Checking Your Horse for Illness and Injury

It is incredibly important to keep tabs on your horse to be able to spot when something is wrong, as although horses are strong animals, they can fall prey to a whole host of illnesses. Even the most well looked after horse will fall ill from time to time, and your horse may be more susceptible depending on your location, the quality of your grounds, the history of the other horses your horse is stabled with and a number of other factors. 

Distressed and annoyed, even with other Horses

Changes in behaviour are not always related to illness, but should be monitored regardless as it can cause a detriment to the mental health of your horse if left unnoticed for a long period of time. In time you will learn your horses likes and dislikes and will learn to notice what is deemed as ‘strange behaviour’ for him or her. After all, it is just as important to keep your horse happy as it is healthy!

If your horse is lagging behind his stable mates or is acting stressed out with the other horses, it may be a good idea to isolate him for the good of his health. Lagging behind may be a sign of lameness or of an incoming illness.

Depending on the abnormal movements of your horse, he or she may be experiencing internal or muscular pain. For example if he seems unwilling to get up, it could be an abscess in the hoof, or it could be a nerve or spinal problem.

Bad breath, coughing or feed dribbling from the nostrils

Bad breath could be an infected tooth or a sinus infection, as is coughing. Coughing can also be caused by irritants, so check your stables for dust or humid conditions that could cause a cough. Feed dribbling from your horses nostrils can be a serious issue as this is a sign of choke. Choke obstructs the oesophagus of a horse and makes it difficult to swallow feed. Call your vet immediately if you notice this as a blocked esophagus is not to be taken lightly.

There may be certain instances where your horse is more likely to choke on a certain type of feed, so if choke is a frequent occurrence, it is good to switch to another type of feed, or to make sure that your horse has permanent access to clean water to prevent the esophagus from getting clogged.

Like with any pet, horses have ways of telling their handlers when they are feeling under the weather. However it is not always clear what may be wrong with your horse, so it is best to completely familiarize yourself with the way your horse behaves and to take note whenever anything out of the ordinary happens.

That being said, do not spend your days worrying about whether or not your horse is looking ‘healthy’ enough today, as good health is incredibly important but every horse gets ill from time to time. It is often unavoidable and is not a detriment to your handling skills. So long as you know how to recognize when something is wrong, you and your horse should enjoy a long and happy life together!

Jenny Warden is a keen rider and member of an active equestrian team. To keep her horses healthy she uses only natural horse bedding from local suppliers that is biodegradable, dust-free and creates minimal waste.

Baby Moth

My daughter saw this fuzzy moth at our bunny's house and she freaked out.  I showed the pictures to my husband and he thought it was a baby bat.  I posted these photos on my Facebook wall and different opinions  were expressed from different people.  Some though it's a bat and some thinks it's definitely a moth.

I believe it's a moth too but I am not an expert.

Boarding Kennels For Dogs

When you go on a vacation, you might not be able to take your dogs with you. One of the options that you have is dog boarding Camrose offers. This is a service where you will place your dog for the length of time you will be away from home. The staff of pet boarding Camrose facilities offer a caring and loving environment where dogs can play, sleep and eat.

Our dogs on the way to the Kennel.  We boarded them for a week when we went to California.

Many boarding locations offer a stress-free environment so that the routines of the dogs are not disrupted. There is usually a limited number of dogs who stay in boarding facilities so that the animals don't feel overwhelmed. This is also a way for the staff to give individual attention to each dog. Most sizes and breeds can stay at boarding kennels. Dogs will often go on walks on a daily basis or get some other type of outdoor exercise. Some locations have a grassy area indoors in case it is raining or too cold. Comfortable beds are offered so that dogs can sleep well during the day or night. Dogs from the same family can stay in one area so that they feel secure. Fresh water is provided continuously, and food is offered at least twice a day with treats as well.

Hachiko

We were waiting inside the bus  that will take us to our hotel in Palo Alto when  we saw this  dog and his  master.  I think the owner was blind and this dog was  his guide since they both have IDs.  It amazes me how they know (the dog knew) where to stop  and wait for their turn to pass  in the pedestrian lane.

This remind o me of the  dog in the movie Hachiko from Japan although the owner in the movie was not blind.  It's just the way the dog  obey and does things for his master.  Dogs indeed are man's  best-friend and in this case, an angel.

Top Tips and Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Puppy

The prospect of owning a dog is an exciting one. That is why so many of us dream of buying a puppy and taking them into our hearts and homes. If you are considering buying a dog, there are some considerations that you will need to think about before you do so. While you may have the best intentions of giving your new canine pal a great home, you do need to be sensible in your approach to ensure that you are a responsible pet owner. After all, you want your new puppy friend to be happy in their new home and life with you and your family.

If you are like me and you spend hours looking at little puppies online, you will probably have your ideal breed of dog in mind. Our ideal breed is usually dependent on factors such as size, temperament and how often they need to be exercised. However, you need to carefully consider how your chosen breed of dog will fit into your existing lifestyle and family dynamic. 

Why Do You Want a Dog?

In short, what are your motivations for purchasing a pooch? Is your puppy pal going to be a present or gift for your children? Will the dog be considered a companion for you? Think about your motivations of wanting to bring a dog into your home before you embark on a big commitment. Dogs have a long life span, so be prepared for 10 years (maybe more) of commitment to your pet. 

Picking Your Perfect Pooch

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. What is more, dog breeds are varied, so you need to make sure that the dog you choose is suited to your home and lifestyle. Here are some things that you should consider before you purchase a new puppy pal:

• How much exercise your new puppy needs
• Do you have time to regularly exercise your puppy to their specific requirements?
• Is the breed of dog suited around families with children?
• Do you have the space within your home to accommodate the size of your chosen breed? Of course, large breeds will need a lot of space and a large garden to roam around. 

A Financial Commitment

It is imperative to remember that a puppy is an ongoing commitment. Not only will you have an initial purchase cost of the dog, but there are more ongoing costs which can mount up over time. Financially, you need to be in a relatively stable position before taking on a beloved pet pooch. Think about all the things a dog needs to ensure that they are comfortable and happy:

• Quality food
• Treats
• Vet bills
• Pet insurance
• Doggie beds
• Blankets
• Training
• Grooming costs
• Medical emergencies

Male or Female?

While this may sound a little odd, you do need to remember that the sex of a dog is important. Males tend to have very dominant characteristics and personalities whereas female dogs are more affectionate and home-loving. Of course, this is a very broad generalisation and how you care for your puppy will have a significant impact on its personality traits.