Having a pet is an incredibly rewarding and heartwarming experience, but caring for them isn’t easy. It requires a lot of involvement, whether it is in the form of time, attention, or resources. A pet’s health and happiness depend on many factors, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, preventive measures, mental stimulation, a loving environment, and more. However, some mistakes that pet parents make may compromise their pet’s health and well-being. Ignoring fleas and ticks Pet parents often make the mistake of ignoring minor fleas and ticks, thinking that they will go away on their own. But fleas and ticks are pests that not only cause pets discomfort but also put them at risk of developing infections, skin irritation, and other diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. So, one should regularly check for signs of these pests and use measures like flea collars and treatments, especially during warmer months, to ensure optimal pet health. Not paying attention to oral hygiene Pets may not necessarily need brushing and flossing daily as humans do, but they require a certain level of dental care. Poor oral hygiene can cause tartar buildup, gum disease, or heart or kidney issues. While brushing a pet’s teeth is the best option to maintain their oral hygiene, chewable toys like chewables by PetSmart, especially for dogs, are also an option.

Life can be tedious at times, and in such conditions, it is okay to feel tired or catch a nap. Daytime sleepiness generally happens when the sleep during the night isn’t restful. However, excessive daytime sleepiness is a more severe condition than one feeling fatigued all the time. It is a type of hypersomnia that causes an overwhelming urge to sleep during waking hours. Here are some known causes and triggers of excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep deprivation Sleep deprivation is a state in which the individual has been consistently getting less than enough sleep. Frequently sleeping for a short time can impair the body’s rest, recovery, and restore function. It can lead to the individual experiencing various psychological and physical symptoms. One of the symptoms is excessive daytime sleepiness. When the individual is operating on less sleep for a longer period, they might get urges during the day to sleep. Research suggests a large number of adults have confirmed falling asleep without intending to, at least once a month. Sleep apnea Another common cause of excessive daytime sleepiness is sleep apnea. It is a condition in which one experiences a disruption in their ability to breathe when sleeping. Narrowing or collapsing of the upper airway when sleeping can interrupt the person’s breathing, and is known as obstructive sleep apnea.