NoBella Acres

04/14/2022

Understanding Perceptions About Dog Breeds’ Sensitivity To Pain

Theoretically, all dogs should have similar pain thresholds, but according to over 90 percent of respondents, half of which were veterinarians, of an online survey, there are differences among dog breeds. Small-breed dogs, such as Chihuahua and Maltese, were rated as being less tolerant of pain than some of their larger cohorts, such as Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler.

The survey findings, published March 17, 2020, in PLOS One, piqued interest by the investigators to continue studying beliefs about how dog breeds differ in their sensitivity to pain. The AKC Canine Health Foundation is funding the follow-up research underway at North Carolina State University.

Lead investigators Margaret Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, assistant professor of behavioral medicine, and Duncan Lascelles, BVSc, PhD, DECVS, DACVS, professor of translational pain research and management, are working to learn if perceptions about dog breeds’ varied pain thresholds are scientifically grounded. Rachel Cunningham, DVM, a postdoctoral research associate who is now a surgical intern at Michigan State University, and Rachel Park, a graduate student in the Comparative Biomedical Sciences program, conducted the study.

“Our null hypothesis is that dogs regardless of their breed have similar pain thresholds,” Dr. Gruen says. “The risk of ungrounded, preconceived beliefs about dog breeds’ pain tolerance is that it could negatively impact clinical treatments and result in unnecessary pain for dogs believed to have low pain sensitivity.”

The current study comprises 147 dogs representing 10 breeds. Included are Chihuahua, Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Siberian Husky, American Staffordshire Terrier, and German Shepherd Dog.

“We screened dogs by performing physical and orthopedic examinations to ensure they are free of conditions causing chronic pain, as this can change their neurobiology and lower their pain thresholds,” Dr. Gruen says. “Owners completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), which gathers information about their dogs’ personalities, breeding, overall health, and behavior.”

Quantitative sensory testing in which the investigators examined the threshold at which dogs would withdraw their paws from pressure or heat provided scientific insights. “Imagine that I slowly push my finger into you until you say, ‘Hey, stop doing that,’” explains Dr. Gruen. “That’s basically what we did but in a more sophisticated way.”

Bonnie Giles of Chesterfield, South Carolina, enrolled her two Golden Retrievers, “Willow,” 11 years old, and “Eve,” 8 years old, in the study. “It is interesting that there may be different pain tolerances among dog breeds,” Giles says. “Both my dogs are really calm, as they are retired breeding moms for service dogs. Willow was a certified therapy dog. I’ve been through C-sections (cesarean sections) and minor veterinary procedures with them. In my opinion, they always seem unfazed by pain.”

The results of the study are expected to be published in 2022. Not revealing their discoveries, Dr. Gruen says, “If there are breed differences in pain sensitivity, future work will look at understanding genetic associations and how to advance understanding of effectively treating pain in a breed-specific manner.

“If there are no differences among breeds related to pain sensitivity, then it is important to understand our perceptions of breed differences to ensure dogs of every breed receive appropriate pain management and to understand where these beliefs came from.”

The notion that human perceptions influence how dog breeds’ pain sensitivity is interpreted aligns with the generalized group characterization hypothesis summarized in the PLOS One article on the survey results. “This hypothesis predicts that people will rate dogs of different breeds as having different pain sensitivity based on group traits like physical appearance and social behavior stereotypes,” says Dr. Gruen.

The online survey included 2,131 responses, of which 1,078 came from veterinarians. Pictures of 28 dog breeds representing a wide range of sizes, body and head shapes, and coat types/lengths were shown though breed names were not identified. Respondents rated their beliefs about the pictured breeds’ pain sensitivity on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being not sensitive at all and 100 being the most sensitive imaginable.

“Ratings by the general public were driven mostly by size, with smaller dogs rated as more sensitive to pain and larger, heavier dogs rated as less sensitive,” Dr. Gruen says. “Dogs on breed-specific legislation lists that are considered dangerous were generally rated as less sensitive to pain. These findings support the prediction that people rate pain sensitivity in dogs differently for different breeds based on their appearance and common group stereotypes.”

While dog size appeared to influence veterinarians’ ratings, it was not as strong a relationship as seen with ratings by the general public. “Veterinarians tended to rate the dogs based on commonly held beliefs about different dog breeds,” she says. “For example, two large breeds, German Shepherd Dog and Siberian Husky, were rated among the most sensitive to pain by veterinarians.”

When deciding on individual factors believed to influence pain sensitivity and response to pain in dogs, the general public was somewhat evenly distributed among: a breed’s skin thickness, 41 percent; environment raised, 40.1 percent; genetics, 39 percent; and temperament, 35.6 percent. Most veterinarians attributed pain sensitivity to temperament, 80.9 percent; followed by genetics, 33.3 percent; environment, 29.5 percent; and skin thickness, 9.3 percent.

As to Giles’ belief that her Golden Retrievers are largely unfazed by pain, the online survey reinforced her interpretation. The general public rated Golden Retrievers around 51 percent on the 1 to 100 scale, indicating the breed has an average threshold for pain. Veterinarians rated Goldens around 32 percent, giving the breed a rating that reflects low sensitivity to pain.

“Ultimately, we think there is strong evidence that people rate pain sensitivity based on breed-specific stereotypes or phenotypic traits and dog breed archetypes,” reflects Dr. Gruen. “Further investigation is needed to more fully comprehend the impact.”

04/13/2022

Finding Your Pet Via GPS

GPS location should be used in conjunction with microchips in a pet, not as a substitute. Most vets charge less than $50 to put the rice-sized permanent chip inside a pet. Ninety-nine percent of shelters and vet clinics have scanners. It's about as foolproof a way of being reunited with a lost pet as exists.

If you're in an area with coverage, A GPS tracker sends your pet's whereabouts to its companion app. It's not always instantaneous—there can be a few minutes delay while the device realizes your pet is out of the safe zone. That's enough time for a fast pet to make a getaway, but better than not knowing at all that Fido jumped the fence.

Note that there are typically monthly or annual fees associated with GPS tracking.

10/24/2021

https://k-9lifesavers.org/

K-9 LIFESAVERS Saving Lives Four Paws at a Time

07/09/2021

You really want a pet bird—so much in fact that you've already picked out a name, chosen a location for its cage, and thoroughly researched your favorite species. While you might think you are prepared to dive into the world of bird ownership, there are many aspects of keeping a bird that some people don't learn until after they've brought their bird home. And they often find bird ownership was more of a lifestyle adjustment than they expected. Here are 10 tips regarding what it really takes to care for a bird on a daily basis.

Get Rid of Unsafe Cookware
Teflon or nonstick cookware can be fatal to pet birds. The coating gives off a toxic, odorless fume when heated that can kill a bird within minutes. This especially can occur when the cookware is heated to a high temperature, but it's not worth the risk to your bird's safety for any level of cooking. So if you're looking to bring a bird into your home, plan to get rid of any unsafe cookware and invest in pots and pans made of stainless steel or another bird-safe material.

Say Goodbye to Candles and Air Fresheners
As with the cookware fumes, scented candles, oils, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, and other chemical products can all pose a health hazard to your pet. Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems, which are easily irritated by chemicals and fumes. This can result in sudden death, depending on the quantity and substance the bird has inhaled. Or it can cause ongoing health issues. Discuss safe cleaning supplies with your veterinarian, and freshen your home with clean outdoor air if possible.

Never Smoke in the House
It should come as no surprise that cigarette smoke is just as bad—if not worse—for your bird as it is for you. If you choose to use to***co products, use them outside and a safe distance away from any open windows. Don't forget to wash your hands before handling your bird if you've recently smoked. And remember the lingering scent on your clothing and any items within your home can have a negative impact on your bird's health, as well.

Plan on Waking Up Early
If you don't cover their cage with a light-blocking cloth, birds will wake up with the sun. And even if you do cover them, they'll usually wake up once they start hearing noises, especially outdoor birds. They are ready to start their days bright and early and will expect you to do the same. So be prepared to adjust your sleep schedule to accommodate your feathered friend. Your bird will need fresh food and water soon after waking, along with some play and socialization.

Invest in a Good Vacuum
Birds can be quite messy. Large species tend to make the most mess just because of their size, but even small birds can scatter food and feathers far and wide. In many cases, you will need to sweep or vacuum daily to keep up with the constant flow of debris that will accumulate around your pet's cage. A good vacuum that can suck up the little bits of food and feathers will make your life a lot easier. In addition, make sure you have the time and ability to keep up with this chore.

Remove Toxic Houseplants
Many common houseplants are toxic to birds, with outcomes ranging from mild illness to sudden death. Some of these plants include amaryllis flowers, lilies, philodendrons, and shamrocks. Don’t trust that your bird won’t investigate plants just because it doesn’t seem curious about them at the moment. Find new homes for these plants in spaces where your bird will never be. And in the future, choose bird-safe plant options, such as the spider plant or African violet.

Watch What You Wear
Birds are naturally attracted to shiny objects, even when they're part of your apparel. It's best to take off jewelry and any clothing with sequins or other shiny features before handling your bird to protect yourself, your pet, and your apparel. Also, especially with birds that like to chew, watch out for your buttons. Remove the temptation for your bird to chew something they're not supposed to because some of these items can be health hazards.

Plan to Commit Lots of Time and Effort
If you bring home a bird that's already tame, you can be sure a lot of time and effort went into shaping its personality. To maintain the fruits of that labor, or to tame an unsocialized bird, you must handle and interact with your bird daily. Some birds actually need several hours of daily socialization with their humans to maintain their mental and physical health. Aside from that, cage cleaning and feeding a healthy diet with fresh foods also take time and effort every day.

Expect Noise
Some birds can talk. But all of them can chirp, cackle, screech, and coo, among other noises. Birds make a variety of sounds throughout their waking hours, and there's usually no way to get them to be quiet if they don't want to be. Large birds tend to be able to produce the loudest vocalizations, but even small birds can emit constant chatter. So if you want a bird, you'll have to accept the noise in your space.

10 Things to Know Before Adopting a Pet Bird
Don't Assume Your Bird Will Be a Social Butterfly
Birds are generally flock animals, but that doesn't mean they love everyone. While certain species are prone to becoming "one-person birds," it can happen to any bird, particularly if only one person cares for it. If you want a bird for your family, it's imperative that everyone participates in the bird's care and socialization. Otherwise, your pet might play favorites and even become territorial over one person.

06/17/2021

05/15/2021

Are there animals in heaven?
Written By: Bill Tinsley

My aunt once asked me if there will be animals in Heaven. Perhaps it is a good question to ask during this season when pets have played such an important role in helping us survive COVID-19. When many of us have had to distance from family, friends, co-workers, and classmates our pets have stepped up.

The CDC says that pets, especially dogs, help our social, emotional, and mental development. Of course, most of us don’t need the CDC to tell us this. Our pets become part of the family. If they are that important on earth, will there be animals in heaven?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the twentieth-century theologian and martyr, once counseled a 10-year-old boy whose German Shepherd died. The boy was distraught. He asked Bonhoeffer if his dog would be in Heaven. Bonhoeffer said, “I quickly made up my mind and said to him: ‘Look, God created human beings and also animals, and I’m sure he also loves animals. And I believe that with God it is such that all who loved each other on earth – genuinely loved each other – will remain together with God …”

Man, of course, was made in God’s image. God breathed into us the breath of life and we became a living soul. But God’s love for all creatures in his creation is abundantly clear. After He had divided the light from darkness, He filled the earth with living things: fish, birds, and beasts (in that order). “God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:24-25) before man ever walked the earth.

After sin entered the world, mankind sank deeper into selfishness, deceit, violence, murder, and rebellion. When God’s judgment could be postponed no longer, He sent a catastrophic flood. But God showed his love for man and beast by providing a means of escape through Noah’s ark. God instructed Noah, “You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.” (Genesis 6:19-21).

Looking forward to the day when the Messiah’s Kingdom would replace our world, Isaiah wrote: “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. … They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:6-9).

If God so loved us that he blessed us with the companionship and service of animals on earth and chose them to surround the birth of His Son, would He withhold His love from us in heaven by depriving us of these creatures who shared our mortal joys and sorrows? Is it possible that having demonstrated his glory in the beauty and balance of nature in this world that the new heaven and the new earth would be limited to men and angels?

Bill Tinsley reflects on current events and life experience from a faith perspective. His books are available at www.tinsleycenter.com.

04/17/2021

Did you know a Box turtle only roams 1 mile its whole life? If it is removed from its area/home then for the rest of its life it will roam aimlessly stressed out... trying to find "home" until it dies a very sad death.

Please do not remove turtles. Do not take them home as pets. If one is injured please mark the exact spot found for the wildlife center. If a turtle is in the road you can help by moving it directly across the street in the direction it was heading. Thank you!

I post this every few month because it's not really known. Many people think it is harmless to let their children take home a docile turtle to play with and release it someplace they see appropriate. I was once that kid. Please share the knowledge.

http://www.boxturtles.com/box-turtle-conservation/

04/10/2021

Contrast between the Canine and the Feline...

03/20/2021

A great Rescue I highly recommend, K-9 Lifesavers! Adopt or foster a rescue today! https://k-9lifesavers.org/

K-9 LIFESAVERS Saving Lives Four Paws at a Time

01/06/2021

The practice of keeping birds as pets has been around for centuries, but we're still a long way from knowing all there is to know about our feathered friends. Even so, the knowledge we have accumulated up to this point has brought to light many fascinating facts about the birds we share our lives with.

Bird Body Language
You may know that a dog wagging its tail is friendly, but do you know how your pet bird acts when it is frightened or is considering biting you? Like humans, pet birds exhibit different body language depending on the species, but some behaviors are common in all birds.
The practice of keeping birds as pets has been around for centuries, but we're still a long way from knowing all there is to know about our feathered friends. Even so, the knowledge we have accumulated up to this point has brought to light many fascinating facts about the birds we share our lives with. Check out a few of these little-known bird facts; they'll inspire interest and appreciation for your pet.

Bird Body Language
You may know that a dog wagging its tail is friendly, but do you know how your pet bird acts when it is frightened or is considering biting you? Like humans, pet birds exhibit different body language depending on the species, but some behaviors are common in all birds.

Tail Flaring. When your bird fans his tail feathers out, it is excited, over-excited or about to bite you. About half the time you handle a bird when it is flaring its tail, you're going to be bitten.
Puffing Up. Usually, this means leave me alone, although a small amount of puffiness can mean the bird is relaxed.
Dilated pupils. Visible in large birds, dilated pupils indicate a calm and docile bird. If the pupil is a pinprick size, the bird is agitated and about to bite.
Raised crest. In crested birds, a raised crest indicates the bird is excited or happy to see you. A completely flat crest indicates fear.
Preening. Only a relaxed bird preens. A bird preens to clean and groom its feathers.
Beak Clicking. Your bird wants to be petted or is indicating pleasure.

Some Pet Birds Live a Very Long Time
Be cautious when you choose your pet bird—it might be a life-long commitment. You may be caring for that the little parakeet your child wanted long after she leaves for college. Know the life expectancy for any bird you bring home as a pet.

Large parrots can outlive you. Macaws and Amazons are the longest-lived pet birds. With excellent care, your bird may live up to 100 years. African grays live about 25 years, as do conures. Cockatoos may reach 40.
Medium-sized parrots, such as cockatiels, reach 25 to 30 years old. Lovebirds are shortest-lived at about 10 years.
Small parrots. The average parakeet lives up to 18 years. The quaker parakeet lives much longer—about 25 to 30 years.
Canaries and Finches. Most canaries live 10 to 15 years, but some reach 25 years. Finches are the shortest-lived of the pet birds. Most finches live only about 5 years, although a few reach 20.
Pet Birds Are Not Domesticated Animals
Dogs and cats have been bred by humans for thousands of years for qualities that make them desirable as pets. Birds have not. The pet bird in your home is the same as that bird's wild cousin. It hasn't been domesticated to be a good pet. Instead of the bird seamlessly fitting into your home, you have to adjust and teach the bird acceptable behavior. The only pet birds that can be considered even slightly domesticated are parakeets and cockatiels.

Birds Appreciate Music
Many birds react to music in a positive way. They may dance. They may sing along or imitate the sounds they hear. Start out by playing serene music for your pet—soft classical or New Age music. Stay away from thrashing heavy metal. The music you play doesn't have to be melodic. Try a recording of nature sounds. The sound of light rain, waves and waterfalls may make your bird feel good. Stay away from recordings that have any predator calls, though. You don't want to upset your pet.

Wait until your bird is in a good mood and turn on the music. Repeat this several times and your pet will associate music with a good mood.

12/02/2020

2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Pets and Pet Lovers
Although 2020 has been a ruff year, there is some pawsitive news: The holidays have NOT been cancelled! https://www.petplace.com/article/general/just-for-fun/2020-holiday-gift-guide-for-pets-and-pet-lovers/

Looking for that perfect something for a beloved pet or pet lover? PetPlace's 2020 Holiday Gift Guide has got you covered.

10/02/2020

2020 has been a year for the history books. There have been many indescribable challenges but there has also been a silver lining to the cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay at home orders have given pet parents the opportunity to spend a lot of time with their pets, deepening their bond and cementing their relationship. Halloween is coming soon providing the opportunity to dress up our pets and show off their costumes.

Along with the usual safety tips we would like to add these extra considerations for Halloween 2020:



Respect social distancing. Costumes on pets can look adorable, so children and adults may want to approach you and your pet. This may set up an unsafe situation so be prepared to offer a friendly reminder for them to please “stay safe by staying six feet away”.


Although masks are essential for humans, they are not necessary for pets. It may be tempting to create a cute costume for your pet with a face mask, but it could interfere with your pet’s ability to see or breathe properly and may frighten and confuse them. Always do a trial run with a costume at home. Make sure nothing is obstructing their vision, hearing, or breathing. It is also key to ensure they will not become overheated. They should also be able to walk and potty normally without interference from the costume.


Costumes shouldn’t interfere with their collars or harnesses. Every pet should have a well-fitting collar or harness with visible ID tags and an up to date microchip, regardless of if they are wearing a costume or not.


Leave the flexi-leash at home. Flexi-leashes can become a frightening, clattering “monster” behind your dog, if you accidentally drop it during the fun. This can cause your dog to flee in terror and can result in injury if they run into traffic. Flexi-leashes can also cause serious burns to humans and other animals. Use a traditional 4 or 6 foot lead instead. A 6 foot leash will keep your dog safe and remind you of the distance that you should keep between yourself and others.


Be safe when passing out candy. Create a barrier for yourselves, your pet, and the little goblins by using a baby gate at the front door. Remind visitors that you are trying to keep everyone safe by keeping your distance. The baby gate will also prevent your dog from accidentally bolting out the door. Cats are probably best safely contained in a quiet room or in their carrier. If your dog shows signs of stress, move them to a quiet room as well.


Have fun! Dress up your pet, yourself, and your family. Take lots of pictures to participate in virtual events and costume contests which are sure to pop up on social media! Get creative with backdrops and props but always make sure your pet is enjoying themselves.


Take the time for extra precautions this Halloween by following the 3 W’s that the CDC has outlined:

Wash your hands often
Wear a face mask when in an enclosed setting
Watch your distance
Let’s all work together so that we can get through this and hopefully be back to a more normal Halloween 2021!

08/06/2020

USDA: 24 animals have confirmed cases of COVID-19; Nashville vet weighs in on threat

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Despite a handful of pets testing positive for COVID-19 across the county, veterinarians say the risk in Tennessee remains fairly low.

The USDA confirms 24 animals across the U.S. have confirmed cases of COVID-19. Out of those 24, 22 are house pets. The first dog to test positive for the virus in the country after three months of battling the virus.

Veterinary Internist Dr. Julie Stegeman notes these cases are minimal when compared to the outbreak in humans. She also said it’s hard to know if COVID-19 caused the 7-year-old German Shepard’s death. He also had lymphoma.

“So if you have concurrent illness that’s making you die, and then you also happen to have COVID, maybe the COVID helped it pass more quickly, but it probably wasn’t the sole cause of death,” said Dr. Stageman with Nashville Veterinary Specialists.

The virus isn’t stopping dog owners from enjoying the great outdoors with their four-legged friends. Dog owner Becca Lane says she won’t worry about socializing her dog unless the virus actually hits Tennessee pets.

“You’re out here, fresh air outside,” Land said. “I definitely feel more comfortable out here than I would in a crowded environment.”

Buddy’s owner did have COVID-19 before Buddy got sick. According to the CDC, humans can pass the virus onto animals. They say if you catch COVID-19 you should try to find someone else to take care of your pets and avoid direct contact.

04/22/2020

A Tiger at Bronx Zoo Tests Positive for COVID-19; The Tiger and the Zoo’s Other Cats Are Doing Well at This Time

Bronx NY, April 5, 2020 -- The following information was released today by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo:

Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19. She, her sister Azul, two Amur tigers, and three African lions had developed a dry cough and all are expected to recover.

This positive COVID-19 test for the tiger was confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory, based in Ames, Iowa.

We tested the cat out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world’s continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus.

Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers. It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats since different species can react differently to novel infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries.

The four affected tigers live in the zoo’s Tiger Mountain exhibit. One male Amur tiger that also lives at Tiger Mountain has not exhibited any clinical signs, and a Malayan tiger and two Amur tigers at the zoo’s Wild Asia exhibit have also not exhibited any clinical signs.

None of the zoo’s snow leopards, cheetahs, clouded leopard, Amur leopard, puma or serval are showing any signs of illness. Our cats were infected by a person caring for them who was symptomatically infected with the virus or before that person developed symptoms. Appropriate preventive measures are now in place for all staff who are caring for them, and the other cats in our four WCS zoos, to prevent further exposure of any other of our zoo cats.

03/25/2020

HOW TO KEEP PETS SAFE:
When handling and caring for animals, basic hygienic precautions should always be implemented. This includes hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing, licking, or sharing food.
Include your pets in your family’s emergency preparedness planning.
Make sure you have a two-week supply of food and medication on hand for your pets.
It is recommended that people who are sick with COVID-19 limit contact with companion and other animals until more information is known about the virus.
If you are still concerned or notice a change in your pet, speak to a veterinarian.
If you think your pet is sick, or if your pet becomes injured, call the veterinarian before you bring your pet in. Several veterinary practices have implemented increased safety precautions. For the safety of you and your pet, it's best you're aware of these procedures before you come in.
And the most important protection of all: under no circumstances should you abandon your dogs, cats, or other pets because of COVID-19 fears.

01/18/2020

Snow is already on the ground and temperatures have dropped in many parts of the country. That’s right … winter is here. With that in mind, Liz Arbittier, VMD, staff veterinarian for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center Equine Field Service, offered six important tips on how owners can keep horses healthy and safe during the icy days of winter.

1. Provide adequate shelter. Many horses can do fine living outside through the winter. As long as they are metabolically healthy, receive enough calories, develop a nice winter hair coat, and have appropriate shelter, they can happily ride out a bad winter that has humans groaning.

Many horses don’t need to be blanketed, although waterproof/breathable blankets can help protect against driving wind and rain. Cold temperatures alone don’t generally make horses uncomfortable, but wind and moisture can be difficult for them to tolerate, so they must be able to escape the elements. The best solution is a structural shelter that is big enough to allow all of the horses in that field to safely get out of the weather. One horse with a very dominant personality that won’t allow more submissive types into the shed could be a problem, so owners need to evaluate the personalities in the herd to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

2. Provide adequate calories. The phrase “bulking up for winter” is no joke! Horses expend significantly more calories keeping warm in the winter than they do any other time of year. High-quality hay should be the staple of any winter diet, especially for horses that are turned out on a regular basis. They should have dry, fresh hay available at all times to keep their caloric losses less than their gains. Older horses or horses with significant dental disease that cannot eat hay productively need to receive calories more frequently in a form that they can use, such as senior feeds.

3. Provide water, not ice. One of the major causes for colic in the winter is impaction caused by inadequate water intake. Technology has provided us with excellent solutions to that problem: heated water tubs and non-freezing automatic watering systems. If horses are outside, it is well worth the expense to run electricity to the fields for these devices to ensure a constant source of fresh water. Providing water is a relatively easy way to prevent a common winter colic that could end tragically.

4. Blanket consistently and check frequently. Blanketing can be useful to keep horses warm, dry, and happy. However, things can lurk under a blanket that can create a problem if not detected early. A bacterial skin disease, commonly known as rain rot, can occur if a horse with a thick hair coat is repeatedly sweating and then drying under a blanket. Changes in body condition, such as a horse that is losing weight rapidly, can also be missed if the blanket isn’t removed frequently to check. It’s a good idea to take note of any new lumps and bumps that might not be seen with the blanket on.

5. Be smart about clipping. Horses have a thick winter hair coat for a reason—it’s designed to protect them. Many people who ride throughout the winter find it helpful to clip their horses to remove heavy hair that slows drying time after a ride. It is fine to turn out appropriately blanketed, clipped horses in the winter weather. However, owners should be cautious about clipping horses that live outside through the winter because they will then need to be very diligent about blanketing as temperatures fluctuate. It isn’t fair to a horse to remove his winter woolies and then not blanket him well enough. Owners who have clipped their horses entirely, including the head and ears, need to be diligent about keeping them inside during excessively cold temperatures, as frostbite can occur.

6. Pay attention to footing. Most horses do just fine in just about any amount of snow, but ice is another story. Be very cautious about ice on surfaces where the horses walk, either to get to turnout or within their turnout. Fractured bones or down horses can be an unintended consequence of dicey footing. Keep large amounts of snow/ice melt handy for when ice develops (but don’t forget to watch out for your cats and dogs that might not tolerate rock salt on their pads.). Horses that are shod and live in snowy regions could benefit from a farrier applying a special pad to prevent the balling-up of snow inside their shoes. These snowballs can create “stilettos” that are very unstable and can lead to injury. Further, when ice and snow are present, make sure that your farrier and veterinarian have good access to your horses: Plowing/salting driveways is very important to providing care, especially in an emergency situation.