Holistic Pet Help 護寵心得: HHC Quick Tips

Showing posts with label HHC Quick Tips. Show all posts

Sunday, October 23, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Sunlight

Horses are like us, they need sufficient sunlight for vitamin D production and bone formation.

"Horses need some free time in daylight every day for optimum health and a fully balanced energy field. If your horse is confined becasue of veterinary treatment/instruction, see if you can use a stable where the horse can put its head over the door into good bright light and use a light airy stable. Check with your vet in case of contraindications."
However, remember to provide shade for horses that are turned out so horses can rest if needed.

Reference: Healing for Horses by Margrit Coates

Sunday, October 2, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Gastric Ulcers

What are the potential caused of gastric ulcers?

-    Long period between meals and resulted in buildup of stomach acid
-    Low forage diet
-    Stress
-    Medications
-    Intense training

What are the sign of gastric ulcers?
-    Poor appetite
-    Unwilling to finish a grain meal
-    Intermittent colics
-    Poor coat
-    Poor performance
-    Weight loss
-    Grumpy or aggressive

How to prevent gastric ulcers?
-    Maximize forage
-    Consistent routines
-    Medicate with care

Friday, September 23, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Jumping benefits

All horses (no mater what discipline) can benefit from jumping obstacles. Jumping exercise helps boost the horse's morale and helps develop horse’s spirit of attack. It is also an irreplaceable gymnastic exercise that can:

- Bend and loosen the entire upper frame from ears to tail
- Improve balances, and
- Strengthen hind quarters, etc.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Starch should be fed with care

Overfeeding of starch can lead to undigested starch flowing into the hindgut where it causes disturbance and damage to the microbial populations. This could result in colic, laminitis and diarrhea, and depressed fiber digestion.

Starch should be fed at a maximum rate of 2g per 1 kg of bodyweight per meal meaning 2 kg of starch for a 1000 kg horse per meal.

- 1 kg of starch is found in 2 kg oats
- 1 kg of starch is found in 1.7 kg of naked oats
- 1 kg of starch is found in 1.79 kg of barley
- 1 kg of starch is found in 1.5 kg wheat
- 1 kg of starch is found in 1.4 kg maize (**Has the most starch**)

Saturday, September 17, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Chestnuts

Did you know chestnuts, which is the horny growths on the insides of your horse's legs, are as unique as fingerprints for your horse? And, it can be used for identification. Chestnuts are like your thumb or big toe that no longer functionable through evolution.

While "smoothing" the chestnuts is not a health necessity as long as it does not get caught on something and ripping. If you prefer the smooth it down, you need to soften the chestnut to allow them to crumble. You can apply the Sore No More Spots Salve on it to soften it for a few days. Once soften, you can try to peel it off or run a rubber curry over them but don't try to remove more than ONE layer at a time. Then repeat the process until the chestnuts are flat. To maintain it, rub a bit of Sore No More sports Salve once or twice a week.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - avoid water drinking straight after work (is a myth?)

Do not give a very hot horse a large drink straight after work. His system will not be able to take it and it can lead to metabolic problems.

It is a Myth according to Alberta's Agriculture and Rural Development: "For generations horsemen have been warned against allowing their "hot" horses to drink because of a perceived risk of colic and cold-water founder. However, with the possible exception of very hard galloping, it is safe for horses to drink right after exercise. In fact, recent research has shown that withholding water after exercise may be more of a disservice because it prolongs dehydration. Horses are more likely to drink and replenish fluid lost in sweat soon after exercise when their thirst drive is high, compared to waiting until they are "cool" and have lost interest in drinking.

The caution about hot horses and cold water probably originated from complications experienced by field hunters. At midhunt checkpoints, horses were allowed to drink deeply from frozen streams after hours of galloping and jumping. Although complications were linked to horses drinking while being hot, they likely resulted from winter-frigid water temperatures on top of extreme exertion. Understandably, great gulps of ice-cold water could shock a hot horse's system, but most horses aren't ridden this hard, nor are they given such cold water.

Dehydration can be quite harmful to your horse, so offer water as soon as is practical after your ride. Unless you have been running your horse hard, give him access to tap water right from the start of the cooling out-period. It may take a few minutes for his thirst mechanism to kick in, so allow him to drink his fill and then keep coming back to the bucket as long as he wants a refill. If you ride over long distances, or for prolonged periods of time, stop periodically and allow your horse to drink during your ride."
To believe or not to believe is your call.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Feed something succulent every day

Apples, carrots, beets and other succulents help keep a stabled horse happy.

Succulents (store water in their leaves, stems and also in roots) are juicy food. They are not only tasty and add variety and moisture to your horse’s diet as well as providing extra vitamins.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Remove those boots

If you have ever removed boots from your horse after workout, you would notice the horse's legs are generally very hot and sweaty underneath. It is because even the best quality boots can make the horse legs hot.

Never leave the horse boots on your horse when is between clasess or at a show, or even if he is only standing around between workouts.

Also watch this video on leg protection to learn more

Sunday, September 4, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa Hay is most common legume hay. The stalks of hay are mostly fiber and the leaves contain protein. Alfalfa is often very leafy and is higher in protein than grass hays.

In addition to being higher in protein, alfalfa has a high calcium to phosphorous ratio, which is why it is often paired with a lower calcium grass hay.

Friday, September 2, 2011

HHC Eco Tips - Baking Power / Baking Soda

We all have baking soda sitting in our kitchen cabinet and a box use for cooking usually last forever (a year or two). But, do you know that baking soda is also a miracle-cleaning agent? It can remove odor, remove humidity, and kill germs, etc... It is also excellent when mix with lemon and vinegar together.

For example, sparkle some baking soda in the urine area, it will helps reduce the smell. Baking soda works great as a stall deodorizer.

Another tip from our facebook "liker":
"havent needed the baking soda with the horses (yet) however the house smells sooooooo great after using it as a deoderiser for the carpets. Simply sprinkle all over the carpeted areas then go back to the beginning (doesnt matter if you walk... over it) and vaccume! Also great for smelly boots and socks (wash the socks in a hot wash on their own with a generous amount of baking soda) for the smelly boots, sprinkle it in the boots and leave in the sun for a few hours then just wear as normal. We use it as a relaxing bath additive. 1 cup in a bath is so refreshing and add a couple of drops of lavender oil for a super relaxing time!"

Saturday, August 27, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - check the water bucket

As part of your daily checking, include water bucket checking for evaluating your horse overall condition.

Horses often flush out their mouths when they drink, so you may find a few strands of hay or grains floting in your horse's water bucket.

If a large amount of hay or feed is found in your horse's water bucket, it could be a sign of dental problems and if you note the amounts of hay or feed increasing (more than usual), calling the vet would be a safe bet.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Spoting Trouble: Laminitis

The pressure against the inner structures of the front feet causes extreme discomfort particularly for horses with Laminitis. A horse may shift his body weight onto his hind legs to relieve the pressure by tucking the hide legs under the belly. His hooves and coronary bands feel warm to the touch.

Common causes of Laminitis
- Obesity
- Fever
- Strenuous work on a hard surface
- Severe lameness in the opposite limb
- Trimming hooves too closely

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Before you give your horse electrolytes, you should know this

Summer is here and is here to stay!

To avoid overheating, we all have to be very careful working our horse in the hot weather and some of us might have elected to feed our horse more "summer food" such as lower protein diet and feed our horses electrolytes. However, please take note that it is best to avoid excessive use of salty foods, including electrolytes, for horses that are overweight, lethargic, or have damp conditions such as stocking up. If necessary, these horses should be fed salty seaweeds, such as kelp, because the iodine and trace mineral content support the metabolism.

Everything should be in moderation.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Successful training session

Cherry Hill's guideline on Successful training session:

"
For successful training session, follow these guidelines:

- Turn the horse out for free exercise before the lesson.

- Warm up the horse with grooming and in-hand work.

- Start the lesson with something that the horse knows well.

- Be sure he is mentally and physically warmed up when you introduce the new work.

- Allow time for rest breaks, review periods, and a good cool down.

- Always try to end on a good note to preserve your horse's self-esteem.
"

Saturday, August 20, 2011

HHC Quick Eco Tips - Smelly / 臭味

For you smelly riding clothes or the dog bed, add a 1/2 cup of baking soda into laundry when you add your regular detergent, this can help:

- to remove odors from clothes.
- to make detergents work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen dirt

In addition, as a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask

odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

洗你臭騎服或狗床，添加到洗衣的1/2杯蘇打粉，當您加一般用緊的洗粉/劑，這樣可以幫助：

- 洗芷氣味
- 使清潔劑更有效地減少細菌和疏鬆污垢

此外，作為一種天然礦物，蘇打粉能減少對環境的影響比一般有香時的清潔齊用合成香水掩蓋氣味。皮膚敏感和過敏的你和你的寵物(狗或馬)蘇打粉是一個不錯的選。

To see more HHC Quick Eco Tips: Baking Power Tip: go to this link

Also see / 其他:
- Chemical To AVOID 你和你寵物應避免的**化學品**

Friday, August 19, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Your Horse has no sweat

A horse that doesn’t sweat during exercise may be in great danger of overheating. The veterinary term for sweatless horse is anhidrosis. It can affect any horse at anytime especially in hot, humid climates. The cause is not well understood and could be caused by environmental stress and exercise stress. The important thing is to recognize it and deal with it.

If your horse has anhidrosis, you must find ways to limit the buildup of body heat and dissipate the heat. Here are some suggestions:

- Exercise your horse early in the morning or in the evening when the temp is lower. During exercise, allow your horse to take frequent breaks to allow your horse's breathing to recover.

- After exercise, cool your horse down aggressively such as cold water and fans and don’t stop your efforts until they’re normal.

- During turn out make sure your horse has shade or turn your horse out at night.

- Inside the barn, make sure there is ample ventilation and a fan during the hottest part of the day.

Some supplement might also help dealing with this symptom.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Cool Your Horse Before and After Workouts

Per Holistic Horsekeeping:

"Horses in training should be kept as cool as possible before, during, and after workouts. Before starting a training session, you may want to hose down your horse with cool water. Keep training sessions short and to-the-point, as horses worked at higher intensity over a short period of time are less likely to overheat than horses worked at low intensity over a long period of time. Finally, wash your horse down after his workout. Be sure to scrape off excess water after his bath since water can act as an insulator if left on his skin.

Don't bathe horses who have trouble sweating (anhydrosis). Instead, sponge these horses with air-temperature water mixed with a liniment like Sore No More. This practice also helps horses who are prone to heat rashes."

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Backing up a hill

Proper use of the ring of muscles allows a horse the opportunity to reach his full athletic potential and helps to keep a horse sound for the long-term. (The ring of muscles: Muscles that include the abdominal, scalenus, and semiteninosus from the neck to the loin area.)

When you ask your horse to back up a hill, your horse will require to use his ring of muscles. And, backing up the hill might be one of the most useful strengthening and suppling exercise to create the foundation for conditioning.

Monday, August 15, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Carrot are high in sugar and should not be fed to "fizzy" horses or those prone to laminitis (is a myth?)

Do not give carrot to your overweight horse and horses prone to laminities.

It is a Myth according to Clare Macleod's new book's The truth about feeding your horse: "Carrots are high in sugar on a dry matter basis, but very low in sugar on a fresh weight or 'as fed' basis. Fresh carrots contain about 80% water, which means for every 5 carrots you feed, 4 are, in effect, suppplying water and 1 is supplying purse 'carrot'. A fresh carrot has a sugar content of about 7.5% so feeding 5 medium-size carrots supplies only about 37.5g of sugar. There is absolutely no reason why you should not feed carrots to 'fizzy' horses or those prone to laminitis, provided the rest of the diet does not over-supply nutrients. Carrots are a good source of betacarotenes (vitamin A precursors) and are a useful winter succulent for hroses on a dry diet, e.g. hay and compound feed."

Carrot contains large amounts of beta-carotene which is a precursor to vitamin A, which means the body converts it to vitamin A during digestion.

Carrots are high in sugar. It is recommended horses with Cushing's syndrome, insulin resistance or equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (EPSM) avoid being fed large amounts of carrots or any other treat containing high levels of soluble carbohydrates (sugar).

When feeding carrot, consider cutting them into bite size to avoid choking. Another fun thin you can do with carrot is carrot stretching!

Havng a balance diet is very important, know your horse intake! To believe or not to believe is your call!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

HHC Quick Tips - Putting on boots

No matter you are putting on splint boot, bell boots or sport medicine boots, make sure you pay attention to these matters:

- Brush off any dirt, sand, and loose hair off on the legs, those areas where you are putting on the boots, so the area will be clean under the

boots and if there is any debris, it could irritate the skin.

- Same go with your boots, brush off any dirt, sand and loose hair on them to avoid irritation to the skin.

More on boots:
Leg protection - you need to know

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