Archives for January, 2009
In the wild, horses can withstand temperatures even below zero Although horses can very well adapt to the changes of temperature, they can still be affected by the icy wind, snow or freezing rain. Horses may get uncomfortable and be alarmed by the wind You can ensure their good health and safety during the cold, chilly season through simple means.
A clean and safe environment should be provided for the horses The floor should be free of ice, snow or mud.
Ice can make walking difficult and dangerous for horses, as it can be very slippery Slipping on ice might cause traumatic injuries like bruises, sprains and lacerations. To prevent this, keep the walkways and paths shoveled and salted or sanded
Snow can hide potential ditches, rocks or other impediments on the road that can make your horse trip. Snow can make walking hard and may block pathways Ensure that no drifts will be blocking these paths, as you never know when you will have to pass by it in an emergency.
Fungal bacteria accumulate most during cold and wet season which can cause skin infection to the horse’s legs Horses that are exposed for long periods in rain or sleet fall with no opportunity to dry their thick winter coats can suffer rain rot, another skin infection.
Provide their shelters with a wind-break A three-sided lean-to can offer adequate protection from the most of wind, snow and ice, but cannot keep out the cold. Do your best to provide your horses a warmer environment If possible, take them indoors to enclosed boarding facilities.
Increase the hay intake of your horse Digestion can produce heat that allows horses to stay warmer. The hay should provide nutritional benefits so the horse can maintain a healthy body weight throughout te cold season
Always provide fresh water for your horse. Some horses may not like to drink cold water or water freezes solid, so ensuring sufficient water intake can be tricky Decreased water intake can lead to dehydration and impaction colic. Warm water should be provided at meal times If the water surface keeps getting frozen, consider installing a stock tank heater to keep them warm. Use rubber water buckets instead of plastic ones, as the latter are most likely to break if they get frozen
Provide your horses a durable blanket, if you think they are not getting enough warmth. Make sure that the blankets are well-maintained and properly fits the horse Conduct daily grooming to ensure that there is no chaffing and irritation on your horse’s skin. Keep the horse’s coat clean and comfortable underneath the blanket through daily grooming
Maintain proper hoof care. There is a potential danger of chipping or cracking if your horse is unshod, as ice may accumulate in their hooves as well as mud and manure Keep the hooves clipped to hold less snow and provide better grip on slippery ground.
Bridleways Saddlery supply a comprehensive range of horse care equipment, as well as wintec saddles ,leather riding boots and cortaflex for horses.
Happy Riding!
Jan 31, 2009 | | Pets
For nearly 70 years Hill’s Pet Foods has been formulating pet food products to help animals stay healthy and to protect them against develop additional problems throughout their lifetime. Being committed to pet health has led to the creation of Science Diet dog food that has been found to keep pets not only well fed, but also healthier and without Dog Diseases.
Developed by a veterinarian to help a man’s guide dog through kidney troubles, Science Diet dog food takes into the account the belief that a old dog’s general health is guided by its nutrition. Putting a new spin on the belief that people are what they eat, the theory that eating a healthy diet will make for a healthy dog, has been proven over the years. By feeding the dog a nutritional diet with ingredients known ti stave off many illnesses, Science Diet dog food is helping dogs grow older with fewer health troubles.
Like most foods, too much of a good thing can be hazardous and it is no different with pet foods as too much of any type can cause pets to become overweight. Even with the balanced nutrition of Science Diet dog food to supply protein for strength and grains for energy, when a pet consumes too much and has too little activity, weight gain is inevitable.
Different Ages Have Different Needs
From the time a puppy is brought home the nutritional needs will change and with Science Diet dog food the changing requirements are blended into the different types of food for different aged dogs. Additionally, the size and weight of the dog will also determine its nutritional needs and the folks at Hill’s develop the food for the different types of animals they count as their customers.
Any Dog Owner can find out from the makers of Science Diet dog food the amount of Science Diet dog food, or any of their other varieties that is right for their companion. While many animals will eat until they feel full, that amount may be too much for the breed, the age and the size. A proper nutritional diet also includes the right quantity to prevent the possibility of it becoming overweight.
Since animals cannot communicate with humans in words, their actions speak volumes and when a pet turns their nose up to certain brands of food, consider it a request for something with more taste. However, Science Diet dog food can reduce the need for them to communicate any feelings of ill health.
Jan 30, 2009 | | Pets
My dog’s wardrobe was full of different attires and accessories. My son is very fond of Valley. He is so fond of his pet Valley that he wants him to be beside him most of the time or every time possible. Even when he is doing his studies, Valley has to accompany him and even Valley is very fond of my son Robert. Whenever I shop for Robert, he insists that I should buy something for his favorite Valley also. Valley has to accompany Robert in good dresses and he should be completely fit with all the latest accessories too. So one day while Robert was surfing through the internet to the websites to find out the latest trends, he located that there are many beautiful Dog Collars available in the market. Now Robert had made up his mind that he wanted to buy a Dog collars for Valley so that after wearing this unique collar he would look great and charming. All the collars were proficiently designed and some of them were even offered and designed along with the harness so that they even protect the dog’s neck in a stylish way.
My son placed an order for the Cordet Boquet Collar for Valley and was eagerly waiting for it to arrive. It was shipped to our house within a few days. Now Robert put the collar round Valley’s neck and was very excited because he looked really very charming. Even Valley was looking very comfortable wearing this collar around his neck because of its perfect finishing. Now Valley was looking more lovely with the collar around his neck and he was also confident that his master knew his likes and dislikes very easily. Both Robert and Valley were good friends and they understood each others’ likings. Putting a collar around the dogs’ neck also makes an identity that this particular dog belongs to someone. This matchless Cordet Boquet Collar is designed so elegantly that anyone would envy but you will feel proud that you have such a good choice. This collar is designed in pink color and it is completely handmade with bouquets of lovely pastel flowers with a further perfection given with the help of the dazzling sequin right in the middle of every flower which adds more attraction to the collar. This beautiful Small Dog Collars is even available with different sizes in 8 “, 10”, 12”, and 14” also. The only thing which we have to keep in mind is that the dog’s neck should be properly measured with the help of a measurement tape to avoid confusions. Once everything is perfectly measured, then you should buy the Designer dog collars and see that the dog feels very comfortable wearing it. There are many more accessories which can be bought for the dogs these days and they are very reasonable too. The Captivating Cordet Bouquet Collar also is very reasonably priced because it got it for $ 35.00 only. The item code of this collar is SKU 164841.
Jan 30, 2009 | | Pets
This often fatal disease is very serious and is one of the most devastating diseases that any hunting dog faces. Heartworm prevention is simple and involves a food additive or a heartworm pill that your dog will actually think is a treat. Whether you elect to use a heartworm pill, a liquid or powder food additive or other option that your vet recommends, make sure you use it as instructed, whether that is weekly or monthly.
Heartworm Facts
Heartworm can live in the dog’s body and work its way into all major organs and tissue, and finally the heart, which is what kills the animal. Heartworm is a parasite and mosquitoes are often to blame because they carry heartworm. However, your dog can also get heartworm from other animals like foxes and coyotes.
Preventing Heartworm
Preventing is the easiest way to “treat” heartworm. As said earlier, getting protection is as easy as giving him a pill, adding something to his food, and keeping his home (and him) clean. While it’s common to treat heartworm only in the warmer months, many people have found that doing it year-round is both easier and more effective. Veterinarians agree.
Symptoms of Heartworm
One of the first signs of a heartworm infestation you may notice is your pet loses weight. This may also be accompanied by a lack of energy. Often once the heartworm infection moves into the dog’s lungs then you’ll notice excessive coughing. You should be aware that unfortunately heartworm infections are almost not detectable during the first few months because they aren’t causing any specific problems. This is one of the reasons why preventative medications are so critical to your dogs health.
Diagnosis
A veterinarian will be able to diagnose a dog with heartworm through observation and blood tests. Treatment options will be based on whether the infection is male or female since they must be treated according to infection type. A double test will be done not only to determine whether male or female, but also to determine worm count. This will also how far the infection has advanced.
Treating Heartworm
Heartworm treatment must be started as quickly as possible to avoid your dog becoming fatally ill and even spreading the disease to other dogs he may come in contact with. Sadly, if your dog is already ill with the infestation, there is often a reduced chance of them surviving treatment. The good news is that most dogs are healthy when they’re diagnosed and treatment is successful. Many veterinarians encourage you to have annual heartworm tests with your dogs regular annual visits which means that typically this infestation doesn’t have the chance to infect your dog.
Other dogs around the infected dog should be tested as well, as soon as possible. The disease tends to spread fairly quickly between dogs and testing is the only way to prevent or begin early treatment. People are also able to catch the disease, so they should get tested, as well.
While heartworm is a potentially deadly parasite, prevention is the secret to keeping your dog from contracting it.
Jan 30, 2009 | | Pets
There is no universal breed of dog that just is perfect for everyone! However, there are many breeds that have their own characteristics, energy levels, grooming needs, personalities, temperments, ect. to choose from! Before choosing a puppy, think very carefully about your own lifestyle! You will definitely want to pick your dog up some bolster pet beds as soon as you can.
You want to match your lifestyle with a breed that will compliment it! Too many times people buy a certain breed of dog out of impulse, fashion fad(dogs are not fashion accessories but this is a fast growing trend leaving many dogs in shelters), and unrealistic expectations.
If you are a laid back person that is mostly an indoor person, then you will want a dog that has that same type of lifestyle. There are many breeds that require little exercise and do not have high energy needs. If you are the outdoor type or you can dedicate yourself to devoting lots of time to exercise and playing and providing a large area for your high energy guy or gal, then a dog that belongs to a sporting or working breed like a Labrador Retriever would be a good choice to make.
Many small dogs such as Jack Russells demand alot of attention because they are high energy dogs but are commonly mistaken for the ultimate indoor pet. This is the furthest thing from the truth! Size does not determine what makes a great indoor or outdoor dog! You will want to get some luxury pet beds for your Jack Russell. You have to do your homework and research. Choosing too rash or not putting any thought can result in a bad match and potentially a dog ending up at a shelter or worse as a stray! Dogs that do not match their owner’s lifestyle usually end up under socialized, poorly trained, and can be aggressive!
This is what you definatly do not want! Breeds that are the best suited for indoor living are : English Toy Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Shih-Tzu, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire Terrier. If you prefer a larger dog, go for a Clumber Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Mastiff, Sussex Spaniel, or Bulldog. For all you outdoor folks or those of you who prefer sporting breeds some choices to keep in mind are : Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Belgian Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
If you want to go a bit smaller, perhaps miniature or toy sized, then try a Papillion, Toy Poodle, or Miniature Poodle. These little guys are not only very intelligent but they are known for agility and speed. They are little athletes! If you have children and you are looking for that forever family friend, then you want a genteel breed dog. You want a sweet disposition but yet you want a breed that is large enough that small children can’t hurt or injure the dog. Breeds that make ideal family pets that are especially good with children are: Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bulldog, Collie, Basset Hound, Standard Poodle, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Scottish Deerhound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Bouviers des Flandres.
If you want to try a dog that is going to also double as a good watch dog and protector of the home, then these dogs would be a welcome addition and many of them are still great dogs to be around children because they are herders meaning that they are used to watching and caring for those whether they be animal or human in their charge.
Some examples of these herding breeds are: Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Boxer, Mastiff, Belgian Malinois, Canaan Dog, and Standard Schnauzer. Be sure to pick up some dog crate beds for your dog right away.
Dogs that make great service workers or training partners that are high energy are : Golden and Labrador Retrievers, English Setter, Brittany, Weimaraner, Vizsla, Flat-Coated Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Basenji, Akita, Dalmatian, Norwegian Elkhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, and Irish Setter.
Not everyone has a traditional home setting, perhaps you either spend the greatest amount of time near or at the beach or lake or you live on a boat, then these water canines are a great choice: Labrador Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Otterhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, and Newfoundland.
There are as you can see a vast selection of breeds for every lifestyle, and with a little time and research such as talking with breeders or your local veterinarian or visiting your library you can find the right forever friend that is the right fit for your lifestyle!
Jan 29, 2009 | | Pets
If a food was making people sick, you’d want to know about it so you can protect your family, and for most people, this desire to protect their family members extends to pets. Just as food for people can have problems, there can be problems that lead to recalled dog food. If you want to be able to better protect your Healthy Dog’s, there are a number of steps to take in order to determine when dog food is recalled and what to do after the recall.
The FDA’s Role
Just as with food for humans, recalled Science Diet Dog Food is handled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is the first defense against food contamination, since they determine what is safe to add to foods for people and pets alike. But when something does happen, the FDA receives consumer complaints and issues recalls, as well as studies recalled dog food to determine exactly what about it makes the pets ill. Alerts are issued both through the FDA website at www.fda.gov and often through news outlets as well.
Even after the recall, FDA scientists work to determine what the exact problem with the recalled dog food is. Once it’s discovered, the FDA uses this information to better develop their processes for inspection of food and works with the pet food industry to help improve their process as well. In this way, the FDA works to lessen the amount of future issues that would necessitate recalled dog food.
If A Recall Occurs
In March, 2007, the FDA issued encouraged pet food manufacturers to recall pet food that was reportedly leading to kidney failure in cats and dogs. Currently, the FDA’s investigation of why that recalled dog food is causing problems is still open, but current news updates on their site give updates on the status of the investigation. More important, their site gives instructions of what to do in a dog food recall.
If your dog food is recalled, you should stop feeding it to your pets immediately. Stores generally give refunds for recalled dog food, so go to the store you purchased the food at and ask for a refund. The FDA also instructs people to look for dog health problems related to the recall. In the incident mentioned above, the signs to look for are loss of appetite, weakness, and vomiting. So, in order to keep up on any new outbreaks of recalled dog food, your best bet for information on signs that your pet is suffering, what to do with the recalled dog food, and information about investigations of that food, is the FDA.
Jan 29, 2009 | | Pets
Unless you have a big empty space in your chest that chucks out ice cubes, having to discipline your puppy can be a heart wrenching task! Of course that little puppy is adorable and sweet and he or she is still going to be just as adorable and cute and love you just as much with discipline. That’s why you buy cute little dog shoes because you love them and want to protect them.
When is the best time to start training your pup? Well I am sure you have heard that 6 months is the norm. THROW that idea out of your head! That is a myth! Dog experts as well as veterinarians will tell you that you should start training as early as possible! So you will want to go pick up some dog crate covers and discount dog crates to help with potty training your dog.
Puppies should start the minute they are brought home a training regime.Yes, puppies as young as a few weeks old can start their training and socialization that early! Early training is an absolute must if you have a puppy that is a large sized breed dog. For these dogs, because of the size they will get, the earlier they get training the better! There is nothing worse than having an untrained, obnoxious 75 pound dog jumping up on you and other people without the ability to stop. By the time these dogs are seven to nine months of age, they will be too strong for most family members to handle.
It has been proven by many dog behavior experts that training at such a young age for any breed and size pup is effortless! Fact: puppies who begin their training at 2-3 weeks of age due to their socialization end up not biting and being aggressive. They are happy, healthy, and social canine companions! Training is not something that you should just pitch out the window should have an older dog. It simply means that you are going to have to work harder and it may take longer.
Jan 29, 2009 | | Pets
If you are looking for some dog pajamas or dog supplies be sure to view the resources provided to you right away.
One of the first responsibilities as a pet owner is to make sure your puppy or dog has identification tags or even a id microchip. Having identifying tags or chips provide you with assurance that should your dog wander away from home, get lost, or stolen that they can be identified and gotten back to you!
There are two basic types of identifying products you can try! First is the basic license or id tag with collar. Usually these can be custom made tags in an assortment of colors and styles and types of plastic and metals that have a dog’s name, owners name, address, and perhaps your vet’s name. The downside to the tags is that they can be easily removed by dog thieves and you have a slim chance of being reunited with your beloved canine family member.
The other type of id you can get for your dog is the microchip. Microchips have been around a long time and have come a long way. The microchips are today function with a 134.2kHz in order to conform to internationally used microchip systems. Microchips are surgically implanted under your dog’s skin between their shoulder blades. It’s typically painless. The microchip itself is programmed with all the identifying information that you as the owner supply. It is then uploaded and stored in a national database. It takes a special scanner to read the microchip’s information, but this type of identity marker is better than the tags because it can’t be just ripped off and discarded. Be sure to pick up some cheap dog clothes for you doggie today.
Another form of identification that is typically low cost is tattooing. This is where your veterinarian would tattoo the inside of the ear or on the stomach with puppy’s name and your phone number. The only cons are that tattoos can be altered or fade and you don’t want to have to re-tattoo every time you change your phone number.
Jan 29, 2009 | | Pets
In most cases, a dog that has just had pups will whelp the puppies, expel her placenta, and with a little rest be back on her feet as healthy as ever. Whelping is a natural process in which a bitch will usually have no problems—especially if she’s strong and healthy. There are possible complications, however, so it’s a good idea to be aware of them. Postpartum care is important for any breeder of gun dogs to understand.
Within a day of whelping, the bitch should be taken to a veterinarian to be checked. Most vets will also want to look at the puppies, which is also a good idea. You want to be sure, in the mother’s case, that she is still healthy and that no unborn pups remain in her womb and that her placenta ejected completely. If she retains either, she could get an infection (or worse) and die. Most veterinarians will also offer a shot to help her let down her milk and clear her uterus.
For the pups, temperature checks and physical checks can ensure that the babies are all in good health and that there are no immediate problems. For mom, make sure you watch for fever, lack of appetite and diarrhea after birth as these could be signs of a bacterial infection. Any symptoms should be immediately discussed with your veterinarian so that an antibiotic can be prescribed if needed.
Watch mother carefully for the first few days to be sure nothing unusual is happening. If she is to get sick after whelping, it will be during the first week after the puppies have come.
You should stay proactive in the need to care for the well-being of the dog and her puppies by keeping the bedding area clean. Replace the bedding daily and clean up messes as soon as they happen. Use gentle cleaners and don’t use abrasive cleaners, like bleach, too often because it can irritate the eyes and noses of the newborn pups.
Eclampsia is another problem to watch for in the new mother. This is often called “milk fever” and is a condition where her body does not produce enough calcium for lactation. This will occur three weeks or so after lactation begins and is a serious problem. If it is caught early, supplements can be added to her food to give her what she needs to make up for it. Symptoms will include stiffness, pain, and a fever with possible seizures. Take her to a vet as soon as you see any symptom.
Mammary gland infections, particularly the teats, are a common problem so you should them frequently. As her puppies get older and teeth grow in, these infections can occur. Mastisis can set in within a day of birth; watch for purple spots around the glands and check for fever. These and other infections are common and is easily treated with topical creams.
Sometimes, agalactia can set in. This is a condition where the bitch can only produce little milk, or sometimes, not at all. The vet will be able to see if this is a problem during the first examination and take effective measures to treat the problems.
While birth is a very natural and typically a process that requires little intervention on your part to go well, you will want to make sure that your mother pup has every opportunity to stay healthy and keep her pups healthy.
Jan 28, 2009 | | Pets
Turtles have always fascinated many people in many ways. Their distinct physical characteristics, behavior and potentially long life expectancy attract many people to see these awesome amphibians.
Owning turtles as pets is said to be very satisfying. Owning turtles has been practiced by many cultures long past. In some countries, small ones and hatchlings are caught and sold as home pets. Children and grown ups alike are both seen engaged with caring for them.
What exactly are turtles and how do they reproduce?
A turtle is the only reptile sporting a shell. Turtles are found in almost all warm regions of the world. Most of them thrive on land and freshwater while few are found in salt waters. The terrestrial kinds are commonly known as tortoise while aquatic ones may be called terrapins.
The turtles body, both organs and backbones, are inside in the shell, giving protection to its head, neck, and limbs. As a turtle or tortois grows, the materials overlap the shell perimeter making it even tougher. The shell is often strong enough to support 200 times a turtle’s weight.
It is believed that turtles have a very long life-span, with some even reaching 100 years or more. In some species, shell appearance may indicate a turtle’s age. Reproduction cycle involves courting of sexes, fertilization, egg-laying and hatching by females (which normally happens once a year).
A Turtles primary nutrition comes from both plants and animals. Its natural diet may consist of fish, earthworms, snails, tadpoles, leafy greens and other numerous aquatic plants.
It has been shown that turtles are smart creatures and possess sensitive senses. They can feel vibrations and recognize patterns and colors. Their sense of smell appears good at close range especially when sensing food, though their sense of vision is minimal in some species.
Are most turtles good pets?
Since 1971, the U.S. has banned selling turtles that are less than four inches long. Turtles are commonly known to carry Salmonella bacteria which when introduced to humans may cause death. An example is a case in 2007 where a 4-year old kid in Florida died and it was linked to salmonella from a small turtle.
Turtles can be good pets but caution must be taken when selecting and taking care of them. Ensure you wash hands before and after holding them. Refrain from bringing the turtle too close to any of your body parts especially the mouth. And try to keep it in one area as to not spread possible infections around your home.
Lastly, the caring of turtles can be complicated, but the efforts can be very rewarding. Turtles, just like dogs and cats, can recognize their caretakers. When trained, they can follow simple instructions and develop habits. They’re said to be playful and loyal.
There are many reasons to check a persons morality, especially if you need to trust someone with your health, money or life (such as a pet store owner or doctor). Looking for arrest records or maybe you’d like to check someone’s background? This information could reflect the way a person does business. You can never be too cautious.
P.S. For the other pet tips - house train a dog info - visit this blog.
Jan 28, 2009 | | Pets