Many people are concerned about the risks of feeding their dogs human food. This concern is not misplaced—there are many harmful foods for pets because of various health impacts, such as the risk of pet obesity, allergic reaction, and even pet toxicity that may lead to seizures and death. However, vet-approved human foods can be safely given as a supplemental treat alongside dog food. The safe foods for dogs to eat include the following: 1. Peanut butter Peanut butter is a good staple for any dog’s diet. It contains healthy fats and proteins, which are important for both human and dog bodies. Additionally, peanut butter is an excellent source of vitamin E, which helps protect the body from free radicals and has been shown to have anti-aging properties. It also contains niacin (which eases arthritis symptoms) and potassium (which supports muscle contraction and healthy blood pressure). 2. Broccoli Broccoli is also a healthy choice for your pet. A cup of broccoli has twice the amount of vitamin C as an orange, providing an added defense against disease. Broccoli also contains fiber, which helps keep your dog’s digestive system operating properly, and is an excellent source of sulforaphane, which may help prevent certain types of cancer 3.

Your cat is an important member of the family. However, unlike your husband or teenager, your beloved feline isn’t able to verbalize when they are feeling unwell, especially if your cat develops a chronic condition and shows subtle symptoms over time. Cats, as a survival instinct, also tend to hide their illness (as this protects them from predators in the wild). However, certain symptoms that last over time—such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and mobility issues—can indicate an existing health issue and even an emergency that needs immediate veterinary attention enough to prompt an in person or online vet appointment, or a reason to contact your pet insurance provider for more information: 1. Litterbox changes Changes in urination is a common sign that your cat may have an underlying health issue—including a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a problem with their kidney function. Look for and monitor your pet for any changes in urinary frequency and quantity, blood in urine, or urination outside of the litter box (did you recently change litters, try Clorox Fresh Step litter). An emergency arises when cats strain to pee but no urine is released. If this occurs, please bring your cat to a vet immediately.

Possessing an expressive nature, dogs utilize a variety of tactics to communicate their sentiments, thoughts, and desires. With Emotional Support Animals (ESA) online certification, pet owners can learn to discern these signals and meet their emotional support dogs’ needs effectively. When pet parents understand what their four-legged companions are trying to express, it helps in addressing their emotions, from hunger pangs to the need for a playful session, stress, or even annoyance. Essentially, being a good ‘babysitter for pets’ involves decoding these canine signals. Below, we delve into the fascinating world of canine communication: 1. Barking and Growling Barks and growls serve different purposes in a dog’s language, such as alerting you when they desire outdoor time or expressing surprise. The tone of their barks often reveals their mood, health state, and excitement level. Dogs may bark or growl to catch your attention, mark their territory, or express a need. 2. Gnawing When dogs chew items like furniture or rugs, they might be venting stress or boredom. However, when this behavior seems directed towards communication, it may signal frustration or discomfort, especially when personal belongings are destroyed. Some dogs chew objects to claim them, while others resort to this due to poor bladder control.