on the dog’s coat and reduces inflammation. One must never use it during a yeast infection, as it can make it worse. To make an oat bath, one has to grind sugar-free, organic oats into a fine powder and then boil it with water. Using this to bathe the dog will provide them with relief.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. It can be used to clean a dog’s paws, ears and even fight off yeast infections. All one needs to do is take a clean spray bottle and add apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it on the dog’s itchy spots for relief. Nonetheless, one must not spray it on wounds or bites.

Baking soda
Baking soda is an easily available and effective way to provide relief to itching caused by dog allergies. Create a simple paste using baking soda and water, and apply it to the dog’s itchy spots to alleviate itchiness and redness. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly. One can also add a little coconut oil to provide the dog with some moisturizing goodness.

Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat several problems. It reduces redness and discomfort, treats burns and itchiness, and provides cooling. Its application is simple: use only the gel and apply it directly to the affected area. Avoid using a gel that contains alcohol.

Coconut oil
Organic coconut oil is excellent for itch relief from dog allergies. This is because it contains lauric acid – an element that fights off a yeast infection and provides relief from itchiness. Moreover, coconut oil also helps aid digestion and boosts immune system functionality. All one needs to do is apply the coconut oil to the itchy spots. One can also add coconut oil to the pet’s food; however, one must consult a veterinarian before doing so.

Along with these home remedies, listed below are some effective medications that help relieve dog allergies, fleas, ticks, and other skin conditions.

APOQUEL
Prescribed to more than 9 million dogs, APOQUEL anti-itch chewable tablets for dog scratching provide fast and effective relief. Its positive effects are noticed within four hours of administering the medicine, with allergic reactions subsiding within 24 hours. APOQUEL should only be given to dogs who are more than 12 months old, with no serious infections. 

Simparica Trio
Simparica Trio is an FDA-approved, prescription monthly chewable that is highly beneficial to pets. It can protect dogs against ticks, fleas, roundworms, ringworms, heartworm disease, and even hookworms. It is safe even for puppies as young as eight weeks old that weigh about 2.8 lbs.

Bravecto
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting anti-itch chewable, FDA-approved Bravecto tablets provide up to 12 weeks of protection from fleas and ticks. Its long-lasting effects also make it a cost-effective solution that does not need to be administered monthly.

If you’re a cat parent, you’d already be aware of their eating habits. Cats prefer a variety of meals in small proportions. No wonder we find them grazing over their bowls time and again. Although, if you’re new to the concept of wet and dry foods for cats, dive right in, for we’ve got something for you.

There are benefits of serving both wet and dry foods to felines. Mainly because, unlike dogs, they’re difficult to please, and one can’t trick them into things they don’t like. If your cat is a fussy eater, they may enjoy wet food better. Find out the benefits of the best dry and wet cat foods.

Benefits of dry cat food
While dry cat food is convenient to store and serve, cats may throw tantrums if served the same food every day. However, dry cat foods help maintain their dental health by preventing the buildup of tartar. Dry foods are also the best way to get the cat to chew its food, exercising its jaws. These foods are ideal when cats are suffering from diarrhea as it helps add bulk to their stool.

Some best dry cat foods that are readily available in every kitchen include:

• Cooked sweet potatoes
• Beef
• Pork
• Lamp
• Dark meat chicken
• Cooked carrots
• Banana
• Green beans/ asparagus/ broccoli (steamed)
• Melon
• Spinach
• Pumpkin
• Peas

Benefits of wet cat food
Wet cat food has a potent aroma and taste, making it ideal for fussy eaters. Cats have a stronger sense of smell than taste, and that’s why they tend to lean more towards foods with a fresh aroma. Additionally, wet food is a great way to keep your feline friend hydrated, especially when they don’t consume adequate fluids in a day. Wet cat food helps induce digestion and prevents constipation. It also helps keep stomach issues at bay.

Some of the best wet cat foods one can easily make at home include:

• Fish in a gravy
• Cooked rice with soup-like texture
• Cooked chicken served with the broth
• Cooked winter squash (soup texture)
• Canned tuna (unsalted)
• Cooked corn with vegetable broth
• Bone broth with meat chunks

While these were some homemade cat foods that can be made in every kitchen, one can also buy wet and dry cat foods from a store. However, remember to steer clear of added salts, preservatives, animal by-products, and artificial colors. Also, if your furry friend is sensitive to allergies, switch to grain-free cat food and make a note of their progress. If you want to include new foods in your pet’s diet, you must consult a vet.

You can also try out some of these popular cat foods available on Amazon. We’re sure your cat will love them.

Royal Canin Kitten Food
When it comes to kittens under 12 months of age, this product from Royal Canin is one of the best food sources. It comes with slices of chicken, chicken-by-products, pork liver, and even chicken liver. You can buy this product starting from $78.96 for a 3 ounce pack of 24 cans.

Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Probiotic Chicken & Rice Formula
Starting at $21.58 for a single 3.5 lbs pack, this product has the ability to reduce cat allergens in their hair and dander. It also helps manage muscle strength, and contains live probiotics for improved digestion and immune health.

Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care
This dry food is designed for cats that are at least 12 months of age. The Iams formula contains ingredients like chicken, chicken-by-product, corn grits, and even turkey. It also contains l-carnitine that helps indoor cats lose weight or stay healthy while maintaining a healthy body weight. A 16 lbs serving is available for just $23.74.

Pests can invade a dog’s furry coat and create quite havoc. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to these crawly bugs and can develop skin reactions. That said, several products are available in the market to tackle this problem, and flea tablets are one of them. These fast-acting pills control ticks, worms, and other pests, so pet owners won’t have to worry about infestations. Here are a few trusted flea pills for dogs that will actively protect your pet’s fur coat.

• Capstar Flea Tablets
  Capstar is a well-known brand for effective flea-prevention and treatment products. Their flea pills for dogs and puppies can prevent allergy dermatitis, which often occurs due to a flea infestation. Their tablets can start killing these pests within half an hour of ingestion, and they are safe enough for daily single-dose consumption. While no prescription is needed to purchase these, remember to get approval from your vet as they will know if the medicine will agree with your canine.
• Trifexis Chewable Tablets
  These strong monthly chewable flea pills for dogs are a good fix for fleas, and they also help keep heartworm disease at bay. They have a blend of pest-fighting agents like milbemycin oxime and spinosad that fight parasites and curb infestation. These tablets come in a beef flavor, so your dog may look forward to feeling better with these chewable pills. The complex formulation of the tablet may cause side effects, so it is only recommended for dogs that are 8 weeks or older and weigh 5 pounds or more.
• Sentinel Flavor Tabs
  These flavored tablets are ideal for preventing adult roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections in pups more than 4 weeks old and over 2 pounds of weight. Plus, it won’t be difficult to get your pet to eat them as they taste just like treats. These flea pills for dogs also prevent intestinal worms that otherwise affect the digestive system. Speak to a veterinarian if you notice side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, hypersalivation, and weakness after administering this pill. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult a vet about taking this pill if your canine is already on other medication.

Have you ever wondered about the genetic makeup of your dog? Why is his fur in an odd pattern? Or why does your dog tilt her head before barking? You may dismiss these as odd quirks of your pet, but often it is their genetic makeup that gives them those little weird habits. If you are curious about your dog’s genetic makeup, you can get home a dog DNA test kit and find out everything about your pet’s family history, identity, and exact breed. Moreover, such tests are useful to know whether your dog is at the risk of any diseases in the future.

There are a number of dog DNA test kits available in the market. How to know which one is the best? Read on to know about some of the most popular dog DNA test kits preferred by many dog parents.

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit
This is one of the most popular dogs DNA test kits among pet owners with its highly detailed health screening, paternal and maternal tracing, and a high number of genetic markers. This test is known to be done in as much depth as the DNA test for humans are done. Moreover, this dog DNA test kit has got some of the best reviews on online retail websites like Amazon. The tests include examining for 256 quadrillion genes and for more than 200 dog breeds. Additionally, it also includes a test for detecting wolf or coyote genes. Furthermore, the tests will screen your dog for more than 160 diseases and known health issues of dogs. Embark has one of the most responsive customer services. The wait time for test results is 3-7 weeks. The price is around $199.

Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test
For dogs that are of mixed breeds, this is one of the most suitable dog DNA test kits for its biggest breed database. This kit tests for nearly 250 canine breeds, which is nearly 50 breeds more than other kits in the market. It also offers an optional genetic disease screening. This kit combines the traditional DNA test with a disease detection test. The test will screen a dog’s DNA for more than 150 common genetic health conditions in dogs. Moreover, it will also test whether a dog has wolf or coyote genes. The waiting period for test results is 2-3 weeks. The DNA test kit is available for about $80. If the Disease Detection kit is added, the price will be around $150.

HomeDNA Orivet Dog DNA Test and Life Plan
This dog DNA test kit is known to be perfect for new dog parents. It includes a life plan with a customized breed diet, playtime routine, and exercise plan. The HomeDNA Orivet Dog Test kit is known for providing the most overall information and for going past genetic information. The kit tests for more than 220 breeds. Moreover, it also offers a health screening that tests your dog for more than 100 genetic diseases. It also tests for the presence of wolf and coyote genes. The wait time of the test results is around 3 weeks. The price of this dog kit is around $125.