How Can You Tell If Your Horse Is Happy?

November 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

If you’ve just taken home your first horse, and you’re ready to build a budding friendship with them, then you’re going to need to be able to recognize the signs that show whether or not your horse is feeling happy. You’ll want to know if they love to be around you, and if they’re happy out in their field, and feeling comfortable in their stable. So, here’s what you need to look out for. 

Pexels Image – CC0 Licence

 

When They’re With You

 

There are a lot of different behaviors to look out for when you’re around your horse. First of all, look around their muzzle – are their nostrils relaxed and wide open? If so, it means they’re feeling good around you, rather than feeling stressed. 

 

Similarly, how do their lips look? Are they relaxed, rather than drawn? And is their jaw hanging a little loose? If you can answer yes to both of these questions, it means your horse is more than happy to be around you, even if they end up dribbling a little. They’re not just looking for a snack, they want to be with you! 

 

When in Their Stable

 

Horses have some very clear behaviors when they’re happy with their stable! The number one example? They’re eating! If they like their food, and they like their stable mate, it won’t be hard to switch their diet to some Antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) alternatives you’ve been meaning to try. 

 

At the same time, if they’re regularly defecating, and their droppings look normal in both size and color, they’re clearly feeling at home and comfortable in their surroundings. 

 

And if you’re worried about how often your horse likes to lie down, shake it off immediately! If a horse likes their bed, and it stays in place, and your horse clearly isn’t restless, it means they know they can relax when they’re in the stable. All of these are signs of a happy horse! 

 

When Out in the Field

 

If your horse is grazing just fine, and is clearly paying attention to their surroundings, while still looking relaxed and not at all skittish, then they’re perfectly fine to be out in the field! Be sure to look out for signs of restlessness, such as galloping near or along the fence, as this could be a big sign of stress, and something needs to be done. 

 

Now, seeing as this is your first horse, you probably don’t have another horse you can stable or paddock them with. However, if a friend or relative has a horse that’s being kept in the same field, you’ll also see some clear signs that’ll let you know if your horse is happy or not. If the two horses start to groom each other, you can relax and walk away, because they’re clearly happy to be together – and the same goes for rearing, as it’s a sign of play. 

 

If your horse is happy, they’ll let you know! Look out for these signs in the meantime.

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How To Keep Your New Dog Healthy & Happy

May 31, 2020 Leave a Comment

Pexels

Getting a new family dog is an exciting time for you and your loved ones. However, you may be a bit anxious if this is your first pet, or you’ve never had a dog roaming around the house before.

As the pet owner, it’s your responsibility that your dog is happy and healthy and well taken care of over the years. The following advice will help you achieve this goal and ensure that your household knows best practices when it comes to attending to your dog’s needs. Divvy up the responsibilities among your family members so you can all participate and share in the joys that a dog will bring you.

Focus on Feed Your Dog A Nutritious Diet

You can keep your dog healthy and happy by feeding it high-quality dog food. Invest in healthy kinds of dog food that contains fresh ingredients and is free of any harmful preservatives or fillers. Your pet will have more natural energy and will enjoy mealtime because of how delicious the food you’re serving tastes. Avoid feeding your dog human foods that can be dangerous to their health and find a wholesome dog food that they’ll love that will help them grow strong and live a long and active life.

Provide Them with A Designated Space in Your Home

You want to make sure your new dog feels safe and comfortable when entering your home. Therefore, designate a space in your home where they can spend time. Buy them a cozy bed they can lay in when they’re tired or want to rest that’s away from all the foot traffic and noise in your house. Also, place their food and water in an area that’s easy for them to access and where they can eat and drink as they please. Adequate shelter and clean, dry bedding will help to ensure that your new dog remains healthy and feels happy.

Find A Trusted Vet

Your new dog is going to need to visit the vet every so often. Find a trusted vet in the area that’s close to home, and you feel comfortable taking your dog to for checkups and other procedures. Read the online reviews and ask around for advice to help you decide where to go. Keep your dog healthy and happy by following your vet’s recommendations and making sure you stay up-to-date with their required shots, medicines, and vaccinations.

Make Time for Daily Play & Exercise

Another way you can keep your new dog healthy and happy is to make time for daily play and exercise with them. Dogs love to run around and play fetch or other games, so put in the effort to ensure that you set aside plenty of opportunities for your pet to burn off some energy. They’ll sleep better at night and will be able to maintain a healthy weight and heart when you commit to making sure they fit in their daily exercise. Having a pet to care for is also an excellent way for you to stay in shape and get outside to enjoy some fresh air.

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Building a Happy Life With Your New Puppy

February 21, 2019 Leave a Comment

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that as soon as you get your puppy, everything’s going to be hunky dory. After all, just look at their little face! Your life is going to be immeasurably better once you’ve got your canine companion by your side. However, this line of thinking is a little incorrect — it assumes that your enthusiasm will be all it takes to create a happy life for yourself and your new dog. This is not the case! You’ll need to actively work towards it. Below, we take a look at a few tried and tested methods to ensure that this comes to pass.

Source: Pexels.com

 

All In

 

It’s easy to want to a dog for all the positive attributes it brings, but what about the less positive side? When you get a puppy, you can’t just commit to, you know, long walks on sunny mornings and cozy evenings spent watching a movie with him or her by your side. You’ll also need to think about going for walks through the rain, or the limitations of having a dog — such as reduced travel freedom and so on. Once you commit to ALL aspects of dog ownership, it’ll be more straightforward.

 

Ironing Out the Kinks

 

Your puppy might look like an adorable teddy bear, but you’ll need to remember that hey, it’s actually a living creature, and they’re not going to naturally fit in with the human way of life without a little help. Everything will run a lot smoother for everyone if you and your pet participate in puppy training lessons. Inside the house and out in public, you’ll need to be able to communicate with your canine buddy — and it’s much easier to do so if they’ve received training.

 

Dedicating Time

 

Your dog isn’t one aspect of your life. Your dog is your life, from which you take breaks every now and again, such as when you go to work. Owning a pet isn’t about only doing the bare minimum; it’s about dedicating your time towards making sure that they’re living their best life. That means going for extra long walks at the weekend (or when you have time), as opposed to just doing the minimum, which would be two short walks a day. Spend time getting to know what your pet likes!

 

Get Into a Routine

 

Dogs are a bit like children — while they like special surprises, their day to day life should remain essentially the same. When you get a puppy, you’ll want to spend a few weeks trialing different ways of being until you stumble upon a routine that seems to work for everyone.

 

Part of the Family

 

Finally, remember to make your puppy part of the family as soon as they’re in your house! They like to live in a pack; you are now that pack. They’ll feel at ease and happy if they know they have trusted people around them. It’s good for you too — dogs give back all the love they receive and more.

 

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3 Things Your Dog Would Want You To Know

February 13, 2019 7 Comments

Have you ever wished your dog could talk?

 

Those times when he barks constantly, and you have no idea why. The times when he looks at you with pleading eyes, but you really don’t know what it is he is after. If he had the capacity to speak, he would be able to communicate to you his feelings and desires. But unfortunately, he doesn’t have those words to offer you.

 

But if your dog could talk, these are just some of the things we imagine he would probably want you to know.

 

1: “I don’t misbehave to annoy you.”

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How many times have you rebuked your dog for misbehaving? How many times have you taken it personally? As dog owners, we often ask ourselves why our dogs can misbehave so badly, despite our best efforts to care for them. Shouldn’t they be more grateful? And shouldn’t they show gratitude through good behavior?

 

Here’s the thing. Quite often, dogs misbehave for a number of reasons, none of them out of malice or revenge for you. When dogs are left alone for a long time, they can become anxious and have toileting accidents. When dogs are bored, they can start to entertain themselves by chewing on such things as your slippers. As the dog owner, you can alleviate such instances. You might ask a neighbor to pop in to keep your dog company, for example. And you might spend more time playing with your dog, instead of neglecting them while you watch the television. There are all kinds of causes and solutions to doggy misbehavior, some of which you can deal with yourself, and some of which might require the assistance of a training specialist if things get out of hand. So, don’t take your dog’s misbehavior personally, even if he does always target your slippers.

 

  1. “I am head over paws in love with you.”

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Have you ever woken up in the morning, only to be greeted with a slurping kiss and bad breath? Have you ever come home from work, only to be welcomed by your dog with an excited bark and an outstretched paw? Our tendency is to push our dogs away with irritation and annoyance, but the truth is this: your dog does it because he loves you!

 

Dogs crave human interaction. When they greet you unceremoniously, or when they look up at you with puppy-dog eyes, its because they want to be with you. Your dog is your best friend, whether you like it or not. Therefore, return that friendship. Give them the attention they crave with a kiss and a cuddle. Play fetch with them in the park. Take them on long walks. Your dog’s love for you is unconditional, despite those moments when you have lost patience because of another chewed-up slipper. So, the least you can do is return the favor and show your dog some love in return.

 

  1. “I will eat anything.”

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Chances are, when your dog is barking or looking up at you with pleading eyes, he probably wants to feed again. Dogs love food, and other than your company, having something to eat is something guaranteed to get them out of bed in the morning. And even after you have fed your dog, he will probably be on the hunt for more food. That leftover sausage on your plate? Your dog will deal with that faster than you can say “I was saving that for later.”

 

Dogs will eat anything, from the food you put out for them, to anything else that takes their fancy – even their own poop! As a dog owner, you need to be alert to this. You need to be mindful of the food you give them, only giving them the correct portions for their breed and size. You need to avoid giving them human food, some of which could be deadly. And you need to care for your dog’s dental needs, such as brushing their teeth to remove any food that could cause gum disease and giving them breathe spray to neutralize growing bacteria and stinking dog breath. Your dog won’t have the know-how to eat a healthy diet, and they don’t have the skills to care for their digestion and teeth properly, so you need to be there for them. Manage their diet, take them to the vet for a dental checkup, and go easy on the treats!

Final word

 

If your dog could talk, we are sure they would communicate the above to you. But as they don’t talk, you can still get an idea of what is they want by their actions. That chewed slipper will let you know they are bored. That sloppy kiss will let you know your dog loves you. And chances are, those frustrated barks and begging paws are probably signs that yes, your dog wants to feed again! Perhaps it is easier to know what your dogs want than you thought!

 

Thanks for reading!

Filed Under: Animal

Be careful of the pet food you choose!!

March 22, 2018 Leave a Comment

According to recent reports, more than 107 million cans of dog food have been recalled because they contained trace amounts of pentobarbital, the tranquilizer used to put down sick or injured animals.

Tim Evans, an associate professor of veterinary pathobiologyand head of toxicology in the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, stresses that while no measurable concentrations of pentobarbital should be in these products, pet owners should monitor resources for updates and notices for pet food recalls.

“The FDA plays a key role in preventing these situations and in protecting our pets when these situations arise,” Evans said. “For the last couple of years, I have been trying to disseminate information on what veterinarians and their clients can do when they suspect a pet food contamination. I firmly believe that the nutritional and health benefits of commercially manufactured pet foods, especially those manufactured by companies with a long history of dedication to pet nutrition and health, continue to greatly outweigh the low risks of contamination in these products.”

Evans says tools and resources are available for consumers to stay informed of pet food recalls such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMA).

“These resources will include information about manufacturer lot numbers and UPC item codes that will help owners pinpoint the food they might have purchased and whether they should monitor their pets’ behaviors and health,” Evans said. “Of course, if you see any changes in your pets’ health, contact your veterinarian immediately.”

Evans teaches clinical and diagnostic toxicology and presents lectures on poisonous plants. His research interests include developmental and reproductive toxicology and pathology. He is a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists and a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicologists.

Filed Under: Animal

The Problem With Pigeons: Dealing With These Feathered Pests

September 13, 2017 Leave a Comment

Pests are every homeowner’s nightmare. They’re unpleasant, expensive to get rid of, and a lot of pests are able to spread disease and cause health issues in humans too. Insects and rodents such as rats, mice roaches, and flies all carry bacteria that can cause serious problems in people- in rare cases even death. Dysentery, Salmonella, and gastroenteritis are all illnesses that can be caused as a result of these critters. On top of this, pests can chew electrical cables or the structures of properties, resulting in expensive repairs.  But there’s one type of unexpected pest which can cause more damage than you might think, and that’s pigeons! If you’ve encountered these feathered pests, here’s some more information for dealing with the problem.

Photo via Pexels

 

Where They Nest

Pigeons usually nest in the eaves of buildings so you will need to check carefully both on your home and in any outbuildings. There might be visible pigeon activity such as feathers and droppings, but it’s worth checking every so often just in case. That way you can spot any problems early when there are fewer birds to deal with.

 

Health Risks

In some cases, pigeons can be hazardous to human health. The risk is considered small, however, they are known to carry viruses which can cause flu-like in humans. The dried droppings are a problem since spores from these can be carried by the wind and inhaled causing illness. Certain groups are especially vulnerable: children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions need to be careful.

 

Getting Rid of Pigeons

There are lots of effective bird repellent products out there which can stop pigeons from nesting on and around your home and cause damage. Sprays, gels, even physical barriers like spikes can stop them from sitting in the eaves of your home. If you’re already dealing with a substantial problem, you may need to call an exterminator, but otherwise, non-kill methods are the humane and ethical choice. You can often solve the problem by deterring them without having to resort to killing living creatures.

 

Repairing Any Damage

The main issue with pigeons is that their droppings are corrosive. The main issue you will find is that they cause leaks in the roof of your home, which can eventually cause black mold and even structural damage. A specialist restoration company like www.Clayton-Restoration.com would be able to repair any damage once the pest problem was under control. Another area that can get damaged is the brickwork or rendering on the walls of your home, this can make your property look unattractive. If it’s only minor, you may be able to get away with jet washing the stains and repainting rendering. If it’s started to cause cracks, flaking or other damage, you could get some supplies from a DIY store or look online for a company who specializes in this kind of work.

 

No one wants to deal with pests, and as a homeowner, they can cause a lot of hassle and expense. But if you do come up against pigeons you now know what to do.

Filed Under: Animal, Family, Home

Zesty Paws #zestypaws #mobilitybites #salmonoil

July 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

Zesty Paws is an item you do not want to miss out on. In the picture above there is (left to right) Mobility Bites, Salmon Oil, and a Omega Dog Bone. I will start with Mobility Bites and explain just how awesome it works. For starters, they help with the joint support of animals, to ensure a long healthy life for your little side kick. It is not only healthy for your fur babies but it is great tasting for them. The texture is soft and easily chewable so even the little fur babies can enjoy them. This would be a great morning snack for a very picky eater, especially an older animal with joint problems. Next, we have the Salmon Oil, the oil does not have a fishy salmon smell, nor is it extremely oil. IIt is a very light oil so being able to make any dog from a lab to a husky looking shiny while leaving your fur baby with healthier fur. Just two pumps over their food will do. I was kind of nervous because I was afraid the puppies would not eat it. For a picky eater, it is perfect because they will not even notice it is on their food. You will start to see the difference just after one dosage. This item is something I would defiantly recommend to someone.

 

We had a surprise, the dog bone which happened to last a full five minutes before our fur babies dug into it. It is great tasting leaving our fur babies refreshed. Not only are these amazing items to use on your fur baby but they are affordable. Compared to other companies, for what this product offers, it has the best prices and best results.

This is a sponsored ad however these thoughts and opinions are my own. Powered by BrandBacker.

Filed Under: Animal

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