How to Reduce Symptoms of a Shitzu Allergy

Our four-legged family members are an essential part of our lives, which is why it can be devastating when you find yourself struggling with a dog allergy. Whether your pet is a pound puppy or you’re dealing with a purebred Shitzu allergy, you need to find relief without having to part ways with your furry best friend.

Thankfully, there are natural remedies that may help alleviate your pet allergies so you can your canine companion can coexist peacefully. Keep reading to learn more.

Do You have a Dog Allergy?

If you find yourself sneezy, drippy and itchy after playing with dogs or being around them, then you may have a dog allergy. All dogs produce multiple proteins, called allergens, which can be found in their dander, saliva, hair, and urine. If you react to these allergens, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with an allergist, who will likely administer a scratch test. If you do have a confirmed dog allergy, remain positive. There may be ways to manage your symptoms without having to rehome your family pet.

Managing the Symptoms of a Dog or Shitzu Allergy

Despite the hype, there is no such thing as a purely hypoallergenic dog, even if a dog doesn’t shed, they still produce the same amount of allergens as a “non-hypoallergenic” canine. If you have a Shitzu allergy, or any other dog allergy for that matter – and want to continue living with your pup – you may be able to get allergy shots that can help you build up a tolerance to dog allergens. You can also invest in an air purifier for your home to reduce irritants. You’ll want to give your dog regular baths and look into specialty shampoos to ensure allergens don’t build up on his skin and coat.

Moving forward, you may want to consider confining your dog to several rooms of the home to ensure you maintain rooms (like your bedroom) where allergens are low. If you have carpet in your home, consider switching to hardwood or laminate to make your home easier to clean. Despite your best efforts; however, allergens will become airborne and you won’t be able to keep any space in your home 100% safe for individuals with a dog or Shitzu allergy.

Natural Relief for Dog Allergies

Looking for a natural way to manage your dog allergies? These trusted companies offer multiple supplements and products to help you manage symptoms.

Allergy Relief 4 Kids

Allergy Relief 4 Kids from Hylands offers homeopathic support for children ages 2-12 in an easy-to-take dissolvable tablet. Free from artificial flavors and pseudoephedrine, this product may help children with seasonal discomfort as well as pet allergy symptoms. 

Animal Hair and Dander

Animal Hair and Dander by BioAllers is specifically designed to promote relief from pet dander and allergies. This homeopathic product combines precise levels of homeopathic ingredients with specific homeopathic allergens resulting in natural support without unwanted side effects.

Pet Allergy (For People)

Looking for a homeopathic formula to help you deal with the temporary symptoms of pet allergies? Pet Allergy (for people) by BioAllers is a homeopathic product designed to deal with the sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and minor breathing difficulties associated with pet allergies.

How have you found help with a Shitzu allergy or any other breed of dog allergy? Share your experiences, tips and tricks with us in the comments section below.

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How Does Dermal Tissue Help Plants on a Hot Day?

If you know anything about gardening, you know that where you place a plant is extremely important. Some plants can tolerate full sun and hot weather, while others will only survive in shady, cool spots. The way in which a plant tolerates its surroundings depends in large part on the dermal tissue, or epidermis of the plant. This complex outer layer has evolved to help the plant regulate the loss of carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen, so the plant can survive against the elements. When temperatures rise and the sun beats down, the dermal tissue ensures plants can retain essential nutrients while still allowing them to flow in.

Keep reading to learn more about a plant’s dermal tissue and to answer the question: How does dermal tissue help plants on a hot day?

The Reason for That Waxy Appearance

Have you ever noticed that many plants, especially those that thrive in warmer climates have a waxy appearance to their leaves? For example, desert plants like cacti have a very thick and waxy appearance, whereas the leaves of an oak tree are thinner and more matte. What you’re seeing is the dermal tissue, and more specifically the cuticle of the plant. This cuticle layer is formed from cutin and other waxy materials and can be the reason that some leaves have a blue or white hue instead of the traditional green.

Protection Against Water Loss

You likely already know that plants need three basic things to survive; light, water and carbon dioxide. The dermal layer needs to be able to protect the plant from harsh conditions while also allowing these essential nutrients to be absorbed.

This where the stoma comes into play. The stoma is an opening between cells which parts when water is present, allowing the plant the H2O it needs to survive. However, in dry, hot conditions the stoma stays closed, retaining needed moisture.

Are Hairy Plants Real?

Yes, hairy plants are the real thing! For the most part, you probably have not noticed a lot of hair on your backyard foliage, with the exception of perhaps lambs ear, a popular ornamental shade plant. However, most plants have tiny hairs that you don’t see, and they play an important part in answering the question: How does dermal tissue help plants on a hot day?

In fact there are 3 kinds of hairs at work to protect the nutrients inside a plant – glandular hair, root hair, and epidermal hair.

Glandular Hair: These hairs work to protect the plant from predatory insects and are slightly curved with a small bulb up top. These bulbs contain natural insect repellent, designed to keep harmful bugs at bay.

Root Hair: The basic function of the tiny root hairs on dermal tissue is to increase the surface area of the plant on a cellular level, allowing it to collect more moisture.

Epidermal Hair: Epidermal hairs act as a shield against wind, standing straight up and reducing the damaging, drying effects of wind and strong breezes.

So, are you still wondering, how does dermal tissue help plants on a hot day? Leave further questions or insights for us in the comments section below.

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Photo by Larry Farr on Unsplash

DIY Beauty Essentials: Coconut Oil Jars, Makeup Brushes and More!

Keeping your cosmetic cabinet wisely stocked is a great way to make a daily makeup routine fun and easy. There are endless options when it comes to makeup products and tools and even professionals can get easily overwhelmed. The trick is to invest in essential items that work hard for you, and fit with the skin care and makeup routine you’re working towards. Something as easy as coconut oil jars in your bathroom can help remove eye makeup, hydrate dry skin, and assist in healing a hangnail.

Keep reading to learn more about the DIY beauty essentials you need to create a skin care and makeup routine that supports your best life.

5 Makeup Brushes You Need

To get even, realistic coverage you don’t have to buy every model of makeup brush on the market. However to achieve the look you want, you will need to invest in an essential set of quality makeup brushes.

Foundation Brush

Start with a foundation brush – these brushes are dense and help you achieve even coverage. They can also be used to sweep mineral power across the face to set your foundation for a flawless, all day look.

Blush Brush

Next, you’ll want a blush/bronzer brush to allow you to add color to the apples of your cheeks and highlighter for brightness around the forehead and cheekbones.

Brushes for Eyeshadow

Want to play with different eyeshadow looks from simple daywear to dramatic evening colors? You’ll need two key brushes – an eyeshadow blending brush to add even color across your lids and a shading brush to shade and contour.

Eyebrow Brush

Gone are the days of over-plucked brows! To achieve the hottest brow trends, you’ll want a dual purpose brow brush. The right brow brush features a spoolie on one side and a small tapered brush on the other to help you maximize and accentuate your brows and work in brow powders and gels.

The Never Ending Uses of Coconut Oil Jars

If you don’t keep coconut oil jars in your bathroom or on your nightstand, you’re missing out on one of the most versatile beauty trends.

For Your Teeth

If you haven’t heard of oil pulling, it’s the process of swishing coconut oil around in your mouth as a replacement for brushing your teeth. This ancient practice can help boost gum health, remove plaque, and improve oral hygiene. Organic Daily Swish Mint from Banyan Botanicals can make this process easy with coconut oil plus an added boost of peppermint.

For Your Skin

Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer and can be used in many DIY beauty recipes. Additionally, it may help reduce and eliminate age spots when applied directly. Looking to bring deep hydration to dry heels and elbows? A bit of coconut oil before bed can soften and heal even the driest skin.

To Remove Eye Makeup

Looking for an easy, natural way to remove eye and lip makeup? Simply add a bit of coconut oil to a warm, moist cotton ball to wipe away makeup while hydrating with healthy, natural goodness. Ensure the coconut oil you’re using on your eyes is of a high quality, like Organic Coconut Oil from Jarrow Formulas.

What are your beauty essentials? Do you keep coconut oil jars around your house to boost your beauty routine? Share your favorite products in the comments section below.

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Photo by Jonas Dücker on Unsplash