What every horse owner should know about equine osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease that involves the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It is one of the major causes of lameness in horses, which in turn is the main cause of wastage in the equine industry. In the UK, one in every five horses requires vete...
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As the colder months roll around, so does firework season, and whilst these occasions are viewed as a time of relax and recreation, horses might have a different perception. The effect of fireworks in horses has been documented (4): a large study in New Zealand found that the majority of horses (79%) manifested a degree of anxiety around fireworks....
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There are many foods that we eat that are also suitable for dogs, but there are some we should avoid feeding them altogether. We share a special bond with our dogs, so it’s easy to forget sometimes that we are two different species with two totally different digestive systems. While it’s hard to say no to those puppy eyes begging us for...
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Most people have heard about probiotics in humans – live bacteria which are believed to have a beneficial effect on the ‘good bug bad bug’ balance in the intestinal tract and help digestive health…and probiotics are also commonly used in dogs and cats too! PURINA® Fortiflora® is a probiotic in the form of a simple t...
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As we all know, being overweight is just as serious as being underweight and this is no different in horses. Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on joints and ligaments as well the major organs. Obese horses and ponies are much more likely to develop conditions such as laminitis, insulin resistance and equine metabolic disorder. If you read ou...
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The chances are, every dog and every cat will get worms and fleas at some point in their life. Often, infections are manageable but even healthy looking animals may have the beginnings of something more sinister inside them. If I don't worm/flea them, what might happen? The consequences of a flea infestation are clear enough and most of us will hav...
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Christmas is a happy and exciting time of year and with the house full of new smells, sights and sounds, who could blame our pets for wanting to get involved? Unfortunately for some pets, after eating something they shouldn't they miss out on dozing in front of the fire with a happy belly, which is just one of the dangers we need to be aware of at...
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As winter approaches, we're wrapping up warm and turning on the heating. We all know the feeling of stepping outside and the shock of cold air hitting our face and lungs; some of us love it but others shiver at the thought of leaving the house! Our pets' reactions to winter weather will vary between individuals but whether they are going out for a...
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I once visited a friend and was surprised to find their dog wedged into an impossibly small space beneath a dresser, facing the wall with just its tail sticking out. He risked an occasional nervous peep over his shoulder and looked extremely sorry for himself - somewhat like Eeyore! This was how Sam spent every fireworks night and thunderstorm so e...
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There are many products available that can help in the reduction of stress or anxiety in several animals, each of which has different properties and effects. As each species has additional requirements, there are products specifically suited to each. Horses Perhaps the animal with one of the most noticeable effects of stress and anxiety can be pres...
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