Home remedies to prevent flea and tick infestations

Home remedies to prevent flea and tick infestations

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.
6 foods that are surprisingly bad for diabetics

6 foods that are surprisingly bad for diabetics

Diabetes is a condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It interferes with the body’s ability to process blood sugar, or blood glucose. Every single diabetes patient probably knows that they must eat healthy to maintain normal blood sugar levels. However, the problem is that many foods marketed as healthy and considered diabetes-friendly can actually cause a spike in blood sugar levels. In this article, we’ve listed foods many people don’t know are bad for diabetics. Brown rice When thinking of healthy rice, brown rice is the first thing that comes to many people’s minds. It is a whole grain that has the bran, germ, and endosperm intact. Indeed, brown rice is healthier than white rice, thanks to its rich fiber content. But it also contains a high amount of carbohydrates, which quickly break down into glucose, sending blood sugar levels soaring. Before making a brown rice recipe, it’s important to watch the portion size to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Dried fruits Many people have the habit of noshing on dry fruits. But these fruits, particularly raisins, are bad food choices for those with diabetes. When a fruit is dried, it loses all water, resulting in a higher concentration of its various nutrients, including sugar and carbohydrates. Raisins should particularly be avoided as they have more than four times the amount of carbohydrates as grapes. One should also avoid dried apricots, mangoes, and cranberries. Fresh berries and a small apple are a healthier alternative. Yogurt Yogurt is thought of as a healthy, digestion-boosting food. But that may be true only if it’s plain yogurt with no added sugar. However, most yogurt varieties sold in the market are fruit-flavored, meaning they’re loaded with sugar and carbohydrates. They are typically made from nonfat or low-fat milk, which is prepared by adding stabilizers, thickeners, and more sugar.
5 silent signs of skin cancer to watch out for

5 silent signs of skin cancer to watch out for

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in our country, with nearly 9,500 people diagnosed every day. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about one in five of our population is projected to develop the condition by the age of 70. But despite its prevalence, skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Some subtle and silent signs to keep an eye out for include: Translucent, waxy bumps Skin cancer can show up as a clear or skin-colored bump. According to doctors, a translucent, waxy bump could be a sign of early-stage basal or squamous cell skin cancer. This bump may never bleed, hurt, or cause other symptoms. Scaly patches If a dry patch does not go away even after moisturizing or using other treatments, it could be basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Scaly patches could also indicate seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Red or purple lesions Common skin lesions or lesions showing up as blue, purple, or red nodules could be a sign of a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. These bumps grow within a few weeks, often in areas that have received a lot of sun over the years. Another rare cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, may also develop as discolored skin. Although it starts in the blood vessels, it may result in red, purple, or brown tumors or patches on the skin. A dark band on the nail The emergence of a fairly defined vertical line with multiple shades from brown to black could be a sign of skin cancer. It may be a greater cause for concern if the band is more than 3 mm wide. Persistent bumps Sometimes, skin cancer cells may not be as obvious. One telltale sign of skin cancer is a bump that does not flatten or improve with time.
5 problems to watch out for while buying an RV

5 problems to watch out for while buying an RV

Recreational vehicles (RVs) have a lot of amenities, but they are expensive to buy and maintain. So, you must check it thoroughly before driving it home from the dealership, especially if considering a used or pre-owned model. Several issues, both mechanical and safety-related, make an RV unfit for purchase. If you spot any of these problems in an RV, avoid buying it and look for an alternative to ensure you get your money’s worth. Clogged AC filters While inspecting an RV before purchase, turn on its air conditioner and climate control system to evaluate the HVAC performance. If the cooling is below par, there is a chance that the vehicle’s AC filter has issues or damage. If the filter is clogged, the previous owner has likely not put in enough money or effort to maintain the vehicle. Although you can continue inspecting, such a vehicle is not worth buying as you may need to spend extra on AC maintenance. Damaged windshield Several states across the country prohibit driving RVs with a cracked or even mildly damaged windshield as it puts passengers at risk of injury. RV windshields are huge and, therefore, expensive to replace. So, carefully check the windshield before investing your hard-earned money into the vehicle. Pet odors within the RV Pet odors indicate the previous owner let their pet roam freely within the RV’s interiors. Since the distinct body smell of pets can be hard to get rid of, it is advisable to avoid purchasing the vehicle and look for other options. Mold growth Mold growth is another clear sign that an RV has not been maintained up to scratch by its previous owner. A lack of ventilation and climate control within the vehicle causes moisture to accumulate in corners, gradually leading to mold growth. Mold destroys wooden panels and furniture inside, rendering them unusable.
Watch out for these 5 warning signs of Parkinson’s disease

Watch out for these 5 warning signs of Parkinson’s disease

A debilitating neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease, affects the nervous system. It is generally observed among those above the age of 60 years. In some cases, people below 50 also develop an early onset of the disease. It is common among those with a family history of the condition. Over time, the effect on the nervous system becomes apparent through several symptoms. There are warning signs of Parkinson’s that should not be ignored, which can help seek diagnosis and treatment. Temors in the hands This is one of the most noticeable warning signs of Parkinson’s. It is also known as rhythmic shaking. The tremors or shaking start to occur in the limbs of the hands or fingers. Sometimes, there is a pill-rolling tremor that causes a person to rub their thumb and forefinger against each other. The handwriting grows smaller It is normal for handwriting to change with age. However, Parkinson’s causes a person’s handwriting to become smaller, making it illegible over time. The words appear crowded, or the lines are not straight. This condition caused by Parkinson’s is also known as micrographia. The movements become slow Parkinson’s progresses over time to cause a person’s movements to become slower. They start to walk slower than their regular speed. Also, their steps may get shorter than how it usually was. They start to drag or shuffle their feet while walking. Also, the patients struggle to get up after sitting down. Loss of smell With the onset of Parkinson’s, some people begin to lose their sense of smell. They are particularly unable to recognize the smells of certain foods. They also have trouble smelling licorice, bananas, or dill pickles. While this is a common symptom of a stuffy nose or cold, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s if it is experienced with other symptoms as well.
Top 10 best 2022 Black Friday smartphones offers to check out

Top 10 best 2022 Black Friday smartphones offers to check out

The past years have witnessed plenty of discounts on smartphones from big retailers and carriers. During the Black Friday sales period this year, you could save a considerable amount whether you are buying an Android or iOS device. Great incentives are expected to be offered for the best smartphones of 2022. Listed below are the best Black Friday smartphone offers of the past year, and similar deals are also expected this year. Apple iPhone 13 You could buy Apple’s newest phones starting at $799 from Verizon. When you trade in an eligible device and sign up for a Verizon unlimited plan, you can get up to $700 off. Another deal that might be available is from T-Mobile , where you trade in an eligible device and activate the T-Mobile Magenta Max plan to get up to $800 off. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is one of the trending smartphones of 2022. You could buy this Apple phone from Verizon and get up to $800 off. To avail of this deal, you’ll have to trade in an eligible device and sign up for a Verizon unlimited plan. Samsung Galaxy S22 AT&T could offer customers a chance to trade any Samsung Galaxy phone in any condition to get the Samsung Galaxy S22 for free. All you would need to do to get your new device is to choose an installment plan and upgrade to any of AT&T’s unlimited plans. Google Pixel 6 Last year, Google Pixel 6 was available at a discount of $100 and was priced at $499 during the Black Friday sale. It is rare to find a price cut right now as the demand for Google Pixel 6 is quite high. However, Verizon could offer Google Pixel 6 for a limited time at a deal.
10 exciting smartphone deals to expect during Cyber Monday 2022

10 exciting smartphone deals to expect during Cyber Monday 2022

Are you looking to save money this year by taking advantage of the best smartphone deals on Cyber Monday? If so, here is a helpful list of the top ten best smartphone deals from the previous year so that you can get an idea of the offers and discounts one can expect during this year’s Cyber Monday, scheduled for November 28. With these deals, you could make hefty savings and purchase other items you need. Apple iPhone 13 All new and existing users could get $800 with a trade-in on an eligible unlimited data plan at Verizon. It would be helpful if you were switching over from another carrier. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Apple offered a fabulous combination of deals on this phone. You could get free Apple AirPods Pro, or on switching to Visible, you would also be able to get a $100 gift card. One could use this gift card at many retailers. Apple iPhone 11 The best trade-in deals for the Apple iPhone 11 included a complimentary device with trade-ins. The gadget would likely be available for sale with similar captivating deals this year. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (128 GB) It was available at an excellent discounted price of $749.99 on Amazon. Originally priced at $999.99, it is a solid deal for a device with advanced features such as capable performance, outstanding display, and user-friendly cameras. It will be available in purple and silver color variants. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (128 GB) You could get this at the reduced price of $949.99 on Amazon. Originally priced at $1195.99, it is one of the most capable, sturdy, and robust mobiles with a big screen. It has a versatile camera system and many other valuable features. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 The foldable phone was available at a brilliant deal the previous year.
3 kitchen ingredients to fight fleas and ticks on dogs

3 kitchen ingredients to fight fleas and ticks on dogs

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. One of the recommended approaches involves creating a spray solution by diluting six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water, supplemented with some table salt. This will create the perfect mixture that one can spray onto the dog’s fur to get rid of parasites. Besides this, one can also mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with four cups of their dog’s drinking water. If the dog likes the taste of this, it can be an effective remedy to get rid of fleas from its fur. Baking soda with salt If a dog has fleas or ticks, there is a good chance that the pests have infested the house, too.
A quick look at the iPhone X series models

A quick look at the iPhone X series models

The iPhone brand has been the father of smartphones since its inception. The first iPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs in 2007, which changed the game for smartphones with its multi-touch and camera capabilities. Since then, there’s no stopping Apple. In 2017, on its 10th Anniversary, Apple revamped the game again with the introduction of the iPhone X. This revolutionary iPhone paved the way for subsequent future iPhones as well, let’s have a look.   iPhone X This was the first iPhone in which the Home Button was replaced by clever software gestures. It had a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge high-resolution OLED display panel a better notch-superior than the previous generation’s LCD panel. The advantage of OLED is that color reproduction is way better, and it is certainly more power-efficient than the past models. As for the security, Apple ditched Touch ID and replaced it with the new biometric, Face ID. The front selfie camera, that was embedded in the notch of the iPhone X, was an added style plus. It created a 3D model of the user and worked in low-light with an infrared camera. In this model, there were two camera sensors on the rear with one telephoto lens and one wide lens. It had an all-new stainless-steel frame that was much stronger than the previous aluminum one. The water-resistance and wireless charging capabilities only added to the superiority of the phone. However, great power comes at a greater price. Apple priced the iPhone X at around $999 and it was the Next Gen “premium” smartphone.   The successors In 2018, Apple introduced 3 new iPhones- iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and a fairly inexpensive iPhone XR.    iPhone Xs The Xs (Ten S) was primarily based on iPhone X’s legacy. It had the same edge-to-edge form factor, but as the name suggested, it was a mere ‘S’ upgrade.
Top tablet and laptop deals

Top tablet and laptop deals

Whether you are a professional graphic designer or simply want to read and edit documents on the go, tablets and lightweight laptops should be your choice as they are easier to work with on the go. Major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo offer this functionality with their amazing range of standalone and convertible systems. Listed below are some of the best deals that are trending. iPad Pro 2021 The all-new iPad Pro is a 5th generation tablet launched by Apple. The iPad Pro comes with two screen size options: 11-inch and 12.9-inch, both of which have a storage capacity of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Both iPads come with an upgraded chipset; the Apple M1 chip packs an 8-core CPU with a pair of 4 cores designated for performance and efficiency. It also has a 16-core neural engine for better processing and energy efficiency. The front camera is a 12MP TrueDepth Ultra-Wide one that is great for selfies and video calling. On the other hand, the rear camera system has a 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra-Wide camera, which is coupled with a LiDAR scanner for clearer photos and videos, even in low-light conditions. The iPad Pro 2021, with its Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connectivity, operates on the bandwidth of up to 40Gb/s on wired connections. The  iPad Pro is priced between $799 and $1099. MacBook Air M1 With Apple launching the latest M1 processor, students and working professionals looking to upgrade their MacBooks can certainly check out the latest laptop deal on Best Buy. With the membership scheme, students can enjoy $100 off on the retail price, which is over and above the existing $250 discount. The M1 MacBook air comes with a 256GB and 512GB storage capacity, both featuring 8GB of RAM for the same price. With this deal, you pay just $750 for the latest chip, best retina display, and stunning lightweight design that is the trademark feature of Apple.
6 jewelry pieces that are worth the investment

6 jewelry pieces that are worth the investment

Investing in precious jewelry pieces, like any long-term investment decision, requires a lot of thought and research. Here, one must choose pieces that stand the test of time and appreciate in value. However, with constantly changing trends, choosing the best pieces to invest in requires striking the right balance between personal taste and returns. To make it easier, here are a few of the most investable jewelry pieces one can purchase: 1. Luxury watches Luxury watches can be symbols of craftsmanship and prestige. If one is planning on investing in luxury watches, they must look for ones offered by renowned brands that combine precision engineering with timeless design. Luxury timepieces often appreciate over time, which makes them a valuable investment. 2. Necklaces Necklaces, which are crafted from precious metals like gold or silver, can also be good investments. Here, choosing designer necklaces that feature an intricate and innovative design can be a smart move. Investing in such necklaces is preferable, as their value may increase over time due to their rarity and timeless appeal. 3. Bracelets Similar to necklaces, one can also invest in bracelets made from precious metals and crafted by a popular designer. One can look for designer bracelets with distinctive designs and unique locking mechanisms, which make the jewelry stand out. These details not only enhance their visual appeal but also contribute to their potential as an investment. 4. Diamonds and other gemstones Investing in diamonds and other gemstones requires an understanding of their quality and rarity. When purchasing diamonds, one must be aware of the four Cs—carat, cut, clarity, and color. Colored gemstones, especially those with unique hues and exceptional quality, can also make for valuable investments, offering aesthetic appeal and lasting worth. 5. Cocktail rings Cocktail rings are sizable and attention-grabbing jewelry pieces known for their bold designs and large and unique gemstones at the center.
3 mistakes to avoid when buying a laptop

3 mistakes to avoid when buying a laptop

Most people depend highly on their laptops for various reasons, like using them for work, gaming, watching movies, and everything in between. For these reasons, choosing the right laptop is vital, as it must be compatible with what it is used for. For instance, buying a gaming laptop when one purely uses laptops for watching movies or working on Excel is a mistake. There are a few other mistakes, as mentioned below, that one can avoid: 1. Not testing it before buying Trying out a product before buying it is a must, especially if one plans to invest a substantial amount. It is always best to test out a product, in this case, a laptop, to understand how it works and whether it is easy to use. Those who are planning to buy a laptop online because they are getting a good deal should definitely visit a physical store and check out the laptop first before making a purchase online. This way, they make an informed decision and get to save quite a bit by buying online. Most stores always have a display or a trial piece that customers can test. 2. Assuming the product size and weight don’t matter It is very important to know how big or compact a laptop is, as users will have to carry it around. If the device one purchases is too bulky, one will find it difficult to carry it around or fit it into their backpack. On the flip side, a laptop should also not be too small, especially if one wants to use it for gaming, watching movies, or editing content. All of these activities are not enjoyable on a small screen. So, when purchasing a laptop, it is important to consider its bulk, size, and features. One can think of what tasks and activities they purchase to make a better decision.