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  • Need a New Ride? Top Affordable Compact Luxury Cars

    Need a New Ride? Top Affordable Compact Luxury Cars

    Everyone loves getting to drive a nice new car. There’s something about being behind the wheel of a luxury car that’s ineffable and hard to place. It’s like you become the master of your own little domain, able to zoom around corners and go where you want. Not everyone can swing the huge payments to own a nice new car though.

    So, how do you find a compromise between a nice ride but not having to take a long time to pay it off? Thankfully, you can check out our list of the top luxury cars that won’t break the bank! These are luxurious, compact and affordable, and will keep you riding in style even as you keep your car payments reasonable.

    2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

    Mercedes-Benz, a well-known name in the world of luxury cars, offers the CLA-Class as a more affordable entry option to their range of vehicles. While you’ll only pay $33,695 for base models of the 2018, you’ll get the full Mercedes-Benz luxury experience. Some of the base features are pretty high-tech and impressive. For instance, it comes stock with drowsy-driver sensors, forward collision mitigation and rain-sensing windshield wipers. If that’s not enough for you, it even sports dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth! Add-ons include LED headlights, heated seats and adaptive cruise control. You can even opt for blind spot monitoring if you’re like me and forget to check those every time!

    2018 Acura ILX

    The ILX is a great choice for those who want a luxury ride but still want to have a practical vehicle. This vehicle has some pretty sweet amenities for its low price tag. While base models cost about $29,000, they also have keyless entry and ignition and heated front seats. they also sport dual-zone climate control, for when the driver and passenger feel comfortable in two different temperatures, and automatic LED headlights to help cut through hazardous weather conditions. For those who want a bit more, they can also opt for some safety features like adaptive cruise control and front collision mitigation. The ILX can also be equipped with navigation, leather upholstery and satellite radio.

    2018 Audi A3

    The next car on our list, the elegant Audi A3, starts at around $33,000. And it does more than just look pretty: it has some stellar luxury features. The A3 comes standard with forward collision mitigation, helping make sure you keep your nice new luxury car out of trouble. It also ensures a comfortable ride, with heated front seats and leather upholstery, and even a panoramic sunroof! If you want even more, you can opt to add on blind spot monitoring to even further keep your A3 (and yourself) safe, and even parking sensors. To round it all out, you can even opt for Apple CarPlay mirroring, letting you use your phone as your car stereo!

    2018 Volvo S60

    An extremely elegant car, and a great buy for $35,095. The S60 is a looker and boasts an incredibly comfortable ride to boot. Base models have low-speed collision mitigation, which is great when driving around town. They also have xenon headlights, leather upholstery and sunroof equipped standard. Oh, and don’t forget the Wi-Fi connectivity. Pretty cool, right? You can also opt for rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and navigation.

    2018 BMW 3 Series

    The 3 Series is the most affordable of BMW’s luxury cars, but it feels anything but “affordable.” This decadent ride is smooth, responsive and just plain fun to drive. You can grab a base model for $35,895, and that equips you with push-button start, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You even get Bluetooth connectivity! If you want a more upgraded experience, you can also opt for a sunroof, among other awesome options.

    Tesla Model 3

    When it comes to brand recognition, few cars are in the same boat as Tesla. The astonishing range and acceleration on display in the Model 3 make its all-electric powertrain that much more impressive. The luxurious interior, with its minimalist design and simple center screen, feels like a car from the future.
    For the price of $35,000 you can get the Standard Range Tesla, though a few thousand more bucks gets you the Long Range. It’s a difference of about a hundred miles of range, as the Standard Range allows for an impressive 240 miles, while the Long Range sports 310 miles. The Long Range will run you a steeper $49,500.
    The Model 3 makes our list, however, due to the all-electric nature of the vehicle working in conjunction with its great drive and range. This is, for all intents and purposes, a totally normal car that also happen to need neither gas nor oil. You won’t need to fill it up, get oil changes or worry about most regular maintenance. That’s all behind you once you go fully electric.


  • Should You Buy a Used Car?

    Should You Buy a Used Car?

    A lot of people religiously trade in their car every 3 years to get a brand-new car. However, could you be spending more money on this practice than if you were to simply drive a used car? It’s worth noting that a new car loses most of its value in the first 3 years of it’s on the road. Should you be opting to buy used cars instead of new, though?

    Should You Buy a Used Car?

    Your Wallet

    Firstly, you’re going to save a lot of money if you opt to buy used cars over new. However, you knew that. What you might not know if just how much you’re likely to save. New cars, famously, are quite expensive for the value the consumer gets. Largely, what you’re paying for is the “new car smell” and the good feeling you get of owning a new thing.

    However, buying used cars that are in good condition could result in you saving thousands of dollars. On top of that, you can get relatively new, nice vehicles that are used and less expensive than from the dealership. Frankly, you’re better off forgoing brand-new cars for your trade-in value and for your wallet.

    Environmental Concerns

    When you buy a used vehicle, you’re actually making a good call for the environment. Hundreds of thousands of used car sales cut into new cars every year, causing production to slow down. As you well know, unchecked production plays havoc on the environment.

    As such, by buying used, you’re doing a bit of your part to curtail environmental damage. That said, if you’re buying a large truck or SUV, the emissions let off might balance the scales yet again. Jokes aside, buying used is a great way to be environmentally conscious.

    Avoid Dealerships

    No one likes dealing with salespeople. Even salespeople don’t like dealing with salespeople. If you’re eager to cut the dealership out of your car-buying experience, you can buy used cars directly from the previous owners. While you might still have to do a bit of haggling, it’s not the same as dealing with a trained salesperson.

    Shopping via eBay motors, Craigslist or some other online site is a great way to shop for used vehicles and avoid the dealership. That way, you not only don’t spend your day haggling with someone, you also get a fairer deal on a more affordable vehicle. That’s a win-win!


  • The Best No-Contract Phone Providers

    The Best No-Contract Phone Providers

    You’ve got an awesome smartphone with a great display and slick new features? You probably don’t want to just use it as a tiny tablet, so you’re going to need a phone provider. Contracts aren’t for everyone: some people just want phone service and don’t want to be bound by contractual obligations. Which phone providers do we recommend? Read on!

    Cricket Wireless

    Using AT&T’s network coverage, Cricket Wireless offers a very affordable $35 (after autopay discount) plan that sports 5GB of data. Cricket’s data speeds cap at 8 Mbps, sadly, which makes them more of a budget consideration than a main provider, but they made the list since they offer some of the best data amounts per dollar. Cricket has the added benefit of rolling taxes and fees into this final price, helping alleviate “sticker shock” when the bill comes.

    Boost Mobile

    Boost makes the list thanks to its low price, same as Cricket. For $35 per month, you get 3GB of data on Sprint’s network. Sadly, this also means that you’ll experience some slowdown as Sprint’s network isn’t terribly speedy. On the bright side, like MetroPCS and Cricket, the monthly taxes and fees in this plan are rolled into the final bill price.

    AT&T

    AT&T offers a $40 with 8GB of data with no contract. This is a great pick for those who want to use loads of data and don’t mind the slightly lower coverage of AT&T’s network. The $40 price point is after enrolling in autopay, so consider that when shopping for plans. AT&T’s network works in Canada and Mexico, too, which allows for traveling users to stay tuned in to their internet and friends. This is our favorite plan for data, with great bang for your buck in terms of gigabytes!

    MetroPCS

    MetroPCS uses its parent company, T-Mobile, for its network, which means their prepaid plan sports better coverage than AT&T’s. For $40 you get 5GB of data, which is still a lot, and is definitely worth considering if you want better network coverage. Additionally, this plan allows for streaming from tons of music apps and websites without counting against your data allotment, which is certainly enticing for all you audiophiles out there! MetroPCS, like Boost and Cricket, includes taxes and fees in the final price. MetroPCS is our favorite plan for those who don’t need as much data, or plan on using audio services for the bulk of their data.


  • Best VPN for iPhone

    Best VPN for iPhone

    While it might sound weird that you’d want a VPN for a phone, it’s not a bad idea to have one. While iOS is great at protecting user security, it’s not able to help you when you’re surfing the web. The real reason you’ll want one of these is if you use public Wi-Fi often. Public networks are often unsecure, and any data sent to and from your phone while on them could be intercepted by hackers. If you want to keep your encrypted info safe from prying eyes, try these VPNs! They offer great protection for your mobile browsing.  

    Golden Frog VyprVPN 

    Golden Frog is a clean, well laid-out VPN with a lot to offer. While it doesn’t offer as many licenses per subscription as some of the competition, it’s a solid pick. It’s ten dollars to start and five bucks a month. Sadly, it doesn’t offer any ad-blocking. What it does offer, though, is a free trial and a ton of servers. Your server speeds on this one will be blisteringly fast! If speed is your bag, try Golden Frog. 

    Cyber Ghost VPN 

    Offering seven licenses per $2.75 a month subscription, Cyber Ghost is a good choice. The interface is unique and weird in a good way. Privacy is a major concern of this one, and it does a good job logging very little user data. You can’t location spoof while streaming, though, so if you’re trying to appear as though you’re somewhere else, this isn’t the right VPN. That said, this is still a fine VPN, and it costs $12 to get started. The $2.75 per month deal is limited time, though, so check it out soon! 

    Nord VPN for iPhone 

    If you’ve ever looked into VPNs, you’ve definitely seen the name Nord. They’re well-renowned for a reason, and it’s because they’re good. Their VPN for iPhone offers a ton of servers and great features. Just like Cyber Ghost, it’s $12 to get started and $2.75 per month. Also, like Cyber Ghost, that’s a limited time price. That said, if you’re looking for a strong iPhone VPN, this is a great pick. Offering six simultaneous connections and blocking ads is a pretty mean feat on an iPhone. The app and layout are both friendly and welcoming, too! Great for first-time VPN users. 

    Our Favorite VPN for iPhone: KeepSolid VPN Unlimited 

    Starting a $8.99 per month, this is a fantastic VPN for the money. It supports Open VPN and sports great speeds. KeepSolid boasts servers specifically tooled for streaming, which is awesome. It also offers a personal VPN server for users! That said, it has no free trial, which is a bummer. Compared to Nord it has a small number of servers, too. That said, the interface is excellent, and the user experience is top-notch. If you’re looking for a fantastic VPN for iPhone, this is the one for you! 


  • Top 5 DNA Tests for Ancestry

    Top 5 DNA Tests for Ancestry

    For centuries, genealogists have relied on oral and written records to trace their family trees. But around the year 2000, the age of genealogical DNA testing was launched. This provided genealogists and family historians with an opportunity to use well-established scientific methods to prove relationships and ancestry.

    Ready to take an ancestry DNA test to better understand your family’s past, but aren’t sure which one to choose? You’re not alone. Several excellent DNA tests for genealogy are now available for a reasonable cost, but picking the right one for you can be very confusing. Which DNA test is best?

    23 and Me

    Called 23andMe as a nod to each person’s unique set of 23 chromosomes, 23andMe is the only kit in this lineup to offer health screenings aside from autosomal testing.  Fill the tube with your spit, send it back for testing, and get your results in 6-8 weeks. Results are kept indefinitely, so you can log on at any time to see or update your family tree.

    23andMe’s health tests can give valuable information about genetic illnesses, health risks, carrier status on health conditions, or traits that may run in your family — providing you with an important heads up about any checkups you may want to schedule.

    23andMe is possibly the easiest to find, sold at retailers like Target as well as Amazon and 23andMe.com. Though the starting price on these sites is $29.99, the lab fee will add up to either $69 or $169 — $10 cheaper than the base price on 23andMe’s official website, depending on if you choose just the ancestry test or add the health screening to that.

    MyHeritage

    If you’re balling on a budget and are only looking for the autosomal testing, MyHeritage could be the DNA test for you. First timers may also find this kit the most appealing as it is the most user-friendly. Swab the inside of your cheek with the provided tool, send it back for testing, and have your results in 3-4 weeks. Results are kept for 25 years.

    MyHeritage is said to be the fastest and cheapest test, usually sending results back to participants in 3-4 weeks and not requiring a monthly-paid subscription to access results. MyHeritage also pulls from 42 graphic regions, the third highest number behind AncestryDNA and Living DNA. DNA can be linked online to create a family tree, and there is an option to upload raw data — so if you’ve gotten some sort of genealogy tests done before or have outside genetics information that you’d like to use, it can easily be included in results.

    Ancestry.com

    AncestryDNA makes it easy to explore your ethnic origins but can’t differentiate between maternal and paternal lineages. This test is great for tracing your ethnic roots and finding living relatives.  Though all of the DNA services provide broadly similar results for ethnic origins, AncestryDNA presented this data in a clearer manner and placed the information in a useful historical context.

    For people seeking distant cousins or even biological parents, the company’s claimed DNA database of 10 million customers—twice the size of its closest competitor’s—increases the odds of successful matches. Unlike the other services we tested, however, AncestryDNA cannot track your maternal and paternal heritage independently or trace your ancient migration path out of Africa. Ancestry.com also is one of the most affordable DNA tests out there, usually $99 but currently offering a holiday special for only $59!

    Family Tree

    Family Tree is a data trove for genealogists with a bigger budget. It has options for highly detailed analysis of maternal and paternal lineages. But the cost for the genealogist-oriented add-ons can add up quickly. Family Tree DNA offers a more comprehensive suite of testing options than any service we evaluated, with additional tools that should satisfy genealogy buffs looking to explore their connections to early human migration or find relatives from one particular side of their family tree.

    As you would at a good sushi restaurant, however, you’ll want to watch your bill. Family Tree DNA’s à la carte approach can quickly add up; you can easily spend more than than three times the testing cost of our main pick.

    Living DNA

    Living DNA is a UK-based genomics firm that offers autosomal DNA data, as well as a breakdown of matrilineal and patrilineal lines. DNA data is gathered through a mouth swab. We liked how shipping for the test kit is free.

    If you’re looking for a DNA service that can match you to other possible relatives throughout the world, Living DNA is not the service for you. While Living DNA is beginning to build up a family match database, there’s nothing there now to work with.

    On the other hand, Living DNA’s test is quite comprehensive if you’re researching your background without regard to finding long-lost cousins. The company tests 638,000 autosomal SNPs, 22,500 Y chromosome SNPs and 17,800 X chromosome SNPs, along with 4,700 mitochondrial SNPs.

    Of particular interest to those looking backwards throughout their history, Living DNA tracks DNA to 80 geographic regions, and, for those of you with a UK family history, can even can provide an map of where your ancestors lived on the islands.


  • 2021 Subaru Ascent – The Best Yet!

    2021 Subaru Ascent – The Best Yet!

    Subaru’s first attempt at a three-row SUV, the Tribeca, wasn’t the best car in the world. In fact, it’s one of Subaru’s weaker models, and really failed to impress. Thankfully, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is here to change all of that. This three-row SUV is a great value and perfect for big families. If you’re looking for an awesome new SUV for the whole family to enjoy, check out today’s feature round-up. You’re going to love what Subaru has delivered here.

    Huge Presence

    If you like having a big footprint on the road, the Ascent will tickle your fancy. You’ve seen the Forrester before, so picture that but with three rows of seating. The Ascent is big, it’s roomy and it makes sure it has space on the road. If you’re like me, you don’t want people crowding you while you cart your family around town. As such, that huge road presence is a big deal. It also means you can fit everyone and their friends in the car without anyone being cramped!

    Interior Accoutrements

    The Ascent features a big, bold infotainment system and a nice interior. While the interior cabin won’t blow your mind, it’s nice and does its job. The infotainment screen comes in a 6.5 or 8-inch display, depending on which configuration you go with. Either way, it’s helpful and works well when you need to use it. The Ascent also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

    On the Road

    Subaru’s Ascent handles great on the road. It gets 21 miles per gallon city and 27 miles per gallon highway, all while putting out 260 horsepower. That’s not too shabby! The steering is responsive and accurate, especially considering the SUV’s big size. The suspension is great, and this vehicle features less body roll than most in its class. The best part is, the ride is smooth, quiet and comfortable. You’ll hear barely a whisper from the engine, and bumps are handled with ease.

    2021 Subaru Ascent Bottom Line

    This is a great SUV! If you’re looking for a car for lugging your family around town, this is a great pick. It drives well, it’s roomy and it has a ton of modern tech in the cab. You’ll love the ride, and you’ll love all the cargo space. The best part, though, is the price. The base model is $31,995, making it a great option for a family that isn’t looking for a luxury car. Not to mention, that price tag gets you the rock-solid Subaru name on the back. Customers are loyal to that company because its cars are just excellent.


  • The Best iOS Photo Apps for Shooting and Editing

    The Best iOS Photo Apps for Shooting and Editing

    Everyone loves to snap pictures! Every smart phone is equipped with great camera functionality, but they lack a decent photo app to go with it. Whether you’re looking to send pictures to family or post them to show your friends, you’re probably wondering which photo apps are the best! Here’s a round-up of our favorite photo apps!

    Snapseed

    Snapseed is a user-friendly photo editing app for iPhone. Allowing for different filter types and tools for adjusting exposure and sharpness, Snapseed allows for professional-style photo editing from your iPhone. You’re also able to edit only selected parts of a photo, letting you fine-tune images to your taste! It even has a healing tool like Photoshop. Best of all, this app is free! Snaseep is our favorite iOS photo editor.

    Cortex Camera

    This app is fantastic for shooting in low-light or nighttime situations. Using a really neat process, Cortex Cam is able to cut down of visual grain that is so common in low light pictures. Typcally, when taking pictures in low light, your phone camera will increase the ISO to attempt to squeeze more light into the lens. This has the side-effect of creating grainy images. Cortex Cam combats this by taking a large number of images in a short span of time and collating them into one image, eliminating that visual noise. This is easily the best app for low-light shooting!

    Superimpose

    Another Photoshop-like app, Superimpose allows two pictures to be blended together. If you want an app to blend together two photos from your phone, this is the app for you! This app has gradient masks that allow for one photo to mask the dark aspects of another with its own light aspects, allowing for interesting artistic projects. Superimpose can also be used for double exposure-style pictures, like using a foreground from one photo and a background from another. Superimpose is $1.99 on the app store, but you get a ton of awesome functionality for that price. If you’re looking to make compositions from your phone, Superimpose is a great app for you!

    Our Favorite Photo App: Camera+

    This app is exactly what is says it is: an enhanced version of the iPhone’s existing camera app. This app gives shutterbugs precise control over their phone’s camera functionality. Between altering shutter speed and white balance, this app is a must-have for smartphone camera enthusiasts. Camera+ has a manual focus function that is especially helpful for photographing extremely close objects, which is great!  It also has a handy 30-second delay feature for those who want to take pictures with themselves in the frame.If you have the technical know-how, or want to develop it, this app is a great choice for you!


  • Which Laptop is the Best for Photographers?

    Which Laptop is the Best for Photographers?

    If you’re a photographer, or an aspiring photographer, you’re certainly going to be using photo editing software. You’re also going to want that software to be accessible on the go, so you can edit while you’re shooting. With that in mind, the photographer’s best friend is their laptop. Which laptop is the best for editing on the go? Read on to find out our favorites! 

    Dell XPS 15 

    Dell’s XPS 15 is a great non-Apple choice for photographers. If you want a laptop that excels for photo editing and runs on Windows, this one is a great choice. It sports InfinityEdge technology, meaning it has a huge screen size for how small of a machine it is. Its display is color-accurate and has a 4K resolution, meaning your photos will look accurate while you’re editing.  

    The XPS 15 is a bit expensive, although that’s par the course for laptops with displays strong enough for photo editing. It retails for around $1,000, but you can often find it on sale for around $750. Consider this one if you heavily prefer Windows over Mac OS. 

    Apple Macbook Pro 13 inch with Retina 

    Unsurprisingly, Apple’s flagship laptop remains a fantastic choice for photographers. If you needed any reminders: Retina display is amazing, the battery life is great, and Mac OS was made with content creators in mind. Unsurprisingly, the Retina display remains the best laptop display on the market. With the best colors, contrast and saturation available on a laptop, you won’t be disappointed in this choice. 

    On the negative side, the Macbook is pretty expensive no matter where you go. It can be found anywhere from $900-$1,000, depending on sales and the like. It also doesn’t have a great deal of storage, which is a bit disappointing for photographers. That said, this is still a great pick. 

    Our Favorite Laptop for Photography: Apple Macbook Pro with Touchbar

    The step up from the older Macbooks, this new one sports the handy new touchbar technology. The touchbar is an OLED display above the keyboard that allows for quick access to tons of shortcuts. The toucbar has a number of applications across the OS, like suggested word selection and scrolling. The great use for photographers is the shortcuts in Photoshop, making Adobe’s robust suite even easier to use. Additionally, all the positives about the previous Macbook still apply, with the exception of the battery life. 

    Unfortunately, battery life isn’t nearly as impressive on this one; it seems the touchbar really saps the power from the laptop. Jokes aside, it is markedly lower than its predecessors. Additionally, this one is tremendously expensive: you can usually find it around $1,500.  


  • Review: Choose the Right Flea Medication for Your Dog

    Review: Choose the Right Flea Medication for Your Dog

    Without a doubt, fleas are one of the most stubborn pests known to bring disease and distress to your pets. Fleas are known to cause conditions such as anemia, Bartonella, tapeworms, and Flea Allergy Dermatitis to your pet. A flea infestation is not only bad for the pets but also causes immense discomfort for people in your home. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your pet is well protected, and flea medicine is a perfect solution for protection against the pest all year round. Numerous medications have been invented over time in an attempt to keep away the fleas, but the pest has somehow developed adaptive traits against the medication. Despite the numerous side effects pest medication may have on your pet, the growing need to use them underscores them.

    We have reviewed below some of the best flea medication to consider using on your pet alongside their pros and cons.

    Features to consider while purchasing flea medication
    1. Topical or oral treatment
    Flea medicine is divided into two types; oral and topical.
    Oral medication is administered in the form of a tablet that goes into your pet’s bloodstreams. Once a flea bites your pet, they ingest the medication and die. Oral treatment is quite effective in controlling an infestation but unfortunately lasts for a short period of about 2 hours.
    On the other hand, topical flea treatment is administered in liquid form and is sprayed on the skin of your pet. Like oral, topical treatment protects your pet from fleas for a period of up to one month.

    2. Period of protection
    Go through the manufacturer’s manual to check how often to administer and the flea medicine protection period.

    3. Protection against other parasites
    Flea medicine that kills other parasites such as mosquitoes, lice, ticks, and internal parasites like tapeworms and roundworms is a perfect option for achieving an all-around pest control solution.

    4. Water-proof
    If you choose to use the topical flea medication, it is wise to pick a water-proof product to ensure effectiveness for a long time.

    5. Effectiveness and safety
    Conduct some research to establish the best and most effective product before making a purchase. You can do so by researching the active ingredients in the product on Google or look up for reviews in the product.

    Best flea medications in the market

    1. Bayer K9 Advantix II flea treatment for dogs
    The K9 Advantix is a topical treatment that has proven its effectiveness and excellence in eliminating fleas in your dog. The topical treatment begins working within just a few minutes of application and has a 30 days duration of protection.
    Besides just attacking fleas, the product has ingredients that also kill lice, mosquitoes, and flies, offering you that extra advantage of overall pest control in your home. The product is easily applicable and has a water-proof feature to ensure protection for longer.

    Pros
    • It is a fast-acting product
    • The product offers you a broad spectrum of protection against pests within 12 hours
    • The ingredients are safe
    • It is a convenient once-a-month topical application medicine

    Cons
    • The product may be harsh for sensitive dogs
    • The water-proofing may be insufficient, especially after a wash or swim.

    2. Frontline-Plus flea & tick dog treatment
    a safe, fast, and reliable topical pest treatment. Frontline-plus flea and tick treatment works right away after application on dogs of all ages and is applied topically in the dog’s skin, offering protection against fleas for as long as 30 days.
    Thee drug destroys flea eggs and hatches larvae on the dog’s skin, ensuring it is protected from re-infestation for as long as it stays on.
    The brand is a vet trusted one that has been in existence for over 20 years, which is a good indication of the good quality of their products.

    Pros
    • The ingredients that make up the product are safe
    • Eliminate even the eggs and larvae, ensuring full-on protection
    • Very easy to apply as it comes with a unique applicator.
    • It is a fast-acting product
    • Quality is assured
    • Suitable for puppies over eight weeks

    Cons
    • The formula may give a robust chemical odor after application
    • The pricing may lean a bit on the expensive side

    3. PetArmor Plus Flea And Tick Squeeze-On Treatment For Dogs
    Looking for a more affordable solution for pest control, PetAmor is the product for you.
    The medication comes in different dosages for different dog-sizes together with a unique applicator. The petAmor takes up to 12 hours to start working after application and carries on the effect for the next 30 days.
    The active ingredients in this product’s formulae, Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene, work together to offer relief from fleas and act on eggs and larvae hatching on the pet’s skin.
    The product is water-proof and helps control flea and tick diseases like Lyme disease, which is a plus even for the whole family.

    Pros
    • It is an affordable option
    • Water-proof product
    • Kills fleas in all their stages, including the eggs and larvae
    • Has a safe combination of ingredients
    • Works perfectly on extra-large dogs
    • Acts on tick species

    Cons
    • It is slow acting as it begins work 12 hours after application
    • The special applicator may be relatively hard to use

    4. Capstar Flea Tablets For Dogs
    The Capstar flea treatment is administered in tablet form for your dog to swallow. The drug is approved for use in puppies over four weeks, weighing two pounds, adult and pregnant dogs as well.
    The drug action kicks in within 30 minutes of ingestion, kills all adult fleas within a few hours, and is out of the pet’s system after 24 hours. However, the Capstar flea tablet does not work on the eggs and larvae, and you will require a different mediation for that.

    Pros
    • It is an affordable product
    • Fast-acting, beginning action 30 minutes after administration
    • Puppy and pregnant dogs friendly
    • Odorless

    Cons
    • Only works on the adult fleas and not any other pests
    • Its effect lasts only 24 hours, and you have to administer a dose daily until all fleas disappear

    5. Vet’s Best Dog Flea And Tick Home Spray
    Vet’s Best Dog flea and tick home spray is an all-natural spray solution that helps you deal with fleas, larvae, and eggs that your dog might have brought into your home without dealing with any chemicals.
    The formula compromises of all-natural and plant-based ingredients that are kind on your home surfaces and dog but brutal on the fleas, which makes it perfect for use at home
    The product eliminates not only fleas but also repels ticks and mosquitoes in your home. It is perfect for both adult dogs’ puppies aged over 12 weeks but should be applied carefully, avoiding the eyes and nose area as it may irritate.

    Pros
    • It is an all-natural product
    • Does not cause stain on your home surfaces
    • It kills both adult fleas and eggs
    • Affordable

    Cons
    • Cannot be used on pregnant or nursing dogs
    • Not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks

    6. Virbac Knockout E.S. Area Treatment Spray
    This is an effective and affordable flea treatment solution for your home that comes in an aerial spray.
    The product is used on your home surfaces such as carpet and rugs to eliminate fleas your pet could have brought home alongside the treatment administered on your dog. This helps avoid a re-infestation cycle that can be a nuisance and keep away the fleas for up to seven months.
    The ingredients in the product act fast on the adult fleas breeding around your home and prevent any breeding eggs from reaching the adult stage and reinfesting your pest.

    Pros
    • It is long-lasting, keeping fleas away for up to 7 months
    • The product is odorless
    • The aerosol spray makes it easy to apply
    • It does not leave any sticky mess after use

    Cons
    • The product cannot be applied directly to pets
    • It is expensive

    7. NexGard Chewable Tablets For Dogs
    The Nextgard chewable tablet is a very dog-friendly product administered in the form of delicious beef-flavored tablets. It is perfect for dogs and puppies over eight weeks, weighing more than four pounds.
    The product starts killing flies in four hours of consumption and, unlike other oral medication, continues to be active for a whole 30 days.
    It kills adult fleas and interrupts the lifecycle of hatching eggs preventing the re-infestation. Besides fleas, NexGard is also effective in killing several species of ticks that may bite your dogs.

    Pros
    • It is a fast-acting product
    • Has a long-lasting effect of up to 30 days
    • Suitable for puppies over eight weeks
    • It is effective against ticks as well

    • Easy to administer to your dog thanks to the beef flavor and appealing scent

    Cons
    • Pricing could be a little high.

    8. Onguard flea and tick treatment for dogs
    It is a topical type of medication that is used on adult dogs, nursing and pregnant but not for puppies under eight weeks.
    The product acts on adult fleas as well as the eggs preventing the chances of re-infestation on your dog. Its effect is instant upon application, and it remains active for the next 30 days. The product is water-proof and remains effective even after a bath or a day in the rain.

    Pros
    • Offers a water-proof formulation
    • Long-lasting with the medication staying active for 30 days
    • Perfect for dogs weighing between 44-88 pounds
    • Kills both the fleas and eggs
    • Highly effective on lice and lice
    Cons
    • Cannot be used on any other animals apart from dogs
    • Not suitable for puppies under eight weeks

    9. Advantus Dog Soft Chew Flea Treatment
    The Advantus dog soft chews are an oral medication that starts working within an hour of ingestion. The product is mild enough to be administered to your dog daily, with a scent and flavor that dogs enjoy making it easy to administer.
    The medication is available without a prescription from a vet, hence safe if your dog does not have any underlying health issues. It is also efficient on puppies as young as ten weeks old.

    Pros
    • It is mild for daily administration on puppies
    • Fast-acting
    • Easy to administer thanks to the appealing smell and scent
    • The ingredients are both human and animal friendly
    • Available without a prescription

    Cons
    • Expensive

    10. Sentry FiproGuard flea and tick squeeze on for dogs
    This is a topical medication that is effective In eliminating canine flea infestation. It is suitable for puppies over 8-weeks and dogs weighing between 45 and 88 pounds.
    It contains powerful active ingredients that kill ticks, chewing lice, and adult fleas. The product eliminates all egg and larvae for up to 12 weeks after application, breaking the lifecycle and preventing re-infestation for that period.

    Pros
    • Suitable for puppies over 8-weeks
    • Easily applicable with the squeeze on packing.
    • Long lasting with 12 weeks activity

    Pest resistance
    Some pest species have, over time, become resistant to some pesticides rendering them ineffective. Resistance comes about with pests inheriting a trait that causes increased tolerance to specific pesticides causing them to survive a compound in it that was meant to be lethal.
    These resistant genes come around over a long time of pesticide use, causing the surviving pest species to go through the process of recombination or mutation naturally.

    Where to purchase?
    Purchasing your pet medication does not only have to be through your veterinary officer. It can be as easy as making the order on your couch and waiting for a delivery.
    We have sites that now allow you to upload a copy of your prescription for purchase while others go the extra mile of calling your vet directly once you place an order.

    Below are some of the most popular sites to consider:
    • Chewy has an incredible online pet pharmacy and a wide range of pet food
    • 1-800-PetMeds
    • Walmart Pet Rx
    • Petco
    • PetCareRx
    Finally, researching online and seeking help from experts is highly recommended. Remember, if you are not sure about anything, you do not have to take the risk. Reading instructor’s manual and following them is the only way to do things right.


  • An Easier Way to Sell on eBay

    An Easier Way to Sell on eBay

    The updated mobile app from the veteran online marketplace will make it much easier to upload your stuff. The new eBay app, which has already rolled out on both iOS and Android, allows users to upload an item in a just a few seconds.

    Scan and Go

    The biggest change to the app is the addition of a barcode scanner, along with a product search feature. The app works best if you have the original box since you can simply scan the barcode. However, if you didn’t hang on to the box, never fear! You can still look up the name of the product in eBay’s extensive database and pull up the necessary information.

    The app fills out the majority of the fields for you although you’ll still need to enter the item’s condition. For many items, eBay is even able to provide images from its library, suggest a price, and calculate shipping costs. You can edit any of the pre-populated fields as needed.

    The Power of Data

    The new app builds on the simplified selling tools debuted by eBay last year. Using structured data and predictive analytics, the platform draws on its vast database of listings to cut down on the time it takes to upload an item. They hope that the streamlined process will make the platform more appealing to current sellers and newbies alike.

    “At eBay, we’re dedicated to delivering a seamless and efficient selling experience for both first-time and seasoned sellers alike,” says Kelly Vincent, eBay’s VP of Consumer Selling Product & Engineering. “This is one of many enhancements we’ll be making this year. We’ll continue to leverage structured data and new technology developments to help our sellers ‘get it sold.’”

    Limited Features

    Unfortunately, sellers who trade in vintage or unique items will find that the new app has limited functionality. The lack of barcodes on vintage items and the variability in condition means that these sellers will still need to enter most of their information by hand and upload their own photos instead of using the provided stock images available for newer mass-market products.

    Increased Competition

    When it arrived on the scene over 20 years ago, eBay was a revolutionary way to sell online. Since then, resale apps like OfferUp, Poshmark, LetGo, and ThredUp have emerged to pose serious competition. Facebook’s Marketplace has also claimed a piece of the online resale pie, focusing on connecting local sellers and buyers.

    Although there are over 13 million listings added to the site each week using the mobile app, eBay is betting that their faster, simpler uploading process will keep the platform competitive.