Saturday, 3 December 2022

Enlarged heart in dog and heart failure

   Why is your dog coughing?

There are many reasons why your dog could be coughing. It's always best to see a veterinarian if your dog keeps coughing day after day. This is especially important if you can't readily identify a cause for their coughing, such as the presence of allergens in their environment.

Some dogs may cough briefly and stop. However, other dogs may cough and their coughing may be accompanied by difficulty breathing. It's important to see a veterinarian if a dog is coughing and can't breathe well. Persistent coughing along with difficulty breathing is a sign of congestive heart failure in dogs.

Congestive heart failure in dogs is a serious condition. However, if it's diagnosed early, your dog will have a better chance of living for several more years.

Dogs with congestive heart failure cough persistently because fluid starts to build up in their lungs. They also cough because their trachea is irritated. When a dog has congestive heart failure, their trachea can become irritated as their heart becomes bigger and pushes against their trachea.

When a dog is diagnosed with congestive heart failure, veterinarians will usually prescribe diuretics that help to reduce the buildup of fluid. This helps to reduce the coughing. 

A holistic veterinarian may also recommend natural diuretics for dogs that can be used as a part of their treatment regimen. However, natural diuretics for dogs should not be used to replace prescription diuretics when a dog has congestive heart failure.




Monday, 24 October 2022

Preparing Tasty Edible Flowers

 Preparing Tasty Edible Flowers


Preparing edible flowers can add a unique touch to your culinary creations. Here are steps and ideas to help you prepare and enjoy them.


Selecting and Harvesting

Identify Edible Varieties: Know which flowers are edible. Common choices include violets, pansies, nasturtiums, marigolds, roses, and lavender.

Grow Your Own: Consider growing your own edible flowers to ensure they are free from pesticides.

Source Responsibly: If purchasing, buy from reputable sources or farmers’ markets that guarantee pesticide-free flowers.

Seasonal Awareness: Harvest flowers at the right season for the best flavor and freshness.

Time of Day: Pick flowers in the morning when they are freshest.

Avoid Roadside Flowers: Do not pick flowers from roadsides or areas with heavy traffic due to pollution.

Preparation

Inspect for Insects: Check flowers carefully for insects.

Rinse Gently: Rinse flowers gently with cool water to remove dirt and insects.

Dry Properly: Pat flowers dry with a paper towel or air dry.

Remove Stems and Sepals: Trim stems and remove the sepals unless they are also edible.

Remove Pistils and Stamens: For some flowers, removing the pistils and stamens can reduce bitterness.

Use Petals Only: In some cases, only the petals are edible, so remove any non-edible parts.

Storage

Short-Term Storage: Store flowers in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for short-term use.

Long-Term Storage: For long-term use, consider drying or pressing flowers.

Usage in Dishes

Salads: Add flowers like nasturtiums and violets to salads for a burst of color and flavor.

Garnishes: Use flowers as garnishes for cocktails, desserts, and main dishes.

Infusions: Infuse flowers like lavender or hibiscus in syrups, teas, and vinegars.

Sugared Flowers: Candy flowers like pansies and violets for decorating cakes and pastries.

Ice Cubes: Freeze small flowers in ice cubes for decorative drinks.

Jellies and Jams: Use flowers like rose petals or dandelions in homemade jellies and jams.

Butter: Mix chopped edible flowers into softened butter for a unique spread.

Cheese: Incorporate flowers into cheese spreads or use as a topping.

Pasta: Add flowers to homemade pasta dough for a visual and flavor boost.

Soups: Sprinkle edible flowers on top of soups for a colorful finish.

Spring Rolls: Include flowers in fresh spring rolls for added beauty and taste.

Rice Dishes: Mix flowers like calendula petals into rice or quinoa dishes.

Herbal Salts: Combine dried flowers with sea salt for flavored salts.

Honey: Infuse honey with flowers like lavender for a fragrant twist.

Cocktails: Use flowers in cocktails as garnishes or infuse them into the drink itself.

Baking and Cooking

Baked Goods: Incorporate flowers into cakes, muffins, and bread for a floral touch.

Cookies: Decorate cookies with pressed flowers before baking.

Pies and Tarts: Use flowers to decorate the top of pies and tarts.

Pancakes: Add edible flowers to pancake or waffle batter.

Savory Dishes: Use flowers like zucchini blossoms in savory dishes like quesadillas or frittatas.

Vinegars: Create floral vinegars with flowers like chive blossoms or nasturtiums.

Oils: Infuse cooking oils with flowers for unique flavors.

Dessert Sauces: Incorporate flower petals into dessert sauces or compotes.

Special Techniques

Crystalized Flowers: Candy flowers for a sparkling, sweet treat.

Herbal Teas: Make herbal teas with flowers like chamomile, hibiscus, or lavender.

Preserves: Preserve flowers in sugar or salt for later use.

Flower Powders: Dry and grind flowers into powders to use as flavoring agents.

Creative Uses

Potpourri: Make potpourri with dried flowers for both scent and flavoring in the kitchen.

Bath Products: Use edible flowers in homemade bath products like bath salts.

Edible Centerpieces: Create centerpieces with edible flowers that can be picked and eaten.

Flavor Masks: Use flowers to mask stronger flavors in dishes.

Considerations and Safety

Know Allergies: Be aware of any potential allergies when serving edible flowers.

Moderation: Use edible flowers in moderation to avoid overpowering the dish.

Experiment: Try different combinations to find the flavors and aesthetics you like best.

Education: Educate yourself on the specific uses and flavors of each type of edible flower.

Enjoy: Have fun experimenting and enjoy the beauty and flavor that edible flowers can bring to your cooking.


Read FREE on Kindle Unlimited 

Growing Nasturtiums

https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Nasturtiums-Flowers-Montego-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CNM37PC7/

Planting Lavender

https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Lavender-Pots-Growing-Indoors-ebook/dp/B0D2YZLC85/

Marigolds 

https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Potted-Marigolds-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0D2VBNVMP/


Sugared Flowers Recipe 

Sugared flowers are a beautiful and delicate addition to desserts. Here is a simple recipe to make them.


Ingredients:

Edible flowers like these (such as violets, pansies, rose petals, or lavender)

1 egg white

1 teaspoon of water

Superfine sugar (or regular granulated sugar processed briefly in a food processor)

Equipment:

Small paintbrush

Parchment paper

Baking sheet

Instructions:

Prepare the Flowers:


Ensure the flowers you are using are edible and free from pesticides.

Gently rinse the flowers in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Prepare the Egg Wash:


In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white with the water until frothy.

Sugaring the Flowers:


Using a small paintbrush, carefully paint a thin layer of the egg white mixture onto all sides of each flower or petal.

Sprinkle superfine sugar evenly over the egg-coated flowers, ensuring they are completely covered.

Drying:


Place the sugared flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours or until completely dry and crispy.

Storing:


Once dried, store the sugared flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last for several months if stored properly.


Tips:

Handle the flowers gently to avoid damaging the petals.

Use tweezers to help position and handle the flowers more easily.

If you don't have superfine sugar, you can make your own by processing regular granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds.

Enjoy decorating your cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts with these beautiful sugared flowers!




Edible flowers


 

Friday, 21 October 2022

Psilocybin Benefits

  In February, 2023, there's going to be a legal retreat for psilocybin facilitators. It will be held in Jamaica. If you're interested, here's more info:

https://mobile.twitter.com/JACCRIorg/status/1583503287717797897 




Thursday, 20 October 2022

Dog anxiety

  Dog separation anxiety can result in self-injury and property damage, but calming sprays can prevent these behaviors. 

Clinical signs like pacing can indicate dog anxiety, but pet parents should consult a veterinarian to eliminate other possible causes. Talk to a vet to get access to helpful information.

A licensed vet team can help pets to improve their emotional wellness. 




Friday, 14 October 2022

Canine anxiety

   Dog separation anxiety safety


Safety and self-injuries are issues for dogs with separation anxiety. This applies to dogs of all ages.

Dogs might try to escape from their home or any other area in which they're confined. Even if they're placed in a crate, they could try to escape from their crate.

These dogs often damage their teeth, paws and other parts of their body as they try to chew through doors and windows.

Wednesday, 12 October 2022

Don't risk a cat's Health with garlic

  Can cats eat baby food with additives? 


Cats cannot eat baby food with additives. Additives might be harmful to a cat. For example, some spices and seasonings such as garlic should not be given to cats. If your cat is feeling ill and you want to increase their appetite you can give them a little of a baby food that's made with meat.


Do not give them any baby food that contains spices. For example, if the baby food is seasoned with onions, it's bad for cats. Onions are toxic for cats. Similarly, if the baby food is seasoned with garlic, it can harm your cat. 

Cats should not have garlic. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any type of spice or food additive.


Tuesday, 11 October 2022

Is baby food with garlic bad for kittens?

  Can cats eat baby food with garlic and onions? 

Cats cannot eat baby food with garlic and onions. Cats should not be given any type of food that has garlic. Cats cannot eat baby food or any other type of food that has onions.

Cats can end up at the veterinary clinic if they're given food that has garlic or onions. If a cat is ill and you want to relax them to have something to eat, you can give them a small amount of meat baby food.

This meat based baby food should not contain any additives. For example, you can give a cat unseasoned meat baby food that doesn't have any additives.



Can a cat eat baby food?

  Can cats eat baby food if they're sick? 

Cats can eat meat based baby food if they're ill. Cats can only eat meat-based baby food if its free of additives.

Sick cats should also only be given a moderate portion of meat based baby food. So, meat based baby food can't be used as a regular or daily substitute for regular cat food.








Friday, 16 September 2022

Can cats be allergic to corn?

   Can cats have food allergies? Yes. Cats can have food allergies. Your cat can be allergic to a particular type of food, even if it's raw.

Your cat can also be allergic to an additive that's in processed food. So, your cat could be allergic to an unprocessed food, such as chicken.

 They could also be allergic to a processed food such as a chicken breast snack because of an additive that's in the treat. 

Cats can be allergic to different types of protein so, they can be allergic to a protein that's found in turkey or beef.

Your cat could also be allergic to a protein that's found in a whole grain, such as corn.


More

Liquid meal replacement for cats  

Natural diuretics for dogs with congestive heart failure


Thursday, 15 September 2022

Flea allergies in cats

  Are cats allergic to fleas? Fleas can cause your cat to have an allergic action. When a flea bites your cat, they transfer their saliva to the cat. Flea saliva causes an allergic reaction in cats.

If you suspect that your cat is having an allergic reaction to fleas, you can take them to your veterinarian to confirm this. You can protect your cat from fleas by using a wide range of products that are designed to discourage fleas from jumping on to the cat. 

Always check to ensure that fleas are actually causing the allergic reaction. Cats can have allergic reactions to flea saliva and other substances, such as mold.


More

Liquid meal replacement for cats  

Natural diuretics for dogs with congestive heart failure


Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Keep cats away from dust mites

 Are cats allergic to mites? Yes. Cats can have an allergic reaction to dust mites.

Dust mites are small and often undetectable. Dust mites can cause your cat to have an allergic reaction that lasts for weeks. In fact, many people only realize that their cats are being affected by mites when they noticed signs of an allergic reaction to mites. 

Cat dust mite allergic reactions include itching. When cats start to itch because of mites they'll scratch at the affected areas. 


Scratching at their neck and other affected parts of their body like this can cause damage to their skin which can lead to a secondary infection. This is just one of the reasons why it's important for pet parents to have cats itching from dust mites treated as quickly as possible. 


A cat dust mite allergic reaction can be treated with the help of a veterinarian. If you have more than one cat in your household, all of the cats who are having an allergic reaction will usually need to be treated.

Also treat your home for dust mites even if you're currently only seeing symptoms on one cat.


More

Liquid meal replacement for cats  

Natural diuretics for dogs with congestive heart failure


Tuesday, 13 September 2022

Do cats have allergies?

  Can cats get allergies? Yes. Cats can definitely get allergies just as their people can.

One of the most common cat allergens is dust. So, it's important for your cat to have clean, comfortable areas where they can rest and play that are free of dust. 

Other inhalants can also trigger allergic reactions in cats. These include mold which can be found in areas that are moist and warm. 

Pollen is also a cat allergen. Your cat could definitely be exposed to pollen if they go outdoors especially during certain seasons.


More

Liquid meal replacement for cats  

Natural diuretics for dogs with congestive heart failure


Monday, 28 February 2022