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  • For many dog owners, a common practice may be to feed their dogs human food. In many cases this can be detrimental to your pet’s health and wellness. Some foods can contribute to pet obesity, allergies, diabetes, and others may be downright toxic. For pet owners who can’t resist those “puppy dog eyes”, here is a list of common foods to avoid at all cost because they are toxic to dogs:

    1. Raw eggs

    Just like with humans, dogs face the risk of contracting Salmonella if they eat raw eggs. Cooked eggs can be beneficial for dogs, and can provide them a source of vitamins and protein, but feeding them a raw egg leads to the potential for Salmonella for the dog.

    2. Chocolate and caffeine

    Dogs along with most pets are more sensitive to caffeine than humans. While a little tiny bit, such as one or two laps of it won’t often be enough to cause much harm, a lot of caffeine ingestion is enough to poison most animals and can even kill small dogs. Chocolate also puts dogs, especially small dogs, at risk for chocolate poisoning. Just like caffeine, chocolate can be poison to most dogs, especially in big, solid amounts.

    3. Grapes and raisins

    Most dogs cannot ingest grapes or raisins. While a small amount might just make a dog sick, it has recently been discovered that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure and can be fatal.

    4. Onions and garlic

    Even a minor ingestion of onions and garlic along with the rest of the allium family that these two foods fall into can be toxic to dogs. Studies show that dogs that take in more than .5% of their body weight, ingesting these foods is toxic enough to be fatal. Japanese breeds such as the Shiba Inu are more sensitive to onions and garlic in comparison to other dog breeds.

    5. Raw meat with bones

    Dogs will often want meat from you when you’re eating it. Just like with humans, raw meat can be toxic to dogs, and there are certain bones that you should not give your dog. If they like to chew on bones, give them pork or rib bones, both of which can crack and are smaller and are less likely to get stuck in a dog’s throat.

    While these are not the only toxic foods for dogs out there, these are the most common ones, and the ones to watch out for because they may be fatal. If you’re unsure what to feed your dog, talk to your veterinarian about healthy dog foods and ask for a recommendation to order prescription dog food online. Also, if you want to continue to give your dogs treats, it might be better to steer clear of table scraps in favor of healthy dog treats.

  • Any procedure to lighten the color of your teeth is called teeth whitening. The process can be done by a medical professional or by using natural products at home. The medical procedure may give faster results due to the bleaching chemicals used alongside heat or laser treatment. 

    Whitening your teeth at home is also effective when you are consistent and patient about it. Some ways to whiten your teeth are listed below:

    1. Whitening toothpaste

    Whitening paste is made with chemicals that can dissolve stains to give you the result you desire. Using whitening toothpaste to lighten your teeth’s color is something helpful as results are guaranteed to be seen after a short period. They are several brands of whitening paste that you can use. You have to find the best toothpaste for healthy teeth and gingivitis gums to prevent any harm. It is essential to use toothpaste that is from a reputable brand. It is beneficial to consider this solution since you will get results within a short time.

    2. Oil pulling

    Oil pulling is safe and advisable to try when you want to lighten your teeth. Various people have applied the solution and got the best results. It is the process of using oil as a mouthwash by swishing it in your mouth. Commonly used oils for this process is coconut oil and extra virgin oil. Take a tablespoon of oil and use it as a mouthwash for about 20 minutes. After twenty minutes, you can spit the oil and brush your teeth. It is believed that you can get rid of harmful bacteria and whiten your teeth simultaneously. The process helps whiten your teeth and make them healthier by avoiding bad breath, gingivitis, and other teeth issues.

    3. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

    Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common homemade teeth whitening solutions. Baking soda has products that help remove stains from the teeth, and hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleach. The two products can be found with ease at home, making them convenient for anyone. Make a paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. You can add water to your past if the need arises. Use the paste to brush your teeth consistently for you to see a difference. The two products are harmless, and it is safe to use them on your teeth.

    4. White strips

    White strips make it easy for you to whiten your teeth at home easily, similar to using the best at home teeth straightening aligner. They contain products used by professional dentists while doing in-office teeth whitening procedure, making it easy to remove stains. The strips remove surface stains and penetrate to the tooth enamel giving whiter teeth. Using whitening strips is easy, and they are affordable, making them a good option for an at home teeth whitening solution.

    5. Avoid drinks that stain

    Some drinks cause serious stains to your teeth, (i.e. coffee, juice, wine, etc.). To get whiter teeth, you need to avoid drinks that stain because they make it hard for your teeth to get the color you desire. You can reduce the drinks if stopping is hard to help eliminate the stains on your teeth. You will see a noticeable difference when you stop consuming these drinks.

  • Although it may be tempting to provide our cat companions with a treat that we love to indulge in, giving cats human food does more harm than good. It can lead to pet obesity, because cats don’t need to consume as much food as we do. You could make your cat ill if they have a food allergy and allergic response to the human food you have given them. 
    The best cat food is made from wholesome ingredients. A lot of cat owners recommend Iams cat foods. Here are five human foods that are toxic and unsafe for cats

    1. Onions and garlic
    Onions and garlic are extremely toxic for cats. They can destroy a cat’s red blood cells because of the disulfide and thiosulphate compounds present in them. They can also cause damage and failure in their organs. If consumed a cat may become weak and develop symptoms of toxicity, like vomiting

    2. Grapes and raisins
    Though there is no current knowledge as to why, grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in cats. They can make a cat very ill. Symptoms that may follow if these foods are consumed include: diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting

    3. Raw eggs and raw meat and bones
    Raw meat and eggs are known to cause salmonella poisoning if consumed, and that is still true for cats. It can also damage and affect the coat and skin of your cat companion if consumed. Bones should be avoided because they can damage a cat’s teeth and may cause them to choke if consumed

    4. Chocolate
    Though chocolate is known as a sweet treat, it is deadly for cats. The theobromine and caffeine that is present in this food is very toxic to cats and should be avoided. It can cause your cat to fall ill and develop symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and a high temperature. Though dark chocolate is known to be the worst kind for your cat to consume, all kinds of chocolate should be completely avoided

    5. Caffeine
    Caffeine is a very toxic chemical for cats and is present in cocoa products as well. Cats are very sensitive to this toxic chemical and it wouldn’t take very much for them to begin to feel ill, and develop signs of toxicity. Some of the symptoms of poisoning include seizures and tremors in cats

    Though it may be tempting to give your cat a treat, please keep in mind that human food can be extremely toxic to your cat companion and should be avoided. It may feel as though you’re rewarding your cat, but in fact, you’re harming them instead.

  • Generally speaking, feeding human foods to dogs is ill-advised. Certain foods can be toxic for dogs and cause a severe reaction, while also making it hard to maintain a healthy weight. However, there are certain human foods that are safe for dogs depending on their preparation and absence of spices. Veterinarians agree that dogs can safely eat the following human foods:

    1. Green beans
    This is a food you don’t have to be concerned about when your kids “accidentally” drop them on the floor during dinner. Try to keep them plain rather than any added salt or spices, as the additives can be harmful, but green beans can be a nice healthy snack if your dog likes them. If you’re adventurous you can blend them along with some of our later mentioned vegetables to make a nice addition to your dog’s dry food meal

    2. Cucumber
    Cucumbers offer a wide range of nutrition while being a low-calorie snack, which makes them great for dogs who could stand to lose a bit of weight. Being such a benign food cucumbers are a great inclusion in creating a diet with dog food for dogs with allergies and sensitive skin. They can also be good for added hydration and soft enough to hide medication if you have a stubborn dog who needs to take his pill

    3. Carrots
    Carrots make a nice, healthy add-in to meals or just a quick snack. They make a good option for dogs’ natural chewing instinct. Given the prevalence of vitamins and nutrients, they are a key ingredient in several well-regarded wet dog foods. You’ll want to be careful of them as a choking hazard so it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces or boil them to soften them up

    4. Peanut butter
    This is an absolute favorite among dogs. Most dogs will take peanut butter like it is one of their favorite snacks (maybe not quite as rapidly as they react to a meat snack, but you’ll get a lot of enthusiasm). So feel secure in letting your dog eat a bit off a spoon or with one of our aforementioned vegetables for a tasty crunch. You can even make your dog peamutt butter biscuits for some of the most healthy dog treats your pup will ever eat. Be advised to use natural peanut butter or peanut butter without added salt or sugar for pups.

    5. Broccoli
    Dogs can obtain a lot of vitamins from broccoli but preparation is important for how they are fed the vegetable. The stems contain a high concentration of isothiocyanate which can cause an upset stomach in dogs. So cut off the stems and feed your pup the heads and they’re on their way to happy and healthy. Check-in with your veterinarian if you have any uncertainty about modifying your dog’s diet, especially with a vegetable like this that can have an adverse effect on some dogs

  • Buying a mattress may seem like an easy and stress-free undertaking. However, to buy a mattress that’s both comfortable and supportive to your sleep needs requires devotion, knowledge, and commitment. The wrong mattress could result in back, shoulder, hip or neck pain. Plus, your choice in mattress could wreak havoc on your sleep schedule and interfere with both physical and mental health. 
    Here are some critical tips to help you buy the best mattress

    1. Consult with your healthcare provider 
    Chronic neck and low back pain affect many people globally. Ask your health care provider about the mattress that you intend to purchase. Your doctor already knows your health concerns and can advise you accordingly on what to look for in a mattress that offers you a neutral position, or support for specific pain issues, while lying down to sleep. Notably, a good mattress will offer spinal cord alignment. And your doctor can provide insight based on your medical history

    2. Visit multiple mattress stores
    While many stores promise to deliver the best mattress, you need to commit time and resources to visit these shops in person to actually test out their products. Spend as much time as possible testing out mattresses before a purchase. Spend some time lying down in the positions you sleep in, preferably for about ten minutes to see if pain or discomfort occur.

    3. Recommendations/ Referrals
    Online platforms are becoming a common facet today, and embracing this technology is vital. Take your time to ask for recommendations on social media and other resourceful platforms. However, as you ask for recommendations, make your health conditions known since some individuals might be dealing with such conditions, and their choice of the mattress could help you as well

    4. Read online reviews
    Devote some time to reading reviews from real customers who will offer positive and negative reviews depending on their satisfaction levels. Checking for unbiased reviews will help you get the right mattress beyond the manufacturer’s website.

    5. Know different mattress types 
    When planning to purchase a mattress, familiarize yourself with the types of mattresses available. Learn about different mattress types like plush, hybrid, and firm. Plush mattresses are softer, and so your body sinks into the top deeper than firm mattresses. A hybrid mattress offers a mix between firm support and plush comfort. Consultation with a sales representative at a mattress store who can recommend mattress types based on your sleeping position (i.e., stomach, side, or back). In many cases, back pain issues can be attributed to the wrong mattress choice

    6. Consider adjustable beds
    Getting an adjustable bed may be critical to improved sleep, particularly if you sleep with a partner with different sleep needs than you. Additionally, investing in a smart bed mattress gives you each control over your slumber positions. For instance, the top rated Sleep Number 360 mattress intelligently senses your every shift or move during sleep and adjusts the mattress for firmness, comfort and support

  • An allergy can be described as the state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity to an allergen. Dog allergies, especially food allergy, can be from different types of food. The exposure of dogs to an allergen will trigger an immune system response, which protects the dog against danger. This reaction may appear in symptoms such as itching, hives or skin rash, inflamed skin, runny nose and eyes, skin redness, and in some cases may affect the respiratory system. 

    Common sources of dog food allergies are:

    1. Beef
    Beef is a common food allergen that causes allergy in dogs and can cause uncomfortable skin disorders and chronic conditions. Besides, it may also cause breathing problems, indigestion and also ear infection. This is caused by an abnormal high defensive response to proteins. If your dog has beef or lamb allergy, it may be affected negatively in different ways. In young dogs, it may cause stunted growth. Other effects are diarrhea, paw biting, chronic ear infection, and obsessive licking. Above all, it causes irritation and discomfort to the dog.

    2. Dairy
    Dairy is one of the number one food intolerances in dogs. This means that most dogs have difficulties in milk digestion. Some of them react adversely to milk as a result of intolerance to lactose. Signs of milk allergy in dogs can range from mild to severe. These signs include wheezing, vomiting hives and also digestive problems. The most dangerous reaction about this allergy is anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

    3. Eggs
    Eggs yolk may cause some discomfort and severe effects on a dog. The effect of egg yolk is that dogs can experience itchy and inflamed skin. In addition, it can cause chronic conditions such as ear infections, gas and wheezing. At times it can cause anaphylactic shock to the dog. Dogs that are mostly affected are those that have shown allergies to other types of foods. Egg yolk is ranked top among dogs’ food allergens.

    4. Soy
    Soy allergy is a type of an allergy whereby a dog’s body treats soy protein as allergens. This allergen causes hypertensive reactions that result in itching, and stress to your pet. This condition cannot be treated, but it can be managed by diet control to minimize symptoms exposure. This allergy causes discomfort and stress to the dog. You can detect soy allergies if your dog has symptoms like self-trauma, vomiting, and diarrhea, excessive licking leading to hair loss.

    5. Fish
    Most dogs react to other sources of proteins like beef and chicken more than they react to fish. This has resulted in more people opting to feed their dogs on fish as a source of protein. However, we still have some dogs that react to fish proteins. Dogs with fish allergy tend to scratch constantly, licking, or getting ear infections repeatedly. When you detect fish allergy when withdrawn from the diet, it recovers smoothly. This type of allergy causes discomfort to your dog and always looks irritated.

    These are the most common types of food allergens in pets. If you detect any sign of an allergy to your dog, you should seek out the advice of a veterinarian immediately. Some cases may be severe, causing stress to the dog and even anaphylactic shock. 

  • The ketogenic diet is a very low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high-fat diet. With the controversy of carbohydrates being the preferred source of body energy, the food contains a deficient percentage of carbohydrates. By taking this diet, the body goes into ketosis whereby the body breaks down already stored fat in the body into ketosis used to yield body energy. Being on a ketogenic diet is beneficial and helps in losing weight:

    1. Grains
    All kinds of grains from cereals to rice to pasta to beer made from grains are prohibited for anyone on a strict ketogenic diet. These grains contain a very high amount of carbohydrates, which is strictly unhealthy for partakers of the food. For lovers of these kinds of grains, they can opt to take in spiralized vegetable and shirataki noodles, which are low-carbohydrate options that are quite healthy.

    2. Starchy vegetables
    Starchy vegetables include corn, all kinds of potatoes, and beet vegetables and are strictly unhealthy and hence prohibited for one on a ketogenic diet. They have a very high content of digestible carbohydrates and should be cut down. Also, high-sugar fruits like mangoes should be limited in their intake as they greatly spike the body sugar level. For healthy options, one is advised to have high-fiber and low-carbohydrate fruits and vegetables. Shark tank keto pills are also a proper prescription for those on a ketogenic diet.

    3. Juice
    All kinds of juice, under the fruit juice category, naturally made from the chemically made juice, are strictly unadvised for intake for one on a ketogenic diet. They have very fast-digesting carbohydrates that raise your blood sugar level and come along with many diseases like diabetes, which can be fatal in its effects. Ketogenic diet takers are highly advised to stick to water, while shark tank keto pills are also recommended.

    4. Honey, sugar or sugar
    Any form of honey, syrup, or even sugar, whether naturally or in food substances, is generally advised against as they have deficient useful nutrients but a very high carbohydrate level. For ketosis to effectively, any forms of honey, syrup, and sugar should not be limited in their intake but should be avoided. They are wholly unhealthy and unbeneficial to your own body. A consideration of keto on shark tank pills may also be considered.

    5. Chips and crackers
    All kinds of processed food and grain-based manufactured foods should be avoided on a ketogenic diet sample, and they include chips and crackers. This is because they are quite unhealthy. After all, they contain very high carbohydrate content and less fiber. Alternative options to be considered should be medically sought to include high fiber and low carbohydrate foods under processed and grain-based foods. Also, keto on shark tank pills may be found.

    A ketogenic diet has been observed to be vital as it is used to help prevent and cure neurological conditions, blood sugar conditions, and help in losing body weight. Keto flu may fall as a consequence of being on a ketogenic diet for almost a week, but the good thing is that it can be dealt with by taking a glass of water once its symptoms start. Keto flu is just a mild condition and disappears once one is used to a ketogenic diet.

  • Many factors can contribute to aging of skin, even for men, including genetics, sun exposure, harsh weather, lack of essential nutrients, stress, and bad habits, such as smoking. Each of these factors can adversely affect the skin via its own mechanism of action, leading to signs of aging of the skin, such as wrinkles, crow’s feet, fine lines, aging and sun spots, rough appearance, lack of elasticity, and in severe cases lesion formation.

    Naturally, as men grow older our skin changes and becomes rougher, more fragile, and less elastic, particularly with poor habits such as smoking, for example, which produces free radicals that damage cells and therefore lead to wrinkles. While exposure to sunlight is the most common culprit to aging of the skin as ultraviolet light damages the skin elastin, leading to saggy appearance due lack or loss of elasticity. Fortunately, technology has provided us with treatments to prevent and repair aging skin in these topical creams and serums:

    1. Truth Serum by Ole Henriksen
    Truth Serum by Ole Henriksen is formulated with powerful ingredients of vitamin C, collagen, aloe, and tea extracts to help brighten the skin and reverse signs of aging. This product is one of the best collagen eye cream and is ideal for all skin types and its mechanism of action is geared toward battling dryness, which is a major factor in appearance of wrinkles, and restoring firmness and elasticity while evening skin texture.

    2. Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Serum 10
    Vichy laboratories line is known for using a proprietary ingredient of volcanic water in their products sourced from the Auvergne region and packed with 15 essential minerals to strengthen skin natural defenses while hydrating and soothing the skin. Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Serum 10 is an anti-wrinkle face serum that is very hydrating with its ingredient of hyaluronic acid. This serum is aimed at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and they promise visible results in as little as 10 days.

    3. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
    Are you busy in the morning and looking for an affordable but effective serum that you can use at nighttime to fight off signs of skin aging while you sleep? Look no more! Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery face oil is the right choice. This light-weight face oil is formulated with natural and calming ingredients such as lavender oil, primrose oil, and squalene, which is derived from olives, that are ready to replenish your skin to make it appear more radiant. These key ingredients are known to help reduce fine lines by smoothing and refining the skin texture. Complete this nighttime routine with Kiehl’s best under eye cream for dark circles and wrinkles.

    4. La Prairie Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster
    Want fast anti-aging skin results? La Prairie of Switzerland launched its line-correcting serum that is meant to fight signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines in a short period of time and minimize the look of skin imperfections. La Prairie promises that their product will provide intense hydration and visible results in 15 days. This luxurious product is La Prairie’s most accelerated wrinkle serum yet but it can be a bit pricey.

    5. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate
    Last but not least, we present the Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate by Estee Lauder which deserves major attention. This highly-rated serum is a breakthrough overnight treatment that has left many customers in awe. This product is formulated with Chronolux, which supposedly can “reset” the look of the skin in a short period of time. This product is also superb at providing immense hydration via its star ingredient of potent and concentrated hyaluronic acid. This product is also packed with antioxidants and promises to soothe, fortify, and restore the skin to deliver improved appearance of the skin in as little as 1 hour.

    All the aforementioned products have key and powerful ingredients that have been shown to help fight the appearance of aging skin. When picking a product, it is important to take into consideration several factors, such as skin type, personal goals, and cost. It is refreshing to learn that there are many products being developed that are tailored to the diverse population. Hopefully this article has helped you choose the right product for you.

  • It is expected that every adult of working age will file a return annually, and many choose the convenience of e-filing their taxes online. It is also likely that there will be many errors made by tax filers during the process. Every mistake identified by tax professionals has varying consequences, so it is essential to avoid them. The mistakes may be due to changes that are made to the tax law, missed tax credits, or mistakes concerning personal information, but checking your return against the following list of common errors helps to avoid common mistakes before sending your return. 

    This article will focus on the common tax filing mistakes that may be avoided:

    1. Using the incorrect filing status 

    The filing status is very significant in the filing of tax returns. In a case where a mistake like choosing the status to be the head of the household rather than single the error will result in more deductions. The mistake should also be avoided as changing the status after filing the return will mean online return filing and emended paper return. The status also disqualifies the person from some deductions and credits.

    2. Entering incorrect information

    Wrong information entered is common and may result in your tax return being rejected, especially if your filing taxes online. These electronic tax return systems often detect incorrect information like a social security number or a misspelled name. The tax software system, however, detects only the information that does not match with the information already in the system. It is vitally important to check and avoid the mistake at all costs because some details like the bank account can only be detected after being rejected by the bank. The error can only be corrected approximately seven weeks later,which will delay your return and any return payment due.

    3. Forgetting to file a return

    This is the mistake that most people tend to repeat. Not filing a return may occur because an individual does not earn enough income or due to age. Some tax professionals, however, advise that everyone should make sure they are e-filing taxes online because there may be a refundable credit to be claimed. So even if your income is low or you’re unemployed, you should still file a yearly return.

    4. Missing a new credit introduced by the tax law

    Many people are not aware of the new credits that may be introduced every single year. With the help of a tax professional, like H&R Block, or a personal accountant, you may take advantage of all the tax refund credits available to you that tax year. For example, tax credits may include education credits or valuable credits for those who do not earn a lot of income due to unemployment or a partner being on maternity leave.