Horses

1. Feed your horses more hay in the winter than the summer. This will extend the digestion time, ultimately keeping them warmer
2. Have your horses’ teeth checked by an equine dentist to make sure they can properly chew their hay. Proper chewing increases the amount of nutrients that can be gathered from the hay.
3. If you are unable to stall your horses in a barn in cold weather, be sure and provide a windbreak shelter.
4. You can rub petroleum jelly on your horses’ hoofs to prevent snowballs from forming.

For more information, read Katherine Blocksdorf’s article at About.com http://horses.about.com/od/seasonalcare/qt/winterhorsecare.htm

Plan Ahead For Your Next Pet Adoption

As an animal lover, I have had several opportunities to bring a new pet into my life. On most occasions I have been prepared for this event, which has lead to a pleasant and rewarding experience. Then again I have encountered severe adjustment issues with some of these fury guys when my process was disorganized. So before getting a new pet, please consider the following:

1. Is now the right time to adopt a new pet? Make sure that you have enough time and energy to commit to the process. Each pet has his or her own personality and timeframe for adjustment. Be prepared to be patient and give him the love, attention and exercise he needs to have a successful life.

2. Are you going to be a responsible pet owner? Regular medical checkups, spay or neutering and proper nutrition are all important and can come with a high price tag. Are you willing to obey leash laws while still providing plenty of exercise? These are just a few of the obligations that come with pet ownership.

3 Are you going to commit to caring for this pet her entire life? From a fun-loving ball of puppy fur, to an old aging special needs animal, will you promise to be there for your pet the entire time?

4. Who is going to take care of your pet when you travel? Is there a responsible person in your neighborhood who will do it? Are you going to hire a professional in home pet sitter or take him to a credible boarding kennel? These arrangements should be made well before you decide to travel.

For more information, visit The Humane Society of United States Web Page

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/what_to_consider_before_adopting_a_pet.html

A Tasty Recipe from Dogtreatkitchen.com

Pumpkin Dog Treats
with Honey, Cinnamon and Cloves

Pumpkin may be just an autumn favorite for us humans, but pumpkin treats are an anytime favorite with dogs. And who could blame them; pumpkins are a good source of beta-carotene, potassium, iron, zinc and vitamin C. They are also high in fiber and low in fat. Pumpkin is also a fine choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. A small amount can aid in relieving symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation.

Tip: When you're purchasing canned pumpkin, be sure that
it is not pumpkin pie filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F

2. Mix all ingredients together in one bowl.

3. Lightly spray muffin cups or line with cupcake papers.

4. Spoon mixture into each cup.

5. Bake for 15 minutes in a mini muffin pan. Or, bake for 25 minutes in a regular muffin pan.

6. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Yield: 24 mini muffins or 12 regular muffins

Storing: These pumpkin muffin treats will last for about 1 week in the refrigerator. They will be good for up to 6 months in the freezer. For more information or to review our tips and techniques, click on storing homemade dog treats.