| How to Treat Flea Bites on Dogs Posted: 06 Jul 2018 01:00 AM PDT Fleas are a real pain for you and your dog. If you notice your dog itching or scratching more than usual, check them for signs of fleas including eggs, bite marks, and flea dust. Generally, you can get rid of these pests at home using topical flea treatments such as shampoos and collars. Before anything else, though, you should talk with your vet to ensure that you are using the right treatment and the right dose for your dog. EditIdentifying Fleas - Look for small red dots, flea dirt, and flea eggs on your dog's skin. One of the most conspicuous signs of fleas are what they leave on your dog. Take a close look at your dog's skin to see if they have any small, red, raised bite marks. Additionally, fleas often leave behind "flea dirt," which will look like small, dark grains of sand, as well as small white eggs that resemble tiny grains of rice.[1]
- If your dog has an allergic reaction to the bite, the red area may be larger.
- If your dog has dark fur, run a flea comb once through its fur to check for signs of fleas. Then, tap the comb on a white paper towel to see if any flea dirt or eggs fall off.
- Watch your dog to see if they scratch excessively. Excessive scratching, licking, and biting at the skin is another clear sign your dog may have fleas. Watch your dog's behavior to see if they are suddenly itching, biting, or licking at their skin more than is typical.[2]
- Look for irritation and scabs on your dog's skin. Scabs, bald spots, and inflammation can be indicative of a number of skin conditions, including fleas. If you suspect fleas, take a look at your dog's coat to see if the they have any areas of irritation, bald spots, or scabs.[3]
- If you find any of these symptoms present on your dog, call your vet. In addition to being a sign of fleas, these symptoms could be signs of ticks, mange, and other canine skin conditions.
- Use a flea comb. If you think your dog may have fleas, you can buy a flea comb from most pet stores. Use the comb to check for fleas, as well as anything fleas may leave behind. Flea combs can make it easier to identify fleas, along with flea eggs and flea dust.[4]
- Look for jumping adult fleas. In severe cases, you may actually see adult fleas jumping on your dog's back when it moves. Take your dog to the vet right away for treatment.
- The severity of the case also depends on your dog, so don't panic. The vet will be able to tell you how bad it is and prescribe treatment accordingly.
EditTreating a Flea Infestation - Check with your vet. Before using a home treatment, talk to your vet to make sure you get the right product for your dog. Different sized dogs will require different dosages, and young puppies may be too small or young for certain medications. Call or schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure you get the right flea treatment for your dog's specific needs.[5]
- Use a flea shampoo to kill fleas. Flea shampoo is a fast-acting way to kill fleas on your dog. It's a first line of defense, though, and will only last for about a week, so take your dog to the vet for a more permanent oral medication as well. Read over the packaging to make sure you apply the correct amount to the correct areas on your dog. Repeat the bath as recommended by the packaging or your vet.[6]
- Too much topical flea treatment can be irritating and potentially dangerous for your dog. Be careful about using the right amount for your dog's size and age.
- Use your flea comb to brush out your dog after they dry to help remove any residual flea eggs.
- Applying the flea shampoo correctly should leave very little residue on your dog's fur, but still be sure to rinse well afterwards.
- Apply a flea and tick prevention medication to your dog's fur. The same medication that you use to keep fleas and ticks off your dog can be used to help kill a flea infestation. This treatment is more gradual, so it is most effective when combined with a fast-acting treatment such as a flea shampoo.[7]
- Topical treatments such as Advantage and flea collars can both help manage a flea infestation.
- Flea collars only target adult fleas. You'll still need to treat your dog with a medication that targets the eggs and fleas in developmental stages, in case any were left over after the bath.
- Get a prescription for stubborn flea infestations. If your dog has a flea infestation that is causing them a severe amount of discomfort or is otherwise difficult to dismiss, make a vet appointment. Your vet can prescribe medication to get rid of a stubborn infestation, and to help keep your dog comfortable during treatment.[8]
- Always carefully follow your vet's instructions for administering the medication. Pay special attention to things like dosage, what time of day it should be administered, how many times a day it should be administered, and potential side-effects.
- Treat your house immediately to prevent a recurrence. Wash your dog's bed, blankets, clothes, and cloth toys in the washer, using dog-safe detergent and the "sanitation" setting if your washer has one. Disinfect bowls and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap. To remove fleas on the floor or carpet, place a flea collar inside your vacuum bag and vacuum up your dog's common areas. Empty the vacuum frequently.
- Flea-proofing your environment right after an infestation will get rid of any fleas or eggs that happened to fall off and escape.
EditPreventing Future Flea Bites - Use regular flea and tick prevention. You can find flea and tick prevention in tablet, topical, and collar forms at most pet stores. Pick a method that works for your dog, and use it regularly. Apply topical treatment or administer the pill as instructed by your vet or the medication's packaging. Likewise, flea collars should be changed as recommended by the collar manufacturer.[9]
- Brush them with a flea comb. Regular brushing with a flea comb can help get rid of fleas before they spread. Brush your dog weekly with a flea comb to help get rid of fleas before they can lay eggs and create a full infestation.[10]
- Wash your pet's belongings weekly. Help keep fleas away from your pet by washing their bed and blankets, bowls, toys, and clothing like sweaters weekly. Use hot water and a dog-safe laundry detergent to wash fabrics, using the "sanitation" cycle if your washing machine has one. Wash your dog's dishes and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap.[11]
- Keep your house clean. To keep fleas away from your dog, you need to keep them out of your home. Vacuum in the areas where your pet regularly rests, and use flea spray or flea traps around your home. This is especially important if your dog has had a previous flea infestation.[12]
- The right solution for your home will depend on your particular environment. If your dog has suffered from repeated flea infestations, opting for something like a flea bomb can help you get rid of a lot of pests quickly.
- Flea traps work well as a safety measure in homes where infestations are already controlled.
- Isolate any infested pets. Keep fleas from spreading from pet to pet by keeping any infested pets secure in their own space. This could include keeping a dog with a minor infestation in a room with a closed door to make sure no other pets can enter. If you have a more significant infestation around your house, you may want to take non-impacted pets to a stay with a friend or at a boarding facility until the fleas clear up.[13]
- Isolation should not seem like a punishment. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of food and fresh water, as well as comfort items like blankets, beds, and toys. Spend ample time with them every day. The point is to keep the fleas from spreading, not to ignore them or make them feel bad.
- Always wash your hands and change your clothes after you have interacted with a flea infested pet before you allow any other animals to come in contact with you.
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| How to Choose Solar Panels Posted: 05 Jul 2018 05:00 PM PDT Solar panels provide renewable energy for your home, which helps the environment and reduce your electricity bill. But not all panels are alike. The material a panel is made of, what solar inverter it uses, and how it mounts to your roof determines what environments it works best in. Before you buy solar panels for your home, research the different factors and decide which option is right for you. EditPicking a Panel Material - Choose monocrystalline solar panels for efficiency. Monocrystalline solar panels are the best at converting light to energy because of their high silicon purity. That being said, monocrystalline solar panels are often the most expensive—this option is best if you want the highest productivity and price tag.[1]
- Monocrystalline solar panels cost between $300-700 USD per panel.
- Monocrystalline solar panels also produce the most waste when they're manufactured. If you're buying solar panels to go green, another material may suit your needs better.
- All solar panels are made of silicon. The higher the silicon purity, the better your panel will work, which is why monocrystalline panels are ideal.
- Go with polycrystalline solar panels for an environmentally-friendly option. Polycrystalline solar panels utilize all of the silicon material they're manufactured with, making them the "greenest" panel option. Polycrystalline solar panels are also cheaper than monocrystalline panels, though they are not quite as efficient.[2]
- Polycrystalline solar panels usually cost between $200-500 USD per panel.
- Polycrystalline solar panels do not do as well in warm temperatures. Hot climates with temperatures regularly above around are not suitable for polycrystalline panels.
- Buy thin-film solar panels for the most budget-friendly option. Thin-film panels are cost-efficient to make and are usually the cheapest option. They also, however, degrade faster than other panels. Choose thin-film if you need a simple solar panel that may need more repairs over the years.[3]
- Polycrystalline solar panels usually cost between $175-300 USD per panel.
- Thin-film panels usually need the most space and are less practical for smaller homes. They may need up to twice as much room as a mono- or polycrystalline solar panel with the same energy output.
- Buy amorphous solar panels for smaller homes. Amorphous solar panels are a subset of thin-film solar panels. Generally, they are smaller than other thin-film panels. Through a process called "stacking," which involves multiple layers of amorphous silicon cells, these panels can reach high levels of efficiency, around twice as high as other thin-film solar panels.[4]
- Amorphous solar panels are more expensive than other thin-film panels.
- Amorphous solar panels generally cost between $200-400 USD per panel.
EditSelecting a Solar Inverter - Choose central inverters for their track record. Central inverters are the oldest and most common solar inverter type. These inverters are also usually the most reliable option, as they function well in harsh climates and have been researched the most by environmental scientists.[5]
- Central inverters can cost between $1500-2400 USD.
- Pick string inverters for the least expensive option. String inverters are a newer form of central inverters that connect a group of small panels together so they function as one. They are also usually cheaper than central inverters and the most budget-friendly inverter choice.[6]
- String inverters may cost between $1400-2000 USD
- String inverters work best on houses with a flat roof.
- Compared to power optimizers and microinverters, string inverters are an older technology.
- Buy power optimizers if you want to use your panel in partial shade. This type of solar inverter is embedded into the solar cell, which helps them work in shady locations. Choose power optimizers if your home receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight with periods of partial shade in-between.
- Power optimizers may cost $2000+ USD, depending on the strength of the device.
- Like all solar panels, power optimizers will not work in perpetually cloudy environments.
- Choose microinverters for long-term use. Microinverters generally last longer than other solar panel types. Unlike other inverters, which stop working if a single panel fails, microinverters keep working with a broken panel. Because of their long lifespan, however, microinverters are also the most expensive option.[7]
- Microinverters can cost up to $2300-2500 USD.
- Microinverters are often easiest to install.
EditDeciding on a Mounting Option - Pick a ballasted mount if you live in an area with low wind. Solar panels on a ballasted mount are attached to the roof at an angle several feet or meters above the roof. Ballasted mounts are efficient because they do not penetrate the roof and receive more direct sunlight. Because this design makes them more vulnerable to being blown away, however, they do not work well in windy climates. [8]
- On the whole, ballasted systems tend to be the cheapest mounting option. They can cost between $50-100 USD per panel.
- Ballasted systems generally cover the whole roof, which can make maintenance or remodeling hard.
- Buy a mechanically-attached mount for the most secure option. Solar panels on a mechanically-attached mount are attached tightly to the roof at a slight or no angle. Because mechanically-attached mounts are mounted to the roof beams, they fare well in harsh weather. They also take up less space and are ideal if you need access to your roof often.[9]
- Because mechanically-attached mounts are smaller, they're usually easier on the roof.
- Mechanically-attached mounts may cost between $75-125 per panel.
- Pick a hybrid for the benefits of ballasted and mechanically-attached mounts. Hybrid mounts are attached to the roof like mechanically-attached mounts but may be slightly raised or angled like ballasted mounts. This keeps them secure to the roof while receiving more direct sunlight like ballasted mounts.
- Choose a fixed mount if you cannot place your panels on the roof. Fixed mounts follow the sun throughout the day. This orients their panel positioning to absorb as much sunlight as possible. If your solar panel is on the ground and receives some shade each day, fixed mounts can help your system convert more energy.
- Fixed mounts can cost between $160-200 per panel.
EditConsidering Additional Factors - Choose a solar panel based on the type of building you're using it in. Depending on whether you're using the solar panels in a residential, commercial, or industrial building, some solar panels may fit your needs better than others. Let the company you're purchasing solar panels from know what kind of building your using solar panels in so they can help you find the right option.[10]
- If you're buying solar panels for an industrial building, for example, you may want monocrystalline panels for their efficiency at converting energy.
- Determine your electrical usage needs before purchasing solar panels. If your building expends a lot of energy, an expensive solar panel that generates more energy may help you save more in the long-term. Consult your past 2 or 3 energy bills to decide whether the solar panel's price or efficiency is a better investment.[11]
- If your electricity bill is high every month and you plan to live in your house for a long time, for example, you may choose a monocrystalline solar panel. If you do not use as much electricity, however, a thin-film solar panel may fit your needs.
- Set a budget before shopping around for solar panels. Between the panel material, solar inverter type, and other factors, the cost of a solar panel can add up over time—if you're not careful, you may end up overspending. Decide how much you're willing to spend beforehand so you don't put too much money into your panels without realizing it.
- Shop around at several different solar panel companies to compare deals before purchasing a system.
- Check to see if you qualify for government rebates for buying solar panels. Some countries offer government-issued tax rebates for solar panel installation. If your country offers this program, you may be able to reduce the net cost of your solar panel. Consult a financial advisor to discover solar panel tax rebates in your country.[12]
- Depending on your country, you may receive between 30-50% off of your net cost in rebates.
- If you're not sure what system is best for your climate, ask for recommendations. Call a friend nearby who has solar panels or contact a solar panel installation company.
- Build your own solar panel to combine the features you like best.
- Get pricing quotes from several different solar panel companies before buying solar panels.
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| How to Treat an Ocular Migraine Posted: 05 Jul 2018 09:00 AM PDT Ocular or "classic" migraines are severe headaches accompanied by changes in vision (seeing flashes of light or shadows, or an "aura"). Mild cases can be treated with pain relievers and rest. Stronger or more frequent ocular migraines can be treated with prescription medications and other professional treatments, as well as by making some lifestyle changes. Ocular migraines should not be confused with "retinal" migraines, which cause symptoms of short-term blindness or reduced vision in only one eye. Retinal migraines are the sign of a serious medical issue--if you have one, you should seek medical assistance immediately.[1] EditGetting Immediate Migraine Relief - Recognize the onset of the aura phase. Ocular migraines are characterized by visual problems, known as the "aura." You may have trouble seeing, experience zig-zag lights that aren't really there, "see stars," or have other visual effects. These may or may not be accompanied by pain. Part of treatment is learning to recognize the particular symptoms that accompany your ocular migraines.[2]
- The aura phase usually takes place in the 10-60 minute window before the ocular migraine begins.[3]
- Take your preventative migraine medication, if you have it. Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication (usually a triptan or ergot derivative) to take whenever you start to have a migraine. If so, take this as soon as you experience the onset of the aura. Doing so may stop the headache, nausea, or other symptoms that may follow the aura phase.[4]
- These prescriptions are available in a variety of forms: pills, dissolving tablets, sprays, or shots.
- Make sure to follow your doctor's dosing instructions.
- You should not use these medications if you are pregnant or have certain types of heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Discuss your medical history with your doctor before using migraine medication.
- Rest and get away from your triggers. Even if you aren't experiencing pain or headache, find a quiet, dark place where you can close your eyes and rest as soon as you begin to experience ocular symptoms. If you know you have specific migraine triggers (such as specific sounds, smells, or staring at a screen too long), resting away from these will also help treat the migraine.[5]
- Even if you can't lie down, try moving away from bright sunlight or harsh lighting as well as noisy situations.
- Use an over-the counter (OTC) pain reliever if needed. Mild migraine pain can be stopped or at least reduced with a standard dose of aspirin, acetaminophen, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Follow the package instructions and do not take more than the maximum recommended dose.[6]
- You can also take specially formulated OTC migraine pain relievers, which may combine several medications (typically aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine).
- If you are taking any other medications, talk to a medical professional about which OTC medications are safe and effective for you to use.
- Place a cold compress on your head for additional pain relief. Soak a clean cloth in cool water. Wring out the excess, then lay the cloth on your forehead or behind your neck. Leave it there for as long as the cloth stays cool to get some instant relief.[7]
- Using a cold compress while lying down in a quiet, dark place can be especially effective.
- Massage your scalp. Spread out your fingers and rub them all over your scalp and temples. Push down with lots of pressure. This can be a surprisingly effective way to relieve mild migraines.[8]
EditPreventing Migraines with Professional Treatments - Ask your doctor about prevention drugs. If you have frequent migraines that don't go away with easy treatments, your doctor can prescribe medications to help prevent migraines. If your migraines are severe (causing you to miss work or school, for instance), or if you take pain relievers for migraines more than 2 times a week, you might be a good candidate for these drugs. Commonly prescribed ones include:[9]
- Certain antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Undergo hormone therapy, if your migraines relate to hormonal changes. Some women find that their migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle. Others will experience worsened migraines during menopause. If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor. They may advise a program of hormone replacement therapy to prevent migraines.[10]
- Keep track of your symptoms using a symptoms tracker app or a diary to help you determine a pattern. This will help you decide if hormone therapy could work for you.
- Work with a therapist if your migraines seem linked to mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression are all sometimes linked to migraines. Managing these issues can eliminate the migraine problem. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and "talk therapy" can both be effective at treating migraines.[11]
- Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist, if you aren't sure who to see.
- You can also try neurofeedback.[12]
EditMaking Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Migraines - Avoid your migraine triggers. Researchers still don't know exactly what causes migraines, but they seem to be linked to environmental factors. Triggers include things like bright lights, loud sounds, strong fumes, irregular sleeping and eating patterns, and certain foods. If you know what sorts of things tend to cause you to have a migraine, you can avoid or manage the triggers. For instance:[13]
- If bright lights trigger your migraines, reduce the amount of time you spend in full sunlight, in fully lit rooms, or looking at screens on computers, smartphones, and tablets. You can also buy different colored lens that will block certain wavelengths that cause issues for you.[14]
- If you tend to have migraines when you are tired, get on a regular sleep schedule so you go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday.
- Stop behaviors that can worsen migraines. Certain activities and habits can make migraines more likely, frequent, or severe. Eliminating these from your life can help stop your migraine problems.[15]
- Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. While some patients benefit from minimal caffeine consumption, partaking more than 3 times per week can increase migraines.
- Stop smoking.
- Stop using oral contraceptives.
- Don't skip meals.
- Manage stress. Many people who have migraines find that they seem to be caused by stress or worsened because of it. Learning to deal with stress and anxiety will not only help reduce your migraine problem, it can also improve your overall quality of life. Ways to manage stress include:[16]
- Try alternative treatments such as acupuncture and massage. Acupuncture can help lower pain, while massage may lower the frequency of migraines. Everyone responds differently to treatment, so do what works for you.[17]
- Try supplements if your doctor approves. Some vitamins and minerals can help prevent migraines. Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin), Coenzyme Q10, and magnesium are all great options.[18] Always talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
- Your doctor can help you determine a proper dosage to meet your needs.
- Keep medications (OTC or prescription) that can stop a migraine with you at all times, in case you have an attack.[19]
- Migraine triggers include: anxiety, stress, lack of food or sleep, certain infections (like those that cause colds and the flu), loud sounds, bright lights, strong smells, stress, dehydration or hunger, dieting, and certain foods.[20]
- Try applying a cool compress to your forehead, which can feel relaxing.
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