The Brunette Diaries

Pet Care: Best Natural Ways To Treat Dog Ticks

We know how much the sight of those blood-sucking ticks on a lovely pooch can disgust a dog-owner. These nasty creatures are so not welcome! Though a number of products are available to treat dog ticks, these days most pet lovers are interested in natural ways to keep off the parasites. If you and your four-legged BFF are also in dire need of some help, you are at the correct place. Read on, cuties!

Also Read: How To Pet A Dog Without Upsetting It

– Fleas and ticks are petrified of the smell of garlic. Now, since consumption of raw garlic cloves are unhealthy for dogs, all you gotta do is serve food that has a hint of garlic in it.

– Mix equal quantities of any three essential oils and soak a cloth in it. Wrap it around your dog to remove ticks at a fast rate. Some of the best oils are tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, cedar oil, rose geranium oil, and lavender oil.

– Citrus is a proven repellent when it comes to treating ticks on dogs. Boil lemon or orange peels and apply it on the affected areas once it cools down. You can also boil lemon or orange juice, allow it to cool down, and apply it on the concerned areas.

Also Read: 5 Important Life Lessons You Can Learn From Your Dog

– Apple cider vinegar, the wonder element, works here too; just a make a tick-repellent spray. Add ½ a teaspoon of salt and baking soda to equal quantities of warm water and apple cider vinegar. Spray it all over your dog’s fur to prevent ticks. Experts also recommend adding a spoon of apple cider vinegar to a litre of your dog’s drinking water.

– Neem oil and coconut oil also work wonders in helping your canine win the fight against ticks; just massage your dog with a few drops of it.

– The multipurpose bottle of Vaseline works here too. Rub some on the affected areas and ticks will die of suffocation.

Also Read: TBD Pet Love: Tips To Deal With An Extra Naughty Dog

P. S. – Always test the remedy on a small patch on your dog before applying it completely, just to be doubly sure 🙂

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Things You Can Do To Protect Your Dog During Summers

Let’s admit it – summers are real bad in India. Isn’t the heat unbearable for us? Now imagine how terrible your pet dog feels during the summer months! The summer season is when your furry friend is at the risk of flea problems and heat strokes. If you have a canine companion, it’s your duty to look after your dog’s health during those crucial months of the year. With the encroaching summer season, let us tell you beforehand about the things you can do to protect your dog during summers.

Also Read: 6 Non-aggressive Dog Breeds That You Can Adopt

– Never leave your dog trapped in a car. Temperatures rise rapidly in a closed car and your dog can be seriously ill by the time you return.

Don’t make the mistake of leaving your dog behind in a closed car

– Make sure your pet has unlimited access to fresh and cool water. Place multiple bowls instead of one and keep it in a shady spot. You could also add some ice cubes to his water bowls on really hot days. He’s surely gonna like it 🙂
– Schedule those walks either early mornings or late evenings. Save yourself and your pet from the harmful summer heat by staying indoors during the daytime.
– When you are out with your doggy during the daytime, make sure that he has enough access to shade. His paws can get burnt by continuously walking on hot surfaces.

Also Read: 7 Places To Take Your Dog For A Delightful Outing

– Consult your veterinarian for ways to keep your pet free from external parasites. Dogs are susceptible to flea and tick attacks during the summer months. Take help of the products that are available in the market and check your dog’s coat frequently for any signs of parasites.
– An exciting way to keep your dog some respite from the heat is to freeze some tasty treats for him. It will keep him cool and happy.

Frozen treats are the best for your dog during the summer season

– Try placing a fan that blows directly on your pet, instead of switching on the air-conditioner for him.
– A trim works for many long-haired dogs. Do consult your veterinarian to know the correct length and method of trimming your dog’s hair.

Also Read: Grooming Tips To Curb Excessive Shedding In Dogs

Some symptoms of your dog’s heat distress are vomiting, drooling, fatigue, diarrhea and breathing problems. Take him for an urgent visit to your vet because it is potential danger for your dog. Stay alert to the needs of your furry friend and protect your dog during summers.

Also Read: 5 Movies Every Dog Lover Must Watch At Least Once

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8 Hot Celebrities and Their Cute Pet Dogs

What if everything you love was in one picture! These pictures of our favorite celebrity actors along with their adorable dogs will leave you drooling.
Dogs are the best thing to happen to mankind! What do they ask for? They only give. You can live even with a strange dog and give it love by being around him for just two days and that dog will not leave your side. Take a look at the compassionate side of these Bollywood stars as they pose with their dogs whom they consider as family members.

Also Read: 5 Important Life Lessons You Can Learn From Your Dog

1. John Abraham with Bailey

He took to adopting a stray puppy. Apparently, the pup was rescued from the streets by an animal adoption agency.

2. Virat Kohli and Bruno

Virat has always been fond of dogs, his first pet was a Pomerian, post which he got a golden Labrador Retriever named Rico.

3. Shahid Kapoor

Shahid spent most of his life with his dog Kaiser, and after Kaiser passed away, Shahid welcomed home a new dog to the family(below).

4. Hrithik Roshan and Zane

Hrithik got a golden retriever last year since he moved to his Juhu house. The actor stated the feeling of completeness ever since Zane came to their family.

5. Imran Khan and Tony

Imran Khan took his love for dogs a step ahead and joined the PETA campaign and encouraged everyone to adopt a stray dog.

6. Arjun Rampal

Arjun and his wife treat the dogs Tyson and Demi like their first-born children and admits that the two have become an indispensable part of their life.

7. Salman Khan and Myson and Myjaan

Salman Khan had two bull mastiffs called Myson and Myjaan. Seven years after they passed away, the dogs have been immortalized in a plaque installed on the traffic island outside Mehboob Studio which is a stone’s throw away from the actor’s residence.

8. Ajay Devgn and Koko and Kiki

The Singham actor has two German Shepherds — Koko and Koki.

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Places you should take your dogs on vacation

Ever wondered where you’ll be headed next for a trip out of town or for summer vacation. But how often do we think what places will be the best for our pets. There aren’t lot many places that are fun and safe for dogs, in fact many don’t even allow dogs. Dogs love us without any conditions, they are the most excited to see you after a long day of waiting and I think they deserve the world. So, here are some of the great places around globe where you can take your doggo pal for a fun vacation.

1) Santa Barbara

Dogs love playing in the water. They run around crazily and you can see their wide smile quite evidently. It can be great for you as well, to get some sun. Dogs often get cramped in houses as there’s not much space for them to play around and beaches offer lots of free spaces for playing.

2) Denver

Thinking international trip? Denver is the best bet. The city offers 179 restaurants are dog friendly. Among the many popular off-leash parks are Greenway Park and Chatfield State Park, with its breathtaking mountain views. Baby may prefer exploring her creative side at Paw Prints and Cocktails in Denver’s Arts District, an evening of pet-friendly painting.

3) Carmel By The Sea

Rated the #1 Dog Friendly Town in America, Carmel-by-the-Sea is truly a world-class pet friendly destination that caters to four-legged companions. Water bowls, dog treats and biodegradable bags at most locations are just the typical amenities offered, plus high-end services like massages, doggy turn downs, surf lessons and yappy hour are also readily available in Carmel.

4) Bar Harbour

For pups and their owners who love the outdoors, there’s no better place than picturesque Bar Harbor, snuggled amid Acadia National Park’s sea and mountain splendor. While many national parks are not dog friendly, Acadia decidedly is. Here, dogs and humans alike can camp, hike, kayak, bird-watch, climb, skijor, fish and more. One of the favorite off-leash venues is Little Long Pond, a private space to run and play along wooded trails, meadows, and a nice big pond.

Let us know which one’s your favorite in the comment section below

Did You Know That You Could Be Spreading These 5 Diseases To Your Dog?

We always get our pets vaccinated, thinking we may catch something off of them. But have you ever thought what if your dog could catch some disease because of you? Yes, unknowingly you could spread these 5 diseases to your best friend. Think about it, who is the first to comfort you when you’re sick and blue? Cuddles and kisses are lovable but it should be highly avoided during sickness.

1) Ring Worm

This common fungal infection is the easiest to spread as it spreads through direct skin contact, and we all know how cuddly dogs can get. The fungus appears as a raised, red circular rash on the skin that’s sometimes flaky and itchy. Dogs can’t resist a good scratch, so you’ll need to treat the infection with anti-fungal medications.

2) Flu

If you’re down for the count with a flu bug, your dog could come down with it, too. The symptoms will be similar; you’ll both feel achy and have respiratory issues such as coughing and sneezing, but there’s no special treatment your pup will need. Like humans with the flu, your pet will have to ride it out.

3) Giardia

Giardia is an intestinal parasite that comes from drinking contaminated water, usually improperly treated or untreated water from a stream or lake. Stomach upset and diarrhea are the main symptoms. Dogs love to lick, so be prompt about washing your hands post using the toilet, also if you have a pup who likes to drink out of the toilet, that can be major trouble.

4) Lung Cancer

Are you a smoker? Second hand smoke can be bad for both humans and DOGS. Dogs (and other pets) are actually more sensitive to the pollutants in second-hand smoke than humans, leaving them at risk for a variety of health issues and diseases such as weight gain and cancer. For the sake of your pet’s health and well yours too, QUIT SMOKING!

5) Mumps

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that passes from one person to another through saliva, nasal secretions, and close personal contact. Your dog can catch the mumps from you or your children, and he’ll feel lousy, with general discomfort, possibly a fever, and swelling of the salivary glands.

So, make sure of keeping a check on your pet’s health from time to time 🙂

The CAN EAT For Dogs: HUMAN FOOD

Dedicated dog lovers tend to be very kind people. We share our hearts and homes (and for some lucky pups, even the foot of our beds) with our canine pals. Surely there is nothing wrong with sharing our favorite foods with them too, right? Not necessarily. Many of the foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that humans digest just fine, can wreak havoc on a dog’s body, causing severe health problems. On the other hand, some of the foods people eat can be introduced to a dog’s diet just fine, and even provide health benefits such as joint strength, better breath, and allergy immunity.

You may or may not be a rookie in being a DOGGO EXPERT, but there’s no harm in being absolutely sure in knowing what is and what’s not good for your pet. So, here’s a list of food that you eat that can be shared with your dog and what’s not to be shared:

Fruits Your Dog Can Eat:

Many dog owners know that grapes and raisins can make their dog sick, but they don’t know which fruits are actually beneficial. If one fruit is toxic to your dog, you may fear that all fruits are poisonous. Luckily, that’s not the case. Fruit can be a nutritious and tasty treat for your dog.

1) Watermelon

It is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium. Watermelon is also a great snack to give your dog on a hot day, as it is mostly water. Pro tip: Freeze some watermelon cubes for your dog to make for an even better cool-down.

2) Blueberries

Blueberries are absolutely packed with antioxidants, making them extremely healthy for man’s best friend. Depending on your dog’s size, however, choking might be a potential risk; try cutting up the berries for smaller dogs.

3) Apples

Apples are light and delicious for both you and your dog. But make sure your dog doesn’t eat the apple seeds, they are toxic. Apple seeds actually contain small traces of cyanide. The human digestive system can easily filter this out, but the same is not true for canines.

Veggies Your Dog Can Eat:

Even if you’re not keen on eating your vegetables, your dogs will be. Plus, they provide nutrients with minimal calories. However, as with humans, dogs can have adverse reactions to certain foods, even if they are supposedly good for them.

1) Green Beans

Green beans are the full package. In fact, green beans are so healthy for dogs that some people make a sizeable portion of their fur baby’s daily food regimen. Just remember not to add salt or seasoning.

2) Carrots

Carrots are wonderful snacks for your pup. Dogs can eat carrots several ways: raw, cooked, or even with the green tops still on them.

3) Asparagus

This vegetable has plenty of fiber, which can be good for a dog’s digestive health. As a snack, cooked asparagus is perfectly safe for dogs.

4) Pumpkin

Vets often recommend pumpkin when a dog is constipated or has other digestive issues. Give your dog some canned pumpkin with their kibble to keep their digestive system running smoothly.

5) Spinach

Spinach is rich in antioxidants, iron, and vitamin K. That’s what makes it so healthy for humans and a potentially beneficial part of your dog’s diet. Spinach can boost your dog’s immune system and energy levels, making for an all-around healthier pet.

Meat Your Dog Can Eat:

Your dog may love most kinds of meat—just make sure whatever cut you give your pet doesn’t have much fat on it. Food with high-fat content can easily make your dog gain weight. As far as land animals go, chicken is always a safe bet, especially when your dog has an upset stomach.

1) Chicken Broth

It’s not just the meat of the chicken that is good for your dog to eat. Bone broth, either homemade or store-bought, can help a dog with an upset stomach. However, be extremely cautious about the actual bones. If you are feeding your dog any type of meat, remove all bones before giving it to them. Ingesting the bones could cause a variety of problems for dogs like broken teeth, an injured mouth or an intestinal blockage that requires surgery.

2) Fish

Dogs can eat fish, so long as it isn’t raw. And certain types of fish are healthier for your dog than others. Salmon, ocean whitefish, and herring, for example, are fish that live short lives, so they have lower levels of mercury compared to fish near the top of the food chain like, say, swordfish. Fish is also a great source of protein for your dog if he or she has allergic reactions to other types of meat.

Top 5 Women Instagrammers To Follow For Best Fitness Tips

Social Media is the new bible of today’s generation. Everything is on Social Media. From Photographs to Phones, facts to food, Buying/Selling, Celebrities, etc. In fact, people search “How to lose weight?” on Google before giving up their toxic habits and hitting the gym. Naturally, people turn to social media to look for motivation so that they could lose weight or even go to the gym. For example, people follow who they like or aspire to become like, they may follow actor SRK if they’re aspiring actors, girls tend to follow role models of their liking. And people who are trying to lose weight or be more pro-active, more of a fitness person should follow these lady bosses who are masters of fitness.

1) Ishwari Patil

If you’re interested in learning YOGA the right way then she’s the one to follow. Ishwari Patil, based in Mumbai, is a Women empowerment enthusiastic. She is trying to increase the awareness of benefits of Yoga and Fitness through her Instagram account. You can see her posing at different locations all over Mumbai, she also provides online consultation to the ones in need.

Instagram Account – @_ishwari_

2) Rashmi Agarwal

Rashmi Agarwal is a fitness freak being a mother. She goes by the name #FitMom or #Momwholifts. She is a fitness model and an inspiration to many. No one can guess that she’s a mother by looking at the pictures she posts on her account. From Weight Lifting to Cross fit, there’s nothing this lady can’t do.

Instagram account – @rashmiaagarwal

3) Surbhi Sharma

Surbhi Sharma is a Rhythmic Gymnast who also practices Yoga. Her Instagram feed is filled with her pictures doing all the extreme yoga poses with a smile on her face. She is on her journey to inspire and teach people the true meaning of Yoga.

Instagram Account – @_surbhisharma

4) Jinni Shaikh

Jinni Shaikh is one of the most hardcore lady bosses of all. She is an ESN Athlete who trains in heavy lifting. Her training videos will get you off of your couch and into the gym. A perfect role model and inspiration, she shares her experiences through her posts and her feelings of motivation and dedication through her captions.

Instagram account – @jinni_shaikh

5) Priya Chandra

A certified nutrition and Fitness consultant, Priya Chandra is a Body Transformation Specialist. She provides diet and workout schedule and guidance through her Instagram account online. She majorly posts videos of her working out for her followers for them to see and do it themselves.

Instagram account – @priya_chandra94

Have Anxiety? We Tell You How You Can Tackle It

No one wants to live with anxiety. If you’re starting to feel as though anxiety and panic are making it difficult to maintain emotional and physical stability, it’s time to take action – to learn strategies that will help you cope with that anxiety. You should consider professional help. There are countless skilled therapists and counselors that can train you in new ways to help you for your stress. But if you aren’t willing to get help from others or any professional, you can always help YOURSELF! But first, you should know what anxiety really is and how you can battle it.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying. These disorders affect how we feel and behave and can cause physical symptoms. Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety can seriously affect day-to-day living. Anxiety can be defined as ‘an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.’ It is important to know the difference between normal feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder that requires medical attention.
How you can tackle it

1) Breathe it out. You may notice that when your body is tense, you hold your breath. Focusing on breathing is a common but effective technique for calming the nerves. Where is your breath now, and where is your mind? Bring them together. Listen to the movement of your breath. Does your mind wander somewhere else? Call it back. Concentrate only on breathing in and out, beginning and ending, breath to breath, moment to moment.

2) Make peace with time. When you’re a worrier, everything can feel like an emergency. But notice this about all your anxious arousal: it’s temporary. Every feeling of panic comes to an end, every concern eventually wears itself out. Ask yourself, “How will I feel about this in a week or a month?” This one, too, really will pass.

3) Turn your anxiety into a movie. You can let go of a worry by disconnecting yourself from it. One way is to imagine that your anxious thoughts are a show. Maybe they’re a little guy in a funny hat who tap dances and sings out your worry while you sit in the audience, eating popcorn, a calm observer.

4) Recognize false alarms. That fear of your house burning down because you left the iron on has never come true. That rapid heartbeat doesn’t mean you’re having a heart attack; it’s your body’s natural response to arousal. Many thoughts and sensations that we interpret as cues for concern―even panic―are just background noise. Think of each of them as a fire engine going to another place. You’ve noticed them, now let them pass by.

5) Don’t let your worries stop you from living your life. Many of them will turn out to be false, and the consequences of your anxiety-less sleep, a rapid pulse, a little embarrassment, are just inconveniences when it comes down to it. What can you still do even if you feel anxious? Almost anything.

Apps that help you lose weight

Losing weight is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is definitely achievable. With a little motivation and dedication, you can too, reach your goal weight, and that too this year itself. Going to the gym, working out, while following a strict diet isn’t going to cut it. For the constant track of your journey as well as the progress, you need a personal trainer. A trainer that isn’t just present in the gym, but is with you 24/7. Your SMARTPHONE. As many aren’t aware, your smartphone can be of a great help in achieving your weight loss dream. How? All you need to do is just need to download these following apps, which are designed specifically to keep track on your health, on your food intake, calories, workout and many more.

1) My Fitness Pal

When you download this app, it will first take your weight, height and your lifestyle to understand what you eat, and how it can help you to lose weight easily. It cuts down your weight loss goals shorter, for like what you can achieve in a month which is really motivating.

2) Lose It!

This app keeps a proper track on your food and calories, your current weight, and prepares you a plan to focus on weight loss along with tracking your workout regime and your only job is to lose it!

3) Fooducate

Fooducate educates you about every food there is to eat. It helps you understand what harms your body, which food is rich in fibre, protein, calcium and so on. With the help of this app, you know what you eat and this way you can easily substitute the harmful junk you were eating into healthy and wholesome foods.

4) Pact

We are sure you must’ve seen a video of a girl running behind a car where her friend is seated giving her cash for running. How about you get cash for every kilo you lose? That’s what the app Pact does. It’s a weight loss app that uses cash stakes to keep you motivated and help you achieve your goals.

5) Nike Training Club

If you’re not comfortable with personal trainers or their high budgeted bills and expenses, this app is for you. Here you can get professional help from Nike’s experts and tons of workout plans from, guidance from pro athletes and celebrity trainers and much more. The app considers your requirement and plans your regime accordingly.

So, which app are you downloading next?