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4 human foods that are safe for cats
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4 human foods that are safe for cats

If you have pet cats at home and occasionally feed them from your plate, you must know which foods are safe for them. Cats can be greedy eaters, and irrespective of the cute faces they make at the dinner table, it’s best not to give them anything besides cat food until you’re a hundred percent sure. To help you, we’ve listed a few human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Salmon Cats love fish, and vets recommend feeding them fish-based cat foods. Most options are rich in omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish, in particular, like tuna, salmon, or mackerel, is excellent for their eyesight and joints. However, don’t feed your feline straight from the can; they might lick it too aggressively and cut their tongues. It’s best to provide them with cooked pieces that have no bones. Whole grains Grains are power-packed with nutrients and are healthy for both humans and cats. Oats, mainly, have lots of protein, but not many cats like it. Some cats prefer coarse food made from brown rice and cornmeal. If you’re not feeding your cat meat or fish, whole grains can be a good substitute. You can cook smaller grains like millet, couscous, or wheat berries at home.
5 human foods that are toxic for cats
pets

5 human foods that are toxic for cats

As a responsible pet parent, you do your best to ensure healthy nutrition and a happy environment for your cats. But it can be hard to resist feeding them a few tidbits off your own plate. However, there are certain human foods that should not be given to cats under any circumstances as they can prove to be life-threatening. Here are five foods that are an absolute no-no for kittens and cats. 5 human foods that are toxic for cats Chocolate Milk chocolate and dark chocolate, even in small quantities, can trigger vomiting and diarrhea among cats. Some felines may even experience a rapid increase in breathing rate and body temperature, in addition to the risk of seizures. Garlic and onions Both garlic and onions contain compounds that break down the red blood cells. These vegetables are harmful to cats in every form, be it raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated. If you notice shortness of breath and sudden weakness in your cats, it could be an anemic reaction. Raw eggs Raw eggs are loaded with millions of bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella. Even mild exposure to these pathogens causes vomiting, diarrhea, and increased fatigue. Eggs also contain an enzyme that destroys essential B vitamins and increases the risk of convulsions.
5 ways to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny
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5 ways to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny

Every pet parent wants their four-legged companion to have a lustrous coat of fur. Having a shiny coat isn’t just about looking pretty, the shein is a reflection of your dog’s good health. You don’t need to splurge on pet-friendly creams and lotions or put in a lot of time grooming your pet. Just following these simple tips can help ensure that your dog’s skin and coat are in the finest condition. Regular baths and brushing Giving you dog a bathing once or twice a month is enough. But keep in mind that using organic pet shampoos with natural ingredients is ideal. Additionally, brushing your dog every few days helps spread natural oils on their skin, producing a glossy and healthy coat. Feeding meals rich in fatty acids Omega-3s and 6s play crucial roles in maintaining a dog’s coat condition as well as overall health. Omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and lustrous coat while omega-3s fight inflammation and improve mood.  Coconut oil massages  Coconut oil is incredibly beneficial for the skin. Applying and massaging your dog’s skin with this oil will instantly moisturize their skin and make their coat shiny. Adding a few drops of coconut oil to your pet shampoo will give better results.
6 plants that are toxic to dogs
pets

6 plants that are toxic to dogs

Dogs love smelling things. They want to put their snout on anything that comes across their path, be it garbage on the sidewalk or blossoming flowers in a park or garden. While some things are downright disgusting, other items can be toxic to your dog’s health. Certain plants can cause diarrhea and other serious issues like liver damage. Hence, it’s important to keep your dog away from the plants mentioned below. Sago palms These popular indoor ornamental palms are found in warmer climates. Every part of this plant is toxic to your dog. If consumed, it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and seizures. Aloe vera Aloe vera is another common household plant grown mainly because of its many beneficial properties. However, its gooey gel contains some components that are toxic for dogs. It can cause lethargy, stomach problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. Elephant’s ear Elephant’s ear is a beautiful plant commonly found in warm climates. This plant can be harmful to dogs as it contains glass-like insoluble oxalate crystals, which can result in severe irritation, swelling in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Azaleas All parts of the azalea plant, including the flower, leaves, seeds, and  honey made from its nectar, are toxic to dogs.
DIY vinegar and baking soda sprays to get rid of fleas on pets
pets

DIY vinegar and baking soda sprays to get rid of fleas on pets

Summertime is here, and so are summer outings! Our pets love being outside, running around, playing fetch, or digging dirt. While the season is great for some outdoor activities, it is also the time when fleas and other parasites may attack your dogs and stick onto their coats. This flea infestation may become a bigger problem as it gets hotter and more humid. Here are some DIY flea sprays to get rid of these fleas. Apple cider vinegar This ingredient can be used in two ways. You can either spray the solution on your fur child’s coat or give it orally to your dog. If you would like to make a spray, just add around two to three tablespoons of it to a glass of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray it thoroughly on your pet’s fur. This remedy keeps the fleas at bay and your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it orally to your dog: For every 40 pounds of your dog’s weight, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to their water bowl. Repeat this process every time you refill their water bowl. Baking soda Take one-fourth cup of baking soda, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and five drops of peppermint oil before pouring two cups of warm water into this concoction.
Homemade lemon flea sprays to prevent fleas in dogs
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Homemade lemon flea sprays to prevent fleas in dogs

If you’ve been looking for natural ways to repel and kill fleas on your dog, you might already know that lemon is a crucial ingredient. The citrus fruit contains a compound called limonene, which has insecticidal properties and can keep fleas away from your furry friend. One of the most popular ways to use lemon against fleas is a lemon spray. We’ve shared two simple recipes to make a lemon flea spray for your dog. Basic lemon flea spray For this recipe, all you need is water and lemons. Boil a pint of water in a pot and add around ten slices of lemon to it. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture sit overnight for about 8 hours, and the solution will be ready! Remove the lemon slices and pour the solution into a spray bottle. You can spray this solution on your dog’s coat generously every day until they are flea-free. While spraying, avoid areas like your pet’s ears, genitals, and eyes. An excellent plus point of this lemon flea spray is that you can use it in all flea-infested areas in your home, such as your dog’s bed, your carpet, and your upholstery. Lemon flea spray with rosemary and sage This recipe is similar to the previous one, except you need to add two sprigs of rosemary and one sprig of garden sage while boiling the water.
7 plants that are toxic to cats
pets

7 plants that are toxic to cats

Cats are smart animals who are typically mindful of what they eat. But sometimes, seeds or pollen of a toxic plant get stuck in their fur or on their paws, and cats may ingest toxic substances while grooming themselves. To avoid this and keep your cat safe, all pet parents should take some time to learn the names of plants that are toxic to their health. Some of these plants are mentioned below. Peace lily (spathiphyllum) All its parts, including the leaves, roots, petals, and pollen, should be kept away from cats. If cats ingest peace lilies, they could get acute kidney failure. Other symptoms of poisoning would include vomiting, irritation of the mouth and GI tract, excessive drooling, and in rare cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Sago palm (cycas revoluta) Sago palm contains a toxic substance called cycasin, which, when consumed, may result in liver damage in cats. It could also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and black, tarry-looking stool. It could also lead to bruising, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in rare cases, death. Eucalyptus (myrtaceae) Eucalyptus can cause complications like drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea in cats. The toxicity level of this plant is low, and the symptoms often disappear within 24 hours.
5 foods that may cause allergic reactions in dogs
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5 foods that may cause allergic reactions in dogs

Certain foods and ingredients may be used in many dishes, but they may not be safe for our furry little friends. If you have a dog, it is very important to be aware of foods that may be toxic or cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Hence, vets highly recommend keeping the following foods away from your dog’s bowl, as they may be potential allergens. Let’s take a look at them. Garlic and chives While garlic causes nothing more than bad breath to humans, it is harmful to our furry little friends. Dogs are sensitive to garlic, as it makes their blood cells more likely to break, thereby increasing the risk of anemia. It has been especially observed that Japanese breeds like Shiba-Inu and Akita are more sensitive to garlic than other dog breeds. Black pepper Black pepper is typically harmful to dogs. While small quantities may not cause a reaction, some breeds may have severe reactions. Hence, vets recommend avoiding this ingredient in a dog’s daily food. Common side effects of black pepper ingestion may include respiratory issues, burning reactions, and hemorrhoids. Onion powder Like garlic, onion powder is also toxic for dogs. In fact, any form of onion may cause health complications.
4 kitchen ingredients to fight fleas on dogs
pets

4 kitchen ingredients to fight fleas on dogs

Being a pet parent brings its own joy and challenges. While you are privy to your dog’s moods and habits with a certain fondness, you are also responsible for cleaning them up after parasites enter your home riding on their backs. Getting rid of ticks and fleas then becomes the ultimate goal for various reasons. This article talks about some common human foods that help get rid of fleas and ticks. Lemon spray One of the easiest and mess-free ways of getting rid of ticks and fleas that enter your home is to treat them with a lemon spray. All you need to do is boil water with sliced lemon. Let the water sit overnight and cool down. Spray it on pet bedding, toys, home furnishings, and carpets. Note that you are supposed to dampen these things and not saturate them with the solution. Rosemary mix Rosemary is another effective human food that is effective in eliminating dog fleas. This herb acts as a natural flea repellent and can come in handy to prevent future infestations. All you need to do is finely grind rosemary along with rue, fennel, wormwood, and peppermint. Then, sprinkle the powder in small amounts around the house or onto your pet.
3 simple ways to treat fleas and tick infestation in dogs
pets

3 simple ways to treat fleas and tick infestation in dogs

As a dog owner, one of the biggest concerns to tackle is fleas and tick infestation. These parasites feed off the pets’ blood, causing excessive scratching and irritation. There is a variety of flea and tick repellents in the market. However, it is necessary to be aware of natural remedies. The following article lists some of the most effective treatments to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs at home: Clinical options Before discussing natural remedies to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs, it is also important to be aware of clinical treatment options. Simparica® This is one such option that prevents flea and tick infestation in dogs. The FDA-approved oral treatment option can be given once a month which remains effective for up to 35 days. Other treatment options Other options include Bravecto® and K9 Advantix®, where the latter is a topical treatment used on a monthly basis, and the former is an oral treatment option used once in three months. Bravecto® can also be used for getting rid of heartworm. Foods to eat Experts say that fleas and ticks are likely to attack weak and unhealthy animals. If your dog is given healthy and nutritious foods, fleas and tick infestation won’t be a problem.

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A look at some of the best free investment advisors
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A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria
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Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.
Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider
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Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider

A lot of people get stuck in debt due to many reasons. The interest rates keep adding up, taking a toll on an individual’s financial stability. In such a case, debt settlement can be quite helpful if you wish to settle a large amount. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider to help ease the burden off your shoulders. National Debt Relief National Debt Relief has the most detailed insights on their website that can help you with debt settlement. It talks about the debt qualification, the amount of money you need to pay for enrolments as well as the debt relief services that they offer. The average savings after the fees is around 30%. CreditAssociates This particular company is known for helping clients with the elimination of debt. They undertake this entire process between twenty-four to thirty-six months. They use enhanced software, and the outstanding expertise of their team to help their clients with great debt negotiation services. Pacific Debt Inc This is one of the top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider. You need to have a minimum of $10,000 in debt to avail their services. They offer an affordable monthly program/plan with payment as well as upfront fees.
6 top business credit card companies
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6 top business credit card companies

The right business credit card can help you save thousands of dollars. Business accounts can earn more rewards like discounts, hotel stays, and cashback offers. You may also use these cards to meet short-term financial requirements. In case you haven’t applied for one yet, you must check out 6 of the top business credit cards that you can apply for to make your life easier. American Express Blue Business® Plus Card This is an ideal business credit card offered by one of the leading credit card companies and does not levy any annual fees. You receive twice the Membership Reward ® points upto $50,000 with no category restrictions, which reduces to 1% thereafter. The cashback earned automatically gets credited in your statement. The regular APR on this card is 13.24% to 19.24% variable. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select ® MasterCard® This is an excellent option if you undertake frequent business travel with American Airlines. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Additionally, the card offers 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent on telecommunications, fuel, car rental, and cable and satellite services. All other purchases earn you one mile for every dollar spent. The annual fee is $99 (waived in the first year) and regular APR varies between 15.99% and 24.99%.
Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country
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Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country

NNN properties are known as triple net lease properties and can be categorized as single-tenant properties that are available for lease. In these properties, the maintenance fees, taxes, and insurance have to be paid by the lessee instead of the landlord. These costs have to be borne by the lessee in addition to the rent. Here are some of the top NNN properties for sale: 7-Eleven, Texas There are plenty of 7-Eleven properties that come under the category of NNN properties. This one is our top pick at the moment, as it serves two commodities that are always in demand: gas and foods. The property is on the 3601 West Freeway in Fort Worth, Texas, making it quite a hot spot for sale. The current annual rent for this property is $267,500, while the cap rate is 5.75%. Burger King, Florida Burger King is one of the country’s favorite fast-food chains. The current annual rent for this property is about $140,000, and the cap rate is 5.15%. This property was built quite recently as compared to the other options on our list, and it has the potential of providing good returns quickly, as it is in a strategic location on SW Port St.

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6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in
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6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in

Before you search for the best dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it is recommended you understand your needs and overall investment objectives. ETFs are hybrids of mutual funds and stocks. When you invest in the ETF, you purchase shares in the fund, which buys the underlying asset. Here are six of the best high-dividend ETF funds: Vanguard High Dividend Yield (VYM) This ETF adopts the simple method of choosing stocks that have higher dividend yield when compared to other companies. This has resulted in building a diversified portfolio comprising 400 stocks with higher market capitalization. The majority of these stocks belong to the healthcare, consumer, and financial sectors. During the last decade, VYM delivered average annual returns of 12.9%. The expense ratio is the lowest in the industry at 0.06% per annum. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (VIG) The ETF focuses on investing in companies that have a long history of increasing their dividend payouts over the years. The portfolio includes approximately 180 stocks with low yields. The ETF has earned average returns of 12.6% per year over the last 10 years. The expense ratio is 0.06%, which makes it an excellent option if you do not mind lower dividend returns currently but want to earn more in the future.
Top 5 providers for automated investments
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Top 5 providers for automated investments

Roboadvisors are gaining popularity as these investment programs offer affordable financial advice to a large number of investors. These automated advisors use an algorithm to recommend investment options that best suit your requirements. The best automated investing algorithms offer simple account setup, portfolio management, low fees, strong goal planning, and security. Here are the top five providers of automated investments. Betterment This roboadvisor is the best for delivering top-quality services. You may sync various financial accounts without investing to gain an overall picture of your investment portfolio. You may choose the pre-built Betterment portfolios or customize one to meet your needs. The algorithm gives you the flexibility to add new goals as required while monitoring your progress without any difficulties. The advisor charges between 0.25% and 0.4% management fees with no minimum account requirement. Wealthfront It is one of the largest Robo-advisors and provides goal-based investing enabling you to understand the future effects of your financial decisions. You may choose from a wide range of portfolios that comprise individual stocks to meet your financial goals. Once your portfolio accumulates USD 25,000, Wealthfront allows you to borrow against its value. The service provider also offers margin lending. The management fee for most accounts is 0.25% and you need an account minimum of USD 500.
Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio
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Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio

Most people work for decades so that they can make investments and collect sufficient funds for their retirement years. Having enough savings for the golden years is ideally the most significant goal for you as an investor, but the volatile market may make it difficult to understand which retirement funds are suitable for you. To help you out, here are the best retirement investments that you can include in your portfolio: Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund This retirement fund is created for investors who want to retire early so that they can enjoy the benefits of their investment within 15 years. However, even if you don’t want to retire that early, this fund has various offerings that make it one of the best retirement investments available in the market. As of now, this retirement fund offers a current yield of over 2%, and the expense ratio is 0.14%. Plus, Vanguard is quite a trusted name for keeping your money safe. Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund This fund offers one of the best diversifications and a lot more protection in case the fund underperforms. So, it invests in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and aims to provide long-term capital appreciation at an expense ratio of 0.58%.
Top 5 capital providers for your business
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Top 5 capital providers for your business

People who wish to set up their business ventures need additional funding to get going. Many banks and financial institutions help promising businesses with the same and in this article, we would be covering guaranteed business loan providers. You can check the following list out when looking for business loan providers. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is one of the best financial institutions when it comes to guaranteed business loan providers in the market. It offers various other financial products. It claims to be a leader when it comes to small business loans. The unsecured business loan has varied loan amounts starting from $10,000 and going up to $100,000. The term for this product is between one to five years. Additionally, you can go for other loans offered by Wells Fargo, such as the Equipment Express Loan or the Advancing Term Loan. Capital One Capital One does not only offer good deals on business credit cards, its business loan is worth considering too. If you are looking at a funding source that can help expand your business or get going with the operations, then we highly recommend you to choose the business loan offered by Capital One. Starting at a minimal amount of $10,000 and a maximum term length of 5 years, the repayment term is simple and can be done on a monthly basis.
All you need to know about home insurance policy
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All you need to know about home insurance policy

Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home like the risk of theft and property damage. Investing in the right kind of home insurance policy is important so as to be financially prepared for these risks. There are several different companies in the market that offer home insurance policies with different kinds of terms and coverages. Remember the following points before choosing a home insurance policy. Explore your options As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of home insurance policies available to homeowners at this time. When selecting one, it is important to consider factors like what potential risks are being covered in the policy. It is also important to consider the company’s record in your area, whether they are reliable as insurance providers, and their response time. Ask about discounts Home insurance policy in 2021 offers additional services and discounts. They may offer discounts on additional safety installment services such as installing an alarm system, smoke alarm, or better locks. There may also be certain offers for old and retired personnel as well as some discounts for policies when taken via your employer’s or organization’s reference.
5 technologies revolutionizing financial services
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5 technologies revolutionizing financial services

For any industry to sustain itself in today’s world, implementing digital strategies has become indispensable. This holds particularly true for the financial services industry. The good news is that digital transformation in financial services has already begun, and we’ll likely see more and more innovative technologies underpinning banking and financial institutions in the coming years. Keep reading to learn about the latest digital transformation trends in the financial services industry. Big data and artificial intelligence The combination of big data and artificial intelligence is a revolutionary digital strategy that is shaping the future of banking and financial services. The technology helps institutions process, store, and drive valuable insights from the data they gather from their customers’ activities. Big data and artificial intelligence allow institutions to create a highly personalized experience, helping businesses attract and retain customers. Blockchain Blockchain is a fairly new technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the financial services industry. With blockchain technology, all transactions are permanently stored in the blockchain network, providing the highest level of transparency and security. Nobody can tamper with these transactions, which nearly eliminates the risk of error and fraud. Besides security, the technology is being explored for use in a wide variety of banking and investment applications.