Veterinary Services

The correct answer is b., sodium and chloride. They are two components of table salt but neither mineral is naturally abundant in your horse’s usual food sources.

Why should you care? Having a basic understanding of equine nutrition and being able to identify sources of essential vitamins and minerals in a horse’s diet is in the best interest of every horse owner. Dietary deficiencies and excesses can both cause health issues and affect performance, and this becomes even more important for the care and management of horses with disorders such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM).

Want to put your knowledge of vitamins and minerals further to the test? Take the rest of the quiz developed by our friendsEquus Magazine —>https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/cs_srgb/MTcxODUxMTk3MDA5ODk2Nzcw/equus-extra-nutrition-.pdf

In Starkville on this beautiful Thursday, getting to work on all kinds of puppers.
How are you spending your day?

With us being in some of the hottest days of the year, here are some tips to keep your pets safe during the dog days of summer!

* Pets can get dehydrated quickly. Make sure you give them plenty of fresh, clean water. Make sure all outside pets have a nice shady place to get out of the sun. This includes livestock. Be careful not to over-exercise pets, and keep them indoors when it is extremely hot. No horse back riding during peak hours, as they can overheat quickly, too!

* Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart or respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit along with an elevated body temp of over 104 with 101.8 to 102 being normal.

* Brachycephalic doga, or dogs with flat faces like Pugs or English Bulldogs, are more susceptible to heat stroke since their smoosh faces prevent them from being able to pant effectively. So, keep those piggies inside!

* Don't leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle. Rising temps can cause your air conditioning to falter when idle. Plus, it is illegal in many cities.

* Don't shave your dog. We know this may be tempting, but certain breeds have coats designed to help with airflow. This helps keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Finding a good groomer who is knowledgeable of your breed and can offer options, such as a good bath and a blowout of the undercoat, is VERY important.

* Avoid walks on asphalt and concrete. High temps can cause burns to their pads. To test the temperature of any surface, hold the back of your hand to the pavement for five (5) seconds. If it is in any way uncomfortable for you, it most definitely is for them.

These are just a few ways to ensure the safety of your pets during this time of year. What are some ways you and your pet stay cool and enjoy the summer?

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