Basic Horse Health Care

Horses make wonderful pets or co-workers, even prized companions. canada online pharmacy viagra It is important for any equine enthusiast to know the basics of horse health care. Like any animal, they can suffer from multiple diseases and health problems. With basic care, regular checkups, and stable maintenance, many health conditions can be avoided.

Meet Basic Needs

Providing basic housing and nutritional needs are the first steps to health maintenance. There are a wide range of methods to provide shelter. One is to keep your horse in open pasture, which is the most natural method.

Pasture-based horses tend to have fewer behavioral and health problems than those housed in confined areas. Even pasture-based animals need shelter during extreme weather, like tree stands, open sheds or a barn. They may also be housed in dry lots or stables.

Proper feeding is critical to the health of your horse. Horses need water, energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Finding a proper balance of nutrients is the key to a healthy life.

The size of their stomach limits the amount of feed that they can take in at one time.

Their digestive system is well suited to process small amounts of food on a continuous basis. If pasture is not available, feeding hay is the next best alternative.

Horses that eat a diet of grass and hay need salt to balance their diet, and may also require a vitamin-mineral or protein supplement. Because the amount of food horses can take in is limited, hard working horses, pregnant or nursing mares, and growing foals should be fed a grain to supplement their diets.

Wellness Examinations

One of the most important aspects of basic horse health care is regular wellness checkups. They should be checked at least Tadacip once a year, though most veterinarians recommend twice Levitra a year.

The veterinarian will be able to check the overall health and wellness of the horse, perform routine tests, and provide any necessary vaccinations. Seeing the same veterinarian for your animal’s health care needs is also a good way to build a relationship with your vet. This will ensure that if your equine becomes ill or is injured, you will have someone you trust to help with their treatment.

Keep current with yearly vaccinations, they provide essential basics that keep the animal healthy. The kinds of vaccinations required will depend on the area in which you live. Your veterinarian will be able to give you details on required vaccinations.

Worming is another very important part of horse health care. It is impossible to get rid of all the parasites that live on the skin or hair, but getting your equine wormed every two to four months will help keep other parasites under control.

Dental Care

In addition to regular medical checkups, proper health care for horses should include regular dental treatment. Their teeth must be floated and trimmed twice a year, about every six months. If their teeth are not cared for properly, it may hinder their ability to eat and cause malnourishment.

Untrimmed teeth can become sharp and cause cuts on the cheeks and tongue. Regular dental care can prevent problems before they start. Many dental problems do not present symptoms until it is too late for them to be corrected.

Hoof Maintenance

Regular hoof trims and shoe fittings maintain healthy hooves. Hooves need to be trimmed every six to eight weeks, and their shoes must be checked regularly to see if they need to be replaced. Keeping their feet healthy also means maintaining the facilities where they live. Keep the ground free of sharp objects and areas where a hoof may be injured.

Knowing basic health care is the first step to putting them into action. By providing thoughtful and well planned out health care, you’ll be giving your pet the opportunity to live a longer and healthier life.

Author Bio: Robert Fogli is a researcher and a writer specializing in horse health care. To learn more visit: http://www.TotalHealthEnhance.com

Category: Pets and Animals
Keywords: horse health care

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