Is your beloved canine quite irritable these days? Is your pet too busy scratching itself even when you take it to the dog park? Well, it’s time for you to tread carefully as those annoying, blood-sucking fleas have probably found a comfortable abode in your poor dog’s lustrous coat. These fleas are pests that irk your dog and keep multiplying at an incredibly fast rate, thereby adding to your pet’s misery. Though these fleas are tiny and not entirely visible to the naked eye, they can wreak havoc in your house as they are quite fond of human blood as well; they will bite your furry friend and you as well. So, you need to resolve this problem immediately as fleas might multiply and become comfortable members of your house. Flea bites aren’t as bad as wasp bites, but your dog would cease to be the fun-loving, carefree creature it used to be. Moreover, flea bites can give rise to several flea-borne diseases that can cause further trouble. So, you need to opt for either of the following treatments to get rid of the fleas on your dog. FRONTLINE Plus: This is one of the best medications for treating the fleas on your dog’s fur. This topical formula is quite potent and repels pests that bother your beloved pet. Your pet will remain safe from these trouble-causing pests for the next 30 days. This formula is concocted using fipronil and s-methoprene, and the resultant medication can actively eliminate the fleas on your dog’s coat. Irrespective of whether the pest is an adult or just an egg, this flea treatment can kill them during different life stages. Moreover, regular use of this dog-flea treatment prevents flea reinfestation. Capstar Flea Control: If topical dog-flea treatment methods irritate your pup’s coat, you’ll need a powerful alternative treatment.

5 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels People who struggle with high cholesterol levels tend to begin thinking more about everything they eat. Whether it’s a bowl of fruit or a delicious hamburger, they are left wondering how their choices will impact their numbers. While it is tempting to skip snacking altogether, a healthy snack can go a long way in maintaining metabolism as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Changing the kinds of foods one eats can not only lower cholesterol levels but also improve fat levels through the bloodstream. Here are some great snacks that are extremely helpful in fighting cholesterol. Popcorn Popcorn can be low in calories when one eats a smart serving size and avoids the salt and butter. What’s more, it’s a whole grain full of fiber. Popcorn can be easily made at home by air popping it and adding some olive oil and a little bit of parmesan cheese or a few seasonings for some extra flavor. Using olive oil instead of butter helps lower the bad LDL cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol. Nuts Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. are great for the heart and are powerhouses of energy. Some studies have even demonstrated that nuts slightly lower the levels of bad LDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, one should eat ¼ th of a cup of nuts every day for a healthy heart. Vegetables Vegetables are a great source of essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all of which go a long way in helping lower LDL cholesterol. While they might not be the first snack that one voluntarily reaches out for, vegetables are required by the body. Vegetable snacking is easier when you buy pre-cut vegetables or prep some vegetables for a weekly ration. Snacking is made easier when you can simply grab a handful of carrots or bell peppers and dip them in some delicious hummus.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy rashes, blisters, skin irritation, and even results in leathery skin patches over time. While this condition is more common in kids aged less than two years, it can also affect older children and adults. Many people who suffer from eczema also tend to develop food allergies. So, it is important to discover one’s personal food needs for minimizing issues with eczema and the resulting allergies. Some of the common food allergies associated with eczema include: Shellfish Fish Nuts Gluten Soy products Eggs Cow’s milk However, not everyone may have the same flare ups or reactions to the same foods. Listed below are foods that contain properties that could help in decreasing eczema flare-ups, so that one can get to know their body and what foods works best for them. Foods to eat Fatty fish: One might be able to reduce their symptoms of eczema by eating fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, and salmon. These fish include high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which leads to it having anti–inflammatory properties. One might also consider taking omega-3 supplements. Foods containing quercetin: The plant-based flavonoid quercetin helps give many veggies, fruits, and flowers their vibrant, rich colors. Quercetin also happens to be a powerful antihistamine and antioxidant which helps in reducing inflammation as well as histamine levels in the body. Foods that are rich in quercetin include kale, spinach, broccoli, cherries, blueberries, and apples. Foods containing probiotics: Probiotic food items like yogurt contain live culture that help in supporting a strong immune system, which could help lessen allergic reactions or flare-ups. Foods rich in probiotics include tempeh, kefir, unpasteurized sauerkraut, soft cheeses like Gouda, naturally fermented pickles, miso soup, and sourdough bread. Foods to avoid While what one eats might not directly cause eczema, it can be a trigger for a lot of symptoms.