An unwanted horse is one that for whatever reason, is no longer wanted by its owner. It is a common misconception that only old or disabled horses are unwanted. However, in the current economy, many young, healthy and talented horses need to find new homes, fast. Most owners love their horses and want to find a good home for them.
On average, a horse can live for 30 years. Horses are expensive to feed and maintain and many people just no longer have the funds to care for their horse or horses. At one point this year, a local blacksmith knew of 36 horses that were free because the owners no longer wanted them. In several cases that I know of, the horse owners were losing their home and farm where they kept their horses. These horses had to find new homes very quickly. It is a heartbreaking problem in this economy.
When a horse is no longer wanted, the owner needs to find a new home for the animal. If the owner is lucky, the horse can be sold or even given away to someone that wants him and can take care of him. In some cases, it may be possible to find an equine rescue that will take the horse and re-home him. In a worse case scenario, the horse will be taken to a local auction and sold for whatever the owner can get for him. At a local auction in my area, horses commonly sell for less than $25.00 each. Some owners that are unable to find homes for their horses opted to euthanize them.
There are a lot of unwanted horses in the United States. Responsible breeding can go a long way towards reducing the number of horses in the population. There is a push in the horse industry for better education, more rescue facilities and “humane euthanasia” programs to help deal with this problem.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Walk Your Dog - Lose Weight - Relieve Stress
Walking your dog is a great way to relieve stress, drop a few extra pounds (both of you) and enrich your dog’s life. Exercising can be boring and most people don’t like to do it. Dogs on the other hand, don’t view walking as exercise. Most dogs love to go for a walk and get out of the house to smell the sights.
Walking benefits you and your dog in a lot of ways. Walking helps clear the mind and is a great stress reducer. Dogs that are exercised regularly tend to be calmer at home which can lead to less stress for you!! Lack of exercise in humans and canines can lead to poor muscle tone, sagging around the middle, heart problems, high blood pressure, bone disorders, etc.
Walking can also be used to either train or re-enforce training for your dog. Practice healing, sitting and focusing on your walk. Even if your dog is well trained at home, he may not listen as well, or at all when outside of his familiar environment. If your dog is prone to being over-excited, he may become calmer over time with a regular walking schedule.
So, what are you waiting for!! Put on your tennis shoes, grab a leash and get walking! You and your dog will both benefit.
Check out my pet website for great animal care books.
Walking benefits you and your dog in a lot of ways. Walking helps clear the mind and is a great stress reducer. Dogs that are exercised regularly tend to be calmer at home which can lead to less stress for you!! Lack of exercise in humans and canines can lead to poor muscle tone, sagging around the middle, heart problems, high blood pressure, bone disorders, etc.
Walking can also be used to either train or re-enforce training for your dog. Practice healing, sitting and focusing on your walk. Even if your dog is well trained at home, he may not listen as well, or at all when outside of his familiar environment. If your dog is prone to being over-excited, he may become calmer over time with a regular walking schedule.
So, what are you waiting for!! Put on your tennis shoes, grab a leash and get walking! You and your dog will both benefit.
Check out my pet website for great animal care books.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are getting more and more attention in the news these days. The headlines read like something out of a horror story. Dozens and dozens of dogs seized from one “breeder”. All of them living in filthy conditions and are in terrible health. None of them have been socialized.
These poor animals are kept in very small cages and bred repeatedly until they either die or can’t produce any more babies. The unlucky ones are then discarded and replaced with younger stock. A few of the lucky ones make it into rescues where they usually require extensive medical work and socializing.
Never buy a puppy from a pet store. Always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. Ask to see their kennels and their adult dogs. A reputable breeder will have vet records and any other health records that are needed. For example, some dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and only dogs that are free from this should be bred. Make sure your puppy has come from healthy stock that has been xrayed.
AllPetsDeb
These poor animals are kept in very small cages and bred repeatedly until they either die or can’t produce any more babies. The unlucky ones are then discarded and replaced with younger stock. A few of the lucky ones make it into rescues where they usually require extensive medical work and socializing.
Never buy a puppy from a pet store. Always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. Ask to see their kennels and their adult dogs. A reputable breeder will have vet records and any other health records that are needed. For example, some dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and only dogs that are free from this should be bred. Make sure your puppy has come from healthy stock that has been xrayed.
AllPetsDeb
Bird Care - Metal Poisoning
When you own a pet bird, you know that there are always going to be things that you should look out for and things that you have to be careful of so that your bird doesn’t get sick or injured. You never want to be in a situation where you have done anything careless that is going to let your pet bird become sick. Metal poisoning is something that you want to keep in mind when you own pet birds.
When you get a pet bird, you should buy a cage that is specifically designed just for them. Bird cages that are carried by pet stores are purchased from manufacturers that use the proper materials in their birdcages that will not make your bird sick. Some people opt to use a cage that wasn’t designed for a pet bird and that is always a mistake. Unless the cage you choose is not specifically designed for your pet bird, your bird may get injured.
If you keep your pet bird somewhere other than a bird cage, or if you let your pet bird roam in your house without supervising them, you always run the risk of having your bird be poisoned by something. Birds, like any other animal, will explore his surroundings. Birds are “mouthy” by nature and will nibble on just about anything they can get their beaks on. If your bird nibbles on something metal and it is a type of metal that is unhealthy for birds, you might find yourself with a very sick bird. Brass, lead, copper, zinc and tin are all poisonous to birds. You bird can run across these metals by nibbling on a galvanized cage wire, staples, the snaps on their toys, locks, paint, shampoos, etc.
If your bird begins to look sick, call the vet immediately. Birds tend to hide the fact that they are sick until they are very, very ill. Signs that your bird is ill include: listlessness, sleeping more than normal, not perching normally or at all, fluffed up feathers, screaming, not eating and poop that is not a normal color. If you notice any of these changes, time is of the essence. Your bird will probably have to stay at the vet's for at least a day or two. Your bird can be detoxified if it is caught in time.
The best way to avoid metal poisoning in your pet bird is to make sure that you are using a cage manufactured specifically for birds. You will need to “bird proof” your house just as thoroughly as you would for a young child. Then keep a close eye on him while he is loose in your house to ensure that he doesn’t get into anything that he shouldn’t.
Click Here To Visit My Pet Website
When you get a pet bird, you should buy a cage that is specifically designed just for them. Bird cages that are carried by pet stores are purchased from manufacturers that use the proper materials in their birdcages that will not make your bird sick. Some people opt to use a cage that wasn’t designed for a pet bird and that is always a mistake. Unless the cage you choose is not specifically designed for your pet bird, your bird may get injured.
If you keep your pet bird somewhere other than a bird cage, or if you let your pet bird roam in your house without supervising them, you always run the risk of having your bird be poisoned by something. Birds, like any other animal, will explore his surroundings. Birds are “mouthy” by nature and will nibble on just about anything they can get their beaks on. If your bird nibbles on something metal and it is a type of metal that is unhealthy for birds, you might find yourself with a very sick bird. Brass, lead, copper, zinc and tin are all poisonous to birds. You bird can run across these metals by nibbling on a galvanized cage wire, staples, the snaps on their toys, locks, paint, shampoos, etc.
If your bird begins to look sick, call the vet immediately. Birds tend to hide the fact that they are sick until they are very, very ill. Signs that your bird is ill include: listlessness, sleeping more than normal, not perching normally or at all, fluffed up feathers, screaming, not eating and poop that is not a normal color. If you notice any of these changes, time is of the essence. Your bird will probably have to stay at the vet's for at least a day or two. Your bird can be detoxified if it is caught in time.
The best way to avoid metal poisoning in your pet bird is to make sure that you are using a cage manufactured specifically for birds. You will need to “bird proof” your house just as thoroughly as you would for a young child. Then keep a close eye on him while he is loose in your house to ensure that he doesn’t get into anything that he shouldn’t.
Click Here To Visit My Pet Website
Monday, October 26, 2009
Seven Common Eye problems with dogs
Eye problems are very common in some dog breeds. It can be very frightening to go to work and come home to find your dogs eyes swollen or watering excessively. Timely attention to any eyes problems can be the difference between your dog retaining his vision or being blind.
Your dog can develop eye problems at any time so it is very important pay close attention to your four legged friend’s eyes. The sooner you catch an eye injury or a possible infection, the better the outcome will be. It’s always best to have any eye concerns checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
While any dog can develop an eye infection or be injured, some dogs are more prone to problems than other simply due to the shape and structure of their eyes. Some of the things that could indicate that there is a problem with your dog’s eyes include any unusual discharge, cloudiness, redness, swelling and squinting. Even without any of these red flags, if you notice that your dog is running into objects or maybe doesn’t want to go up and down steps, it may be a sign of vision loss.
There are seven common eye problems in dogs.
1. Conjunctivitis. This condition is caused when the membranes on the inside of your dog’s eyelids become inflamed.
2. Entropion. With this condition, the dogs eyelids are grow inward instead of outward. Every time the dog blinks, the eyelashes scratch the cornea leading to irritation.
3. Cataracts. Dogs with cataracts have cloudy eyes which limits their vision.
4. Dry Eyes. Dogs with dry eyes do not produce enough lubrication and over time this condition will lead to blindness if not treated.
5. Cherry Eye. Dogs with cherry eyes have a condition that causes the third eyelid tear gland to protrude outward.
6. Glaucoma. This disease cause the pressure in the eye to increase to an unhealthy level. The pressure in the eye is a result of fluid building up.
7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This is a hereditary disease that will cause vision loss in the dog by deteriorating the retina.
The list above is only the most commonly diagnosed conditions however there are many other conditions and diseases. In most cases these conditions can either be corrected or managed to prevent them from getting worse.
Just because your dog’s eyes are running or fluid filled doesn’t mean that there is necessarily a problem. Many dogs have allergies which can be very simply treated. It is also possible that your dog is just experiencing irritation from dust in his eyes. It is always better be safe and err on the side of caution. A veterinarian will be able to examine your dog’s eyes and determine if there is a problem that needs to be treated.
AllPetsDeb
Your dog can develop eye problems at any time so it is very important pay close attention to your four legged friend’s eyes. The sooner you catch an eye injury or a possible infection, the better the outcome will be. It’s always best to have any eye concerns checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
While any dog can develop an eye infection or be injured, some dogs are more prone to problems than other simply due to the shape and structure of their eyes. Some of the things that could indicate that there is a problem with your dog’s eyes include any unusual discharge, cloudiness, redness, swelling and squinting. Even without any of these red flags, if you notice that your dog is running into objects or maybe doesn’t want to go up and down steps, it may be a sign of vision loss.
There are seven common eye problems in dogs.
1. Conjunctivitis. This condition is caused when the membranes on the inside of your dog’s eyelids become inflamed.
2. Entropion. With this condition, the dogs eyelids are grow inward instead of outward. Every time the dog blinks, the eyelashes scratch the cornea leading to irritation.
3. Cataracts. Dogs with cataracts have cloudy eyes which limits their vision.
4. Dry Eyes. Dogs with dry eyes do not produce enough lubrication and over time this condition will lead to blindness if not treated.
5. Cherry Eye. Dogs with cherry eyes have a condition that causes the third eyelid tear gland to protrude outward.
6. Glaucoma. This disease cause the pressure in the eye to increase to an unhealthy level. The pressure in the eye is a result of fluid building up.
7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This is a hereditary disease that will cause vision loss in the dog by deteriorating the retina.
The list above is only the most commonly diagnosed conditions however there are many other conditions and diseases. In most cases these conditions can either be corrected or managed to prevent them from getting worse.
Just because your dog’s eyes are running or fluid filled doesn’t mean that there is necessarily a problem. Many dogs have allergies which can be very simply treated. It is also possible that your dog is just experiencing irritation from dust in his eyes. It is always better be safe and err on the side of caution. A veterinarian will be able to examine your dog’s eyes and determine if there is a problem that needs to be treated.
AllPetsDeb
Friday, October 23, 2009
Dog Behavior - Are You My Friend Or Enemy?
Most people don’t realize that, just like people, dogs may take one look at a stranger and either love them or hate them. Most dogs will greet most strangers by sniffing and sometimes barking. My dogs usually like most anyone that comes to my house if they are given a little time to meet and great them.
I have found that many dog owners are very surprised when their dog doesn’t react in a friendly manner towards a guest. Sometimes it can be quite obvious why a dog doesn’t like a particular person. A dog may take a dislike to a person who may be talking too loudly, moving too quickly or wearing something that the dog doesn’t like. My dogs are generally very social, however, all three of my dogs are very suspicious of anyone wearing a hat. It started with my oldest dog and has trickled down to the other two. They refuse to be nice to anyone wearing a hat. They will usually just ignore and avoid this person.
Most dogs tend to be more accepting of any one who talks calmly to them and moves slowly. Many times if your guests will ignore your pets for awhile, they will calm down. A lot of dogs will be curious as to why they are being ignored and will many times approach your guest in a more friendly manner.
If your guests are not animal people or are just afraid of your dogs, it is best to not have your dog around them. Every so often, I have to crate my dogs for my guest’s safety. I have one particular friend that they intensely dislike. We have tried everything to get them to like her but we finally had to give up. Sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.
Always keep the safety of your guests and dogs in mind. It is best to put the dogs in a different room if it looks like things are not going to go well and maybe try again another day.
I have found that many dog owners are very surprised when their dog doesn’t react in a friendly manner towards a guest. Sometimes it can be quite obvious why a dog doesn’t like a particular person. A dog may take a dislike to a person who may be talking too loudly, moving too quickly or wearing something that the dog doesn’t like. My dogs are generally very social, however, all three of my dogs are very suspicious of anyone wearing a hat. It started with my oldest dog and has trickled down to the other two. They refuse to be nice to anyone wearing a hat. They will usually just ignore and avoid this person.
Most dogs tend to be more accepting of any one who talks calmly to them and moves slowly. Many times if your guests will ignore your pets for awhile, they will calm down. A lot of dogs will be curious as to why they are being ignored and will many times approach your guest in a more friendly manner.
If your guests are not animal people or are just afraid of your dogs, it is best to not have your dog around them. Every so often, I have to crate my dogs for my guest’s safety. I have one particular friend that they intensely dislike. We have tried everything to get them to like her but we finally had to give up. Sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.
Always keep the safety of your guests and dogs in mind. It is best to put the dogs in a different room if it looks like things are not going to go well and maybe try again another day.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Has Your Dog Trained You?
There is a lot of talk about training your dogs. You can find tips on training your dog via every media available from books, dvds, online videos and cable series. All offer great tips on training your dog and making him or her a great canine citizen.
Have you ever realized how well trained you, the pet owner, is? I don't know about you, but I have just figured out that I'm a very well trained "person" indeed. They always seem to be able to get me to "obey" and make them happy.
I had to laugh at myself today. I was sitting here typing away when I heard a low animal "moan" of sorts. I looked over and my poodle, Max, was sitting outside the bathroom door staring at me. When I looked at him and said "What's wrong?" He did his low pitched moan again and sort of shuffled his front feet and looked in the bathroom door. He obviously wanted me to get up and go over to him. Guess what . . . I did! His water bowl in the bathroom was empty and he was thirsty. This is not the first time he has "told me" that he needed water.
There have been countless times when one of my three dogs has come to my second floor bedroom, stood outside my door, whined, shuffled their feet or just barked at me to get my attention. Each has their own unique way of getting my attention by the way. I always get up and follow them as they run down the stairs where I'm then "told" they need to go out or they are hungry.
Sometimes they just want to play and a toy will be tossed at me. It doesn't matter if I'm taking a nap . . . the toy will be tossed in my face or placed in my open hand. I always "obey" and throw the toy because they are just so darn cute!
Is your dog trained or has your dog trained you?
Have you ever realized how well trained you, the pet owner, is? I don't know about you, but I have just figured out that I'm a very well trained "person" indeed. They always seem to be able to get me to "obey" and make them happy.
I had to laugh at myself today. I was sitting here typing away when I heard a low animal "moan" of sorts. I looked over and my poodle, Max, was sitting outside the bathroom door staring at me. When I looked at him and said "What's wrong?" He did his low pitched moan again and sort of shuffled his front feet and looked in the bathroom door. He obviously wanted me to get up and go over to him. Guess what . . . I did! His water bowl in the bathroom was empty and he was thirsty. This is not the first time he has "told me" that he needed water.
There have been countless times when one of my three dogs has come to my second floor bedroom, stood outside my door, whined, shuffled their feet or just barked at me to get my attention. Each has their own unique way of getting my attention by the way. I always get up and follow them as they run down the stairs where I'm then "told" they need to go out or they are hungry.
Sometimes they just want to play and a toy will be tossed at me. It doesn't matter if I'm taking a nap . . . the toy will be tossed in my face or placed in my open hand. I always "obey" and throw the toy because they are just so darn cute!
Is your dog trained or has your dog trained you?
Why I Love My Pets
This is a brand new blog that I'm very excited about. Please be sure and check back often.
I have had a variety of pets over my life time. Horses and dogs are my favorite animals to be around. Don't get me wrong, I've had cats, a variety of birds, gerbils, hamsters, fish, turtles and rabbits. I have loved them all but some have take up a special place in my heart for whatever reason.
My first horse, named Hannah, was an old Saddlebred mare that taught me a lot. I only had her 5 short years but she was a great teacher and friend. My second horse, Athena, was only a yearling when I got her. I love her dearly, but she about killed me while trying to learn the ropes. She turned out to be a great teacher over the years and turned out to be a great friend. She is now disabled with navicular and can't be ridden anymore. But I will take care of her until the end because she was always there for me and I will always be there for her.
My family and I have had a a lot of dogs over the years. My father had hunting dogs that we weren't allowed to play with because it would "ruin" them. I never understood that one. But I loved to go with him and watch them do their jobs. They were obsessed with finding the target and were great hunting dogs.
I currently have three dogs: two poodles and a shih tzu. Their naems are Max, Sophie and Bailey. My shih tzu is my best buddy. He follows me everywhere and is currently sleeping on a bed next to my desk. He loves to ride in the care and doesn't care where we go as long as he is with me. My poodle Max, is the most frustrating dog I've ever had. He barks incessantly, chases anything that moves (despite obedience classes) and is not the brightest bulb in the box. Sophie, my female poodle, is one of the most intelligent but neurotic dogs that I've ever had. I love them all and dont' know what I would do without them. They sleep next to me while I work, they stare at me from under my glass kitchen table while I eat and they snore (loudly in be with me while I try to sleep.
All of my pets have taught me about patience and unconditional love. Even when I lost patience with them, they still loved me no matter what. They never judge me and don't care what kind of mood I'm in, as long as they can hang out with me. I count them as some of my best friends and teachers.
I have had a variety of pets over my life time. Horses and dogs are my favorite animals to be around. Don't get me wrong, I've had cats, a variety of birds, gerbils, hamsters, fish, turtles and rabbits. I have loved them all but some have take up a special place in my heart for whatever reason.
My first horse, named Hannah, was an old Saddlebred mare that taught me a lot. I only had her 5 short years but she was a great teacher and friend. My second horse, Athena, was only a yearling when I got her. I love her dearly, but she about killed me while trying to learn the ropes. She turned out to be a great teacher over the years and turned out to be a great friend. She is now disabled with navicular and can't be ridden anymore. But I will take care of her until the end because she was always there for me and I will always be there for her.
My family and I have had a a lot of dogs over the years. My father had hunting dogs that we weren't allowed to play with because it would "ruin" them. I never understood that one. But I loved to go with him and watch them do their jobs. They were obsessed with finding the target and were great hunting dogs.
I currently have three dogs: two poodles and a shih tzu. Their naems are Max, Sophie and Bailey. My shih tzu is my best buddy. He follows me everywhere and is currently sleeping on a bed next to my desk. He loves to ride in the care and doesn't care where we go as long as he is with me. My poodle Max, is the most frustrating dog I've ever had. He barks incessantly, chases anything that moves (despite obedience classes) and is not the brightest bulb in the box. Sophie, my female poodle, is one of the most intelligent but neurotic dogs that I've ever had. I love them all and dont' know what I would do without them. They sleep next to me while I work, they stare at me from under my glass kitchen table while I eat and they snore (loudly in be with me while I try to sleep.
All of my pets have taught me about patience and unconditional love. Even when I lost patience with them, they still loved me no matter what. They never judge me and don't care what kind of mood I'm in, as long as they can hang out with me. I count them as some of my best friends and teachers.
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