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8 clear signs of tick bites in pets

8 clear signs of tick bites in pets

Tick bites can be a severe problem for our furry friends, leading to discomfort and health issues if left untreated. Since ticks are known to carry diseases and infections, pet owners have a moral responsibility to learn to identify the signs and symptoms of a tick bite on their pets. In this article, one can find the common signs of tick bites in furry companions for timely treatment and tips to prevent serious complications.

Common signs that a tick may have bitten a pet
Tick bites are commonly seen in pets that spend much time outdoors. However, indoor pets can be at risk if people or other pets who have spent time outdoors bring ticks inside the house. Whether the pet spends most of their time indoors or outdoors, it is important to be aware of the common signs of tick bites and watch out for them.

Tick fever
This is one of the most common signs that a tick may have bitten a pet. A tick bite can trigger a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or more.

Lethargy
Episodes of deficient energy levels generally follow tick bites. As a result, the pet will experience severe lethargy. They are unwilling to engage in activities or do not respond in their usual, energetic way.

Mobility changes
If an infected tick has bitten a pet, it may be at risk of Lyme disease. Changes in a pet’s mobility usually precede this condition. It happens due to the inflammation caused by the bite of an infected tick. As a result, the joints are affected, leading to a lot of discomfort. So, the pet cannot move comfortably, resulting in mobility changes. In some cases, the discomfort may be tremendously high that the affected area may appear numb.

Diarrhea and vomiting
It’s essential to be aware of two symptoms that could indicate a pet has been exposed to ticks. These symptoms can occur for various reasons, not just tick bites. However, if your pet has recently been in areas where ticks are common, such as wooded trails, dense vegetation, or areas with long grasses, it’s essential to watch for these signs.

Licking, scratching, or chewing
A pet bitten by a tick spends most of their time scratching, chewing, or licking a specific body area. They do this to relieve itching and inflammation in the bitten area.

Skin bumps
If one suspects a tick has bitten their pet, it is important to check their skin for bumps. These usually appear as crusty spots or scabs on the skin. Sometimes, the bumps may be red spots or look like bullseye-shaped red circles.

Low appetite
This is another symptom that may occur due to other health reasons and not due to tick bites. If your pet shows signs of a tick bite, such as loss of appetite, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. Due to their decreased appetite, they may refuse their regular meals and show no interest in their favorite treats.

Paralysis
Certain types of ticks release toxins into the host after biting. These toxins cause paralysis, which is usually temporary. It lasts a few hours after the tick is removed from the pet. However, it can be fatal if toxins enter the diaphragm or the lungs.

How to treat tick bites
One can do a few things immediately after spotting a tick bite on their pet. If these steps do not help, seeking immediate medical attention at the nearest vet’s clinic is best.

  • Examine the extent of the bite : The bitten area or any embedded ticks must be checked. If the tick has fallen off, the area will appear red or inflamed.
  • Remove the tick : If it is still embedded in the pet’s skin, removing it carefully using fine-tip tweezers is important. It must be removed straight from the skin using a firm and gentle grip.
  • Clean up the infected skin: Once the tick has been removed, use a pet-friendly antiseptic to clean the infected area. This will ensure all the infection-causing germs are killed off.
  • Monitor the pet for any symptoms: Keep a watch on it to see whether it exhibits any tick bite symptoms. Some symptoms may occur after two weeks. So it helps to be on guard for some time.
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6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don't season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat's fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements. Remember to cook the vegetables before feeding them. Pumpkin, squashes, zucchini, lettuce, green beans, broccoli, carrots, and peas are safe vegetables for your cat. Ideally, you can boil or steam them and serve them without adding seasoning. Avoid sharing portions of raw or uncooked salads from your plate. Meat Most cat food contains some protein as meat is crucial for their eyes, heart, and reproductive system. If you want to feed them meat you cook for yourself or your family, ensure it is cooked well. Avoid seasoned meat, or don't feed them pieces of meat from gravies or curries. Instead of seasoning, you can add spices like basil, cilantro, dill, rosemary, or thyme, which are safe for cats. Small portions of cooked beef, chicken, duck, and turkey are safe meat for cats. Lamb and pork may be fattening, and you can give small portions after trimming the fat. Avoid giving too much organ meat like liver and kidney. Fish Cats are prone to allergies and dry skin. Vets generally recommend omega-3-rich fish oils that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Fish can also help older cats that are prone to arthritis. Feeding your cats omega-3-rich fish can help them get a continuous supply of anti-inflammatory foods. The ideal fish you can feed your cats include tuna, herring, crab, and salmon. Avoid seasoning and also remove the bones. If your cat is used to canned or commercial food, they could choke on fish bones. Oatmeal Oats are a staple ingredient of many commercial cat food brands, and you can feed them to your cat occasionally. Presoak oats overnight, cook them well and mix them with water instead of milk. Don't add sugar or any topping that you may have with your oatmeal. You can also add a small portion of oatmeal to their regular food. If your cat has a previous history of gastrointestinal issues, avoid oatmeal as it can interfere with their digestion. Fruits As a pet parent, you may know that cats cannot distinguish sweet as a taste. You can give them fruits in moderation as treats or as a part of their meal. Sliced bananas, the flesh of watermelon without the rind or seeds, small amounts of strawberries, berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, small portions of apple, small slices of mangoes, cantaloupes, and pineapples without the rind or skin are all safe for cats. Always chop the fruit into bite-size pieces to prevent choking. Fruits are ideal as treats and not as a whole meal. Apart from human foods, here are some of the best cat-food brands that you can consider: Royal Canin Royal Canin offers a range of commercial wet and dry cat food and therapeutic food for specific health conditions. This brand also offers tailored nutrition, providing the exact requirement of vitamins, prebiotics, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that your cats require. Tailored nutrition is a unique concept that considers your cat's unique health needs, breed, and lifestyle, which is available for purebred cats and kittens. The brand also has age-specific food for kittens, adult, mature and senior cats. IAMS™ IAMS offers cat parents the choice of tailored nutrition for their cats based on their age, lifestyle, breed, and individual health issues. You can log in to the IAMS website and answer basic questions about your cat, and experts recommend the best product based on your cat's individual and unique needs. This brand is offering to cover the cost of your next vet appointment if you buy two bags of IAMS dry food. GREENIES™ Greenies offer Dental Treats, Pill Pockets, and Smartbites for cats in different flavors. Dental treats are available in chicken, tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors. Pill pockets are easy to use and available in salmon and chicken flavors. You can roll your cat's capsule in the pill pocket, hide it, and feed it to your cat without any fuss and strain for them. Smart bites are treats for your cat and are available in salmon, chicken, and tuna flavors.

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11 foods that should never be fed to dogs

For a dog parent, their beloved pooches are a source of joy and contentment. Thus, they leave no stone unturned to ensure their pets receive nutritious food and plenty of exercise. In addition to providing them with nutrient-rich foods, dog parents should also know about the hidden dangers of certain seemingly innocuous foods that dogs may ingest when they can access them. Here are 11 human foods that can be toxic to dogs: Grapes and raisins Grapes and raisins can be highly toxic to dogs, although the exact cause of their toxicity is unknown. Ingesting grapes or raisins, even in small quantities, can cause kidney failure and even death among dogs. Therefore, it is important to keep grapes and raisins out of a dog’s reach. Mushrooms Although only a few types of mushrooms are poisonous to dogs, the poisonous ones can prove lethal. Moreover, it is difficult to distinguish the harmful mushrooms from the safe ones. Hence, to err on the side of caution, it is advisable to avoid feeding mushrooms to dogs. Xylitol This artificial sweetener is increasingly used as a sugar substitute and is harmless to humans. However, even small quantities of xylitol are dangerous for dogs. In humans, this sweetener does not cause the pancreas to release insulin. However, it is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream in dogs, resulting in the release of insulin from the pancreas and causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), liver failure, seizures, and even death. Avocados Avocados are trending as a superfood among health-conscious circles, and for good reason. However, this nutritious fruit is harmful to dogs, as it contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can trigger diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems in dogs. It also increases their risk of developing pancreatitis. Onions Onions belong to the family of alliums, and it is one of the human foods that are entirely toxic for dogs. The vegetable can cause oxidative damage and prevent the supply of oxygen to different body organs. Moreover, it can damage the dog’s red blood cells and trigger anemia. Thus, all parts of the onion plant, including the bulbs, leaves, and flowers, as well as preparations containing onions, should be kept away from dogs. Garlic Similar to onions, garlic belongs to the allium family and can be highly toxic to dogs and other pets. In fact, studies have found that garlic is the most toxic of all plants belonging to the allium family. It can cause the rupture of red blood cells, prevent oxygen supply, and trigger anemia among dogs. Garlic ingestion may cause dogs to experience diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. Thus, all parts of a garlic plant should be stored out of reach of dogs. Rhubarb Commonly used in desserts, rhubarb contains soluble oxalate crystals, which, if consumed in large quantities, can cause severe toxicity among dogs and other pets, even leading to kidney failure. Therefore, dog owners should be careful to store rhubarb in a place that cannot be accessed by their canine companions. Chocolate Synonymous with celebration and cheer among humans, chocolate can be lethal to dogs, as it contains theobromine and caffeine. Both these elements can trigger serious problems, including central nervous system issues and heart diseases, among dogs. Moreover, the darker the chocolate, the more the quantity of theobromine it contains. Hence, dark chocolate is more poisonous than white chocolate to dogs. Nonetheless, it is best to avoid feeding any type of chocolate to dogs. Dog owners should also keep away other products containing chocolate or traces of cocoa, such as biscuits, cookies, and ice creams. Caffeinated beverages Caffeine is an absolute no-no for dogs, as it can trigger serious health hazards like arrhythmia, diarrhea, vomiting, and tremors. Therefore, all beverages containing caffeine, including tea, coffee, and energy drinks, should be kept away from dogs. Cherries Unfortunately, dogs cannot enjoy these sweet delights, as the different parts of the cherry plant contain cyanide, a harmful chemical that destroys tissues in dogs. Also, cherries may choke a dog, particularly a puppy, owing to their small sizes. Thus, pet owners should avoid feeding cherries in any form to their dogs. Raw meat Although there are fewer chances of dogs contracting salmonella infections than humans, contaminated raw meat may trigger severe digestion issues among dogs, including diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. However, since meat is a rich source of protein and other nutrients, it is a good idea to feed dogs boiled, unsalted, unseasoned meat.

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