Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats
Pumpkin spice is anything but basic. Need proof? Just take a look at our Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats!
Gluten-Free Dog Treat Recipe
*Editor’s Note: Originally, we had posted this recipe as a grain-free do treat recipe, but had included gluten-free oats and rice flour in the recipe. We realize that these are considered grains and are gluten-free, so we’ve changed it to a gluten-free recipe. To make this grain-free, take out the rolled oats completely or substitute with 1 sweet potato, and use coconut flour instead of rice flour. Why Gluten-Free For Dogs?Gluten is a protein that is found in some cereal grains and wheat. But there are some gluten-free grains like corn, quinoa, rice and Amaranth Millet. Just like in humans, some dogs have gluten sensitivity and gluten-free treats are a nice way to give them some love.What are signs of a potential gluten sensitivity in dogs?If your dog does a lot of itching and scratching, particularly at his paws, he may be suffering from a gluten intolerance. Other signs of gluten intolerance in dogs include: Dull, poor coatRed, itchy pawsFrequent diarrheaWeight lossChronic ear infectionsConstant chewing or licking of pawsJust like you’d expect to do in human children, if your dog shows some of those symptoms, you’ll want to explore what happens if you go gluten-free with him. Long-term battling of gluten intolerance or allergy isn’t good for his dog gut. Good dog gut health is important to his overall immune system as a leaky gut will basically attack his own body. This can affect nutrient absorption and make it hard for him to thrive.How Do I Know If My Dog Has Gluten Intolerances?Your vet will likely want to rule any other issues out and will look for symptoms that accompany. They likely may run a blood test or look at a fecal sample to be sure nothing else is the issue and they may even want to to endoscopy if symptoms are severe. They will likely talk to you about allergy tests that can detect the difference between a true allergy and an insensitivity. It’s important to know the difference because an allergy could even be life-threatening.You could also do an elimination diet as you would with a human and that information can help you and your veterinarian decide what’s going on with your dog.I love making Oscar and the other office dogs homemade dog treats and was tickled when I came across this gluten-free dog treat recipe. I love that it’s made with simple, all-natural ingredients. Seriously, you would probably pay $10-$20 for these treats in an upscale dog boutique. But with this gluten-free dog treat, you’ll be going against the grain and making your dog a healthy and homemade treat that will save you big bucks.Gluten-Free Dog Treat RecipeMakes about 30-40 cookies1 banana, mashed1/2 cup of mashed blueberries3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter1 egg, beaten1 3/4 cup coconut/rice flour2/3 cup gluten free rolled oats1/3 cup of warm water1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix together the banana, blueberries, peanut butter and egg until completely combined. In a medium bowl, add the flour and rolled oats and mix. Add the wet and dry ingredients together and combine until the dough forms. If the mixture is too dry add a bit of water to moisten the dough.2. Roll out your dough onto a piece of coconut-floured wax paper (the dough is sticky and the flour will help). Roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut out using a cookie cutter. Place cut out cookies on a non-stick baking sheet.3. Bake cookies for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Take cookies out of the oven and let them cool.4. Ask your dog to sit or perform a trick and give him a treat!If you made these treat, we’d love to know how they turned out. You can post pictures on our Facebook page or leave a comment down below.
Pumpkin Molasses Dog Treat Recipe
Dashing through the kitchen… to get their paws on these delicious treats! Bake up a batch of our Pumpkin Molasses Dog Treats for the holidays.Want to make the holidays even warmer and happier? You should make our Pumpkin Molasses Dog Treats for the Santa Paws in your home! Molasses is a great sweetener that contains vitamin-B6, copper, iron, calcium, potassium, and other beneficial minerals. And for a digestive boost, pumpkin puree adds a festive flavor.Pumpkin Molasses Dog Treat RecipeMakes 25 cookiesIngredients
Gluten-Free Healthy Hearts Dog Treat Recipe
Happy Valentine’s Day! Your heart dog will love these healthy dog treats that are packed with ingredients that boast antioxidant super powers!Do you smell that? Is it love in air? No, wait – it’s our Gluten-Free Healthy Hearts Dog Treat Recipe that smells so good! These cookies serve two purposes: 1. To show your dog how much you love him this Valentine’s Day; and 2: To give his heart and body a little antioxidant boost.Blackberries are full of antioxidants to fight free radicals in your dog, while also providing lots of fiber and vitamins. Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, selenium, zinc, and iron, and are high in vitamins C, E, A and B. I also added a touch of crushed rosemary. To crush this dried spice, measure out the amount, place on cutting board, and lightly roll over with a rolling pin. It adds yet another layer of antioxidant power to these treats!Gluten-Free Healthy Hearts Dog Treat Recipe
Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Dog Treat Recipe
Yay – it’s apple season. We love apple pie, apple turnovers, apple crumble… well, you get the point. And we wanted to share our love of apples with our dogs. The Apple Cinnamon Dog Treat Recipe combines apples and a touch of cinnamon to give it the flavor of the season. And by using rice flour, it’s a gluten-free treat to boot!Apple Cinnamon Dog Treat RecipeMakes 30-40 cookiesIngredients3 cups rice flour1 cup gluten-free rolled oats1 teaspoon cinnamon2 eggs2 tablespoons olive oil1 cup of unsweetened apple sauce1/4 cup waterDirections:Preheat oven to 325°F.In a large bowl, combine rice flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, apple sauce/grated apple, eggs and oil. Mix well.Add water to make a stiff dough. Place on a lightly floured surface and knead well.Roll out to a thickness of 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch. Cut using your favorite cookie cutter and place on baking sheet.Bake for 30 minutes. Cool on racks and store in container to refrigerate.Let us know how your dog enjoyed these treats by leaving a comment down below. And if you’re using an apple, let us know what kind you used – all varieties are welcome.
Can I Teach A Cat Tricks?
Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.
Taters the Cat Streams From Deep Space for NASA
Cat playing with laser pointer is used by NASA to measure band-with between deep space and Earth.
Here is Why Pet Insurance Costs Are at an All-Time High
Many pet owners decide on getting pet insurance for their cat or dog as a way of ensuring their four-legged bestie can get the best help there is in time of need – even if the budget is tight. However, costs of pet insurance have been rising considerably in the United States, with some insurers experiencing rate increases of up to 20% and more, all in the past year. According to the latest insights by Consumer Reports, the average monthly cost of pet insurance is roughly $47 per pet, which can be a hit on some pet parents’ budgets.For example, users of Lemonade Insurance in California received a 22.9% rate increase, while Trupanion – one of the largest pet insurance companies – was authorized to increase premiums in New York up to 25%! In fact, Trupanion officials stated that they were working to raise the rates even more, all in order to offset inflation.It shouldn’t be a surprise to know that dogs represent up to 80% of all pet insurance policies, and they cost more to insure, compared to cats or other smaller pets. And with the costs soaring, owners are asking themselves where it all comes from – and so suddenly at that. But the increase might not be as sudden as we think. Pet insurance is regulated by state government agencies. And when they authorize a rise in insurer costs, there is often a gap period until the rise occurs. Companies need to seek approval to increase their prices, and the entire process takes time. And, of course, there is always an underlying reason for the increase. In the year behind us, insurers have been facing higher costs, which they are now trying to pass along to the customers. The main issue at hand is the rise of veterinary service prices, which are rising at an annual rate of 10.6%. According to the latest consumer price index, the rate far outpaces the overall inflation in the economy. But why are the veterinary cost prices on the rise? One of the main reasons is the recent COVID pandemic – it caused a real pet adoption boom, increasing the demand for veterinary services, resulting in higher labor costs, and so on. Still, not all insurance companies offer the exact same prices and packages. There are at least 20 pet insurance companies in the United States, allowing you a greater freedom of choice. You can always compare prices and conditions, finding the choice best suited for you and your family’s budget. You don’t have to settle for an expensive premium if there’s a better option out there!
Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America
If you are a dog owner in the United States, you have likely already seen the news reports about the mystery illness responsible for the deaths of several dogs, prompting veterinary professionals to caution pet parents about taking their pets out to public spaces. But we may finally be able to spot the light at the end of the tunnel… Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, reported that scientists have finally identified the cause of the illness. While this doesn’t mean that life for our dogs can return to normal immediately, it does mean that they are one step closer to finding a cure and moving past this nightmare. The research article has yet to be published, but the team is sharing their initial findings to provide hope for pet parents and the veterinary community. The pathogen responsible for the mystery respiratory illness is described as “a funky bacterium.” “It’s smaller than a normal bacterium in its size and in the size of its genome,” explained Needle. “Long story short, it’s a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence.” Searching for the cause of this illness wasn’t easy for researchers. Initially, there were no known bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, meaning they were searching blind. However, after testing 30 samples from New Hampshire, genetic material from an atypical bacterial species was discovered. The next step in understanding the cause of the illness and working towards a cure (and possible preventative) is to compare these findings to samples from dogs in other states to verify that it is, in fact, the same pathogen in all reported instances. States with possible cases of the disease include: CaliforniaColoradoFlorida Georgia IdahoIllinois IndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne challenge faced by veterinarians is the fact there is no test to confirm that all reported cases are, in fact, the same illness. What Are the Warning Signs?Common symptoms resemble respiratory infections like canine influenza and kennel cough, conditions usually seen in higher numbers at this time of year. Luckily for the human members of our family, there are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Veterinarians recommend watching out for the following symptoms: Coughing or sneezing WheezingDifficulty breathingNasal or eye dischargeDehydration Loss of appetite Weight loss FeverLethargyHow Can You Keep Your Dog Safe? Until a cure has been identified, dog parents are encouraged to focus on preventative measures. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current, protecting them against known respiratory problems. Avoid public spaces like dog parks, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments where dogs may be exposed to the illness. If you must go to a public space, steer clear of shared food and water dishes. Your dog will be just as happy to spend this time playing with you as they would with another dog!If you notice any signs of respiratory trouble or illness, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian to share your concerns and make an appointment.
The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet
Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma. Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Vegan Dogs and Cats? Maybe!
Pet food manufacturers have amped up the quality of the vegan options to meet industry standards for protein.
Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?
The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?
High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature:
Why Do Cats Try to Cover Their Food?
Has your cat ever pawed around her food dish, acting as though she wanted to cover the dish and whatever was in it, just like she’d move litter in her litter box? It turns out that this peculiar behavior is quite common amongst felines. But what’s it all about? Here are some of the reasons why a cat would try to cover her food.
Humans Are Getting Their Pets Sick – Here's What You Need To Know
Zoonosis are diseases that can be transmitted from other vertebrate animals to humans, such as rabies or Lyme disease, and has been around ever since we started domesticating animals. However, recent studies reveal that a new and lesser-known form of zoonose is becoming increasingly common: the reverse zoonose. This is the latest phenomenon, where disease can be transmitted from humans to their pets. Dr. Benjamin Anderson from the University of Florida was amongst the first to warn about the increase of reverse zoonoses. He said that more attention should be paid to disease transmission “in the opposite direction”, and that both pets and their owners can be threatened by it, especially when sharing close quarters with one another.“We’re starting to see a lot of examples of reverse zoonosis. Pets are more susceptible than, maybe, we previously thought,” he said. “Typically, the viruses that I will have as a human are not going to fit into the receptors that a dog or cat has.”This means that reverse zoonoses typically appear when a pathogen in humans mutates and then adapts to a new animal host. In the past, however, it was much rarer for this to happen, because humans and animals have a totally different biology.But now, the viruses like coronavirus or influenza have a much higher chance of cross-species transmission. This is mainly due to their RNA-based genetic material, which is more likely to mutate or have replication errors. According to Dr. Anderson, there are several diseases that have been documented to transmit from humans to their pets. These include COVID-19, tuberculosis, swine flu, dengue, human-norovirus, and other viral, fungal, parasitic, and bacterial infections.To make matters worse, the highest chances for this to happen is with pets such as dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets, as they have the most genetic similarity to humans, being mammals. “We have to first ask how the pathogen gets into those animals in the first place,” said Dr. Anderson for Phys.org. “The pathogen doesn’t develop out of thin air in animals before suddenly spilling over into humans. While pathogens certainly can move from animals to other animals and can be picked up from the environment, exposure to humans also plays an important role. It’s this constant back and forth exchange that happens over time, increasing the probability of a mutation taking place that allows the pathogen to infect a new host.”Dr. Anderson also noted the difficulty in tracking reverse zoonoses, as it is a big challenge to link the transmission of diseases between humans and animals. Because of this, Dr. Anderson advises pet owners to be cautious around pets, particularly if they are sick with communicable diseases, like COVID-19 or the flu. Maintain good hygiene around your pets, and avoid direct contact.
Why is My Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?
It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.
Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants?
All those in love with the fascinating world of aquatics know how sensitive and (sometimes) demanding pet fish and aquarium plants are. The aquarium plant life in particular can be very vulnerable, reacting to the smallest changes in the tank’s environment. Naturally, this begs the question: could adding salt to your tank potentially kill its plant life? Or is salt beneficial for your aquarium’s flora? These are the questions that need to be answered carefully, as there are different types of salt used, and not all have the same effects on the many different aquarium plants. Let’s dive deeper into the topic!Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants? Aquarium salt, when used properly, has many uses in an aquarium setting. It can help with certain issues like treating fish diseases and promoting electrolyte balance in fish. But what about plants? The key to using salt with aquarium plants is moderation and research. There are different types of salt on the market, so you should inquire about their properties and possible effects on fish and plants. Secondly, always use it in moderation. When used in the right amounts, salt can be beneficial. However, the excessive use of salt can be harmful to plants, as it can disrupt their osmotic balance and lead to dehydration or nutrient imbalances. In fact, put too much of it, and you can kill all the plants AND the fish in the tank!But what is the osmotic balance? Like all living organisms, plants maintain a delicate balance of water and salts within their cells. When exposed to high concentrations of salt, such as those found in aquarium salt products, plants can experience “osmotic stress”. This stress occurs because the salt outside the plant's roots creates a higher concentration of solutes in the soil than inside the plant cells. As a result, water is drawn out of the plant, leading to dehydration and potential damage – and even death.Excessive salt in the aquarium soil can also interfere with a plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients. Sodium ions, which are a component of salt, can compete with other positively charged ions like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that plants need for healthy growth. This competition can disrupt nutrient uptake and lead to deficiencies, even if those nutrients are present in the soil.Another confusing factor is that some aquarium plants are much more tolerant than others. Halophytes, for example, are plants that have evolved to thrive in saline environments and can withstand higher levels of salt in the soil and water. However, most freshwater aquarium plants are not adapted to high-salt conditions and can suffer greatly when aquarium salt is introduced to the tank. You should also consider the types of salt available. Sea salt, for example, is much different and more complex than ordinary table salt. It contains sodium chloride, and minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. As such, it is only suitable for use in aquariums that have marine fish and invertebrates, and plants naturally occurring in salt waters.
How to Clean Dog Diarrhea From Carpet
Sure, sharing your life with a dog is fun and your days are filled with love, but sometimes, it can get messy. Like, real messy. After all, even though we love them, dogs are not the neatest of animals out there (that title would go to kitties, I’m afraid). In the daily life of a dog owner, there is bound to be a bit of dirt, hair, and - inevitably, poop – to clean up after your pet. And as if picking up poop from the street after your pet wasn’t bad enough, sometimes accidents happen inside your home, and the messes are that much harder to clean. Especially when you’re dealing with diarrhea and not your regular ole poop situation. But even though it’s far from pleasant to clean up after, it’s not the end of the world if an accident happens. While it can be difficult to thoroughly clean dog diarrhea embedded in the carpet fibers, everything can be cleaned if you are persistent enough – and know how to approach the issue. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you clean dog diarrhea from carpet – stains and smell both.How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Carpet: Step by StepNow, keep in mind that cleaning dog diarrhea from a carpet can be a messy task, but it's important to clean it thoroughly and as quickly as possible to prevent lasting stains and lingering odors. Even if you are disgusted by the sight before you, it is necessary to keep at it until the job’s done. Someone has to do it, right? And we all know it ain’t gonna be your pooch.So, first things first, you’ll need to gather supplies. It is always good to have them handy and keep them stored in a secure cabinet. You never know when an accident can happen and they will be needed, so be sure to be stocked on pet-safe cleaning supplies (if you’re not already, now is a perfect time to pick up all of your basic necessities).
