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Horses can safely eat a wide variety of household foods which can make great supplements to a traditional diet. However, there are several common foods that are toxic to our equine friends.
What To Look For When Buying A Horse
Buying a horse is no simple feat. There are tons of considerations to factor into your decision, which can be overwhelming at times. Here are some guidelines to consider.
Is the sea water good for dogs?
The benefits humans get from sea water are very well documented and known. The good news is – dogs can enjoy the same benefits. However, like with anything else in your dog’s life, moderation is the key. You shouldn’t allow your dog to swim all day in the scorching heat. Make sure they get plenty of rest and proper hydration.
There is another thing that will influence how well your dog handles sea water – their breed. Not all dogs will enjoy it equally. Some are natural swimmers that love taking a dip in the ocean, and others might prefer staying dry and safe on the beach. Hairless dogs’ skin is directly exposed to salt and sun. Breeds like the Chinese Crested and American Hairless Terrier should have limited exposure to sea water. They can even get sunburnt. Breeds like the Golden Retriever have thick coats, which will protect their skin from salt.
Different breeds have different coats. Their coats might be naturally more greasy, which means the protective oils will block salt water absorption. That also means they can tolerate it a lot better than some other breeds. Some dogs with very thick coats, like the Akita, don’t tolerate water too well. The simple reason is that their coats are so thick they trap water. That creates ideal environments for bacteria that can cause itchiness, redness, and scaling.
Why Salt is Bad for Your Dog
Some of us go out to sea during the holidays, and the question arises whether to take our dog with us or leave it at home. One aspect in deciding may be the question of whether the sea is okay for dogs. Will the salt damage your dogs coat, or is this an unnecessary concern?
If you go out to sea and take your dog with you, you will need to plan, think and anticipate to make sure that your vacation goes smoothly for all members of the trip. Some people may worry about what the sea water will do to their dog. Will it dry out the dogs skin, can it harm him?
If you have similar thoughts, you dont have to worry. Sea water is just as beneficial for dogs as it is for us. That is, if were reasonable and dont let our dog swim all day on a hot day. Moderation is key.
If youre planning to spend your entire vacation on the beach, you might want to think again about whether this holiday is appropriate for your dog. Spending all day in the sun isnt the best for your dog. If you do go together, you may notice that your dogs coat is beginning to lose its shine and his skin is dry and scaly. Sensitive dogs may also experience hair breakage and loss.
Some breeds tolerate water (not only the sea) better, respectively their fur is better adapted to stay in it. Because their coat is naturally greasy, it better resists the absorption of salt water and also helps keep the skin moisturized, preventing scaling. Such breeds include the Labrador, the Portuguese Water Dog, and the Irish Water Spaniel.
On the other hand, dogs with a double coat have the biggest issues with salty water. They are prone to humidity, because the water stays between their thick inner coat and their outer softer coat. Bacteria also multiply easily in such humid environments. This is true for the Husky or Akita.
We should also be more careful with dogs with fine hair, as well as hairless dogs or dogs with very little hair. They also need more care so that the combination of sun and salt water does not damage their skin.
Whatever the dogs coat, here are some measures to keep their skin healthy. After bathing in the sea, give your dog a proper shower from the ends of its fur to its skin. Keep him in the shade as much as possible; in addition to preventing overheating, this will also prevent their fur from drying out. Allow your dog to dry before loading it in the car, locking it in a crate, or before he goes somewhere where his wet fur wont trap moisture. For sensitive dogs, use sunscreen products. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate sun protection, or you can buy dog clothing with UV protection.
As a first aid, pack a soothing shampoo that will help if your dog starts to itch or turn red in response to salt water. You could start adding salmon oil to your dogs food before the trip, which will help keep his coat and skin healthy and nourished.
In the first part of the interview with the Slovak musher Katarina Vigodová, we talked about how to prepare for a skiing trip with your furry friend. Today we are going to hit the skiing trails with Katka. What commands should the dog know? Why are a…
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Weve become accustomed to the sight of dogs in public places. Probably everyone has experienced a dog in the workplace, in a park, in a café, etc. Dog owners should therefore always bear in mind the handling and training of their pets. Lets go…
We recently wrote about planned musher races. The canicross events arent being left behind and the fans of running with a dog have plenty to look forward to this year.
Winter is showing off in all its glory. And winter sports fans are setting off for the mountains. Theyre often accompanied by their four-legged friends. Especially more and more popular is becoming ski mountaineering. Furry companions presence is…
For pet owners, smart toilets are a welcome replacement for the traditional litter box, which has to be cleaned every day. You can even control them via a mobile phone application and monitor the frequency of the toilet usage, especially when your cat…
Fresh meat, insect protein or sustainable pet food. New trends in dog nutrition. Adding fresh meat into dog food enhances the taste and smell of the product, but its also easier to digest.