nEWSLETTER

CritterNews

Got Suet?

Suet is a high energy formulation of animal fat and other ingredients to attract insect eating birds. Suet is a quick source of heat and energy for birds, who’s metabolisms are set on fast forward. It traditionally has been used as a good substitute for the insects that birds usually feed upon but are not plentiful in cold weather.

Offering suet in a wire cage or suet log is a low-maintenance bird feeder. You refill only once every week or so, you never need to scrub the feeder, and you can leave it in your yard year round. Since most of the birds that are attracted to suet, usually cling to the bark of trees in search of insects, suspend your suet feeder in a tree close to the trunk, approximately 5 to 6 feet from the ground.

Plus, the birds that visit your suet feeder will also reward you in the spring and summer months by eating the insects in your garden!

Do I really need a Cog gins test on my horse?

Many horse owners are familiar with Coggins testing, but are unfamiliar with the disease the test detects. EIA is a viral disease that affects the horse's immune system and organ systems. It is a blood borne disease and is usually transmitted from horse to horse via biting insects like horse and deer flies and mosquitoes.

Signs and symptoms can include: fever, depression, decreased appetite, fatigue, rapid breathing, sweating, rapid weight loss, swelling of the legs, lower chest, and abdomen, irregular heartbeat and/or weak pulse, and colic. Because the range of signs and symptoms vary so much from horse to horse, EIA is often difficult to diagnose, thus it is critical to have every horse tested for the disease at least once a year. So not only do you know your horse tests negative for the disease, but you also know that other horses your horse may come into contact with have also tested negative.

Pudgy Pooch

A good start to feeding your dog is to follow the directions on the food label. It is better to monitor your dog's weight from the beginning instead of trying to put him on a diet later on. After a two weeks check your dog's weight. Add or subtract food from his diet as needed. Since most dogs love food, and are very good beggars, it can be difficult to control weight. An overweight dog is susceptible to many more health problems than a trim animal. Heart and lung disease, arthritis and hip dysplasia. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Basset Hounds tend to gain weight more quickly than other dogs. Adequate exercise is important in maintaining a reasonable weight. Some dogs gain weight as they get older and become less active. If your dog has gained a few extra pounds then try cutting back on treats, and make sure not to offer him any table scraps.