Enter To Win A Motorola Digital Pet Monitor System

by Amy Tokic

September 8th, 2015 12:00 AM

enter to win a motorola digital pet monitor system

Have you signed up for PetGuide.com’s newsletter yet? That’s all you need to do to enter to win a Motorola Video Pet Monitor – new winners every month!

You may have noticed a new pop-up on PetGuide.com, asking if you’d like to sign up for our newsletter… and a chance to win a Digital Video Pet Monitor. We’ve given away two so far, and we just sent out a few more winner alerts today (so check your email inbox if you’ve already entered)!

A big congrats goes out to Katherine Lemons and Jennifer Osterhout – they’re the proud (and watchful) winners of this state-of-the-art pet monitoring system. And there’s still more to give away!

What? You haven’t entered yet? Well then, it’s a good thing that we’re still in the midst of our newsletter giveaway! All you have to do it enter your email address and confirm you signed up. You can enter the contest using your email address – there are two places to enter:

The pop-up contest window that appears on the home page of our site when you visit PetGuide.com;

Use the newsletter signup space that’s found on the right hand sidebar near the top on every page of the site (we’ve included a picture below so you know what it looks like).

Once you enter your email, you receive a confirmation letter to the address you submitted. Just confirm that it is your correct email address and you’re automatically entered!

Here’s what’s up for grabs: A Motorola Digital Video Pet Monitor (Model: SCOUT1500), complete with an indoor and outdoor camera features a 3.5″ diagonal color screen, infrared night vision, two-way communication and remote pan, tilt and zoom cameras (Retail price: $299).

Sign up for our newsletter and you’re automatically entered to win this monthly prize. You can choose to receive weekly or daily newsletters, depending on how often you’d like to hear from us about our latest pet-related stories.

Good luck… and don’t forget to check our email for a winner’s notice!

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

More by Amy Tokic

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Adoptable Dog of the Week - Clef

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Chronic Ear Infections in Dogs: They’re Smelly and Tough to Resolve

But beyond having to deal with those smelly ears, there are other reasons you need to take quick control of the situation and one of those is that ear infections don’t resolve themselves. If left untreated, you can end up with a very expensive, chronic condition that’s very difficult to resolve and that will only get worse.And while most are considered “otitis externa” meaning only the outer lining of your dog’s ear is inflamed, it can quickly evolve into something called “otitis media or interna”. This means the infection has invaded his middle and inner ear canal. When this happens, your pet can experience permanent deafness and even facial paralysis.What Causes Ear InfectionsBecause your pet’s ear canal tends to be shaped like an “L”, fluids can accumulate and if not cleaned regularly or treated at the onset, infections can occur in one or both ears. Now, although our lead-in talked about floppy-eared pooches being particularly prone, any breed can pick up an ear infection under the right conditions and that includes exposure to ear mites.Ear mites are tiny parasites (miniscule spiders) that can affect any ear type and feed on the naturally occurring waxy oils in your pet’s ear. Highly zoonotic, mites can spread from animal to animal and can be picked up by your pet when he runs around outdoors. The visual red flag of ear mites is a dark waxy residue inside your pet’s ear canal that can often resemble coffee grounds. Because they don’t burrow deeply into his inner ear, ear mites are relatively easy to treat through an over-the-counter topical style of ointment. However, if left untreated, the build-up of bacteria-laden excrement these minute parasites leave behind can create an ideal breeding ground for ear infections.Related: Everything You Need to Know About Ear Mites in DogsOther potential causes for ear infections can include:· Skin Allergies – this type of allergy or sensitivity can result in your pet’s skin breaking down and ultimately producing more wax in the ear canal. This excess wax encourages overproduction of bacteria and yeast and leads to ear infections if not caught early.· Food Allergies – these allergies cause intestinal inflammation plus the overgrowth of bacteria and yeast in the digestive tract. This can then spread to other parts of your pet’s body - including inside his ears.Certain Ailments – particularly endocrine disorders such as Hypothyroidism where sores and scabbiness can cause inner ear infections and Cushing's disease that can result in thinning skin and lesions.· Injury – cuts and wounds can happen in a fight with another animal or simply from the edge of your pet’s claw when he’s scratching his ear. An open sore in a moist, bacteria-laden environment is prime for infection.· Wax or dirt build-up – when proactively cleaning your dog’s ears isn’t part of your regular grooming schedule, you may find yourself springing for pricey meds to fight a preventable infection.· Damp and Wet Ears – dogs who love to swim are prime for creating that moist, warm environment bacteria loves to grow in. So, be sure to dry your dog’s ears inside and out, when his swim (or bath) is over.Diagnosis and TreatmentsSo, you’ve tried cleaning your dog’s ears but the smell, scratching and head-shaking return within days. It’s now time to get an official diagnosis from your vet and put a treatment plan in place. Determining whether it’s simply dirty ears or an actual infection is critical to devising an effective recovery plan. Also important will be understanding if the infection is mild or more advanced.Once in the office, your vet will illuminate your pet’s inner ear using an otoscope that allows for a fuller examination of the ear canal and drum for signs of inflammation. Culture swabs will be taken for analysis and your vet will gently manipulate the ear area to determine if your pooch is in any pain. If the infection appears severe, your vet may even recommend gentle sedation to conduct a more in-depth examination of the inner ear.After the diagnosis, a prescribed regimen of antibiotics should see your little guy feeling better within two weeks. In more severe instances, that road to recovery can be months rather than weeks. The key takeaway here is that it’s critically important to follow through with the full series of antibiotics prescribed. Even if it seems like the stinky-ear issue has resolved itself and you’re thinking it may make sense to save some of the meds in case this happens again (we’ve all done it), finish the entire prescription. Missed doses can cause your dog to relapse and that will not only take you right back to square one but could result in the infection becoming chronic.Related: Six Ways to Properly Clean a Dog’s EarsHow to Avoid Ear InfectionsMost ear infections are a mixture of moisture, bacteria and those floppy ears that prevent the airflow needed to eradicate some of that moisture. So, three easy tips for keeping infections at bay include:1. Dry your dog’s ears out after swimming, bathing or having walked in the rain. A quick rub with a soft cloth or paper towel is all it takes to begin the drying process and prevent moisture from building up.2. Clean your dog’s ears regularly. If he’s floppy-eared, that may be weekly. If his ears are upright, include it in his grooming/brushing ritual. A quick inspection and light cleaning can alert you to potential problems before they become serious.3. Inspect both inside and outside your dog’s ears at the same time you’re grooming or brushing him. Injuries can happen and if you’re not diligent in checking, even small nicks and scratches can become infected.Ear infections are uncomfortable for your pet, unpleasant to live with for you, and often very costly if left untreated. Having a solid, preventive maintenance plan in place is an easy, inexpensive way to keep him happy, healthy, and hearing for years to come.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Blizzard

This adorable girl is waiting for her forever family to take her home! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Blizzard, a 2 year old Siberian Husky mix from Pekin, Illinois. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccines, and knows some basic commands. Blizzard could do well with other dogs (but a prior meeting is a must), does well around cats, but hasn’t been yet tested with kids. Blizzard’s TaleIf you want a pooch that will always keep you on your toes, be a perfect companion for your active lifestyle, and be up for any adventure, you’re in luck! Blizzard is definitely your gal. She is full of energy, loves to run, and is a champion at zoomies – she really looks like a blizzard when she gets going. Naturally, this also means that she needs a family that can keep up with her needs and is able to provide her an outlet for all that energy. Ideally, her new home would have a securely fenced-in backyard where she could play and explore safely.Blizzard is also a very smart dog that’s treat motivated to boot, which means she does great with training – with a patient, determined owner by her side, she could learn so much more. She already walks very nicely on a leash, she will sit, lay down, and roll over for a treat, and there’s no saying what other fun and useful tricks she could learn yet. A sweet and loving dog that will shower you with love in return for your affection, Blizzard does well with cats but hasn’t been tested around children yet. She’d probably do well with dogs of her size and similar energy levels, but if you already have a pooch in the family, it’s best to contact her rescuers for more information.If you want Blizzard to be a part of your family, contact T.A.P.S. No-Kill Animal Shelter to learn more about her.

10 Reasons Why Rabbits Make Great Pets

If you are looking to get a pet, but can’t (or don’t want to) adopt a cat or a dog, you’re probably considering your other options. Some pet owners find joy in sharing their life with a feathered friend, such as a clever African Gray or a pair of cute lovebirds, others are passionate about aquatics and enjoy caring for a shoal of exotic fish, and some prefer small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, or rabbits – which consistently top the lists as some of the most popular pets around. Bunnies are so well loved for a number of reasons, starting from their cute looks to their lovable personalities and many in between. We’ve selected a few of the causes why rabbits are such popular companions for families of all shapes and sizes, so you can determine if a bunny is a right choice for you and your lifestyle. Read on and find out what are the 10 reasons why rabbits make great pets – it might be just what you need to know before adopting a bunny. Rabbits come in all shapes and sizesWhether you’re in love with fluffy bunnies, giant bunnies, tiny bunnies, bunnies with spots on their coat, or bunnies that have exotic colors, you will find what you are looking for. There are numerous different rabbit breeds to choose from, and their unique traits are often related only to their appearance and some slight changes in temperament, as they tend to be sweet, loving, and quite adaptable in general, no matter their breed. As a result, every type of owner – be they single, seniors, or a family with young kids, will certainly find a rabbit pet for their own liking. Rabbits don’t need a lot of spaceWith some pets, things become challenging when there is a lack of space. For example, if you live in a cramped studio, you can’t really consider adopting a large breed dog or a working breed that needs a big backyard to burn off excess energy. But with rabbits, space is not an issue, as even the bigger breeds don’t need as much room as some other pets do. A bunny will be fine with a reasonably sized enclosure in the corner of the room, a litter, and a bit of safe and enclosed space to exercise and stretch. Anything more than that is up to you and your abilities. So, even those that live in small homes can enjoy the company of the rabbit – without worrying about overcrowding or neglect! Rabbits are hardy animalsContrary to popular belief, rabbits are not fragile and frail. In fact, they can be quite hardy and tend to have good health. While rabbits are not impervious to diseases, there aren’t many serious illnesses that can affect them genetically, and most of the ailments that can happen are treatable by experienced veterinarians. Of course, a rabbit is only as healthy as you care for it. They are robust, sure, but still require your care and attention to stay that way. This means that their diet will have to be balanced and healthy, as well as their hygiene, exercise, and all the other parts of rabbit care. With all this taken care of, you can definitely count on your rabbit pet to be very resilient. Rabbits have a reasonably long lifespanIt is only natural that all owners would love their pets to be around for many long years. Some animals have longer lifespans than others, and some pets are very short-lived. But luckily, rabbits do not belong to this group! These animals have reasonable lifespans. On average, they live between 7 and 10 years, and many can live beyond that as well. This gives you plenty of time for bonding and creating some wonderful memories. Of course, as usual, this can only happen if you provide your pet with proper care and attention. Take care of them –and they will stay with you for long. Rabbits get along well with childrenRabbits make ideal family pets and make good first companions for children. As we already know, pets are important for children and can be a crucial part of their development. And rabbits are amongst the most adored pets! Kids will love these fluffy, adorable, and gentle balls of fur. But most importantly, they can learn a lot of important lessons from owning a rabbit. They will learn to be gentle with animals, to care for them and keep them healthy and safe, and to bond and play with them. Bunnies, in turn, can provide them company when you cannot, playing with them or simply cuddling. It is a match made in heaven, and bunnies make some of the best pets for children of all ages. Rabbits are quiet and won’t bother your neighborsSome owners find parrots or dogs too loud and have to find a more quiet pet. You might also be living in an apartment building, and simply can’t have a pet that makes noise due to neighbors complaining. This is not an issue if you get a bunny. Rabbits are very quiet animals and make almost zero sounds that can be considered loud. With a rabbit, there won’t be any risk of annoyance, being woken up, babies restless, or neighbors alarmed. Instead, you can get a good amount of peace and quiet, which can be ideal for snoozing, working from home, etc.Rabbits are clean animalsSome owners, understandably, would prefer a pet that isn’t a hassle to clean after. Poop, pee, loose hair, bird seed, feathers, food crumbs – different pets can leave all sorts of dirt behind them. This is natural and understandable, of course, but it simply isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. With rabbits, dirt is down to a minimum. Sure, they have to do their “business”, but they aren’t as messy about it as some other animals. Of course, a rabbit is only clean when they are litter trained – otherwise, they will simply pee or poop wherever they happen to be. But training them is not a great challenge, and it will pay off, in the long run, to do so.Rabbits are quite affectionate when socializedEvery owner would love a pet that is affectionate and loves to cuddle and doesn’t mind interaction with their owners. Luckily, when socialized early, rabbits are precisely like that – sweet, loving, and adoring of the attention their owners give them. Of course, some rabbits don’t like being handled and it’s important to note this. This is usually a consequence of poor training: you need to socialize and handle a bunny from an early age, in order to get them accustomed to human interaction and your hands. With this accomplished, however, the bunny will have no problem resting in your lap. Rabbits are relatively low-maintenance petsIf you live a busy life with plenty of daily chores, rabbits won’t really get in your way as cats or dogs can. These are generally considered to be low-maintenance pets, that won’t give you all that much hassle. Regular feed times, and a bit of cleanup, and they’re pretty much good to go. This, of course, does not mean you should neglect your rabbit – they will need mental stimulation, affection, interaction, and exercise in order to remain the best version of themselves. Still, if your day is especially busy, you can count on your bunny to not get in their way! Rabbits are intelligent animalsDid you know that bunnies can be real smarty pants? They might seem docile and lethargic at first glance, but don’t be fooled. These are intelligent and inquisitive animals, whose curiosity is often the instigator for some quirky and fun behavior. With a bunny, fun is always around the corner: they love to play, solve riddles, and play with special rabbit toys. They can even learn basic tricks, so don’t hesitate to try some training. You would be surprised at how smart they are, especially after a few years of living by your side. These are fast learners whose antics can really take you by surprise! ConclusionWhen you take all these reasons into account, it’s easy to see why rabbits are so loved by their owners and don’t lose their spot among the most popular pets decades back. They have many positive traits and are so adaptable that they make perfect pets for a range of owners, which is not something that can be said about many animals. They’re relatively easy to handle and take care of, and won’t be a constant hassle. Still, you’ll do good to remember that rabbits will need your attention and constant care – just like every other pet on the planet. Otherwise, your bunny won’t thrive or fulfill their potential. Be sure to take care of their needs, and they will remain steadfast companions for a good number of years.

New Study Shows Dogs Cry Emotional Tears When Reunited With Owners

You know your dog loves you – there’s no doubt about it – but did you know that your pooch can get all teary-eyed when they are overwhelmed with emotions? For the longest time, it was believed that humans are the only ones that produce tears when emotional, but a new study done in Japan shows that man's best friend adopted the same trait, too. A team of Japanese researchers published their findings in the Current Biology journal, and the results are quite curious. They measured tear levels before and after the reunion of dogs with their owners and noted a significant increase in tear volume after the dogs have been reunited with their humans – and all because of oxytocin. Seeing their owners again after a period of separation produced oxytocin, or “love hormone”, in the dog’s bodies, and that stimulated the tearful response. In turn, the eye contact of owners with their dogs increases oxytocin levels in humans, which strengthens their bond on both sides. The study involved 18 dogs, and the results were consistent across the board – but that’s not all they wanted to learn.After concluding this part of the research, scientists rounded up 74 participants to test how people react to dogs with moist eyes, and if the perception of teary-eyed dogs elicits an emotional response. They were shown 10 photos of dogs, some with moist eyes and others without, and were asked to rate how much they were inclined to care for a specific dog, on a scale from 1 to 5. Not surprisingly, dogs that appeared teary-eyed, had 10 to 15% more responses from people, indicating that increased tear volume in dogs elicits an emotional response in their owners.In some way, it doesn’t come as a big surprise to learn that dogs are capable of subtle body language such as this one, having in mind that they’ve evolved alongside humans and have picked up many useful traits along the road. For instance, dogs know that raising their eyebrows makes humans want to care for them – so-called “ puppy eyes” that work without fail. A lot remains a mystery, though. Do dogs have the same response when reunited with their canine friends or siblings? Do they rely on tears as a form of communication with other dogs? It’s definitely something interesting to think about, and the researchers behind this study hope to get the answer to these questions, as well.

How To Train a Search and Rescue Dog

So, your little kipper has proven highly successful at finding and recovering errant treats from between the sofa cushions. And now you’re thinking he might just have what it takes to move up the ranks to search and rescue status. Let’s be honest, you may be over-estimating your dog’s seek-and-find skillset. Then again, maybe you’re not.You see, Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs come in all shapes and sizes. And while most lean towards the Bloodhound, German Shepherd and Retriever set, a lot of what it takes to succeed in this field comes down to personality, a willingness to train and having a strong connection with their handler. If you’re thinking check, check and check… it may be time to explore what goes on behind the scenes when training these unique dogs.The Role of a Search and Rescue DogJust as the name implies, it’s down to search and find followed by a rescue or recovery. These dogs are specifically trained to search for lost or missing people as well as work in the aftermath of natural disasters ranging from earthquakes to floods, avalanches and of course, who can forget the canine teams climbing over the jagged remains of the World Trade Center in 2001.Working alongside trained handlers (that’s you by the way), SAR dogs bring unique qualifications that are suited to searching vast areas that might otherwise take a search team days to cover. They’re able to hone in on a specific scent, expedite the rescue and ultimately save lives. As a result, this type of dog is specifically trained in the areas of tracking by way of an individual’s scent, a mere trace of scent on the ground such as footprints, or from what’s called “air scent” which is what would be used in a natural disaster when searching for survivors versus specific individuals.Once their goal has been met and the individual found, an SAR dog is trained to either sit, stay and bark or to return to the handler and lead them to the location.The QualificationsRemember what we said about any breed being able to qualify for this specialized training? Here’s where we start zeroing in on the physical requirements your pet will need to possess, the skills he will need to learn as well as the tasks he will need to perform.Size and Strength– due to the possibility of onerous jobs that may require your dog to move through rough terrain, he’ll need to be in excellent health, be a medium- to larger-sized breed, and have strong legs and a sturdy body. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherd dogs and Labrador Retrievers.Above Average Olfactory Sense – an SAR dog needs to pick up a scent quickly and be able to track it over long distances, in any weather condition, and often even days after the scent was left. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds and Beagles.Motivated and High Energy – having the tenacity and problem-solving skills to pursue a search regardless of weather conditions, terrain and length of time. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Malinois, Coonhounds and Giant Schnauzers.Intelligent and Focused – time is always of the essence in any rescue mission and dogs leading the search need to be single-minded, focused and not easily distracted by other animals. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Border Collies, German Shepherd dogs and Labrador Retrievers.Responsive and Trainable – in a crisis situation, an SAR dog needs to take commands quickly, focus on the task at hand and respond instantly to changing conditions. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Standard Poodle, Border Collies and any type of Pointer.The TrainingDogs being dogs, it’s likely you’ve met many of these criteria because your pet is already curious, an avid “hunter” and super tenacious. But as the above qualifications show, there’s more to this role than just being a willing participant. And that goes for both you and your dog. In fact, once he’s passed the basics, the rigorous certification process begins. And this is where you’ll want to bring in professional trainers.According to the Federal Emergency Measures Agency (FEMA), both you and your dog must pass national certification in urban search and rescue before your pooch is ready to go out into the field. It’s typically conducted after your dog reaches the 2-year mark to ensure he is both physically and emotionally mature enough to take on this important work. And the certification must be renewed every 3 years What we’re offering below are a few simple steps that will help ready you and your pet for the tougher training that follows. Consider it a preliminary test to see if your pooch is ready to advance to the next level.Five Basic CommandsThe first step in turning your dog into an SAR superstar is for him to have completed obedience training – meaning he will instantly respond to the five commands of Sit, Stay, Lay Down, Leave It, and Heel. If he’s not there yet, you’ve got some work to do before you move on to the next phase of training - which can take up to 600 hours before your dog is field ready.Tracking a ScentTo your dog, this task is just like the games you play at home. He has to find something and you then reward him. When tracking the scent of a particular individual, he’s given their scent through a personal item of clothing and then has to find that individual (who has hidden several yards away). Gradually increase the time and distance to encourage your dog to begin using ground and air scent tracking.Overcoming ObstaclesOnce he’s proven he can track a scent, you need to up the ante by adding obstacles that can include other dogs, or animals, inclement weather, and noisy conditions. And to help motivate his ground scenting, try burying his treats or hiding them in areas where he has to dig to get to them.When your dog has mastered these skills, he’ll be ready to begin his SAR training where he’ll be tested on his agility, persistence, willingness to continue in poor conditions and ability to deliver a focused bark when communicating back to his handler.As the handler, you’ll also require training that can include CPR, orienteering skills, crime scene preservation and more. You’ll be tested on these skills as well as your search tactics, mapping, briefing and debriefing skills as well as your dog handling skills.What Next?Once you and your dog have received certification, you’ll need to register and your contact details will be given to your local search and rescue organizations. At that point, you’ll be on call for duty as needed. Below are just a few of the nationally recognized SAR organizations that provide training, testing and certification. FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Certification National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA) National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) Search and Rescue Dog of the United States (SARDUS)

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.

Choose High-Quality Nutrition for Your Dog With Rachael Ray Nutrish

How Can Your Dog’s Food Contribute to Good Health?Your dog’s food is the primary source of the essential vitamins and minerals needed to keep their body working effectively. With Nutrish you get only all-natural sources of real proteins like farm raised beef, turkey, chicken and venison with no artificial preservatives, by-product, or filler. These healthy sources provide well balanced profiles of those amino acids and minerals. Helping to maintain a healthy metabolism and keep your pet in peak condition.PetSmart helps you make your dog’s health a top priority. If you prefer to feed natural dog food try Rachael Ray Nutrish.

Can You Keep Rabbits Outdoors?

While rabbits are gentle and delicate pets that are most often kept indoors, they can also live and be happy outdoors, provided that they have the right accommodation. After all, a rabbit in the wild is an outdoor animal, hardy and enduring – in every season of the year. As a result, some pet rabbit breeds do just fine when housed outdoors in a comfy, insulated hutch where they are protected from harsh elements and potential predators.Basic Care Requirements for Outdoor Rabbits If you plan on keeping your pet rabbit outdoors, there are a number of things you need to consider beforehand. Naturally, this pertains to protection from the elements, as well as the necessary free space and a chance to run and exercise. For starters, rabbits cannot – and should not – be kept outside on the hottest and coldest days of the year. Even with suitable protection, these days can be potentially hazardous for the fragile health of the rabbits. While rabbits have plenty of fluffy fur and thick paw pads, which can both protect them from moderately cold temperatures, the same is not true for dog days of the summer. Excess heat can be trickier to endure, so you’ll need to make sure their enclosure is in the shade and has good ventilation to promote that cooling airflow. Rabbits that are kept outside will need a protective enclosure – a special outdoor hutch for rabbits. Bunnies love little nooks, hiding spots, tunnels, and burrows, and your enclosure should have some of these included. Plenty of hay, shade, protective nooks and proper ventilation are also all mandatory. Needless to say, this enclosure needs to be spacious, so your bunny won’t feel constrained and confined. What is more, rabbits will need to run freely and exercise outside the hutch at least once per day. If you have a yard, let them run free under your supervision, and make sure that they cannot elope. Afterward, they can rest in their enclosure. Of course, you will need to provide protection against predators. As a prey animal, rabbits are quite vulnerable, especially if there are coyotes, foxes, owls, eagles, and other similar predators nearby. A sturdy enclosure, covered with roofing or strong chicken wire, is a must to keep them safe from danger.Other things to keep in mind are less likely to occur – but not impossible. Rabbits love to dig and burrow, and they could dig their way outside of a fence and run free. Also, you will have to make sure that your property does not have odd vegetation that can be potentially poisonous and deadly for rabbits. And lastly, keep loneliness in mind. A solitary rabbit, alone in an enclosure, can grow lonesome and develop apathy, and loss of appetite. In an outdoor setting, it is best to keep several rabbits, preferably spayed and neutered. Otherwise, you will have to provide a lot of company and interaction. ConclusionKeeping rabbits outside is all about adapting to different conditions and always providing adequate shelter depending on the specific situation. With each new season and temperature shift, you should make sure that your bunny is not in immediate danger. In summer, shady spots, ventilation, and plenty of fresh water will be needed. In winter, provide warmth, dry spots, and cozy nooks away from harsh winds. Additionally, you should never leave your bunny without supervision, especially if you are living in an area with natural predators. Also, if you notice that the weather is going to the extremes, you might have to transfer your rabbit indoors, where temperatures are cooler or warmer – a garage or a barn can work if you’re unable to house a bunny inside your home.

New Video Game for Dogs Could Reveal Early Signs of Canine Dementia

Canine dementia is a serious condition that affects the cognitive function of dogs with aging brains – it is estimated that over 50% of dogs older than 11 years suffer from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), as this issue is also known. The cognitive decline looks similar to that of Alzheimer's in humans, so dogs with dementia exhibit symptoms such as confusion and disorientation, anxiety, forgetting previously known routines and commands, and so on. To make matters worse, dog dementia is usually only noticeable when it has already progressed, as the more subtle, early signs are all but impossible to catch. Well, at least they were – until now.A company called Joipaw has developed a tracker and video game console for dogs whose primary goal is to monitor canine health and behavior issues before the symptoms become serious. The way it works is that dogs get a tracker to wear on the collar, which allows it to track the dog’s activities such as steps, time spent resting, playing, and walking – and send the data to an app. In addition to the tracker, you’d also be getting a console that contains various video games for dogs, all designed specifically to provide mental stimulation, such as whackamole. This gives experts an insight into your pet’s health, or more specifically, allows them to monitor for anything out of the ordinary. The app provides warnings when something unusual is detected, like signs of canine dementia. As a result, you can react on time and provide your pet the care they need to improve the quality of their life in their golden years. Similarly, thanks to the tracker’s ability to keep a record of your pet’s steps and overall activity, the app can also alert you of early signs of other common issues for senior dogs, such as joint pain and mobility problems.The creators behind Joipaw, Dersim Avdar and Marco Jenny, highlight the company’s holistic approach to canine well-being through preventative health care – their invention would help you catch the subtle signs of health problems in the making, way before you’d be able to spot them on your own. This way, you could react quickly and take your pet to a vet’s office on time and if the issue allows it, get an early treatment that could majorly improve their condition.Needless to say, the concept sounds amazing to any dog owner, but especially to those who have a senior canine by their side. In the near future, an invention such as this one could ensure owners stay on top of their aging pet’s health even in situations where it would usually be impossible to realize something is amiss and give them more time to take action and help their pet in their time of need.

How To Get Snowballs Out Of Your Dog's Fur

Dogs who love snow really love snow. They run and romp and are about the most adorable things ever.But, the downside of winter fun for your best bud is snow and ice balls getting matted in their fur. It’s weird; you’d think that something as simple as snow would be easy just to brush off, but that’s not always the case. Especially for some of our favorite and hairier breeds like Goldens or German Shepherds, snow in dog fur can be a hot mess. Not only can it be messy, it can also be pretty painful for your dog. If the snow is dirty or contaminated with chemicals, it could lead to skin irritation or other health issues if it gets all matted in their fur.Still, so many dogs love playing in the snow (and we love playing with and taking pictures of them); it’s important to have a plan for getting snowballs out of dog fur before you get outside and your dog has to deal with it.Here are some tried and true ways to get snowballs out of dog fur.Begin With Brushing or CombingThis is typically a dog pawrent’s first line of attack when it comes to getting snowballs or ice out of dog fur. A lot of the success with brushing your dog’s fur with snowballs will depend on the type of fur. Some shorter-haired breeds are easier, and they don’t have quite as many snowballs in fur to begin with. A nice, gentle brush with a rubber brush or even a curry comb can be just what the ice doctor called for. Start by using your hands to gently shake their coat and break up snowballs as you can. If you have a dog with longer fur, that may not be as easy, and you’ll want to be careful because snow/ice can be pretty tenacious and make the matting and tangling even worse. If that’s the case, it can be a lot of pain for your dog, so be gentle and patient when brushing.If you’re using a comb or brush, start at the end of their fur and work your way back toward their skin. Pulling at the mats can hurt, but this will help get rid of any tangles or mats that happened in their wet fur. You could also a slicker brush to help if at there are lots of mats and tangles. It has fine wire bristles that can untangle, but the wire bristles can be tough, so be sure to be gentle and don’t pull or tug. Wipe With Warm Cloths or TowelsSnowballs in a dog’s fur are just frozen water balls that are matted. The antidote to frozen problems is heat. After a fun romp in a winter wonderland, warm cloths or towels wrapped around fur with snowball mats can feel like heaven to your best bud. Similar to how good a warm shower feels to you, warm cloths can feel like a spa treatment for your dog, while also helping melt the snowballs in dog fur in a gentle way. This will also take some patience, so be prepared for that. An easy way to warm cloths or towels is to run them through your clothes dryer for a few minutes.Apply Higher HeatOn that same note, consider using a hair dryer to melt the snowballs before you attempt to brush your dog’s fur out. Be sure that you use a low setting, as you’re basically heating their skin as well as their fur, and be mindful of how your dog feels with the noise. Some dogs with snowballs in fur don’t love the noise of a hair dryer, and that’s why warm cloths or towels work better. Still, if your dog is okay with the noise of a hairdryer, using one is a fast, easy way to melt every snowball in a dog’s fur away with little else needed but a nice brush down.You may be in a situation where you don’t have access to a hair dryer or a way to warm cloths or towels. If that’s the case, you could always use your own body heat to melt snowballs in your dog’s fur. Hold them close and wrap yourself around him to allow the body heat to melt the snowballs. If you have a towel or blanket, you can wrap it around your dog and allow body heat to help melt the snowballs. Try a Trend!There’s a TikTok trend that dog parents are loving when it comes to getting snowballs out of a dog’s fur. It uses a whisk (yes, a kitchen whisk!) and seems to be a super success for breeds with longer hair. Check out this video of an adorable little Pomeranian getting the ‘Whisk Treatment’ and kissing all those snowballs goodbye!

Dolly Parton Launches ‘Doggy Parton’ Apparel Line for Pooches

The country music star, philanthropist, and pop culture legend Dolly Parton just added another title to her long list of achievements – designer of pet apparel and accessories. And, as Dolly is well known for her humanitarian and charity work, it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that part of the profit will go to an animal rescue organization! She teamed up with SportPet Designs and the result was a stunning pet product collection of 20 items that will definitely turn heads at the doggie park.Aptly named Doggy Parton, this line of pet products includes everything from toys, clothes, collars, and leashes to fun accessories such as wigs and costumes. Naturally, all of the pet apparel products have that distinct (and universally loved) Dolly flair, so you’ll find an abundance of pink, faux feathers, faux pearls, Dolly-themed merch, and southern country outfits for your four-legged belle or beau! There’s even a Dolly Parton costume that your pet can wear this Halloween – they’ll definitely stand out from the crowd with a guitar and a big blonde wig, that’s without a doubt.Let’s go, @ShaniaTwain! Wearing my new @DoggyParton outfit. Impress you much? Happy Friday, everyone! https://t.co/wF7NULE4lB pic.twitter.com/tApMQa0gDy— Billy The Kid (@btkthefrenchie) September 2, 2022 While Dolly herself doesn’t have a dog, the main model and brand ambassador for this line, a French Bulldog named Billy the Kid is actually her god-dog. He is owned by Dolly’s manager and absolutely adores his godmother, so it was only logical that he’d be the one to try out all the goodies first! In addition to being super adorable, lots of fun, and very well made, these pet products also give back to the community with each purchase. Part of the proceeds go to Willa B Farms Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that rescues animals of all shapes and sizes, from dogs and cats to horses and pigs, and gives them all a loving home where they can be safe and cherished as they deserve. Happy Labor Day! @btkthefrenchie is ready to show off our Pink Cowgirl Hat with Tiara 💖Get yours here while stocks last https://t.co/Y8dETXxq3o pic.twitter.com/yyX4yA4Yiq— Doggy Parton (@DoggyParton) September 5, 2022 If you’ve been on the lookout for some amusing costumes for your pet to wear this Halloween, want to treat your pooch to some new toys, or you’re simply a fan of Dolly Parton and want your pooch to be one to – head on over to Amazon and grab a few fun items from the Doggy Parton line!

How to Litter Train a Rabbit

All across the world, rabbits are quite popular pets and make affectionate, sweet companions. They are up there on the list of favorites, with cats and dogs and other small animals, and boast an arsenal of great traits all of their own. And not at all surprisingly – rabbits too can be litter trained and live mess-free with you in your home. That’s because, contrary to popular belief, rabbits are quite intelligent and obedient and respond well to training. Of course, it takes a bit of practice and patience before your bunny will finally take a hold of the whole “potty” concept. But, still, if you follow a few set rules and stay true to the course, you will litter train your rabbit in no time. Here are 4 tips that will make the whole process run smoothly – and ensure you successfully potty train your bunny.#1 Spaying/Neutering Makes a Huge DifferenceBefore the actual litter training begins, you need to consider that spayed or neutered rabbits are much easier to litter train than “intact” rabbits. The latter bunnies are difficult to properly train, and getting them fixed can make all the difference. When their hormones come into play, they can often mark their territory by spraying urine all over the place. Spaying and neutering is a routine procedure that will make your bunnies much happier – and healthier! And, most importantly, this will make them much more inclined to use the litter box as trained.#2 Pick the Right Litter Box and LitterChoosing the right litter box is not all that difficult when you know what to look for. Keep in mind that it will most certainly be different than a kitty litter box for example. Rabbits have different tendencies, and you might see them in their litter box often and for longer periods. You can also place their food bowl and other goodies nearby – this will enhance the sense of safety and security. Luckily, there are plenty of rabbit litter boxes that are designed specifically for bunny’s preferences you can find in most pet stores.Another important thing to consider is that rabbits will often nibble on the actual litter. That is why you need to prepare organic material: hay, wheat grass, oat, pellets, sawdust, or paper. Check out your pet store – there are many options for rabbit-friendly litter. #3 Location Is KeyRabbits have a natural tendency to relieve themselves in certain spots and corners of their choosing. They are not the animals that will just “do their business” wherever. And when litter training is considered, this is the perfect starting point! One of the major aspects of this behavior is the feeling of safety and security. Rabbits are known to poop only in certain nooks and corners where they know they won’t be disturbed or in danger. They love their privacy, after all! And it is up to you to place the litter in a safe and comfy nook where no one will disturb your bunny while they do their thing.If you already spot them peeing or pooping into one of the corners, place the litter box there – easy peasy. Of course, if it just so happens that they miss on their first try and use another corner, just keep moving the litter box – one of the spots is bound to be right. What is more, if you see that your bunny has trouble learning the whole process (after a few days), you can always add another litter box or even a few! Place them into different corners until one of them becomes the “go-to” place. In case you and your pet are successful on the first try, and the enclosure litter box becomes the place they use, you can start letting them run about the house without worrying about accidents. If the process went well, they should follow their instinct and return to the enclosure and the litter box when nature calls. However, if you spot them getting ready to “do the business” anywhere else, use a commanding tone of voice to stop them and to usher them towards the litter box as a gentle reminder. Still, if it happens that they poop somewhere else while you are not looking, just place the poop into the litter box – this is a great reminder. #4 More Is MoreKeep in mind that you are not limited to a single litter box. To help your bunny understand, you can place several boxes in and out of the rabbit enclosure. They’ll probably use multiple litter boxes at first and then gravitate towards a single one that suits their preferences the most, which is when you can safely remove the others without having to worry about your bunny doing their business all over the place.In no time, you will see how easy and straightforward this process can be – especially with spayed and neutered rabbits. They often choose just one place for their needs, and you just follow and put the litter there. Quick and easy. ConclusionWhen rabbits are spayed or neutered, the process of litter training them can be surprisingly successful. Once you pick out the right type of litter and a proper litter box for bunnies, you can start with setting it up in their enclosure or the place you’ve noticed they usually go potty – alternatively, you can place multiple ones around the home until they find the location they prefer the most. In the end, it’s important to remember that it can be a process of trial and error, and it may take you a few turns before you get the exact right type of litter, the environment setup, and the proper pace. Arm yourself with patience and persistence, adjust as needed, and success will follow in no time – you will have a perfectly litter-trained rabbit!

Pumpkin and Cheese Dog Treat Recipe

Pumpkins are for more than just carving, they’re also for eating. And not just for humans – your pooches can get in on all the goodness and benefits of eating pumpkin. And in our Pumpkin and Cheese Dog Treats, you’ll get that and so much more. Did you know that pumpkin is a wonderful source of Vitamins A, E, and C – these are important for your dog’s immune system, brain function, eyes, and skin health. On top of that, pumpkin also contains minerals such as potassium, copper, manganese, and iron, all of which play a role in cellular functions. And when you add cheese into the mix, you’ve got a homemade cookie that will have your doggie drooling!Makes about 40 cookiesIngredients:2 cups whole wheat flour1 cup pureed pumpkin2 cups shredded cheddar cheese1 teaspoon baking powder2 eggs2 tablespoons olive oilDirections:1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.2. In a large bowl, beat eggs, then mix in oil and pumpkin. Stir in cheddar cheese.3. Add flour and baking powder, mixing until combined. You may want to get your hands into the mix to make sure it’s all combined.4. Flour your countertop and roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter. Place shapes on cookie sheets.5. Place in oven and let bake for 17 - 20 minutes, until golden brown.6. Remove cookies from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 hours.7. Place treats in an airtight containers and store in refrigerator or freezer.

Why Feeding Your Feline the Right Food Is Important

If you’ve gotten your first kitten, you’re probably wondering when to transition them to the right food, what the best food for kittens actually is, and how to know if their nutritional needs are met. Stick around, because we’re going to go over all of the basics of the kitten diet.Developmental Stages and Kitten Growth Rates

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Canella

If you’re looking for a calm, gentle pup to join you in your daily adventures, this sweet girl is more than happy to fill that role. Our first Adoptable Dog of the Week for 2023 is Canella, a 6-year-old Plott Hound mix currently waiting for her forever home in Denver, Colorado. She is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, housetrained, and good with people of all ages, including children. She is selective about other dogs and should go to a cat-free home. Canella’s TaleCanella was abandoned in a rural shelter in South Texas. Red Fern Animal Rescue brought her to Colorado for a fresh start and a well-deserved second chance. As an adult plot hound mix, she is a medium-energy dog. She will enjoy joining you on your walks and does very well on a leash. But she’s also happy to lounge calmly at home at the end of the day. Canella is well-mannered when left home alone while you go to work. When the workday ends, you can count on being greeted with love and affection when you walk through the door. Her short, glossy coat requires minimal maintenance to keep her looking and smelling fresh.This sweet girl is a great option for families as she’s happy to be around people of all ages, including children. She is selective about dogs and would be happiest in a home as the only pet. As a Plott hound, Canella does have natural hunting instincts and a higher prey drive. This means that she would not do well in a home with cats or small animals. But it is possible that she may be able to coexist with another dog if their personalities click. For this reason, the rescue is open to discussing a foster-to-adopt trial to ensure that she’s the right fit for your whole family.If you’re interested in adopting Canella, contact the Red Fern Animal Rescue for more information.

5 Things You Should Never Feed to Your Horse

You might be surprised to know that horses are often mischievous and very inquisitive, and will want to take a nibble out of many things. It is one way to get acquainted with the world around them, but it also has to do with them simply being voracious. Still, they will depend on you for food, and it is your responsibility to feed them quality foods and quality foods only. Anything that is not confirmed safe for horses to eat can really harm them in the long run, so you should stick to the rules. But still, a reminder is always handy, so here is the list of five things you should never feed to your horse!1. MeatThis one might come off as too obvious, especially considering that horses are plant eaters – i.e herbivores. As this is natural to them, you should of course stick to a plant-based diet. Don’t get any funny ideas and offer horses meat or meat-based products, for whatever reason. Horses' teeth can’t really deal with sinewy and chewy meat, and their digestive systems can’t handle it either. So, even products that contain small amounts of meat should be avoided altogether. It can do more harm than good.2. Old hayLet’s say that food stocks are running low, so you reach for that old bunch of hay or roughage that has been standing in the corner for ages and feed it to your horse. Doing this would be a fatal mistake. Old hay that stood for far too long and became dusty, dirty, and moldy, can cause irreparable damage to your horse’s respiratory system, and their health. Remember that it is often your responsibility to provide quality foods, as horses will often gulp down on many things even if they are bad for their health. Long term exposure to moldy and stale hay can severely damage your horse’s health, so avoid it altogether. 3. ChocolateSome owners might think that chocolate can be a suitable sweet reward for a good horse. If you enjoy it, why can’t your horse, right? Wrong. Chocolate is bad for horses. Just like cats and dogs, and many other animals, chocolate is dangerous for horses. It contains theobromine, which can make most animals ill. In fact, cocoa in large doses can actually kill horses, and even a bit of chocolate is enough for the negative ingredients to enter their bloodstream. So, even a square off of a chocolate bar can be dangerous to a horse, so best avoid it – always. 4. Lawn mower clippingsSo you mowed the lawn, and you’re left with a bunch of grass clippings. They seem minced and fresh, and easy for a horse to eat. But offering this would be a mistake, and a potential health hazard – even though it is just grass. This bunched up cut grass can often contain unhealthy and potentially poisonous plants, as well as a larger concentration of harmful parasites. What is more, such conveniently “mushed” grass is super easy for a horse to gulp down, and they will eat large quantities – this causes colic and bloating, together with other discomforts. And if the grass has been sitting for just a day or two, it will quickly develop dangerous mold. It is best thrown away or used as compost for your garden rather than being horse food. 5. TomatoesFor us, these are delicious veggies, ideal in a salad or in a sandwich. But this is not the same for horses, for whom the tomato is very toxic. If you didn’t know, the tomato belongs to the family of plants called Solanaceae. This family also includes the Deadly Nightshade, a notoriously poisonous plant. In fact, tomatoes too contain toxic alkaloid elements like atropine, hyoscyamine, and solanine, all of which are part of that nightshade family. Even a single tomato can be dangerous to a horse, causing tomato poisoning whose symptoms are increased heart rate, diarrhea, constipation, and severe digestion issues. Avoid them at all costs. For a balanced horse's diet, you should stick to the classics, and follow the recommendations of your vet. Horses should be fed according to their weight, age, and levels of activity throughout the day. Trying to experiment with odd and unorthodox foods can really cause more harm than good.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Ruthie

Graceful, loyal, and smart, this lovely gal is looking for someone to shower her with love! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Ruthie, a 2 years old Labrador Retriever and Terrier mix from Pennington, New Jersey. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccines, microchipped, housetrained, crate trained, and she knows basic commands. Ruthie does well with other dogs and cats but would prefer a home where she’s the only pet. Ruthie’s TaleA well-mannered, easy-going dog that’s already trained – Ruthie will be a dream companion if you want a loyal, calm dog by your side. Ruthie is crate trained, housetrained, walks well on a leash, and knows basic commands such as sit, stay, down, etc. She’ll even stay when you leave the room and wait for the release command! Have we already mentioned that Ruthie is super-duper smart? However, like all intelligent dogs, she needs an owner that runs a tight ship, otherwise, she’d try to become the boss of you and quickly turn to mischief.She’ll lie down quietly by your feet and follow your every step – she loves to be included in your daily activities and will shower you with love. All you have to do is reply in kind! Ruthie currently lives in a foster home with two other dogs and two cats and gets along splendidly with all of them. The girl’s a charmer! However, she’d do best in a home where she’s the only pet, as it’s her time to be the center of someone’s world and attention. Ideally, her humans would be only adults, as she’s a bit big for a family with young kids (45 pounds) and prefers the energy of adults.If you’re interested in this lovely girl, contact ARF of Mercer to learn more about her and the adoption process.

All About Supplements for Horses

When taking care of a horse, you might think that quality feed, hay, or pasture is all that’s needed to keep them healthy and hale. You can even go to great lengths to provide the best quality food – but it could still not be enough. Sometimes, horses simply cannot acquire all the needed vitamins, proteins, and other key nutrients from the regular food you provide. This can cause certain deficiencies that could possibly affect their health in the long run. In order to boost your horse’s immune system and to keep them as healthy as possible, supplements for horses might be needed. But how should you know when your horse needs supplements and what kind? Do All Horses Need Supplements?Experts and equine aficionados propose that not all horses require supplements all the time. A perfectly healthy young horse with access to quality fresh food and with plenty of exercise, will likely get from it all the nutrients it needs for healthy development. But some horses simply won’t get all the nutrients from their diet. These nutritional gaps can be seasonal, affected by a subtle change in food quality, or they can be caused by other aspects, such as the advanced age of a horse, pregnancy, sickness, and so on. In such cases, supplements are much needed to keep the health in its prime. So, it is important to know when supplements are needed and to avoid giving them without good cause. Generally speaking, the need for supplements can be dictated by the age of the horse, its activity levels, and their given state. Older horses might not have the perfect digestive system as they did before, and supplements can help them. An injured horse that is recovering and lacks physical exercise or outside time will also benefit from certain supplements. Or, for example, a mare that expects a foal will also need those extra nutrients. What Kind of Supplements Does My Horse Need?The need for nutrients can also depend on the type of food you provide to your horse. If it’s a grass or hay-only diet, certain nutrients could be lacking in their diet. Horses that consume grain, as well as hay, will have a different intake of vitamins and minerals. In some cases, a special mineral block can be provided to supplement these deficiencies or a supplement that provides only a certain vitamin or mineral. Some of the most common vitamins that a horse might need if they consume only hay or grass include vitamin A, biotin, vitamins B, C, and D, and beta carotene. Other key supplements to consider are probiotics and prebiotics. They help maintain the horse’s digestive system and also boost immunity. Both will add beneficial microflora to the gut and can help the horse get the most out of its feed. In some cases, due to poor quality feed and overfeeding, horses can get gas and become bloated. These supplements can help remedy that.Overall, there are a number of different supplements that can be crucial for horses. Most of them are used as needed, and if needed. For example, joint supplements can help senior horses who are plagued by arthritis, while weight gain supplements can help recovering horses who have trouble getting back those lost pounds. Similarly, hoof and coat supplements can help keep the coat shiny and smooth, and healthy, and the hooves strong. Of course, it goes without saying that you should only use registered and approved supplements and always with advice and instructions from your vet. Avoid using supplements of dubious origins, and never give supplements of your own accord or without making sure with your vet that they are actually needed in the specific situation.

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