As the warmer months approach, many pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for more time spent outdoors. However, with the great outdoors come unwanted pests like fleas and ticks, which can be a nuisance for humans and their furry companions. While chemical-based repellents are commonly used, there are natural alternatives that can help keep these pests at bay. One such alternative is using plants that naturally repel fleas and ticks. 1. Lavender Lavender is a natural flea and tick repellent. These insects are repelled by the strong fragrance of lavender, making them an excellent choice for gardens or indoor pots. Planting lavender in one’s garden or outdoor sitting areas can deter fleas and ticks from bothering inhabitants and their pets. 2. Rosemary This versatile herb acts as a natural pest repellent; its aromatic scent acts as a deterrent to fleas and ticks. One can plant rosemary in their garden or create a natural spray by boiling rosemary leaves and using the infused water as a pet-friendly flea and tick repellent. 3. Mint Like peppermint and spearmint, mint plants emit a strong scent that fleas and ticks find unpleasant. Planting mint around one’s garden or patio can help keep these pesky insects away.

Bully sticks, often touted as the ultimate chew-time companion for dogs, have secured their place as a beloved treat. These all-natural treats serve multiple needs in a little pup’s life. The primary purpose of bully sticks lies in satiating a dog’s instinctive need to chew. Chewing on bully sticks offers dogs a wholesome outlet for their energy and anxiety. Additionally, this gnawing action helps maintain healthy dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. 5 best bully sticks for little pups Pawstruck Bully Sticks One standout option for pups is the Pawstruck Bully Sticks, sourced from high-quality, free-range, grass-fed cattle. These single-ingredient treats contain no artificial additives or preservatives, ensuring a natural and healthy chewing experience. Available in various sizes, they cater to different breeds and chewing styles and are oven-baked to lock in flavor and nutrition. One of the reasons buyers prefer Pawstruck is because it is sold by weight instead of the number of sticks. This eliminates the problem caused by inconsistent sizing of the bully sticks. Nature Gnaws For those seeking an economical yet high-quality option, Nature Gnaws Natural Dog Chews fit the bill. Sourced from free-range, grass-fed cattle in South America, these treats are a single-ingredient delight with no added hormones, chemicals, or preservatives.

Pet parents wish the best for their pets. They strive to ensure their furry friends live a quality life by grooming them, buying them toys, and letting them move around the house freely. Some even feed their pets snacks from their own plate to keep them happy. However, one must note that not every human food is safe for animals. Here are six everyday foods that can be toxic to pets. Chocolates Chocolates are a popular treat in almost every household. Many love indulging in chocolate bars and other recipes containing chocolates, such as brownies and cookies. While these are safe for humans, they are highly unsuitable for dogs and cats. Chocolates contain a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to them. Consuming even small amounts of chocolate can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and, in severe cases, death in pets. Caffeine Like theobromine, caffeine is toxic to cats and dogs. It’s commonly found in beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas. Ingesting caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, seizures, and, in severe cases, death. Hence, one must keep caffeinated products away from pets. Avocados Although a superfood for humans, avocados are toxic to birds and cattle.

Having a pet is an incredibly rewarding and heartwarming experience, but caring for them isn’t easy. It requires a lot of involvement, whether it is in the form of time, attention, or resources. A pet’s health and happiness depend on many factors, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, preventive measures, mental stimulation, a loving environment, and more. However, some mistakes that pet parents make may compromise their pet’s health and well-being. Ignoring fleas and ticks Pet parents often make the mistake of ignoring minor fleas and ticks, thinking that they will go away on their own. But fleas and ticks are pests that not only cause pets discomfort but also put them at risk of developing infections, skin irritation, and other diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. So, one should regularly check for signs of these pests and use measures like flea collars and treatments, especially during warmer months, to ensure optimal pet health. Not paying attention to oral hygiene Pets may not necessarily need brushing and flossing daily as humans do, but they require a certain level of dental care. Poor oral hygiene can cause tartar buildup, gum disease, or heart or kidney issues. While brushing a pet’s teeth is the best option to maintain their oral hygiene, chewable toys like chewables by PetSmart, especially for dogs, are also an option.

Fleas and ticks are parasites that cause discomfort and health risks to dogs and nuisance to pet owners. While commercial products are available to help fight these parasites, some people opt for repellants made of kitchen ingredients that are commonly available and have properties that help eliminate fleas and ticks effectively.  These products do not include harmful chemicals. They also suit individuals who are concerned about the environmental impact of alternative pest control techniques. Lemon juice Lemon juice is one of the most effective kitchen ingredients for fighting fleas and ticks. There are two ways in which one can use this common kitchen ingredient for this purpose. Firstly, one can prepare a bath for their dog with diluted lemon juice. For this, combine two cups of water with half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. One can then add their dog’s regular shampoo to the mix, which will create the perfect bath to eliminate fleas and ticks. Another way to use lemon juice is to dip the dog’s comb into fresh lemon juice and run it through their fur. Apple cider vinegar One can also make use of apple cider vinegar in multiple ways to eliminate fleas and ticks.