Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than car occupants. In the US, NHTSA data show that riders are many times more likely per mile traveled to die in a crash than people in cars. Most of the risk can be managed, though, by a few habits applied on every ride. Assume you are invisible The most … Read more
Defensive driving means assuming that other road users will make mistakes and leaving yourself room to deal with them. It is less about reflexes than about habits that keep you out of tight situations in the first place. Keep space around you Following distance is the foundation. In good conditions, keep at least three seconds … Read more
Snow and ice change everything about how a car behaves. Braking distances can be several times longer, and the margin for error almost disappears. Most winter crashes happen because drivers keep their summer habits. Before you set off Clear all the snow and ice from the car, not just a hole in the windshield: windows, … Read more
Every year, poison control centers receive hundreds of thousands of calls about pets. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, human medications are consistently among the most common causes. Most poisonings happen at home and are preventable. The most common dangers Human medications: painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen, antidepressants, ADHD drugs, heart medications. … Read more
Cats are territorial and attached to their surroundings, so a move or an adoption is a big change. Most cats settle in within a few days to a few weeks if they are given time, space and a safe starting point. Prepare a base camp room Before the cat arrives, set up one quiet room … Read more
A backyard is a great place for a dog to play and sniff, but it also holds hazards: gaps in the fence, toxic plants, chemicals and water. A walk around with a dog’s eye view, at nose level, catches most of them. Fencing Toxic plants Common garden plants that are toxic to dogs include sago … Read more
Some human foods are safe as an occasional treat, but cats have very specific nutritional needs. They are obligate carnivores: they need nutrients found in animal tissue, such as the amino acid taurine and vitamin A in its active form. A complete, balanced cat food should make up nearly all of their diet, and treats, … Read more
Cats often nibble on plants, out of curiosity, boredom or because they like the texture of leaves. Choosing non-toxic plants lets you have greenery without the risk. The ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants database is the best reference to check any plant. Cat-safe houseplants These are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA: Non-toxic … Read more
No, not without a veterinarian’s specific instructions. Cats are far more sensitive than dogs or people to many common medications. Their liver lacks enough of an enzyme pathway (glucuronidation) that processes drugs such as aspirin and acetaminophen, so these medications build up to toxic levels quickly. Aspirin Aspirin can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, liver and … Read more
