Cattle

Posts Tagged ‘board’

So, you have wanted a horse all your life, but you can’t seem to get your parents to agree to get you one. Well, what you need is a plan, a parent friendly plan that shows your parents just how a horse will affect your life.

Start off by getting a job. I know, everyone says that, but it is really important. By getting a job you will show your parents that you are responsible enough to manage money. You will need at least $500-600 a month to care for a horse, so show your parents that you can earn that much money. Start a savings with your income and set aside enough money to pay for at least two months of board.

Next, find a barn that is local where you could keep your horse. Find out what the costs of keeping a horse there are. Be sure to include vet and farrier costs in your cost estimate. Get all these numbers on paper so that you can show your parents the actual costs.

Now consider what you could be doing if you did not have a horse. Are you currently spending a lot of time out partying or hanging out with friends? Be prepared to lose much of that time to your horse. Show your parents that these things are less important to you than your horse would be. Explain to them that you would be more concerned about paying your horse’s upkeep and working with your horse than going out late to parties or getting into things your parents would prefer you avoid (after all, who can afford drugs or alcohol if all the money is going to the horse).

With this information in hand, sit down with your parents and have a long talk. Discuss doing a trial run of horse ownership. You can either take on a part board situation or a lease of a horse. This way you avoid the initial cost of buying a horse, but still get the chance to show your parents how you will handle horse ownership.

If your parents agree to the trial, be sure to keep up your side of the bargain. Pay your horse’s expenses. Your parents should not have to foot the bill unless there is an unforeseen emergency. Go out to the barn as often as you can, and avoid going out and partying late. If you can keep this up for a year’s lease or part-board, your parents might actually start to see things your way.

Owning a horse is a huge responsibility, and you will need to do everything in your ability to prove that you are up for the challenge. Many kids just can’t manage the stress of having a job and paying for their own horse. On the other hand, parents are stressed enough just paying for the general bills. If you can prove that you will be self sufficient, you will give your parents the chance to accept your proposal without fretting that you will leave them in the lurch.

All dogs are not created equally, and not all dogs will follow through with all of the standards of the breed. We all know of the snappy Golden retriever or the affectionate poodle that goes against everything that you thought you knew. And while there is always the exception that proves the rule, there are enough of the dogs that do follow standards and traits to make them worth exploring when you are considering adding a dog to your family. Remember, dog breed traits are merely guidelines and may not fully and adequately describe each individual animal. Always evaluate a dog on its own merit, keeping in mind any potential traits that might seem troublesome to you.

Some dogs are known for being hyperactive, rambunctious creatures that have the potential to be destructive, incorrigible and potentially nuisances if they are not properly trained and monitored at all times. These include the Jack Russell terrier, the Labrador Retrievers, and the collie. Jack Russell Terriers also tend to dig when bored, while the lab will show his unhappiness by refusing to be fully housebroken. (Again, these are just generalizations, I am sure your lab is a perfect angel and only piddles outside!)

Some breeds are rampant barkers, or even worse, howlers. Vocal dog breeds include the Boarder Collie, who has a sharp, hard to take bark, the bored beagle that howls and, of course, the yappy poodle. Timid dogs tend to overreact to every sound or movement and will bark as well. This behavior is usually found in the smaller breed dogs, including the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian and the Lhasa Apso. The Chihuahua is also notoriously stubborn with housebreaking and tends to be a bit of a biter. (Mine would lay outside on a sunny porch for hours, get up, stretch and then dash inside to pee on my floor, so do not get me started.) Hound breeds tend to be the howlers, especially if they hear trains or sirens. Hounds in the city are bound to be miserable, and freak out all of the neighbors.

There are some breeds that no one would say a bad word about, and then there are the opposite- the breeds that no one would say a good word for. Golden retrievers are generally highly praised dogs, quiet, good natured and gentle, but there is bound to be a barking, biting golden to deal with. And of course, we all know that it is the pit bulls and their close cousins that get all of the negative press. While these are the dogs most affected by negative press and bad ownership, it is still probably worthwhile to consider owning these only if you are willing to properly, and gently train them, and learn everything that you can about the breed.

———————————————————————————————————-

Is your best friend getting older and having problems with pain or arthritis? Take a look at Pet Bounce.  Have a wonderful day!

These are helpful hints to ensure that your cat has a pleasurable and healthy stay with us. Knowing that we take the time and care to get to know each cat can make a difference to the quality of your holiday. Less worry for you means better holiday relaxation!

Fun – They love our treasure hunts for treats to keep them interested and stimulated and even the catnip bubbles!

Love – Perhaps the most important of all. Each cat needs time, love and attention suited to them individually. Some like to play more, others prefer to be cuddled. Our secure, family-sized units, large enough to accomodate 4 cats, ensure that your cat gets the very best attention at all times.

Grooming -This should be done each day not only to collect hairs but for the main reason of bonding with the cat. This, in turn means a more relaxed cat that is more likely to eat!

Vaccinations – Keep a note in your diary as to when your cats vaccination booster is due. This avoids disappointment as we cannot board cats without a current certificate.

Travelling Basket – Get your cat used to this by placing a favourite blanket inside as well as treats. Encourage them to explore it themselves for a few days leading up to boarding.

Meals – When giving a pouch meal to a cat always break it up so that it is easier to eat and it then releases the smells which encourages even the most fussy cat to eat.

Water – It is vital that a cat drinks lots so a variety of drinking vessels should be dotted around. Also some water added to the moist food ensures that the cat gets its much needed water

Routine – Very much needed in a cattery to ensure the cat feels more secure emotionally.

For a viewing of this newest Barnsley Cattery please call 01924 830934 or look online at www.poshcatscattery.co.uk

It happens every night. You settle in for a lovely slumber only to be interrupted by your cat pouncing on your bed as it looks for its own nice place to rest. Sure, this would not be a problem if he was quick about it, but 15 minutes later he settles down and now you are wide awake. To keep this from happening again, give your cat its own space to rest and relax by purchasing some lovely cat furniture for it.

Now, the type of cat furniture that would provide your pet with a fantastic spot to sleep the night away would be a kitty condo or cat house. This type of furnishing is made out of some type of wood that is then covered in fabric that is both durable and soft like carpeting. Usually it will be cylindrical in shape, has enclosed sleeping areas, and can be one or multiple levels high. So, if you have more than one cat, they can all share the condo at night. Another nice option for sleeping for your cat is a luxury cat bed, which is just as plush and soft as your own bed.

Along with providing your cat a nice place to take it easy, there are also other cat furniture options perfect for letting your cat play and release some of its pent up energy. For example, you can purchase a kitty gym for it that, like the kitty condo, can have multiple levels and is made out of a durable soft fabric. However, instead of just being cylindrical in shape, it will have multiple perch areas, juxtaposing towers and boards where your cat can climb and jump, enclosed towers, and they can even come with hanging toys built right into them. There are other furniture options too besides the kitty gym where your cat can have a good time and they include cat trees, scratching posts, and cat steps, which are also nice for helping your cat get around.

If your cat already has a spot to play and rest, but you are still searching for a way to pamper it, there are a number of lovely cat accessories that you can purchase for it that allow you to do just that. For example, you can your cat jewelry, a decorative food and water dish, a hideaway litter box, and a slew of toys. For a fast and easy way to browse all the different options, forget about jumping in your car and heading to the nearest pet store. Instead, just go on the Internet and do some comparison shopping. Just by the click of the mouse you can check out everything that is available and once you do find something you want, it is shipped right to your door. Now, it cannot get any more convenient than that.

So, if you want to keep your cat out of your bed at night, give it a place of its own by purchasing some cat furniture for it. By getting some today, you can enjoy a good night’s rest tomorrow.

Dog Addison’s disease or Canine Hypoadrenocorticism is caused by a lower than normal production of hormones by the adrenal glands (a small gland located near the kidney that secretes several different substances such as salt, sugar and water that help regulate normal body functions) that results from the reduction in corticosteroid. Adrenal gland responsible for producing cortisones (glucocorticoids), hormones that helps your pet’s body deal with stress, and mineral corticoids that regulate the quantity of potassium and sodium in the bloodstream. Addison’s Disease can cause many serious health complications, and has a high probability of being mis-diagnosed as another disease. This is because the symptoms of Addison’s disease in dogs are relatively general, including fatigue, diarrhea, sweating, and muscle pain. The most difficult aspect of dealing with Addison’s disease in your dog is receiving a positive diagnosis for the disease.

Certain dog breeds are suspected to be more prone to develop Addison’s disease. These breeds include Portuguese Water Dogs, Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Great Danes, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Dogs that have had surgery near the pituitary gland or hypothalamus may also develop Addison’s disease. It is not a common disease but when it does occur it is primarily in young or middle-aged female dogs averaging on 4-7 years of age although any age or gender may be affected. Usually, it is only the outer portion of the glands that are affected. There are two different classifications for Addison’s disease, which depend largely on the underlying cause of the adrenal insufficiency. In primary Addison’s disease, the adrenal insufficiency is directly caused by improper function or damage to the adrenal glands. In secondary Addison’s disease, the adrenal insufficiency is not because of malfunctioning adrenal glands. Secondary Addison’s disease is caused by the improper transmission of the hormone ACTH from the pituitary gland, or a reduced production of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) by the hypothalamus. In secondary Addison’s disease, the adrenal gland is still functioning normally.

Common causes of dog Hypoadrenocorticism are: 1) Adrenal Dysgenesis is a rare genetic condition in which the adrenal gland has not formed properly during a dog’s early development.; 2) Adrenal Destruction, the adrenal gland is progressively damaged by disease, and is subsequently unable to function.; 3) Impaired Steriodogenesis, the adrenal gland is unable to produce cortisol on a biochemical level.; 4) Damaged Pituitary Gland; 5) Prolong use of steroid hormones; and 6) Lack of Aldosterone that causes drop in blood pressure and severe dehydration. Genetic continuity between dogs and humans helps to explain the occurrence of Addison’s disease in both species.

Blood drawn from dogs with Addison’s disease is deficient in cortisol. Sick dogs often show a pattern of changes in their white blood cells (WBCs) called a stress leukogram. This pattern of changes in the WBCs is caused by cortisol. The absence of a stress leukogram in a sick dog may be a clue to consider Addison’s disease. The urine is often dilute.

The standard treatment involves replacing the mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the body. There are two stages of treatment for Addison’s disease; in-hospital treatment and long term treatment. Very sick dogs with Addison’s disease require intravenous fluids, cortisol-like drugs and drugs to neutralize the effects of potassium on the heart. Long-term treatment involves the administration of hormones in one of two forms; either a daily pill or a shot that is given about every 25 days. Because dogs with Addison’s disease cannot produce more cortisol in response to stress, stress should be minimized whenever possible. It may be necessary to increase the amount of hormones given during periods of stress (e.g. boarding, surgery, travel, etc.). Most of the medications used in the therapy of hypoadrenocorticism cause excessive thirst and urination. It is absolutely vital to provide fresh drinking water for the canine sufferer. A newer option in the treatment of Addison’s disease is a drug called DOCP. The injection is long acting and only needs to be given once every 25 days. DOCP has been intensively tested and been shown to provide better electrolyte regulation than Florinef. Some animals on DOCP may also need to be placed on a low maintenance dose of prednisone.