Essential oils are popular among humans as a form of aromatherapy. However, while beneficial and pleasing to humans, some commonly used essential oils can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause severe skin irritation upon contact and ingestion; these oils can cause gastrointestinal issues, respiratory damage, liver damage, and even damage to the nervous system of pets. The following are five essential oils that can be harmful to pets. 1. Cinnamon It is derived from the bark or leaves of the cinnamon tree. It is a versatile remedy for humans, offering benefits such as alleviating scabies, managing stress, and promoting heart health and circulation. However, this aromatic remedy takes a harmful turn for pets. Though beneficial for humans, this essential oil is harmful to both dogs and cats. 2. Tea tree Tea tree oil, extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, is renowned for its benefits in addressing human ailments like coughs, cold sores, and sinusitis. However, it doesn’t have the same benefits for cats. Tea tree oil poses a significant threat to the well-being of cats and dogs. 3. Peppermint Peppermint essential oil is known for its noticeable, strong, minty aroma. It is a popular choice among humans, as it helps ease their headaches, alleviate muscular aches and pains, and aid digestion.

Pet parents are responsible for meeting their pets’ physical, emotional, and health needs. As technology evolves, many turn to smart devices like sensors and cameras to ensure their furry friends are safe, comfortable, healthy, and happy. These gadgets may add to one’s expenses but provide much-needed convenience and peace of mind to pet parents. Here are seven smart devices one can consider buying to make pet care a seamless experience. 1. Smart collars Smart collars have GPS systems, allowing people to monitor their pet’s location in real-time. In case of an unexpected escape or wandering adventure, one can quickly locate their pet and ensure their safe return. Some smart collars even offer activity-tracking features to help people monitor their furry companion’s daily exercise routines. 2. Automatic pet feeders Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule is crucial for a pet’s well-being. Automated pet feeders allow owners to schedule and dispense precise food portions at predetermined times. It prevents overfeeding and ensures pets are fed regularly, even when their owners are away. 3. Smart thermostats A smart thermostat can be a great tool for pet care. It adjusts the room’s temperature based on the pet’s bodily needs and allows owners to control it remotely.

Learning that a pet has diabetes can be overwhelming, as one needs to take special care and develop a management plan for it. Diabetes can affect younger or pregnant animals, although it is more frequent in older ones. It is treatable with a veterinarian’s help if caught early. Observing early signs and symptoms for a proper diagnosis is important. Here are a few things to know about diabetes, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options: 1. Risk factors and causes While diabetes can occur at any age in dogs and cats, it is roughly around the age of 7–10 years that they are diagnosed with this issue. Cats are usually more than six years of age when diagnosed with diabetes. According to research, female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes as male dogs. There is also a possibility that certain breeds of dogs may be predisposed to diabetes. Since excess visceral mass is a cause of diabetes, dogs or cats need extra care and exercise as a precaution. Also, those who have an overactivity of the adrenal gland or the thyroid gland can also be at risk of developing diabetes. These conditions are called hyperadrenocorticism and hyperthyroidism. Other illnesses that could trigger diabetes include urinary tract infections, kidney disease, heart disease, skin infections, and pancreatitis.