Barbra Streisand’s Beloved Dog Crosses The Rainbow Bridge

Is Dressing Up Pets in Halloween Costumes Cruel?

The answer isn’t black and white. To decide whether you should pick up Fido or Fifi a cute costume this season, there are a few important factors that you are going to need to consider. Is the Costume Really Pet Friendly? We would like to assume that any costume being sold for pets is pet friendly. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. While there are highly trusted brands that will only put out costumes that are safe and comfortable for your pet, there are also many others that focus on the ‘cute factor’ over all else including the well-being of the one that will be wearing it. Before purchasing that adorable costume, ask yourself the following questions: - Can it be put on my pet without causing stress and anxiety?- Are there adjustable cords or areas that could tighten on my pet during wear, creating a safety concern? - Are there any small pieces that could easily be chewed off and/or swallowed? - Will it restrict my pet’s ability to move when wearing it? - Does it limit my pet’s sight or ability to hear? - Will it interfere with my pet’s ability to breathe, eat, or drink in any way? If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, your best bet is to put the costume back on the rack and keep searching. This isn’t to say that costumes are completely off the table, just that you need to find one that is safe for use. Elaborate Costumes Vs a Simpler ApproachThere are two different common categories when looking at pet Halloween costumes. On one hand, you have the costumes that go all out in an effort to make a statement. This could include sweaters, headpieces, booties, and more. While these costumes often look like the perfect solution for the Halloween lovers among us, your pet may not agree. There are more pieces involved that could make your pet feel anxious or uncomfortable. If you are interested in an elaborate costume this season, you will need to take the time to consider each element involved carefully. The other option that we are seeing more frequently is a simplified costume. These are designed to allow your pet to partake in the spooky festivities without making it too uncomfortable. They avoid the elements that upset many pets such as booties and headpieces. They may use bandanas, capes, shirts, or vests to “dress up” your pet. These are often easier to DIY for those that are interesting in making a pet costume at home. Don’t Forget Your Pet’s Comfort Level It’s also important to note that every pet is going to be different. Even in our house, with 5 pets, we have a couple that will proudly strut in a more elaborate costume while others would be much happier in a Halloween-themed bandana. If you have a pet that regularly wears sweaters, booties, and other accessories, a Halloween costume may not be that different. A pet that doesn’t ever wear clothes and accessories may find getting dressed up stressful. Pay attention to your pet’s body language and never lave your pet in a costume unsupervised regardless of their comfort level!

Shoeing Horses: Pros and Cons

A horse lover or not, you probably saw horseshoes hundreds of times in your life. A common symbol of good luck, the horseshoe has actual practical use in the world of equines. These implements have been around for many centuries, their design seemingly unchanged. And they are there to enhance your horse’s hooves, giving the animal more grip on common surfaces. Most experts agree that they are there to benefit the health of your horse’s hooves, but the question still arises: are they really necessary today? Some controversy arose over this question, which leads us to re-evaluate the importance of shoeing horses, and all its pros and cons.A horseshoe, as we all know, is iron, steel, or aluminum U-shaped implement that is designed to both protect and enhance a horse's hoof. A horse whose hooves have horseshoes is known as a “shod” horse. These implements have been around for ages and were designed in order to allow domesticated horses to perform all sorts of tasks in various terrains. Today, of course, shoding is an owner’s preference. If you own a workhorse who needs to perform tasks, you might prefer it to be shod, but if you have a pasture horse who’s just enjoying life, horseshoes might not be necessary. For the most part, the hoof is like a giant toenail. The horseshoes are attached most commonly with special nails, but this does not hurt the horse. Most say that the filling is like clipping your own nails with a nail clipper. There are various uses for horseshoes, all dictated by the modern environments and new uses found for a horse. They originated in our early history when horses were commonly used in battle and heavy tasks. The horseshoes today help in many ways, generally keeping the hoof protected and preventing quick wearing down. Right from the get-go, we can notice some of the most important pros of horseshoes. Foremostly, they improve a horse’s balance. While performing certain tasks, on different grounds, a horse can require extra balance, especially if their hoofs are not evenly trimmed. Then, there is the all-important added traction. Horses can require some extra stability on smooth and uneven surfaces, especially on concrete and asphalt. Wet grass and muddy ground can be especially difficult as well. And, if your horse is working in such conditions, it can slip and be unable to move. Horseshoes are invaluable in these conditions, thanks to the grip and traction they add. Of course, we can’t overlook the protection that horseshoes bring. Working in different environments, your horse can step on all sorts of nasty stuff, from sharp rocks to nails and who knows what else. With an appropriate horseshoe, the hoof can be better protected against these things.Of course, not all owners are supporters of horseshoes. Then again, if your horse is not working on special tasks, there might not be a need for one. After all, regular trimming of hooves can be enough in such cases. But there are also some cons of shoeing horses that owners dislike. They can lead to injuries, in some cases. If the farrier – the name for the person shoeing the horse – lacks experience, a nail can miss its target and hurt the sensitive inner part of the hoof, injuring the horse. Furthermore, if a shoe falls off during hard work tasks, the horse can get injured, for example, spraining its ankle. Another con is the simple fact that shoeing can be expensive for some owners, especially if you own several horses and require frequent shoeing. Remember that this is a special craft that requires skill and precision, and adequate equipment, which in turn drives the price up.In the end, it all goes down to the personal preference of the horse’s owner. Some prefer that their horses go “barefoot”, especially if they are pastured or perform within an arena. Some owners argue that the horse is more stable without horseshoes. But then again, this too has its cons, as there will be frequent hoof trimmings (also expensive), and more risk of injuries on the unprotected hoof. It’s clear that it’s all about simple personal preference – you alone know what is best for your horse in the given circumstances, and the environments the animal works in. Horses doing hard work and special tasks might require shoeing, but a horse with a leisurely life on a pasture will have no need for it.

Cutest Rabbit Breeds

When it comes to the cutest, most adorable pets, rabbits are pretty much near the top of anyone’s list – if not in the winning number one spot. But even though it’s undeniable that bunnies are generally cute as buttons, there are certain breeds that are especially fluffy, dainty, and oh-so-charming, and we’ve rounded up the 10 cutest of them all. If you want to learn more about the cutest rabbit breeds there are, read on to find out what their quirks and unique traits are!

Study Finds Yelling At Your Dog Affects Them More Than We May Think

Researchers from the University of Porto found that yelling at your dog can have negative consequences. Dr. Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro was the lead author of the study in which 92 companion dogs took part.The dogs were separated into two groups. One group was trained with positive reinforcements–kind words, games and treats. The other group was trained with ‘aversive’ training–yelling, yanking your dog’s leash, etc.The researchers monitored the stress levels in the dogs and observed their licking, yawning and leg-lifting. They also measured relaxation levels and utilized saliva samples to assess anxiety and nervousness. Additionally, they looked at the dog participants' cortisol levels (as well as other chemicals related to stress).Not surprisingly, the team found that the dogs who were trained with aversive training had higher levels of stress than the dogs trained with positive reinforcement. What was surprising was that the dogs who had been yelled out still showed elevated levels of stress hormones well over a month after the study started. In an interview with European News, the team said, “Our results show that companion dogs that have been trained using harsher methods have poorer welfare than companion dogs trained using reward-based methods, both in the short-term and in the long-term.”Conversely, dogs in the positive reinforcement group were more stable and calmer even weeks after the study was over.This means while it may be second-nature for you to jump and scream when Fido is eating your favorite shoe, take note that your voice becomes his inner voice and may affect him well into the future.Makes you want to go snuggle your pup right now, doesn’t it?

5 Tips on Dealing With Aggressive Rabbits

Ideally, rabbits make wonderful pets - fluffy, friendly, goofy, and affectionate companions that are a joy to be around. But these traits will only come to the surface if you work with your pet and offer them a friendly and loving environment to thrive in. Fail to do so, and some negative characteristics might be displayed – rabbits can be straight out nasty in some cases. A lot of different things can influence aggressive behavior in rabbits, but hormones play the foremost role. If your rabbit is not spayed or neutered, chances are that there will be some aggression present. But no worries - here are our most important tips on dealing with aggressive rabbits. 1. Spay or NeuterAs we said, aggression in rabbits can be frequent in bunnies that are not spayed or neutered. If they are not fixed, rabbits can be dominated by their natural hormones, which results in heightened levels of aggression, especially towards other rabbits. Males can get quite territorial – and not only will they mark their area with pee, but they can also bite or physically attack other rabbits and even you. Females are no better when driven by hormones, either, so don’t hope that your fluffy gal won’t scratch or bite if she’s unspayed. It’s easy to see how spaying and neutering can be important and can remove aggression altogether, but it’s not the only benefit – it can also drastically reduce the chance of some severe health conditions, such as cancer.2. Look for a Source of PainOn the other hand, if your bunny has been altered on time, but you still notice levels of aggression, try searching for some other underlying cause of their unusual behavior. Perhaps your pet is in pain – rabbits that are hurting can lash out and bite as a method of self-defense. This can become evident when you try and pick them up – if they lash out, there might be a sore leg or a hurt back in question. If you suspect this, book a visit to the vet at once.3. Socialize and Connect with Your Pet RabbitSometimes, rabbits that were not properly socialized, can become aggressive when you try to handle them. The cause for this is usually fear. Rabbits are prey animals by nature, and will often fear many things. Before you go to pick them up and cuddle them, spend a period getting to know one another, and slowly socializing. Take baby steps and gradually increase the level of interaction. As your pet gets used to you, handling won’t become a problem, and thus aggression stemming from fear won’t be an issue.4. Reduce the Number of your Pet RabbitsSometimes, aggression in rabbits can result from simple overcrowding. Rabbits, mostly males, will get territorial, sometimes even after castration. If you have a number of rabbits all sharing the same space, fights, bickering, and aggression can become common. Females too can be aggressive, especially if nursing their young. Try and limit the number of pet bunnies you are going to have in advance – anything more than three or four can be seen as too much to handle effectively. In case your pets suddenly start to get aggressive with each other, consider housing them in different rooms to limit the amount of contact they get with one another.5. Find Company for your Pet RabbitOn the other hand, some rabbits won’t thrive as totally solitary animals either. If you neglect them, spend too much time at work, or are often out, your pet rabbit might develop strange behavioral problems. This is the result of loneliness and lack of interaction. Aggression is one of those problems, as is anxiety. Every creature is social and will require love and company – in whatever form it’s offered. As an owner, you are there to provide that, and if you’re not around enough for your pet to be happy, consider getting them a bunny companion they could play and socialize with while you’re at work.

NCOIL Passed a Model Law Preventing Breed-Based Insurance Restrictions

Breed discrimination is not a new phenomenon – from the fact that certain dog breeds get euthanized in shelters more often to certain breeds being classified as “dangerous” without any regard for a dog’s individual history and behavior, there are plenty of examples of breed-based prejudice. Sadly, one of the cases where breed discrimination was more than easy to spot is insuring houses, or more specifically, property and liability insurance coverage for homeowners and renters. The issue lies in the insuring companies’ perceived risk of expensive liability claims – they deem certain breeds as more likely to bite or simply scary to people, which could earn them a spot on their blacklist. Needless to say, this caused a whole slew of issues for dog owners looking to buy or rent a property. They could legally be denied a mortgage simply because they couldn’t get insurance because of their pet’s breed – which is a prerequisite for getting a mortgage in the first place. Similarly, insuring houses could refuse to issue or renew, cancel, or simply charge an increased premium or rate for such policy based on a dog’s breed, in cases where the policy was obtained. To make matters worse, research and studies show that there's simply no proof that certain dog breeds are, by default, more aggressive than others, and that such things can be generalized. A study published in the respected journal Science by Kathleen Morrill, a dog geneticist at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, goes to prove that dog behaviors are not related to their genetic components – or, in other words, that a dog’s breed is not a relevant predictor of their behavior.That’s why we were so glad to hear that The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) just passed a model law prohibiting insurance companies from denying homeowners or renters insurance simply because of the breed of their pet. Currently, seven states have passed legislation, and hopes are that the rest will quickly follow suit. Having in mind that housing problems remain the number one reason why dogs are surrendered to the shelters and the fact that discrimination against dogs can be interpreted as discrimination against certain groups of dog owners, it’s only logical that it’s in every state’s best interest to pass similar legislation.The initiative was led by the Best Friends Animal Society, a national organization working to end the killing of pets in shelters by 2025, which is well known for its humanitarian efforts and relentless advocacy for dogs who need it the most.

All The Best Things We Found At SuperZoo 2022

SuperZoo 2022 did not disappoint! It was full of amazing people, amazing companies, amazing products and of course, amazing pets.

10 Ways to Celebrate Christmas With Your Dog

If you have a special pup in your life, you obviously want them to be part of the festivities! We’ve got you covered! Here are 10 ways to celebrate Christmas with your dog ranging from easy, budget-friendly plans to more elaborate ways to celebrate. There’s something for everyone!Take Holiday PicturesWhether you’re taking pictures just to share online or printing custom holiday cards, holiday pictures are a fun way to incorporate your dog in your celebrations. Try purchasing a set of matching Christmas pajamas for a cozy picture indoors or bundle up for a fun winter wonderland photo shoot.Bake Christmas CookiesHoliday baking is a part of the season for many people, so why not include your dog? Bake some festive dog treats with seasonal flavors like our Peppermint Holidog Christmas Dog Treats. You can even use your favorite holiday cookie cutters and make some dog-friendly icing to decorate like you would your own holiday goodies.Visit Your Local Tree FarmGet out and adventure with your dog this holiday season. Many Christmas tree farms are dog-friendly, allowing your best friend to join in on all the festivities. Just make sure to check that your dog is welcome before making the trip.Enjoy a Holiday Movie MarathonIs your dog a cuddler? Pull out your cozy blankets and so dog-friendly snacks, curl up on the couch and put on your favorite holiday movies. This is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas with your dog if bad weather is forcing you to stay inside. Plus, who doesn’t love puppy cuddles?Set Up a Doggy Advent CalendarAdvent calendars are a great way to count down to Christmas. Many dog treat and toy manufacturers offer fun and festive dog-focused advent calendars with a new surprise for your pup every day. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, consider making your own advent calendar. All you need is several empty bags or boxes, numbered labels, and a special surprise for each day.Go for a Walk to Check Out the Christmas LightsOne of the best parts about the days leading up to Christmas is the colorful lights and creative decorations that will start to pop up everywhere. Whether you’re just taking a walk around the block or heading out to view the holiday display at your local park, this is a simple way to get exercise and celebrate the season.Build a Snow FortNot all dogs are made for ice and snow. But, if your best friend loves spending time outdoors even when the temperatures drop, there are many fun outdoor activities to enjoy. Make a snow fort, toss around some snowballs, build a snowman, or make snow angels together. Warm up after with some snuggles by the fireplace.Decorate Your Dog’s SpaceDoes your dog have a specific place in your home that is all theirs? If so, you can give it a fun and festive touch with some Christmas decorations. Add a holiday-themed blanket or throw pillow to their bedding, hang some decorations on the walls around their crate, or set up a small dog-friendly Christmas tree next to their favorite place to hang out. You can even take your dog shopping to help pick out the decorations if you want to go all out. Pictures with SantaKids everywhere look forward to sitting on Santa’s lap and sharing their wish list, but what about your dog? Many pet stores will invite Santa to take a break from his workshop and come share some quality time with the local pets. You can do some holiday shopping and get adorable holiday pictures to share with your family at the same time.Get Crafty with DIY Christmas OrnamentsPlan some Christmas arts and crafts time that includes your pup. You can make festive decorations featuring your dog’s paw print, create custom holiday cards, or craft treat-filled Christmas ornaments to enjoy throughout the holiday season. The best part about crafting with your dog is that you are creating lasting memories.

How Do I Stop My Cat From Messing With the Christmas Tree

From kitties who can’t resist knocking shiny ornaments off the branches, to adventurous cats who want to climb to the top of the tree, frisky felines can be hard to stop once they discover that they have a new place to play. Plus, there are dangers to consider, whether you opt to put up an artificial tree or a real one (e.g., your cat shouldn’t eat the pine needles, chew on the lights, tinsel, garland, etc., or drink the tree water). The good news is it is possible to decorate for the holidays and keep your cat safe and happy. Here are a few tips. Use Various DeterrentsRather than using just one type of feline deterrent, using multiple types might be effective at keeping your cat away from the tree throughout the holiday season. For example, to stop your kitty from getting too close to the tree, you could set down some double-sided tape or aluminum foil around its base. In addition, you could set up a can of motion-activated spray that’s made specifically for pets and will blow air on your kitty when she approaches the tree.Because cats tend to dislike the smell of citrus fruits, you could even consider putting some lemon zest in a small plastic baggie with holes in it to let the scent come through. Hang this from your tree so your kitty will be able to smell it as she gets close to it. If she finds the odor offensive, she may go the other way. Make the Tree Less Appealing If you have a lot of big ornaments dangling from all of the tree’s branches, your kitty might find them irresistible. So, the simple act of switching to different ornaments, and placing them on higher branches that are out of reach, might make a difference. Also, using twist ties rather than hooks might help keep the ornaments on the tree, even if your cat goes after them. It’s a good idea to ensure your pet’s environment has plenty to keep her busy throughout the season. By providing her with new toys to play with and her own spaces to explore, such as a new kitty condo, cat tree, or window perch, you might be able to reduce her interest in the Christmas tree. Make It Hard for Your Cat to Reach the TreeWhere you set up the tree is important, too. If you can, place it away from your furniture, as well as a good distance from any kitty furniture, like cat trees, that your feline would use to jump onto the tree. You might even decide to set up a small fence around the tree to see if it provides enough of a barrier to keep your pet away. If she isn’t the type to jump over the pet gate to get to the tree, this might be all you need to stop your kitty from chewing on branches and knocking down ornaments. Ensure the Tree Is StableNo matter where you set up your tree or how big it is, ensuring it’s stable is key. In addition to using a secure base, find ways to anchor the tree from the top and sides as well. That way, it may be less likely to fall over, especially if your cat does manage to jump onto it.

How a Simplified Diet Can Help Your Cat Live Their Best Life

The first thing to notice is that poor-quality kibble can be full of artificial ingredients, such as artificial preservatives or dies, but that’s not all that’s problematic with many commercial food options -- many products won’t even include real meat in the top ingredients, let alone quality, single-protein meat source – it’s often byproducts, or a mixture of different plant-proteins to ramp up the crude protein content without actually using quality proteins in the formula. Lastly, many brands formulate with a plethora of unnecessary ingredients that serve as cheap fillers but serve no nutritional purpose to cats, such as corn, soy, or wheat.

Holiday Trick or Treats For Your Cat

If you are a fan of Halloween, you’re probably looking for ways to include your precious pet in all of the festivities – and let’s face it, not all kitties are big on wearing costumes. Not to worry – there’s a feline-approved way to ensure your four-legged bestie is enjoying the holidays. Trick or treating! As your pet is probably playing countless tricks on you every day, you can safely skip that part and go straight for the treats. And what better way to treat your cat than with tried-and-true delicacies that kitties adore?

Top 10 Best Gentle Horse Breeds

Those who are new to the world of horses, and looking to take their first steps as proud horse owners, will often have issues finding the right breed to start with. Some horses can be hot-tempered, full of energy, and difficult to handle – not good for first-time owners. The ideal horse should be hardy, calm, loyal, and gentle, embodying all the positive traits that every owner will learn to appreciate and cherish. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best gentle horse breeds that are fantastic for beginners in every way. If you are looking to lay a good foundation with your very first horse, one of these breeds is bound to be a perfect choice.

A Complete Guide on Horse Grooming

Horses are among the most beautiful and elegant of all animals out there. But, this elegance and beauty aren’t low maintenance – they require a bit of your patient help and care to stay in their top form. Horses need to be groomed on a regular basis in order to be the best version of themselves. Neglect them, and their beauty can quickly fade. Still, if you are a first-time horse owner, we understand how horse grooming can seem like a challenging and difficult task to tackle – especially on a big and gracious animal. But it’s nothing to worry about. Horse grooming is not too difficult, especially if you follow these tips and tricks that we’ve prepared for you! #1 Keep your horse tetheredBefore you even begin with the grooming, you will want to secure your horse. By tethering their lead to a post or a wall, you will be certain that they can’t make sudden movements or elope. If you can find a suitable stall to do it in, great! Whatever the case, your horse’s movements need to be limited for this to work. Of course, if you are working with a horse that you do not really know, and you’re uncertain of their behavior, be extra careful. Some unruly horses can buck and kick you with their hind legs, which can potentially be fatal. Always ask about a horse’s behavior and tendencies before you groom them the first time. #2 Use the right toolsThe usual first step of grooming involves a curry comb. These special combs are usually made from plastic or rubber and involve a handle and a set of dull triangular teeth. They might look dangerous and harsh at first glance, but they won’t hurt your horse, but rather feel like a pleasant massage. The function of the curry comb is to dislodge any caked mud or dirt and shed loose hair. Interestingly, the comb also helps stimulate healthy blood flow which in turn produces natural oils and makes the coat shiny and healthy. Just don’t use it on the legs and head.Next up is a rigid body brush, which is essentially a handheld brush with stiff bristles. This is a great way to brush away all the dirt that the curry comb has loosened and to whisk away loose hair. After this is done, switch to a soft body brush, whose bristles are soft and gentle. This is a classic brush that gives you a finer finish and quickly removes all the loose dust and dirt. This brush is great for cleaning the legs and the head, as it removes that final layer of dust while still being gentle on their coat and skin.Be sure not to overlook the tail or the mane when grooming your horse. To groom these key beauty elements on a horse, you will need a special mane (and tail) brush. A horse’s mane is flowing, elegant, and beautiful, and requires frequent maintenance. It can get tangled and dirty, so use this special brush to bring it back to its stunning luster. The same goes for the tail, whose length will allow you to utilize long and even strokes for the perfect untangling. #4 Cleanliness from head to hoofNow, if your horse is especially dirty, you can give them a quick wash. For this, a classic soft sponge is ideal, as it allows you to go over the entire body while being gentle, and cleaning delicate soft spots as well. But if you are looking for a regular daily groom, you can skip this step. Once you are done with the brushing, your equine friend will already start looking spic and span. Now it is time to pay attention to the hooves, by using a special hoof pick. This is a curved metal tool that is quite useful for cleaning the hoofs of all the accumulated debris. Scrape away the caked mud on the front and dig out the dirt and the debris from the bottom – if you ignore the hooves for long, they can begin to hamper your horse’s walk. And that’s that – the basics of horse grooming in a few simple steps. As you can see, standard horse grooming is not a complex process. It requires a bit of patience and time and can be relaxing for both you and your horse. Just make sure to be thorough, cleaning all the parts of the body. Regular grooming can have multiple benefits for your horse – it’s not only for aesthetic purposes.

5 Most Common Horse Injuries and How to Treat Them

In the lifetime of every horse, injuries are bound to happen at some time – maybe even more than once. This is especially true for horses that are fairly active, such as race and show horses, or work horses. These injuries can be fairly common and range from minor ones to major ones. Either way, as a responsible horse owner, you should be familiar with the most common of these injuries and just how to treat them before the vet arrives (if needed). #1 PuncturesScrapes, cuts, punctures – these are some of the most common injuries to happen to horses. They are usually caused by long and sharp objects that can penetrate deep below the skin. For example, imagine a long thorn piercing the horse's leg as they trundle through a bush, or a sharp piece of wire hiding in the dust poking deep into the hoof. These injuries are hard to avoid, especially since you simply can’t know what hides in the dirt or the grass. But you can treat them. And time is of the essence in such a case, as untreated puncture wounds can get infected, damaging the horse's leg and causing lameness. Keep in mind that punctures are not the same as slashes. They can be easy to overlook since the puncture is marked only by a tiny wound. However, it is hard to properly handle such a wound, unless you are a pro. You should call the vet immediately, and try to relieve the pain of the wound by hosing it with cold water. #2 Inflamed Joints (Osteoarthritis)Joint inflammation can affect both senior and younger horses, and usually targets parts called the “coffin”, hock joints, and fetlock. A common way for inflammation to occur is through a sudden increase in workloads, as well as certain movements that a horse might perform, such as jumping, tight turns, collected gaits, novel footing, or any other uncommon movements. Working on difficult rocky terrain for prolonged periods can also cause such inflammation. Joint inflammation can appear suddenly and unexpectedly, and disappear quite quickly. But if it keeps reappearing, it can turn into osteoarthritis, which can be more difficult to cure. Sings of joint inflammation are subtle, but still noticeable: difficulty moving, stiff and unusual movements, and later swelling, heat, and pain. This condition unarguably requires a careful veterinary examination, and a lighter case of inflammation can be relieved with box rest and cold hosing of the inflamed joints. #3 SorenessSore muscles affect all creatures. But horses, being so powerfully built, can feel that ailment more than others. It is true that hard work and exercise will build muscle, but when you overwork your horse, soreness can occur. Strained muscles are painful and can quickly lead to more serious injury. They are commonly seen in horses, and usually target a single group of muscles that is continually overworked. For example, it is common in dressage horses, who place greater focus on their hind quarters. Muscle soreness is a common injury, but is considered mild, and its symptoms can be somewhat difficult to spot. Keep an eye out for stiff movements or avoidance of certain exercises. To treat this injury, give your horse some time off to rest and relax, and try massaging the affected muscles. Also, don’t rush into their exercises – give them time to warm up. #4 Strained ligamentsLigaments are very important in a horse’s body, and certain accidents can cause them to be strained, especially in the hind legs. These injuries are caused by missteps, increased stress, or a particularly hard landing. As such, the injury is common in show horses that perform jumps or in dressage horses. Furthermore, a ligament injury can range from light to heavy – or in other words, from strain to a tear. This is a potentially serious injury, and recovery of a ligament can take months and up to a year. Of course, veterinary care is necessary, and plenty of rest throughout. And even when the ligament is healed, your horse will have to get back into action gradually and with plenty of patience and care. To prevent this injury from occurring, avoid overworking your horse or exercising on uneven and unpredictable ground. #5 AbrasionsJust like punctures, abrasions are perhaps the most common horse injury of all. They usually occur on the legs, especially the lower part, and can happen during work or exercise. Abrasions are varied and can range from scrapes to large open cuts and slashes. A common way they can occur is through low foliage, thorn bushes, barbed wire fences, sharp rocks, and anything in between. They can also be lighter or more serious, and depending on this, you can potentially treat them yourself, or call in a veterinarian. Either way, these abrasions will need to be cleaned and sanitized, because if left untreated, they can get infected and cause further trouble!

All About Rabbit Housing

Rabbits can be kept outdoors or indoors, but in either case, they require proper housing. Their housing should be spacious, comfortable, and equipped with everything they need (food and water, toys, litter, etc) but it will not be a place where they spend all of their time. Rabbits are active animals and need space to roam around and hop about freely – if you’re keeping them indoors, you should give them free roam of the house for most of the time, and if you have outdoor rabbits, a large run is a must. But, for a good deal of the day, your bunny will be in their enclosure, so it’s important you make it comfy and safe for them to spend time in. General Rabbit Housing GuidelinesThere are so many different types of enclosures, hutches, cages, and pens that people use for keeping rabbits – both inside their homes and outside. Naturally, a lot will depend on the location of your rabbit’s habitat, as outdoor enclosures need to be well-protected and isolated, but there are a few general “rules” that all types of rabbit enclosures need to follow.First is the size – a rabbit’s cage or a hutch should be large and provide ample room for them to move around, play, and go about their day. The size will depend on the number of rabbits you are keeping and their size – it’s not the same if you’re keeping a breeding pair of giants in your backyard or a tiny dwarf bunny inside your apartment.Next, all rabbit housing options should be made from durable and rabbit-safe materials. Rabbits are big on chewing anything and everything and will try to nibble on their enclosure. This is why you want to avoid toxic paints and finishes, flimsy wires that can be bitten through and even ingested, and similar unsuitable solutions. Go for chew-proof and non-toxic materials such as untreated wood, sturdy plastic, weld or chicken wire mesh, or even powder-coated mesh (but be sure that the coating is non-toxic).Indoor Rabbit HousingWhen it comes to pet rabbits that are kept exclusively indoors, they should have the free reign of a room or area of the house that’s been rabbit-proofed to exercise and explore, but also have an enclosure of their own to retreat to. Their enclosure should be spacious enough – a good rule of thumb is that their cage should be at least four times their size, which roughly translates to 24” by 36” for dwarf and small breed rabbits under 8 pounds of weight, and around 30” by 36” for most medium to large breed bunnies. Have in mind, however, that this is the bare minimum, and the golden rule when it comes to rabbit enclosures is definitely – the bigger, the better.For that reason, many pet owners opt for a puppy or playpen rather than a cage. It gives them more flexibility size-wise, and it is easy to install and does the job beautifully. Keep in mind that your pet’s enclosure should contain their litter box, water bowl, and a feeder, as well as a few of their toys or chews, and reconsider if the designated enclosure leaves no room for your bunny to skip, explore, jump, or dig. These are all natural behaviors for bunnies, and they need to be allowed to express them, both inside and outside the enclosure.Outdoor Rabbit HousingOutdoor bunnies are usually those breeds that are more robust and suited to the harsher conditions of living on the outside – but still, this doesn’t mean that they don’t require special housing. Any rabbit is vulnerable to extreme weather elements, be it scorching heat or the freezing cold, and they are prey animals that are at risk from various predators, which will mean that you have to account for both of these things when planning out an outdoor rabbit enclosure.To minimize the effect of the elements, pick a spot in your yard that’s in a shade and away from winds, so your bunny won’t be exposed to hours of direct sun heat or be whipped by freezing winds when seasons change. And even if you find a good location that fits the bill, be prepared that, if you live in an area with extreme weather, where the winters are in subzero temperatures and summers get really hot, you will have to get your rabbit inside during these days – a barn, shed, or a garage can be an alternative if you’re not able to bring them inside your home.The most common choice for an outdoor rabbit enclosure is a standard rabbit hutch, usually made from wood that’s untreated on the inside, with a weatherproof finish on the outside where the rabbits can’t get to it. These types of enclosures should be sturdy, raised from the ground to keep dampness and cold at bay, and properly secured to keep out potential predators that could seriously harm or kill your pet. ConclusionWhether you keep your bunny outside or they live inside your home with you, you need to make sure that they have a proper enclosure. The main aspects of any rabbit enclosure that you should provide are spaciousness and safety, as your bunny needs plenty of room to move around to stay healthy and happy, and the materials, as well as the design of the hutch, need to be chosen with their safety in mind, from non-toxic paints to secure latches to keep predators out. Last but not least, you should always keep in mind that your rabbit needs to be allowed time outside of their enclosure each day for exercise, at least 2 to 4 hours if possible. Inside, they can be let roam freely in a rabbit-proofed area or room of your home and if kept outdoors, they can stretch their legs in a rabbit run added to their hutch.

Ask the Animal Communicator: Why Does My Dog Bark So Much?

Dear Shannon, I just adopted a mixed breed rescue pup. Sandra is 6 years old. She is the sweetest – truly, she loves to cuddle with me and be petted and she follows me around everywhere. But I won’t lie. There is one thing she does that has me losing my patience and that is her barking. She barks at everything. And nothing. Sometimes she starts barking and I go out to see what is wrong and literally she is just sitting in the middle of the floor barking at nothing and no one. I’m at my wit’s end. I really don’t want to relinquish her but she is so loud and nonstop my neighbors are starting to complain. Can you help? Thanks, Brett (who needs the barking to stop)Shannon’s reply:Hi Brett,Your question is one of the most common questions I hear in my line of work. Dog barking can be challenging enough to deal with when it is occasional or coming from the neighbor’s house. When it is constant and coming from your own house, and nothing you try makes it stop, well, I don’t blame you for being at your wit’s end!Luckily, you’ve reached out to an animal communicator. What does that mean? I’m not a pet trainer or an animal behaviorist. Rather, I have access to a different set of language skills to communicate across species boundaries. To make a long story short, I can ask Sandra questions, receive her replies and share them with you. When I reached out to Sandra to ask her about her barking behaviors, she had some very specific feedback to share with me that I think will help you a lot in resolving this situation.The first thing Sandra shared with me is some information about her past before she met you. Her first owner had several dogs and left them all out in the yard for days at a time. Often they didn’t have enough food or water and they never knew when they would get more of either. When a neighbor finally reported the owner to the police, the shelter intervened, and Sandra was rescued. But the shelter was overcrowded and once again her care was intermittent. The only way she could get anyone’s attention was to bark and bark and bark.When she came to you, she was so grateful to find a kind human who wanted her! But she still feels so traumatized – as anyone would after never knowing if they will have enough to eat or drink from one day to the next. And all she knows to do to keep in contact with you is to bark. This is especially true if you leave the room, and she can’t see you. She barks to call you back to her. It probably won’t surprise you to learn that I feel the energetic signature of both trauma and anxiety when I tune in with Sandra. She needs help to let go of her painful past and recalibrate her fight-flight-freeze emergency response system to her safe, calm, and kind new home life with you. So how can we help Sandra calm down and begin to trust that she doesn’t need to bark all the time to make sure you are aware she is there and has needs? I have a few recommendations that have helped many of my pet clients who suffer from anxiety, trauma, and PTSD symptoms.The first resource I want to offer is called EFT tapping, or Emotional Freedom Technique. EFT was developed to assist returning active-duty combat personnel with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The same EFT sequences that work so well for people can be easily adapted for pets and they work just as well. You can find a free guided series on how to do EFT for pets on my website (link in bio).I also want to recommend using essential oils with Sandra in a very specific way that allows her to choose what essences she needs. This is called zoopharmacognosy, a word that describes what wild animals often do when they have a specific need such as to protect their den from pests or to treat an open wound to keep it from festering. Our companion animals don’t have the luxury of going out into the wild to forage for what they need, so we must bring the options to them.I am not an aromatherapist, so please do seek out a qualified practitioner for customized guidance. However, here are a few tips that will at least give you a place to start. For Sandra, I would start off with a few vials of known calming essential oils such as chamomile and lavender. Make sure the oils are organic and certified pure. Hold the closed vial near Sandra and allow her to sniff it. Notice whether she turns towards the vial or away. Watch her eyes and her body language to see if she tenses and moves away or relaxes into calm. This will tell you which oil she resonates with. Sandra also tells me that she is quiet sometimes. But then she tunes into you, and it feels like you are picturing her barking. She takes that as a sign to start barking again. This is a common feedback loop pets and their people can fall into without even realizing it. So how do you fix it? Instead of using your thoughts, emotions, and mental pictures to reinforce the behavior you do want – a quiet dog – you are always waiting for the barking to start again. You are literally sending Sandra the message, using your mental pictures and emotions, to start doing the thing you don’t want her to do more of – bark! The more you can send Sandra the emotional and visual cues to remain quiet and calm, the more she will begin to trust that she can stay quiet and still get her needs met.Brett, I hope these tips are helpful to you. You are a rescue angel and Sandra is grateful to have a safe and comfortable home with you. There are many, many options for working with traumatized dogs like Sandra and I want to commend you for leaving no stone unturned to help her feel safe and at ease in her new life with you.From my heart,Shannon

How To Recognize Your Horse Is Sick

While horses are generally seen as strong and hardy animals, often capable of performing impressive athletic or work feats, they are still not impervious to health issues. This can become especially obvious if you fail to take good care of your equine friend. Horses require regular and thorough health checkups and plenty of attention in their daily life. But even if you do everything “by the book”, sickness can still loom around the corner. To be prepared, you will have to know how to recognize that your horse is sick. There are certain symptoms and signs that you can quickly spot in order to know that something is “off”. And knowing them gives you a much-needed edge – as every minute counts in case of sickness!Signs of Sickness in HorsesHorses can’t speak – that much you already know. But they can communicate with you, in a way. Nature has its way of making things known. While a horse can’t say what hurts, they can show it. You will have to watch for any odd behaviors or movements, and anything that seems uncommon. If your horse starts doing something that you never saw before, it is worth investigating. When your horse is sick, it will at once change its usual behavior. Lack of energy and appetite is a common sign of sickness, as is the tendency to stay in dark and secluded corners of the stable. Without a doubt, one of the most common signs of sickness is rapid and noticeable weight loss. A horse is an elegant and powerful animal, and it is never meant to be skinny. If you start noticing the outlines of their ribcage, for example and recognize that they lost weight, be alarmed: this is never a good sign. Rapid weight loss can be accompanied by a number of additional ailments, such as loss of appetite, constant diarrhea, and apathy. Depending on the ailment, a horse might excessively drink more water than usual, or just stop drinking water altogether. Just as with the loss of appetite, this is an alarming sign that needs to be quickly addressed. If sick or in pain, a horse might become fidgety and strange: any spike or change in activity levels should be investigated. Excessive sneezing, nasal discharge, neighing and teeth-showing, snorting – if done near-constantly, these might be the signs of some underlying discomfort.You should also do frequent checkups of your horse’s ears. Just like dogs and many other animals, a horse can communicate through its ears. When sick, sad, or in pain, their ears can be pushed back against their temple. If they are constantly in this position, your horse might be in pain. The same goes for their mouth – their teeth can often get infected, leading to further health issues. Check for excess drool, swollen gums, bad breath, and excess lip rolling. These are signs of serious oral issues that have to be addressed. Sudden and dramatic changes in mood and character can also be a signal of pain and discomfort. If your horse is suddenly aggressive, for example, and unwilling to cooperate as before, it might be their way of saying that they are in great pain. Such changes can also be accompanied by rapid breathing, excess sweating, or stubborn behavior. In the end, all you need to do is observe your horse’s behavior: if you spot something that you simply know is out of the ordinary, get in touch with your vet. It is always best to do a check-up on time, than to be late as the problem gets out of hand.

How to Rabbit-Proof Your Home

Pet rabbits are lively and fun animals, and very entertaining to be around. When not snoozing and huddling, they will love to explore, hop about, and discover new nooks and crannies around your home. However, they have an affinity for chewing, nibbling, digging, and crawling into any space they find interesting – and interesting doesn’t necessarily mean safe, as well. Because of this, you will have to rabbit-proof your home, both to keep your rabbit safe, but also to preserve your furniture, gadgets, and any other valuables your bunny might find tempting to nibble on. But if you are a first-time rabbit owner, you might be clueless as to what exactly needs to be done to successfully rabbit-proof your home. Here are some classic tips and tricks from experienced rabbit owners – do these, and you’ll keep both your pet and your home safe and sound.Protect wires, cords, and cables We all know that bunnies simply love to chew and nibble on things. It is their way of exploring and getting to know their surroundings. However, in a modern home setting, this instinct isn’t only bad in terms of material damage, but it can also be dangerous for your bunny. One of the first things you will have to take care of is wires. Our homes have plenty of cables all around the floor – if a rabbit nibbles on them and reaches the wires, the outcome can be fatal. There are several ways you can rabbit-proof cables, and the best (and the easiest) way is to purchase special flexible tubing. Most hardware and electronics stores keep them. This tubing can encase several cables at once, making things neater – but also perfectly protected from your pet’s chompers. Of course, any other reliable solution is accepted, as long as you try keeping all cables out of a rabbit’s reach, whether somewhere higher or tucked away. Use pet-safe material to conceal and protect furnitureOf course, there are also things in your home that won’t harm your rabbit, but should also be protected nonetheless. Sofa legs, table legs, elaborate door frames, baseboards, and anything else that is close enough to the floor – all of it can be nibbled and chewed down to scraps. If you want to keep your possessions pristine, you should find ways to rabbit-proof them. In this case, anything goes, as long as the material isn’t toxic to bunnies. Cardboard tubes from paper rolls, flexible tubing, and premade protective solutions supplied by pet shops – anything can help prevent a rabbit from chewing his way through.Restrict access to certain areasOf course, one of the simplest solutions is simply blocking off certain areas you don’t want your pet to go in, whether the space is unsafe for them (e.g. floor level plants that can’t be moved) or if you don’t want to risk them ruining something that you can’t conceal or protect. You can opt for classic pet or baby fences that can be found in any pet store or general store and can effectively block doorways, staircases, and such. Keep your bunny safe in the room of your choosing, and keep the next room out of bounds. Efficient and simple! As long as they have plenty of room to hop about and explore, it doesn’t matter which room of your home they are in. Don’t forget about the flooringIn some cases, you might have to remove a carpet or get rid of your fancy rugs. Bunnies love to dig, and might find your carpet a suitable digging ground – or even realize that a carpet could be fun to chew on. In no time, your precious rug might end up all torn and tattered. It is best to keep your rabbit in a room with hardwood floors, tiles, laminate, etc, but make sure the surface isn’t too slippery, either. Rabbits don’t feel safe on surfaces that are slippery and can actually injure themselves if they happen to slip. Remove any toxic/poisonous items from your homeLast, but not least, is the danger of poisonous houseplants. That exotic flower or that spider plant you always loved might not be so harmless after all. Some common houseplants can be poisonous to rabbits, so make sure you keep them out of reach. The same goes for foods that are yummy to you but might kill or seriously harm your bunny – things such as avocado, chocolate, potatoes, and mushrooms (to name a few) are all dangerous for rabbits.In the end, try to be around when your bunny roams free around the house. With your supervision, everything becomes safer, and you don’t have to worry about your pet getting into trouble while you weren’t looking.

Barbra Streisand’s Beloved Dog Crosses The Rainbow Bridge

Popular Pet Guide

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Clef

Popular Article

Study Proposes Smartest Dog Breed And You May Be Surprised

Barbra Streisand’s Beloved Dog Crosses The Rainbow Bridge

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles