Tips on Horse Nutrition

Tips on Horse Nutrition
You may love your horse, you may care for it, and you may love to ride it but if you don’t know how to properly feed it, your horse may not care for you. Nutrition is important to any animal on earth and even more important for a large and useful animal such as your horse. If your horse is to be useful to you and to your farm, whether you make it work or whether you ride it, knowing how to feed it and what it eats best is key in keeping your horse healthy. This page will give you a few tips on your horse’s nutrition. One of the most important parts of a horse’s digestive system is the teeth. The teeth are the gateway to a complex digestive system and so without properly maintained teeth, the horse will not feed well and thus will not be healthy. Horses are grazing animals and when left alone will feed constantly for about 16 hours a day. This takes a toll on the horse’s teeth heavier than our food does on ours. This means horse teeth must be maintained well. Also, because horses cannot vomit, ensuring that their teeth are well maintained avoids swallowing bulky pieces of food which may lead to choking. Horses love feeding on legumes such as clover, alfalfa and also on grass. Legumes are naturally rich in calcium and phosphorous. Alfalfa, in fact, contains a lot of calcium and phosphorus and should be fed to the horse cautiously. Horses feed on grasses such as bluegrass. Horses will also feed well on hay, which is a combination of legumes and grasses, which have been dried. Try to make hay available every time so horses can nibble on it when they need to. Studying and knowing your horse’s nutrition is important to the well-being and health of your horse. Come visit our website where you will find the horse supplies that fit your needs. We are available 12 hours a day on business days and we can take your order online, by mail, or by fax. Visit us at www.tacktrunks.net or call 1-908-294-3418.

Visit us online http://www.tacktrunks.net

Flea Control: The In's and Out's of Getting Rid of those Pesky Critters
Bleh ” fleas! Tis the season ” are you prepared? It s not just at home where you need to be ready either. Different geographical areas have different climate conditions so the flea season varies depending on where you are ” keep that in mind whether you are at home or traveling. Something else to be aware of is that fleas, in various stages of their disgusting lives, can survive indoors even during the cold weather. Following are some helpful facts about fleas and information on how you can prevent them from infesting your pets and your home. Even though there are more than 2,000 known species and subspecies of fleas, only one class of flea called the cat flea is to blame for almost all the fleas found on cats and dogs in the United States. What is really daunting is that there is evidence of fleas dating all the way back to the dinosaur era which means they obviously aren t going away by themselves ” all the more reason to do something to protect your pets and family. Most fleas can survive for an average of two to three months without food which is actually the blood they suck from their hosts . A female flea consumes 15 times her own body weight in blood daily! You should also know that while adult fleas suck blood from a cat, dog or other mammal, their larvae live and feed on organic debris in the host animal’s environment ” that s your home! Be aware that some fleas can jump 150 times their own length ” that compares to a human jumping 1,000 feet. So if you happen to see one flea, there may be more than 100 offspring or adults looming nearby in furniture, carpeting or on your pet. Now let s talk about how to prevent these gross little parasites from getting into your life and how to get rid of them if they do. As a pet owner, one of your main responsibilities is to keep your pet healthy. Taking them to the vet for their annual check ups is very important. While you re there, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about a flea prevention method for your furry friends such as Advantage, Advantix or Frontline. Certain products can also help to prevent ticks in addition to fleas. If you see fleas on your pets or in your home, take action immediately. Not only are fleas a huge annoyance, but they can also transmit diseases and tapeworm. If your home becomes infested, you will probably need to purchase flea bombs ” make sure read and adhere to the directions carefully and contact your vet to get further advice and relief for your pet and family.

Finally! A <A HREF="http://www.flea-control-online.com/cgi-bin/index.pl?control=2NZreVPn4a&ce=S1YrN&flea=off&fl=false">flea control</A> resource that will get rid of those pesky fleas in your pets once and for all.

Gastrointestinal stasis: What is and why it is so dangerous for some rabbits
Gastrointestinal stasis (or G.I. stasis) is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs in some rabbits in which gut motility is severely reduced and possibly completely stopped. Treatment should be sought immediately from a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals and with significant rabbit experience. When untreated or improperly treated, G.I. stasis can be fatal in as little as 24 hours.

G.I. stasis is the condition of food not moving through the gut as quickly as normal. The gut contents may dehydrate and compact into a hard, immobile mass (impacted gut), blocking the digestive tract of the rabbit. Food in an immobile gut may also ferment, causing significant gas buildup and resultant gas pain for the rabbit.

The first noticeable symptom of G.I. stasis may be that the rabbit suddenly stops eating. Treatment frequently includes subcutaneous fluid therapy (rehydration through injection of saline solution under the skin), drugs for treatment of the buildup of gas in the digestive tract, massage to promote gas expulsion and comfort, possible drugs to promote gut motility, and careful monitoring of all inputs and outputs. The rabbit’s diet may also be changed as part of treatment.

Some rabbits are more prone to G.I. stasis than others. The causes of G.I. stasis are not completely understood, but common contributing factors are thought to include:

* a lack of fiber in the diet. Many pet rabbits do not get sufficient fresh grass hay but are instead mistakenly fed only commercial alfalfa pellets originally developed for rapidly increasing mass in rabbits bred for meat.
* insufficient moisture in the diet. Fresh, leafy greens are a critical part of a rabbit’s diet in part because of their moisture content, which helps prevent the gut contents from becoming impacted.
* lack of exercise. Rabbits confined to a cage frequently do not get the opportunity (or motivation) to run, jump, and play which is critical in maintaining gut motility.

In addition, G.I. stasis can be caused by the rabbit not eating for other reasons, such as stress, dental problems, or other unrelated health problems.

G.I. stasis is sometimes misdiagnosed as cat-like “hair balls” by veterinarians not familiar with rabbit physiology.

Hagar lagarto is a long time Pet lover with many articles and websites on the subject.You can get much more info at <a href=http://pet.freehostia.com>http://pet.freehostia.com</a>

Treat Your Cat with All Natural Cat Treats!
Author David Gilmore explains: Weanersquo;ve all seen the various major brand cat treats in the stores. They come with names we all know and packages that show happy cats wolfing down piles of the treats inside. They come in pouches or little cans and, admittedly, our cats love them. But have you ever stopped to see what is actually in these treats?

The Meaning Behind Pet Charms Posted By : Arie Shapney
For many of us, pampering our pets by giving them meaningful gifts is deemed second nature. More and more pet lovers are seeking unique items to present their beloved companions as they tire of the conventional dog collars, cat bells and other common pet paraphernalia found in run-of-the-mill pet stores. For this reason, pet charms are becoming favorable gifts for pets. Pet charms bear a host of special meanings so whether you choose to purchase some for your own pets or present it to a fellow pet lover as a gift, your pet will be the center of attention wherever you go.

Adding Essential Fatty Acids To Your Pets Diet
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a requirement in everyone’s diet, for both human and animal. However, the body cannot produce EFAs on its own, so it must be added to the diet each day. The two most commonly known fatty acids are omega 3 (linoleic acid) and omega 6 (alpha-linoleic acid). The diets of our pets, like people, tend to include more omega 6 fatty acids rather than omega 3. This is an imbalance that needs to be improved upon.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential as they help with the proper formation of cell membranes, cardiovascular functions, nourish the lining of the digestive tract, and work to keep your pet’s skin and coat smooth, soft and shiny. Another essential function of omega 3 fatty acids is that they work to reduce inflammatory problems in the body. If you find your pet’s coat is dull and brittle or if he/she tends to have dry skin and scratch a lot, it may be due to a lack of this particular fatty acid.

There are different types of essential fatty acid supplements that are available, however which kind you choose to supplement your dog or cat’s diet can be a bit of a dilemma.

Pure plant oils such as flax oil, evening primrose oil, safflower oil or a blend of plant oils is a good alternative to fish omega-3 fats. These should be “cold-pressed” oils, as opposed to oils that are typically extracted with chemical solvents. The problem with plant oils is that animals have a harder time converting the fatty acids to a form best used by the animal’s system.

Fish oils, such as salmon oil, halibut liver oil, or cod liver oil are more easily converted and used by an animal’s body. The downside is that fish oils often contain deadly toxins, including high levels of dangerous PCBs, dioxins and detectable levels of mercury. Farmed salmon is the worst for contamination and contains less omega 3 acids than wild salmon. At present nearly 30% of all fish are farmed, with salmon being in the 90% farmed range. As well, farmed salmon are often carriers of disease and parasites. When supplementing your pet’s diet with fish oils, choose oils that come from wild sources, not farmed.

There are also blended fish and plant oil supplements available. These often include a mixture of salmon or cod liver oil and flax, safflower or other such oils that provide a mixture of 3 to 4 parts omega 3 oils to 1 part omega 6 oils. Giving your animal a combination fish/plant supplement may be a good alternative to consider, as they should contain fewer toxins since they are not strictly fish oils, yet still should be better assimilated by the animal’s body than straight plant oils.

Rose Smith operates several sites featuring natural and organic relief solutions for everyday health problems - both in humans and animals. If you would like to know more about <a href="http://www.caringforcanines.com/">natural dog health care</a> visit <a href="http://www.caringforcanines.com/">http://www.caringforcanines.com</a>.

Cheap Small Dog Beds: Comfort And Prices Taken Care Of Posted By : Mark Joness
Cheap small dog beds can be found in the market in accordance to your specific requirements of comfort and style. Services of online providers can be availed to access cheap beds for your small dog with convenience.

Health Benefits of Cat Ownership
Health Benefits of Cat Ownership

You love your cats for the companionship that they provide. A sympathetic ear, great listening skills, and boundless affection are all great side benefits of cat ownership, but your cat may actually be doing more for you than you think. Recent studies have shown that keeping pets has a positive impact on your health and well being, especially when that pet is a cat.

General Health Benefits
Studies have proven that having contact with a pet is very calming and soothing, and have backed up this conjecture with medical facts. Vital signs taken after an individual s interaction with a pet show positive effects on the blood pressure, pulse, and breathing frequency, and the results of these tests are surprisingly similar to the body s condition after deep meditation. Some studies have even indicated that having pets reduces stress and results in a lowered risk of heart disease.

Cats and dogs ” but especially cats ” have been used in some hospitals and nursing homes as a kind of therapy for the bedridden and ill. The warmth of their furry bodies and open, purring friendship can drastically influence a person s state of mind for the better. A study conducted in the states of New York, Missouri, and Texas found that nursing homes that allowed pets had lower medication costs than those that didn t.

Lowered stress and increased calmness could be the cause, but studies over the last twenty years have also shown that people who own pets are much healthier than their non-pet owning counterparts; they are often less-prone to minor illnesses like colds and influenza, score better on psychological tests, and claim to feel a greater sense of well-being.

Children and Cats
Adults are not the only ones who benefit from caring for a cat. Children who have participated in the raising of a pet have shown higher self esteem levels, better social skills, and a greater sense of responsibility toward others. For young children and infants, exposure to cats at a young age can also help the child develop resistance to allergens and asthma.

Seniors and Cats
Older adults often lack companionship, social connections and opportunities for recreation during their retirement years. Owning a cat can significantly boost the health and happiness of a senior, giving them a feeling of purpose and the knowledge that they are needed.

Cats are ideal pets for seniors as they are relatively low-maintenance in comparison to dogs. They don t need formal exercise like regular walks, or constant trips to the backyard, since they take care of their own exercise routine during play and confine their bathroom habits to a single area.

Cat ownership has been shown to improve the general health and well-being of men with HIV, reduce the loneliness of single women living by themselves, and even help victims of heart disease recover more quickly after a heart attack. Next time you re cuddling with your cat on the couch, tossing that rubber ball across the linoleum for the sixty-third time, or even cleaning a hairball off the rug, remember that your cat might be doing a lot more for you than you think.

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Ecological Possum Socks
Did you know that buying a pair of possum wool socks not only makes you a happy owner of the finest naturally made wool socks, but also makes you an active contributor to preserving New Zealand s forests? But what has buying a pair of possum wool socks got to do with preserving the forests of New Zealand? Read on to know everything about it.

The brush tail possum is destroying New Zealand s forests - its native plants, trees and bird life.

Introduced from Australia to New Zealand about 150 years ago, Possums have multiplied alarmingly in New Zealand, partly because of the lack of any natural predator that would arrest their population growth. These nocturnal animals devour the new leaf growth of trees; destroying whole trees and depriving birds of their natural habitat. They also feed on berries, insects and bird’s eggs. Unlike the trees in Australia, the native trees of New Zealand do not have protective spines, prickles and poisonous leaves which work as natural defenses against possums.

According to statistical estimates, the total possum population in New Zealand is a whopping 70 million. This means possums are eating their way through roughly 20,000 tons of vegetation, no, not in a year s time but all in one night! If this doesn t give you an idea of how the possums are devastating New Zealand, try to imagine 20 possums attacking the plants and trees of your garden ” devouring a quantity that would fill up 2 plastic shopping bags per night. Every year, the possums devour approximately 8 million tons of vegetation ” a major threat to the forests and wildlife of New Zealand.

With millions of dollars being spent on trying to eradicate possums, commercial initiatives utilising possum fur are an economic and ecological necessity. The commercial use of possum fur in possum wool socks and other possum products contributes greatly to the preservation of New Zealand s forests and wildlife.

Possum wool socks and other products thereby serve as an eco friendly way of controlling the possum population. And as luck would have it, not only is possum fur an ecological option for socks, it is luxurious, good for insulating and wicks moisture away from your feet. In fact, our possum fur and merino wool blend makes the perfect sock. They are also machine washable.

So the next time you buy a pair of possum socks you know you are supporting the fight against possums and are helping to preserve the ecological system of New Zealand.

Helen Timms is the owner and operator of mongrel socks which can be found located in Tasmania or on the internet at http://www.mongrelsocks.com.au They produce wool socks and warmers

Having Your Departed Loved One Close at Heart through an Urn Necklace : Memorial Jewelry Posted By : ArticleMaxPro
There is now a way to have your departed loved one close to you everyday, thanks to the concept of memorial jewelry. Cremation jewelry, remembrance jewelry, keepsake necklace - whatever everyone else calls it, it practically refers to the same thing. It is a piece of jewelry that holds a small portion of your loved one’s cremated remains.

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