Click to Skip Ahead Types of Crackers Risks Feeding Guide Safe Alternatives What Else Do I Need to Know? How great are crackers? Slathered with dip‚ layered with cheese‚ or just on their own; they are a simple yet delicious snack. But what about for our dogs? Most of us are probably aware that our dogs will very happily eat crackers‚ but should they? Are they safe? In most instances‚ crackers are safe for our dogs‚ but that doesn’t mean we should split the pack with them. How safe they are will depend on what ingredients they contain‚ and what we have put on them. Let’s take a look at whether crackers are a good idea for your canine companion. What Types of Crackers Are Safe for Dogs? When selecting a safe type of cracker for your dog‚ look for products that are low in sodium‚ free from additives and flavorings‚ and made with whole grains. Unsalted whole wheat or rice-based crackers can be offered as occasional treats. Image Credit: vishwats‚ Pixabay Risks and Health Concerns of Some Crackers for Dogs Sodium Content Many commercially available crackers‚ such as saltine crackers‚ are high in sodium. While your dog is going to be OK if they eat one or two saltine crackers‚ you shouldn’t make a habit of feeding crackers to them. Excessive sodium intake can lead to dehydration‚ electrolyte imbalances‚ and potentially damage your dog’s kidneys and heart in large amounts. Additives and Spices Certain crackers may contain additives‚ spices‚ or flavorings that are harmful to dogs. Ingredients like onions‚ garlic‚ and excessive sugar are toxic to dogs and can cause digestive issues‚ weight gain‚ or anemia by damaging red blood cells. Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander‚ Shutterstock Allergies and Digestive Sensitivities Dogs‚ like humans‚ can have food allergies or sensitivities. Some crackers contain wheat or other grains that may trigger allergic reactions or digestive upset in sensitive individuals. What to Avoid at All Costs When offering crackers as occasional treats‚ it's important to avoid products that contain: Xylitol (an artificial sweetener) Chocolate or cocoa powder Nutmeg or other spices Onion or garlic (powder or otherwise) These ingredients can be extremely toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs. It’s also best to stay away from highly processed crackers that may contain artificial colors‚ preservatives‚ and other unhealthy ingredients. Image Credit: Tetiana Bykovets‚ Unsplash Feeding Your Dog Crackers Safely Always monitor your dog’s consumption of crackers and adjust the amount given according to their size and activity level. Strive for a balanced diet and avoid feeding your pup too many treats (including crackers) to prevent weight gain or other health problems. Lastly‚ always ensure fresh drinking water is available. Overall‚ it’s important to be mindful of the risks associated with giving your dog crackers. When in doubt‚ discuss any concerns with your vet before offering these treats to your furry friend. Here are some examples of “vet approved” crackers you can keep on your shelves for those times when you want to have a snack you can share with your canine bestie – and the good news is that if they’re safer for your dog‚ it means they’re healthier for you! Real Foods Organic Corn Thins Traditional Water Crackers Crispbread Rice Crackers As is always the case when indulging our pets in a little “off-plan” eating‚ moderation is key. Safe Alternatives and Practical Tips Consult Your Veterinarian When in doubt about what foods are safe for your dog‚ it’s always best to consult your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your dog’s specific health needs and dietary requirements. Image Credit: Di Studio‚ Shutterstock Commercial Dog Treats There is a wide range of commercially available dog treats formulated to be safe and healthy for canine consumption. Look for treats that are low in sodium‚ made from natural ingredients‚ and specifically designed for dogs. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Many fruits and vegetables make excellent‚ healthy treats for dogs. Apples‚ blueberries‚ carrots‚ and green beans are examples of dog-friendly options. Remember to introduce new foods gradually and in moderation‚ observing your dog for any signs of allergies or digestive issues. Image Credit: Free-Photos‚ Pixabay Homemade Treats If you enjoy baking‚ consider making homemade dog treats using dog-friendly recipes. This way‚ you have full control over the ingredients‚ ensuring they are safe and tailored to your dog’s needs. What Else Do I Need to Know? Remember‚ treats should only make up a small portion of your dog’s overall diet. The majority of their nutrition should come from balanced and complete dog food that meets their specific nutritional needs. When introducing any new food to your dog‚ start with small amounts and watch for any adverse reactions. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities‚ consult with your veterinarian before offering them anything new. Consider supplementing your dog’s meals with fish oil or other fatty acids for additional health benefits. These can help keep skin and coat healthy‚ reduce inflammation‚ and may even benefit joint health. Always check with your vet before adding any new supplements to their diet. Conclusion Keeping your furry friend healthy and happy should be the top priority. By being aware of the potential risks associated with feeding your dog crackers and opting for safe alternatives‚ you can provide them with tasty treats without compromising their well-being. Featured Image Credit: Touchr‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Crackers? Vet Reviewed Facts &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead How Garlic Affects Pets Theory Behind Garlic Effectiveness How Do Pets Get Fleas? What Do Fleas Look Like? Signs a Pet May Have Fleas Treatment If you have a cat or dog at home and are searching for a natural way to get rid of fleas‚ you may wonder if garlic can do the trick. There’s currently no scientific evidence that garlic is an effective veterinary flea treatment‚ and more importantly‚ it’s a member of the Allium family and‚ therefore‚ actually toxic to cats and dogs1. Many veterinarians recommend sticking with prescribed anti-flea products2 that have been tested for effectiveness and safety when treating pets. How Garlic Affects Pets Members of the Allium family‚ including garlic‚ onions‚ chives‚ and leeks‚ are toxic to cats and dogs. Dried products are more potent than fresh ones‚ and garlic is generally considered the most problematic of the bunch; it’s five times stronger than regular onions. Felines Cats are particularly vulnerable to garlic poisoning due to their smaller body sizes. A cat weighing 10 to 12 pounds can experience signs of Allium toxicity after consuming about 1/2 teaspoon of chopped fresh garlic or 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. The signs of garlic poisoning include lack of appetite‚ pale gums‚ fast breathing‚ and gastrointestinal difficulties such as vomiting and diarrhea. Don’t wait for signs to develop if you suspect your cat has consumed garlic; reach out to your veterinarian‚ explain the situation‚ and follow their instructions just to be safe. Image Credit: stokerolga‚ Shutterstock Canines Garlic is also toxic to dogs but generally causes fewer problems than cats. A 25-pound dog that managed to eat 50 grams of garlic (about 10 cloves) would likely need treatment. Certain breeds‚ including Japanese Chins‚ Akitas‚ and Shiba Inus‚ are more sensitive to garlic’s active ingredients. Signs of garlic poisoning in dogs include lethargy‚ pale gums‚ lack of coordination‚ and a fast heart rate. Average-sized dogs that get hold of one clove are likely to be just fine‚ but speak with your veterinarian and get solid advice regarding what to do if your dog consumes any amount of garlic. What’s the Theory Behind Giving Pets Garlic to Ward Off Fleas? The theory claims that fleas don’t like the taste and smell of garlic and that consuming it will change how pets taste and smell enough to cause fleas to think twice about taking a bite. Rubbing garlic on pets is supposed to work essentially the same way. However‚ no scientific evidence supports the theory‚ and you should never feed or rub garlic on cats or dogs‚ as they will still ingest it when grooming. Image Credit: Egrigorovich‚ Shutterstock How Do Cats and Dogs Get Fleas? Dogs and outdoor cats can catch fleas in several ways‚ including from other animals and by walking through environments fleas love to hang out in‚ like tall grass and leaf piles. Owners can also bring them inside on their socks and pants legs‚ which can transmit the pests to indoor cats. Dogs can bring home fleas and pass them on to resident cats‚ and vice versa. Pets can also encounter fleas on visits to places frequented by animals‚ such as veterinary offices and grooming salons. What Do Fleas Look Like? Fleas are 1/16 of an inch long and resemble black specs. They’re relatively flat‚ have three sets of legs‚ and like to congregate close to tails‚ groins‚ and armpits. A flea comb can make it easy to find fleas in your pet’s coat. They can’t fly‚ but they can really jump! Image Credit: KanphotoSS‚ Shutterstock What Are Signs a Pet May Have Fleas? Biting and scratching often indicate flea infestations in dogs and cats. Head shaking‚ ear scratching‚ and hair loss are also commonly seen. Dogs sometimes develop scabs and marks in response to flea bites‚ and both cats and dogs may get a thinking coat and scabs around the base of their tail and back legs if they are particularly sensitive to fleas. How Are Fleas Treated? Getting rid of fleas generally requires a two-pronged approach; you’ll need to treat your pet and kill fleas and eggs hiding in your home. Treating Your Pet While it’s possible to manage fleas using a combination of natural methods such as regular flea combing and bathing‚ they won’t eliminate the pests‚ are often time-consuming‚ and require repeat applications to even make a dent in the problem. Vet-approved flea treatments are the best products to deal with fleas since they are subject to testing for safety and have been proven effective. Speak with your veterinarian and get advice about the best product for your pet’s needs. Topical treatments are effective‚ and most work for up to 3 months. Canine-specific flea treatments should never be used on cats since many contain permethrin‚ which is toxic to cats. Image Credit: Dmitriev Mikhail‚ Shutterstock Treating Your Home Daily vacuuming is essential for getting rid of fleas and their eggs. Carpeted areas and sofas often require more attention. It’s best to throw the vacuum bag away and dump the canister outside to keep fleas from re-infesting your home. All pet bedding should be frequently washed in the highest temperatures possible. Pillows and comforters where pets like to sleep should also be laundered. Getting rid of mulch piles and clearing fallen leaves and branches can make outdoor environments less inviting for fleas. However‚ you’ll need to call a pest control technician to treat your home and yard if you have a severe infestation. Conclusion No scientific study has proved that garlic works as a flea treatment‚ and there are plenty of good reasons to avoid giving your pet garlic. It’s toxic to dogs and cats‚ but cats are more sensitive to garlic’s effects than dogs and can become sick after consuming relatively small amounts. Commercial products tested for efficacy and safety generally get rid of fleas quickly and efficiently‚ and there are many options to choose from‚ including incredibly easy-to-use topical treatments and shampoos. Cats should only use feline-specific flea products since many products made for dogs contain permethrin. Sources https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/onion https://www.petmd.com/cat/poisoning/can-cats-eat-garlic https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-garlic https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/poisoning/neurological/flea-and-tick-medicine-poisoning-cats https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/garlic/ https://www.petmd.com/cat/5-ways-indoor-cats-can-get-fleas https://www.petmd.com/cat/what-do-fleas-look-cats Featured Image Credit: MaisonBoutarin‚ Pixabay The post Does Garlic Kill Fleas? Vet-Reviewed Effectiveness appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Maturity Factors Puppy Feeding Requirements Exercise Requirements Care Tips If you have owned a puppy‚ you know how fast they can grow! In the beginning‚ the puppy stage may seem like it will never end‚ and when it does‚ you wish it never did! It’s also easy to forget how long the period lasts‚ so if you are considering adopting a new puppy or are becoming a first-time owner‚ you may be wondering how long a dog stays a puppy. This adorable period of puppyhood differs between dogs depending on their breed and size‚ but puppies are typically considered adults once they’re a year old. How Long Is a Dog Considered a Puppy? To give a nice‚ round number puppies are generally considered adults when they reach 1 year of age. However‚ becoming an adult is more about growth and maturity than it is age. This will depend on the breed and size of the dog. Image Credit: RootsShoots‚ Shutterstock Factors That Determine When a Puppy Becomes an Adult A few factors can determine how long a dog is considered a puppy‚ which can differ depending on the breed’s physical‚ emotional‚ and sexual maturity. Physical Maturity Physically‚ dogs are generally fully grown by the age of one‚ but they may still engage in puppy-like behaviors. Once they have reached physical maturity‚ their diet and exercise will become that of an adult dog. Small and medium dog breeds will grow relatively fast and typically stop growing at 6–8 months of age. In fact‚ they finish growing at about half the age of larger breed dogs. Medium breeds will take slightly longer‚ often reaching full size at around 12 months old. Large breed dogs take longer to reach full size because they have bigger bones that need more time to grow. They will typically reach full size at around 12–18 months old‚ with giant breeds taking up to 24 months to reach their full size. Emotional Maturity Your dog will stop acting like a puppy or an adolescent and fully transition into the role of an adult dog when they have acquired emotional maturity. Emotionally mature adults typically have a calmer and more composed temperament‚ are less easily distracted‚ and are better at listening and obeying. While the exact timing varies‚ most dogs mature emotionally by the time they turn 2 years old. Sexual Maturity Most dogs reach sexual maturity by 6-9 months when they are still physically and emotionally developing. Larger breeds will reach sexual maturity later‚ usually around the 12-18 month mark. Your pup can reproduce at this time because their sex organs have finished developing. That is why having your dog spayed or neutered by 6 months old is often recommended to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Image Credit: Ilia Nesolenyi‚ Shutterstock Should a Growing Puppy Be Fed Differently? Puppies have different dietary needs than adult dogs because they are still developing. Puppies require a diet formulated to meet their dietary needs; the nutritional requirements will differ between small and large breed puppies. Protein and Fat Puppies need a high amount of protein immediately after weaning‚ but their protein requirements will decrease as they grow. They typically require 22%-32% protein on a dry matter basis. The fat content for puppies should be between 10%-25% on a dry matter basis. Fat is a source of energy and essential fatty acids‚ but too much can lead to obesity. AAFCO-Approved Brands Food formulated for puppies is the better choice‚ but you will also find brands formulated for all life stages. If you choose one of these brands‚ just know that it may be too low in some nutrients for your puppy or too high in some nutrients for your adult dog. Your growing puppy will receive all the nourishment they require from foods that adhere to the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Most importantly‚ always feed your pup according to the directions on the food package to prevent them from gaining weight‚ and ask your veterinarian for guidance regarding your puppy’s diet and nutritional needs. How Should I Exercise a Growing Puppy Safely? Although pups require exercise to keep healthy and prevent boredom‚ excessive exercise is not good for them. Too much intense exercise can harm your puppy’s growing joints and bones and lead to issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Jogging‚ agility and other high-impact exercise with a dog under the age of 14–18 months is not recommended until the growth plates have fully fused‚ especially in large-breed dogs. Until your dog is fully developed‚ walking‚ swimming‚ or low-impact playing is best.  A fun way to keep your pup mentally and physically active is obedience and other types of training. Just remember that they also require plenty of sleep‚ so give them the space to rest when they are tired. Your puppy can exercise more as they grow older. Image Credit: otsphoto‚ Shutterstock More Tips for Caring for a Puppy One of life’s greatest joys is getting a new puppy‚ but it comes with responsibility and planning. To take the best possible care of your new puppy‚ here is a list of essential items: Food and water bowls Blankets and dog bed A harness/collar and leash Chew toys A crate A screen or gate As your puppy grows‚ some of these items‚ like harnesses and beds‚ will need to grow with them and be replaced as needed. Other things to consider are: Puppies are naturally curious as they explore their surroundings‚ so you should consider puppy-proofing your house before bringing your puppy home. Puppy gates can stop your pup from wandering to places they’re not meant to go and will keep them from falling down the stairs. You will also need a couple of chew toys for your teething pup‚ especially if you want to save your shoes and other items in your home. Research suitable pet insurance to cover unforeseen expenses and to ensure your pup can get the help they need in an emergency. Pet insurance is typically cheaper for puppies than adults. Your puppy will need to be vaccinated. While you’re at the veterinarian’s office‚ you can talk about microchipping and flea and tick prevention. Talk to your veterinarian about when is the best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered. You should start socializing and training your pup as soon as possible but only once they are fully vaccinated. Obedience training can start as soon as you bring your puppy home. Conclusion The puppyhood phase of your dog may be bittersweet as you watch them grow and learn‚ but the time goes by so fast! A dog is considered a puppy up until about a year‚ which is only a small portion of their timeline‚ so embrace it! Your dog’s puppy phase may vary depending on their breed‚ but taking care of their changing nutritional and exercise requirements can keep them in top health and pave the way for a caring relationship that will benefit you both in the long run. Sources AKC VCA Hospitals – Feeding Puppies VCA Hospitals – Arthritis in Dogs VCA Hospitals – Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Hills Pet Web MD Pet MD AKC Featured Image Credit: Tanya Dvoretskaya‚ Shutterstock The post How Long Is a Dog Considered a Puppy? Vet-Reviewed Facts &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

I want a new Command and Conquer game‚ and I want it bad. Forget RTS - Tiberian Dawn is one of my favorite games of all time‚ period. Westwood might be finished‚ and it’s now 14 years since Command and Conquer 4‚ but the hope remains. One day Kane‚ the NOD‚ and the Obelisk (shudder) will be back. In the meantime‚ EA seems to be up to something with the defining real-time strategy series. The Command and Conquer Steam prices have been suddenly‚ permanently changed‚ meaning some of the best games in the series and their respective expansions are now available‚ forever‚ for much cheaper. Is this to preempt a new Command and Conquer game? Maybe. Possibly. In a dream world. But is it good news regardless? Absolutely. Continue reading Command and Conquer prices suddenly and permanently changed by EA MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RTS games‚ Best strategy games‚ Best 4X games

Last Epoch developer Eleventh Hour Games has disabled Steam family sharing for the Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2 rival due to a “significant amount” of botting and real-money trading that was abusing Valve’s share system. With the action RPG game blowing up since launching into 1.0 there were bound to be players abusing the systems. Eleventh Hour games has taken decisive action that sadly impacts a wider group of players. Continue reading Last Epoch bots and real-money trading ruin Steam feature for everyone MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Last Epoch review‚ Last Epoch builds‚ Last Epoch tier list

Terraria 1.4.5 is inbound‚ and creator Andrew ‘Redigit’ Spinks has already teased something special for the next version of the beloved sandbox and building game. While it’s not a Cult of the Lamb-style sex update (that much has been confirmed; sorry everyone)‚ it seems that one of the other most-requested Terraria features could legitimately be on its way‚ something that could totally transform how we play the 2011 classic forever. Have you ever wanted to return to old‚ nostalgic versions of Terraria‚ and reminisce with some simpler‚ bygone builds? Official support for Terraria downgrading could be on the way. Continue reading The huge Terraria overhaul we always wanted might finally be here MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Terraria mods‚ Terraria happiness guide‚ Terraria bosses guide

The modder behind the ongoing Dark Souls Re-Remastered project is setting their sights on an oft-overlooked FromSoftware game next‚ as they plan to remaster vanilla Dark Souls 2. Upscaled textures‚ dynamic shadows‚ and more are on the agenda‚ so if you’ve wanted a reason to return to Drangleic for some time‚ this is as good an excuse as any. Continue reading Overlooked Dark Souls sequel getting a remaster mod‚ ten years later MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Dark Souls 2 system requirements

It has been a long time coming but the end has finally arrived for Nvidia's GTX lineup of GPUs. With the introduction of its ray tracing-enabled RTX branded GPUs‚ it was only a matter of time before we'd see the words "Nvidia GTX discontinued" arrive. So it is today with Chinese sources reporting that the latest product roadmap from Nvidia shows no more GTX GPUs on their way. While no Nvidia Geforce GTX cards still remain on our list of the best graphics cards‚ they have previously occupied many top spots‚ with the  GTX 1080 being one of the most loved and enduring flagship cards Nvidia ever produced and the GTX 1060 being the most popular card on Steam right up until just two years ago‚ six years after its release. Continue reading The Nvidia GeForce GTX era is finally over MORE FROM PCGAMESN: GeForce RTX 4070 Super review‚ DLSS explained‚ Best graphics cards

The Biden administration is trying to use federal power to undermine Idaho state law in the service of a radical pro-abortion agenda.

The UAW is a corrupt retiree association and progressive activist group that represents some autoworkers on the side.