Sunburn In Horses

 

Summer months record the hottest temperatures annually. During this period, horse owners will observe peeling and pinkish noses from their horses. This qualifies as a case of sunburn. Some horses may experience getting sunburnt on their backs. If this happens, avoid fitting a saddle on your horse which would be a painful ordeal for them. Sunburns occur most often on horses with lighter-colored coats, such as pintos or grays since these horses have pink or white noses. The same can be said about horses with thinner hair coats, as well as those with backs that are pinkish. Some portions of the horses’ bodies are more susceptible to getting sunburnt which includes their face, ear tips, and white areas of their legs. Photosensitivity is not only caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Certain irritants that could have been applied or fed to horses may allow photosensitivity to develop. Remember to keep your cattle and horses away from St. John’s Wort which is a plant known to be linked with cases of photosensitivity.

If your pet's skin changes in any way, call your veterinarian or a nearby animal hospital Helotes TX.

How to Assist Pregnant Cattle During Winter

During the winter months, pregnant cattle would require a lot more care and attention. Pregnant cattle would need protection from the harsh temperatures during these months. They must have quick access to the right food and adequate water. Proper nutrition helps keep them healthy throughout and beyond their pregnancy. In instances when there are several pregnant cows at a given time, you need to segregate them into paddocks so you can monitor them with ease and efficiency. Segregation also allows you to give each pregnant cow with convenience, enough water, as well as food. Close monitoring is needed as each pregnant cow reaches the calving date. The following are a few more ways to keep your pregnant cows comfortable:

● Place a layer of sand bed or install sloped water beds (this will help reduce stress on the knees as well as hocks when they're resting)

● Provide extra space for resting and feeding

● Apply udder cream to give relief to sore or cracked skin

If you have any concerns about your cattle’s health and behavior, call your pet clinic Helotes TX immediately.

Why Your Dog Should Be Groomed

No matter what breed of dog you own it’s important to keep him groomed on a routine basis. For some dogs like the Labrador retriever, a trim is not needed very often because the coat hair is short. Even though the dog doesn’t need a trim he still needs to be groomed. By groomed we mean brushed, bathed, brushed some more, nails clipped, teeth brushed, etc. Grooming your dog doesn’t just make him look good but it also makes him feel good and it benefits his overall health. Brushing the coat of a dog (whether long or short-haired) keeps dirt and small insects at bay and reveals any hiding fleas or ticks. Brushing your dog’s teeth keeps his teeth and gums fresh and clean and reduces the chances of gingivitis. Keeping the nails trimmed keeps your dog’s feet comfortable. Grooming is important whether you’re showing or just staying home. Call your veterinarian Helotes, TX to learn more.