Taranet Complementary Therapies for Animals

27/09/2024

Shocking ⬇️ presumably people find they need more care than expected?

Get more information on guinea pig care at my podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/130669/episodes/8726174

It's heartbreaking that we've received over 1,600 reports of guinea pig abandonment since 2021. 💔

Let's work together to ensure all cavies have happy, healthy lives!

Thinking about adopting, or want to provide the best care for your current piggies? Here's what you need to know: https://bit.ly/3BtNxzW

27/09/2024

Is laser therapy something that could help your animals? ⬇️

26/09/2024

26/09/2024

Excited to announce a practical demonstration held at the on 10th November at 1:30pm run by ME! Come and learn about equine massage and have some hands on practice 🙌🏼

26/09/2024

Police horses enjoying their retirement ⬇️

From patrol to pasture!

Meet our newest retirees, Max, Gisburn, and Atlas, standing in perfect formation like the pros they are! It just goes to show that no matter where they come from, a police horse is always a police horse—regimented, proud, and disciplined.

They’ve settled in so well at The Horse Trust and are already proving that friendships are easy to find in their new life. We’re sure they’ll enjoy a well-deserved retirement! HTx 💚🐴



Photo credits: HT Senior Groom, Natalie.

26/09/2024

Canine hydrotherapy training ⬇️

26/09/2024

Horse care tip ⬇️

Nutrition is critical for healing because the nutrients in food provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients needed for cellular repair, immune function, and overall recovery.

Proper nutrition supports the body’s ability to regenerate tissues, reduce inflammation, and enhance the efficacy of any medical treatments, ultimately facilitating a faster and more effective healing process.

If a horse is sick or injured, it is NOT the time to skimp on nutrition!! Feeding a fortified feed at the minimum recommended feeding rate or a ration balancer for easy keepers or those advised against grain for a short period of time (colic, choke, etc) will help provide those crucial building blocks the body requires to efficiently rebuild.

26/09/2024

Have a horse? ⬇️

**𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗩𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟**

𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲’𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘁

MacKechnie-Guire, R*, Williams, J.M., Nixon, J., Fisher, M., Fisher, D., Walker, V., Murray, R., Clayton, H.M

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 (read without a subscription):
https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.14420

For the past four years, we have investigated the pressures beneath different nosebands when adjusted from 2.0 to 0.0 finger tightness (0.0 finger adjustment so that the noseband was touching but not compressing the skin).

Poor noseband adjustment could create high pressures that may risk pain or tissue damage. This study is a step forward in providing quantitative data relating to pressures associated with noseband type and fit when adjusted to various tightness’s.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀:

🐴No significant difference between noseband pressures when the noseband was adjusted from 2.0 to 1.5 finger tightness.

🐴Noseband pressures were highest on the mandible vs. the lateral aspect of the nasal bones.

🐴No differences were found in noseband pressures between the cavesson, flash or Swedish (crank) noseband types at 2.0 to 0.5 finger tightness.

🐴The Drop noseband had the lowest absolute nasal pressures (mandible pressures not measured) and significantly lower values than the other nosebands. We need to be mindful of the position of the traditional drop. More work needed.

🐴Noseband pressures were lower when ridden in trot, compared with when chewing a treat.

🐴Noseband pressures were cyclical (rise and fall) and not continuous – changing during the stride and the chewing cycle of the horse.

As always, this is a team effort. Thank you to our research assistants, riders, owners and horses.. Thank you to our funders, World Horse Welfare, British Equestrian, Canadian Sport Horse Association, The Worshipful Company of Saddlers and Hartpury University.

NB image taken from pilot testing and was not included in the main study. All noseband types are described in detail in the manuscript.

25/09/2024

Learn more about canine acupressure ⬇️

25/09/2024

MEET THE SPEAKER!

Jade Statt BVMS (hons) FRCVS DVM Cert SAM - 'Life on the Street'

Jade Statt, Co-Founder, Clinical Director & Brand Ambassador for StreetVet
StreetVet is an award-winning national charity offering free accessible vet care and services to pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness. A chance meeting with a homeless gentleman and his dog inspired co-founder Jade a vet who qualified from Glasgow Vet School in 2002 to take vet care out onto the streets to the people and pets that need it most. What started in 2016 as 2 vets, Jade Statt and co-founder Sam Joseph and a backpack full of veterinary supplies, is now a charity fuelled by hundreds of vet and vet nurse volunteers (600+) who swap the practice for the pavement in 24 locations across the UK from Glasgow to Cornwall and growing.

StreetVet recognises and champions the importance of the human-animal bond and in discovering that less than 10%* of UK hostels are pet friendly, launched the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme in 2020 to make it as easy as possible for hostels to say yes to pets and prioritise keeping owners and their beloved pets together. Nobody should have to face the impossible choice between a roof over their heads or giving up their best friend. For more information, please visit streetvet.org.uk

25/09/2024

25/09/2024

Cat care tip ⬇️

25/09/2024

Veterinary acupuncture offers a range of health benefits for your dog.

Learn more with this Natural Pet Care blog post from veterinarian Carole Parsons

at https://www.taranet.co.uk/Animal%20Care%20Events/blog-2/files/ded0b834f2df3e963216d03ce24309be-107.html

23/09/2024

Dog wellbeing tip ⬇️

𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴’s 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀! 🐾💪

𝗖𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 are an excellent exercise to enhance your dog’s strength, flexibility, and body awareness. 🐕✨ As your dog navigates the poles, they are required to lift their paws higher, resulting in increased flexion of the elbows and knees. Additionally, the forward propulsion needed to clear the poles activates key muscle groups, ensuring a comprehensive workout.

This exercise 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in the knees, elbows, carpal, and tarsal joints, while 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀, including the biceps, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and gluteals. It’s an great way to improve overall strength, balance, and stability, making it ideal for rehabilitation or maintaining peak fitness.

23/09/2024

Hedgehog wellbeing tip ⬇️

"Just popping out to remind everyone that some of us little hogs may be old enough to be away from mum, but might not be big enough to survive winter, so, please, give us a helping hand if you see us out during the day"

If you're concerned about a hedgehog you see during winter, you can assess their body condition in two ways :

❓Are they larger than a grapefruit?
❓Are they rounded, like a ball?

If they appear elongated, like an aubergine, this can indicate they are underweight. If you're unsure, please don't hesitate to contact your nearest wildlife rescue for advice🦔.

To find out more about how you can help hedgehogs, this winter, visit the link, below.

23/09/2024

Horse care tip ⬇️

With night temperatures becoming cooler many of us are asking if we should start rugging our horses or not. Did you know that healthy adult horses can usually regulate their body temperature well, without a rug, when the environmental temperature is between 5-25°C? 💦

Horses have a much wider thermoneutral range than people, meaning they don’t feel the cold in the same way we do. Each horse is different, but if you want help to understand what factors need to be taken into account when rugging (and other top winter care tips), find out more on our advice page 👉 https://bit.ly/3XkItFl

Please remember that all horses are individuals and just because one horse needs a rug, another may not. And equally, just because your horse doesn't need a rug, another horse may need one.

23/09/2024

Holistic care for birds ⬇️

An Unusual Case Study - A blind goose, the nuns who care for her, and two internationally renowned integrative veterinarians....

Nuns from a local Abbey contacted CIVT’s Principal, Dr Barbara Royal, asking her to look at photos of a wild goose who is blind and staying with their farm geese at the Abbey. The goose won't fly, but is otherwise quite normal, looks very healthy, eats well and seems happy with the Abbey’s flock. Her egg-mates have all flown away, but she stayed.

Canada Geese are a protected species and people aren't allowed to keep them as a farm animal or pet, but they certainly can stay and live wild on a property if they choose to. Often blind geese will stay with a "seeing eye" goose or resident "non-flying" flock to manage their world. It usually works very well, and they live comfortably with the companionship of the seeing goose as long as they don't have to fly.

Dr Royal discussed the case with CIVT Founder, Dr Barbara Fougere. They agreed the goose doesn’t appear to have an active infection, the cornea is clear, the pupil at a normal size and the eyelids seem to have no discharge and are unswollen. There are several things that can cause blindness in geese including injury, nutritional deficiency, lead poisoning, and eating toxic foods. Genetic blindness can also occur, and woulod not be treatable.

They recommended several herbal supplements that might potentially help. These herbs can be used as a combination or separately to help with any possible inflammatory condition, function of eyes and neurologic function:

Eyebright
Echinacea
Bilberry
Parsely
Sage
Thyme
Basil

Dr Royal suggested ¼ to ½ teaspoon each of the fresh (not dried) herb daily added to food the goose likes, such as greens or water plants, avoiding too much grain or corn, as seeds and grains are usually less than 20% of their diet. She recomended the nuns try one herb for two to three days, making sure there are no side effects, then offering the next one. The goose will be treated for three weeks and then be reevaluated. If prayer can help, we’re confident she has plenty of that on her side.

22/09/2024

Herbal supplement for your pet who doesn't like fireworks noise ⬇️

It's nearly that time of year again 🎆⁠
⁠
We know how stressful it can be if you have an anxious pet, especially around firework season. ⁠
⁠
Up to 50% of dogs in the UK are estimated to be affected by noise phobias so it's a good idea to start planning ahead – ideally at least one month in advance! ⁠
⁠
Keep your eyes peeled for our calming supplements offer that help support anxieties including fireworks! Coming soon 👀⁠

22/09/2024

Thankyou to all who have listened to the Animals Naturally Podcast, great to reach this milestone! ⬇️

Helping you to care for your horse, dog or other animal naturally, Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse.  Suzanne is the producer of this podcast, and is creator of www.tara...

21/09/2024

Cat care tip ⬇️

Life is always busy but taking a small amount of time to spent time with your cat and making sure they are entertained is really important, especially if they are an indoor cat. Here are six ways you can bond with your cat: http://spr.ly/6WaysToBondWithYourCat 😺

[Image description: A ginger cat curled up on the bed with their green eyes open.]

21/09/2024

🐴✨ "Because even tough police horses need their besties for vet visits!" ✨🐴

Today, our retired police horses, Alf and Samson, showed us the true meaning of friendship. Samson had a vet appointment, and of course, his loyal buddy Alf was right by his side for moral support. 🩺

Alf joined us in 2014 after the Cleveland Police Mounted Section closed, Alf is a gentle giant through and through. Samson, who arrived in 2017, also stands tall at 18.2hh, with an impressive past—from falconry shows to 5 years of service with Thames Valley Mounted Branch.

These two gentle giants have formed an unbreakable bond, and we love seeing them together on the yard. Your support makes special moments like this possible!

Want to be part of Samson’s journey? Sponsor his care here: https://horsetrust.org.uk/portfolio-item/samson/ and help us keep these heroes happy and healthy! HTx 💚🐴



Photo credits: HT Veterinary Director, Nicky.

21/09/2024

Horses changing and improving lives ⬇️

Meet Sam, our gentle giant carriage horse from Park Lane Stables RDA...

After recently winning RDA Equine of the Year, Sam has been shortlisted for another award, this time for 'Make a Difference award'!🏆

This is a new category which recognises animals that are changing lives, and we’re so proud that Sam has been recognised. The winners are announced next week, so make sure to keep an eye out - Best of luck Sam!

⭐Find out more about Sam and the brilliant team at Park Lane Stables, here: https://www.parklanestables.co.uk/news/sam-carriage-horse-bbc-london-award

20/09/2024

Dog care advice ⬇️

As we approach autumn, leaves will start to fall and along with it can be a fair few acorns. 🍂

Did you know that acorns (and the entire Oak tree) is poisonous to dogs?
Here's the signs and symptoms of acorn poisoning in dogs. Be sure to save this post for later and share to raise awareness! 🐶

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4enYgdu

20/09/2024

I recommend this really moisturising skincare lotion ⬇️
Message me for order info

FOR SKIN THAT'S SMOOTH, HYDRATED AND HEALTHY

A lightweight, floral-scented moisturiser that you can to use every day, Aloe Body Lotion is sure to make your skin feel soft and silky - but never greasy. Perfect all year round.

Speak with your local Forever Business Owner to place an order today 💧

20/09/2024

Holistic dog care tip ⬇️

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴

Licking in dogs is a natural behaviour that can provide significant pain relief, explained by the Gate Control Theory of Pain. This theory suggests that pain signals travel to the brain through nerve pathways, but sensations like licking can effectively “close the gate,” limiting how much pain the brain registers.

Licking activates sensory receptors in the mouth and tongue, which can block pain signals from reaching the brain by overwhelming the pathways with non-painful sensory input. This makes licking a valuable tool in managing discomfort, especially for dogs dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, or recovering from surgery.

Incorporating activities such as 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘀 into your dog's routine can help trigger these neurological responses, offering gentle, natural relief.

Pain management, however, is most effective when approached from multiple angles. Enrichment activities like licking are just one part of a 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆, which may also include 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀, and 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 to provide comprehensive and effective relief for your dog’s specific needs.