Staying hydrated is just as important for cats as it is for us. Water supports digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and overall health. Unlike what many people believe, milk or cream is not a good substitute—most cats are actually lactose intolerant, and dairy can leave them with an upset stomach. That’s why fresh, clean water should always be their number one source of hydration.
If you’ve noticed your cat isn’t drinking much, don’t worry—many felines are naturally picky about water. Here are some ways to encourage them to drink more:
- Fresh Water Daily
Cats can be finicky about their water quality. Make it a habit to change and refull their bowl daily so it’s always fresh and clean.
- Offer Multiple Water Stations
Placing several bowls around the house ensures your cat never has to wader far to get a drink. This is especially helpful in multi-level homes.
- Choose the Right Bowl
Some cats dislike the taste or smell that comes from plastic or metal. Glass or ceramic bowls are usually a safer bet. Wide, shallow bowls are ideal—they help keep whiskers from getting squished and allow cats to feel secure while drinking. You can find a wide variety of water bowls at your local Feeds’n Needs.
- Try a Water Fountain
Running water naturally attracts cats (hence the fascination with faucets). A pet water fountain keeps water circulating and fresh, which can encourage reluctant drinkers. You can find pet water fountains at your local Feeds’n Needs.
- Keep Water Away from the Litter Box
Cats instinctively avoid drinking near where they go to the bathroom—it’s a survival instinct from their wild ancestors. Place bowls in a different room to make the water source more inviting.
- Separate Food and Water
Many cats also prefer to keep their eating and drinking spots apart. Position their water bowl in a different area than their food dish to mimic their natural instincts.
- Add Moisture with Wet Food
Canned or pouch food contains up to 80% water, making it an easy way to boost hydration. If your cat currently eats mostly dry kibble, introducing wet food gradually can help balance their water intake.
- Make Water More Tempting
A splash of tuna water (from tuna in water, not oil) or a little unsalted chicken broth can make plain water more appealing. Be cautious about added salt or seasonings.
Conclusion
Cats are often subtle about their needs, but ensuring proper hydration can make a huge difference in their health and comfort. By offering fresh water, experimenting with different bowls or fountains, and even adjusting their diet, you can help your feline friend stay happy, healthy, and hydrated.
Backyard Birder’s August Checklist
August is one of the most rewarding months for backyard birding. From the lively chatter of finches to the quick, darting visits of hummingbirds, you get a front-row seat to nature at its finest. But the heat of summer can be challenging for our feathered friends—especially as many prepare for late-summer and early-fall migration.
By making a few simple adjustments, you can keep your backyard buzzing with activity while giving birds the food, water, and safe spaces they need.
- Keep Bird Baths Fresh and Clean
In hot weather, water sources can dry up or become stagnant quickly. Clean your bird baths often and refill them with fresh water daily. Birds rely on water not just for drinking, but also for bathing, which helps them keep their feathers in top condition.
- Offer High-Quality, Energy-Rich Food
Provide a mix of high-calorie seeds, suet, and nuts. These energy-packed foods help birds maintain strength through the summer heat and build reserves for their upcoming migration.
- Maintain Clean Feeders
Seed can mold or clump in humid weather. Empty and wash feeders regularly with hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry before refilling. Clean feeders are healthier for birds and more inviting to visitors.
- Keep Hummingbird Nectar Fresh
For hummingbird lovers, fresh nectar is a must. In summer heat, change and clean feeders every 2–3 days to prevent fermentation and bacteria growth.
- Leave Natural Areas Untouched
Skip the urge to rake or blow away leaves as it provides shelter, food, and overwintering space for insects—which in turn feed young birds and other wildlife.
- Say No to Pesticides
Avoid chemical pesticides in your yard. They can harm beneficial insects, reduce natural food sources, and even poison birds. Instead, encourage natural pest control by creating a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Conclusion
August birding is a way to support wildlife when they need it most. By providing fresh water, nutritious food, and safe spaces, you’ll enjoy more bird activity and know you’re helping these incredible creatures thrive.
Grab your binoculars, fill those feeders, and enjoy the beauty of summer birding right from your own backyard.
UV Safety for Pets
Warm weather means more time outdoors, but while we enjoy the sunshine, it’s important to remember our pets need protection from harmful UV rays too. Sun exposure can be beneficial in small doses—but without proper precautions, pets can suffer sunburns and even face long-term skin issues, including cancer. Luckily, a few simple steps can keep your furry companions safe while they soak up the sun.
Can Pets Get a Sunburn?
Yes, they can—and not just hairless breeds. Any animal can get sunburned, especially in spots where fur is sparse, such as the nose, ears, belly, and around surgical sites. Light-colored or thin-coated pets are more vulnerable.
Even indoor cats who love to nap in sunny windows aren’t fully safe—standard glass doesn’t block all UV rays, so they can still get burned.
What Does a Sunburn Look Like on a Pet?
A sunburn on pets appears much like it does on humans: red, dry, sensitive skin that may crack or peel. Your pet might flinch when touched, lick or scratch at the area, or show signs of discomfort. Severe burns can lead to blisters or even fever, so it’s important not to ignore the warning signs.
Treating a Sunburn
Minor sunburns typically heal on their own, but it’s best to consult your vet if the area is red, painful, or if your pet seems distressed. Treatment often includes cleaning the area, applying a soothing ointment, and possibly trimming fur around the burn to help it heal.
Sun Safety Tips for Pets
To keep your pet safe under the sun:
- Use vet-approved sunscreen on vulnerable areas (never use human sunscreen—it can be toxic to pets).
- Opt for sun-protective pet clothing if your pet tolerates it.
- Plan walks and playtime for early morning or evening when the sun is less intense.
- Seek shade on outings and keep pets cool and hydrated.
- Install UV-blocking window film or shades if your indoor pet loves to bask in sunbeams.
Always check with your veterinarian for recommended sunscreen products and how to apply them safely.
Skin Cancer Risks
Repeated sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer in pets, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. Regularly check your pet’s skin for any unusual lumps, bumps, red spots, or flaky patches. Early detection makes a significant difference.
If you notice anything concerning, schedule a veterinary exam promptly. Not every change is dangerous, but it’s always better to be safe.
Hot Spots: Another Summer Skin Concern
In warmer months, pets are also more prone to hot spots—raw, inflamed patches caused by constant licking, scratching, or biting. These can be triggered by allergies, insect bites, or matted fur and often become infected quickly.
Treatment involves trimming the hair around the area, cleaning the skin, and applying medications.
Just like us, pets need sun protection. With a little planning and attention, you can help your four-legged friends enjoy the sunny days safely—whether they’re lounging by the window or running around in the yard.
Preventing Heat Stress in Horses
Summer is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors with your horse. But as temperatures climb, so does the risk of heat-related illness. Just like humans, horses can suffer from heat stress and, in severe cases, heat stroke. That’s why it’s critical to understand how to recognize the signs and take proactive steps to keep your horse safe and comfortable.
What Is Heat Stress?
Heat stress occurs when a horse’s internal cooling system is no longer able to regulate body temperature effectively. This often happens during high temperatures, high humidity, or intense exercise. If left unmanaged, heat stress can lead to serious complications like dehydration, shock, or even collapse.
The horse’s normal body temperature typically ranges from 37.5–38.5°C (99–101.5°F). Anything above 40.5°C (105°F) is cause for concern and may indicate the onset of heat stroke—a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Knowing the signs of heat stress and heat stroke can make all the difference. Monitor your horse closely during warm weather or periods of exertion.
Common signs of heat stress include:
- Elevated rectal temperature (above 103°F / 39.5°C)
- Rapid breathing and flared nostrils
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Excessive sweating or, conversely, no sweating
- Dehydration: tacky gums, sunken eyes, or reduced urination
- Diminished appetite
In severe cases (heat stroke), symptoms may escalate to:
- Rectal temperature exceeding 105°F (40.5°C)
- Staggering, incoordination, or collapse
- Very rapid heart and respiratory rates
- Extended skin tent when testing hydration
- Signs of agitation or distress
If you observe any of these signs, stop all activity, move your horse to a shaded area, and begin cooling them down immediately. If symptoms persist or worsen within 20 minutes, call your veterinarian.
Why Horses Struggle in the Heat
Despite being incredible athletes, horses are not as heat-tolerant as we might think. They generate a lot of heat during exercise due to their large muscle mass and relatively small surface area for heat loss. Sweating is their main cooling mechanism—losing up to 4 gallons per hour in extreme heat.
Unfortunately, high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating effectively, trapping heat and raising the risk of dehydration and electrolyte loss.
Contributing Risk Factors
Some horses are more vulnerable to heat stress than others. Keep an eye on:
- Foals and senior horses – less efficient thermoregulation
- Overweight or unfit horses – fat insulates, making it harder to cool down
- Long travel – confined spaces with poor airflow and limited water access
- Thick coats or heavy blanketing
Prevention Strategies
When it comes to heat stress, prevention is always the best medicine. Try these management strategies to help your horse beat the heat:
Modify Exercise Routines
- Avoid riding during peak heat (typically 12–5 PM)
- Use early mornings or cooler evenings for training
- Watch for early fatigue—even low-intensity work in heat can be harmful
Prioritize Hydration & Electrolytes
- Always provide access to clean, cool water
- In hot weather, horses may drink up to 19 gallons per day
- Use electrolyte supplements to replenish minerals lost through sweat (especially sodium, potassium, and chloride)
- Avoid giving large quantities of plain water alone after heavy sweating, as this can dilute existing electrolytes
Utilize Cooling Tools
- Install fans or mist systems in barns and shelters
- Walk your horse in shaded areas after workouts
- Hose down with cool water
- Use ice packs or cold towels on the neck and chest if temperatures remain high
- Skip cooling sheets during active heat stress—they can trap heat if the horse is still sweating
Consider Clipping
- Thick coats can trap heat—body clipping in the summer can help some horses cool more efficiently
Emergency Response: Cooling Down a Hot Horse
If your horse becomes overheated:
- Move to shade or a well-ventilated area
- Hose down with cool water continuously (focus on large muscle groups and neck)
- Walk gently to promote circulation
- Use ice on large blood vessels along the neck and shoulders if the temperature is dangerously high
- Offer small sips of water with electrolytes
- Monitor rectal temperature—if it doesn’t drop below 103°F (39.5°C) within 15–20 minutes, call your vet
Conclusion
Heat stress is a real concern during the summer months, but it’s also highly preventable. Understanding the warning signs and taking simple, proactive steps can protect your horse’s health and ensure you both enjoy the season safely.
Flea Control for Your Pets
Fleas are more than just a nuisance — they can cause serious health problems for your pets and infest your home before you even know it. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned pro, understanding how to prevent, treat, and eliminate fleas is essential for keeping your furry companions happy and healthy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how dogs and cats get get fleas, what to do if your pet has them, and how to prevent them.
Why Flea Prevention Matters
Flea infestations aren’t just uncomfortable — they can pose real health risks to your pets. Even a few fleas can multiply rapidly and cause:
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Some pets are allergic to flea saliva, and just one bite can lead to severe itching, hair loss, scabbing, and even skin infections.
Tapeworms
When pets groom themselves and accidentally ingest an infected flea, they can develop tapeworms, which can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Anemia
Fleas feed on your pet’s blood — and in large numbers, they can cause flea-bite anemia, a serious condition especially dangerous for puppies, kittens, or older pets.
How Do Pets Get Fleas?
Understanding how fleas make their way onto your pets is key to prevention. Here are the most common sources:
Other Animals
Playdates with other pets, dog parks, and even walks around the neighborhood can lead to flea exposure.
Your Home
Fleas can hitch a ride on humans, clothing, or visitors, then lay eggs in carpets, bedding, and upholstery.
Pet-Focused Places
Doggy daycares, grooming salons, boarding facilities, and shelters can all harbor fleas if proper prevention isn’t in place.
Outdoor Environments
Yards, parks, and trails are flea hotspots — especially during warm months when fleas thrive.
What To Do If Your Pet Has Fleas
If you suspect a flea infestation, don’t panic — but do act fast:
Call Your Vet
Your veterinarian can confirm the infestation and recommend the most effective treatment. Options may include oral medications, topical treatments, or flea collars.
Bathe Your Pet
A vet-approved flea shampoo can help kill fleas on contact. Use lukewarm water and be thorough — especially around the neck and tail. Feeds’n Needs has a variety of flea shampoos to help get rid of fleas!
Use a Flea Comb
Flea combs are specially designed to remove adult fleas and flea dirt from your pet’s fur.
Getting Rid of Fleas in Your Home
Fleas don’t stay on your pet — they infest your home, too. To break the cycle, you need a multi-step approach:
Treat Every Pet
Even if only one pet seems affected, treat all animals in the household. Talk to your local Feeds’n Needs Expert about safe options for each pet, especially if you have cats and dogs.
Vacuum Daily
Vacuum carpets, rugs, baseboards, and under furniture thoroughly and frequently. Empty your vacuum outside to prevent re-infestation.
Wash Everything
Wash pet bedding, blankets, and any soft surfaces your pet touches. Use hot water and a pet-safe detergent.
Flea Prevention Tips & Tricks
Prevention is the most powerful tool you have. Once you’re flea-free, here’s how to stay that way:
Stay Consistent With Treatments
Follow year-round flea preventatives. Options include monthly topicals, oral medications, flea collars, and more. Don’t skip doses! We have lots of flea preventative options at Feeds’n Needs for dogs and cats!
Bathe Regularly
Routine bathing can help you spot fleas early and keep your pet’s skin healthy. Use a flea-repellent shampoo if your vet recommends it.
Check for Signs
Keep an eye out for excessive scratching or flea “dirt” — tiny black specks in your pet’s fur that resemble pepper.
Be Extra Vigilant in Warm Weather
Fleas love warmth and humidity. Peak flea season is spring through fall, but year-round prevention is recommended in most regions.
Flea infestations can be overwhelming, but they’re completely manageable with the right approach. Prevention is always easier than treatment, and a consistent plan — in partnership with your vet — will go a long way in keeping your pets safe.
Whether you’re dealing with fleas now or just looking to stay one step ahead, remember: staying proactive is the best defense. Your pets will thank you — with tail wags, happy purrs, and flea-free cuddles.
Brushing Your Puppy’s Teeth
Just like humans, puppies need dental care! Teaching your puppy to get used to having their teeth brushed early on helps establish good habits for their dental health. Preventative measures should begin when they are young. Start brushing their teeth after they get their adult teeth, usually around 6 months old, to help them adjust to the process.
Why Start Early?
Builds a Habit
Introducing brushing when they’re young helps your puppy get comfortable with it. If you wait too long, brushing may feel strange or uncomfortable for them.
Prevents Dental Issues
By the age of 2, 80% of dogs show signs of gum disease. Brushing regularly helps prevent plaque buildup and reduces the risk of dental problems later.
What Happens if You Don’t Brush?
Not brushing your puppy’s teeth can lead to gum disease, infections, tooth loss, and other health issues. Signs of dental trouble include bad breath, swollen gums, difficulty chewing, and more. If your puppy shows these signs, contact your vet.
Tips for Brushing Your Puppy’s Teeth
- Be Patient
Start slow by rubbing dog-safe toothpaste on your puppy’s gums with your finger. Once they’re comfortable with the taste, introduce a toothbrush. Always praise them to make it a positive experience. - Use Dog-Specific Products
Never use human toothpaste or toothbrushes. Stick to products made for dogs to ensure their safety. - Chew Toys Help
Puppies love to chew, and it’s great for their teeth! Use dental chews or toys to help reduce plaque buildup. - Consider Supplements
Talk to your vet about adding dental supplements or vitamins to your puppy’s diet to support their dental health. - Regular Vet Checkups
Ensure your puppy gets a dental exam twice a year, and a cleaning if necessary. Bad breath could indicate a dental issue.
Starting a dental care routine early gives your puppy the best chance for a healthy mouth. With the right products and routine, your pup can enjoy a lifetime of smiles!
Dental Care Treats
Pets adore treats, and dental treats are a fantastic way to promote oral health. They help fight bad breath, combat plaque and tartar buildup, and can even prevent periodontal disease, keeping your pet’s mouth clean and healthy.
How Do Dental Treats Work?
Dental treats work in two key ways: mechanical action and enzymatic action.
Mechanical Action: This is the physical scraping that occurs when your pet chews on the treat. The texture of the treat rubs against your pet’s teeth and gums, helping to remove plaque and tartar—similar to how brushing works for humans.
Enzymatic Action: This refers to the special ingredients in the treats that help fight plaque and tartar buildup. These ingredients work much like toothpaste or mouthwash for humans. They break down the harmful buildup in your pet’s mouth, providing an added layer of protection.
It’s important to note that while dental treats are an excellent preventive measure, they are most effective when combined with regular brushing and professional cleanings by your vet. However, for pets who aren’t keen on having their teeth brushed, dental treats are a great alternative for maintaining cleaner, healthier teeth.
Top 5 Dental Treats for Your Pet
- Greenies Dental Treats: With a chewy texture that cleans teeth and supports healthy gums, Greenies are made with natural ingredients, plus added vitamins and minerals. They’re safe and easy to digest for both dogs and cats.
- Chew A Bulls Dental Ring: This unique dental chew is designed to gently remove plaque while massaging your dog’s gums. It also includes cumin, which aids digestion and gives the chew a pleasant scent.
- Tartar Buster Dog Bones: These bones help remove tartar buildup and plaque, leaving your dog’s teeth cleaner and whiter. They also freshen your dog’s breath, making for a healthier mouth overall.
- Oven-Baked Dental Treats: These crunchy treats are made with natural, functional ingredients like spearmint, parsley, pumpkin, and green tea extract. Slowly oven-baked to preserve nutrients, they help break down plaque and tartar with every bite, keeping teeth clean and breath fresh.
- Vetgies Healthy Dog Treats: These treats not only help maintain healthy teeth and gums, but also prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They’re perfect for keeping your pet engaged while supporting their oral health.
With these top dental treats, you can help your pet enjoy a cleaner, healthier smile!
Beating The January Blues with Your Pet
Now that life has started to slow down again, we are snapped back to the reality of shorter days, cold temperatures and a lack of sunlight. January is often referred to as the most depressing month of the year, with “Blue Monday” dubbed the saddest day. Fortunately for us pet lovers, our furry companions can significantly help beat the January blues! Here is our list of things you can do with your pets to bring you some joy this winter:
Get Some Sun
It is recommended that humans get 5-30 minutes of sunlight several times per week to remain healthy. Vitamin D is also essential for the health of our pets, and a great way to ensure you’re both getting the amount you need is by getting outside for a mid-day walk each day! With the sunlight hours being so short in the winter, making it a priority to get outside and soak up some sunshine will help boost your mood.
Exercise
When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins responsible for your happiness. Evidence shows that even 10 minutes of light exercise, such as walking or stretching, can help boost energy levels, alertness and mood. Exercise isn’t just great for you; it’s also essential for your pet’s well-being! Going for a walk each day or playing a game of fetch in the yard are great ways for you and your pet to exercise and release those happy endorphins!
Nutrition
We all know that eating healthy, nutritious food is great for our physical health, but did you know that it is also essential for our mental well-being? Some vital mood-boosting nutrients that you can incorporate into your and your pet’s diet are:
Omega 3’s – Healthy fats are vital for helping our brains to function and manage our moods. A great source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish and fish oils. Incorporate this into your pet’s diet with supplements like Thrive herring oil, available at Feeds’n Needs!
Magnesium – Helps support healthy brain growth and development, including our memory and ability to learn and form new connections. Magnesium is found in leafy greens like curly kale and broccoli, and it is an excellent supplement to incorporate into your winter diet.
B Vitamins – These vitamins play an essential role in the production of chemicals that affect our mood and other brain functions. Foods such as beef, chicken and liver are rich in B vitamins. If you’re looking for a supplement incorporating B vitamins, magnesium, and more into your pet’s diet, Omega Alpha’s OptiPet Multi is the perfect supplement. It is available at your local Feeds’n Needs!
Bond With Your Pet
When we bond and connect with others, such as a loved one or pet, the happiness hormone oxytocin is released, boosting our mood. Bonding with our pets is a terrific way to deepen our connection with them and foster feelings of happiness and love. There are many ways you can bond with your pets, but here are some of our favourites:
Teach Them a New Trick – Spend time training your pet a cool new trick!
Play Games – Games like Hide ‘n Treat, where you hide your pet’s favourite treats around the house for them to seek out, provide mental stimulation and is a great opportunity for them to work for their food, nurturing their natural instincts to hunt.
Interactive Toys – These puzzle-style toys offer great mental stimulation. They can help reduce boredom-related habits like chewing and barking.
Cuddles – We saved the best for last! Nothing beats cuddling up with your furry friend on a cold winter day.
Make Homemade Treats
One fun activity we love doing with our pets on a cold, snowy day is making them DIY healthy treats! Check out our recipe for DIY Pumpkin Dog Treats.
Random Acts of Kindness
Studies have shown that performing simple acts of kindness can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and increase happiness. This time of year can be especially difficult, so spread some happiness wherever you go, whether it be paying a stranger a compliment or helping at your local animal shelter. These gestures can significantly impact the receiver while bringing you some cheer at the same time!
Whether it’s getting outside for a walk, indulging in a snuggle session, or trying out new activities together, spending quality time with your furry friend can lift your spirits and bring a sense of warmth to the season. Embrace the joy your pet brings and use this time to bond, play, and create memories that will help chase away those January blues. Remember: a happy pet often leads to a happier you!
New Year’s Resolutions for Pets
We’re officially into 2025, and many of us are working hard to stick to our New Year’s resolutions. Changing out habits for self-improvement can be for more than just humans. Pets benefit just as much from setting goals for their health, happiness, and well-being.
Why Are Setting Resolutions for Pets Beneficial?
Like us, our pets need focus and attention on their health and wellness. Creating resolutions for them is a great way to monitor and improve their overall well-being, from diet to dental care and physical activity. These resolutions help keep your pets physically healthy and strengthen the emotional connection between you and your furry friend.
Dental Hygiene: Keep Those Teeth Sparkling!
Dental hygiene is a critical part of your pet’s overall health. Just like humans, dogs (and cats!) can develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to painful gum disease and even tooth loss. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help prevent dental issues in pets. Not all pets enjoy getting their teeth brushed, but there are alternatives, such as dental treats, oral care food, and water gels, that help maintain your pet’s oral health.
A dental exam at the vet is the first step in creating a healthy oral care plan. If your pet needs a professional cleaning, your vet will help set that up, and from there, you can establish a home care routine to maintain their pearly whites. Remember, healthy teeth lead to a healthier pet overall!
Exercise: Keep Them Active and Fit
Just like humans, pets can experience joint issues, reduced mobility, and a shorter lifespan due to being overweight. Exercise should be a priority in your pet’s New Year’s resolutions.
Regular walks, playtime, and outdoor adventures are not only fun but essential for your pet’s overall health. Whether it’s chasing a ball in the backyard or going for a daily stroll around the block, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports joint health. Start slowly and gradually increase their activity level, especially if they’ve been less active during winter.
Diet: Nourish Their Bodies the Right Way
It’s easy to spoil our pets with extra snacks and table scraps, but this can lead to unwanted weight gain and long-term health issues. Overweight pets are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. One of the best ways to combat this is by providing a balanced diet.
Stick to a high-quality pet food, if you are unsure where to start, the Expert at Feeds’n Needs can help you find the right food for your pet.
Nutrition: Boost Their Health with Supplements
Ensuring your pet’s diet is nutritionally balanced is key, but you can take their health a step further by adding supplements to their daily routine. Products like Thrive supplements can support various aspects of your pet’s health, from digestive health to joint support, skin and coat issues, and more.
By incorporating the right supplements, you can enhance their diet and make sure they’re getting the nutrients. If you’re unsure where to start, stop by Feeds’n Needs and chat with one of our Experts who can recommend the best supplements for your pet’s specific needs.
When making changes to your pet’s routine, it’s important to start slow. Abrupt changes can be stressful for your pet, so allow them time to adjust. Whether introducing a new food, adding supplements, or starting a new exercise routine, gradual changes will ensure a smooth transition and greater success in maintaining these new habits.
Make 2025 a year of health and wellness for your furry friends, and enjoy the journey together. After all, a healthy pet means a happier, more active life for both of you!
Let’s make this year the best one yet—for you and your pets!
Winter Horse Care Basics
As the cold weather sets in, horse owners face the unique challenge of keeping their equine companions safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout winter. From managing their shelter and nutrition to ensuring proper grooming and exercise, this guide will walk you through the key steps to help your horse thrive during the colder season. With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure your horse stays warm, safe, and happy all winter long.
How Do Horses Keep Themselves Warm?
Horses are naturally well-equipped to handle cold weather, as they can regulate their body temperature within a range of 5°C to 25°C. When temperatures drop below 5°C, horses will increase their natural defences against cold by:
- Eating more forage.
- Managing their blood flow, reducing flow to the limbs and pooling most of their blood to their core and vital organs.
- Growing a thick winter hair coat.
- Increasing movement and shivering.
- Seeking shelter.
Several factors may contribute to how well your horse manages the cold, including their age (if they’re very old or young), if they are clipped, whether they have access to shelter, etc. If not properly cared for during the winter, a horse’s body condition may backslide, making for an unhealthy and underweight horse come spring.
Winter Feeding
One of the main ways that horses can keep warm during winter is by eating. The process of microbial fermentation of forage in a horse’s digestive system generates heat in their body. Horses will burn more calories in the winter to stay warm, so compensate for this by feeding them more forage. It is recommended to feed horses 1.5% – 3% of their body weight in forage during the colder months.
Water Intake
One of the challenges of caring for horses in the winter is their disinclination to drink water. This means that dehydration is a great concern in the winter, so finding ways to entice your horse to drink is very important. Most 1000 lb horses require at least 10 -12 gallons of water per day, and the following tips should help you get your horse to drink their daily requirement:
- Install a bucket heater or trough deicer to keep water from freezing
- Increase your horses salt intake by offering a free-choice salt lick in their stall or add a loose mineral supplement to their feed.
- Consider adding electrolytes to your horse’s water to help prevent dehydration
- Keep water clean and fresh for your horse
Provide Shelter
Access to shelter is crucial for helping horses withstand colder temperatures and stay protected during the winter months. A run-in shed provides an important buffer against extreme weather conditions like wind, rain, and snow, which can quickly lower their body temperature and lead to discomfort or health risks. By providing a safe place to retreat from the elements, horses can tolerate lower temperatures and help them stay healthy and comfortable throughout the winter season.
Reducing Ice Buildup
Icy conditions in winter pose slipping risks to not only us but our equine companions as well. It’s essential to be aware of freeze-thaw patterns and stay on top of preventing ice buildup in places your horse frequents, such as stalls, around their water trough, north sides of buildings, paddocks, etc. A few of the ways you can be proactive in preventing and reducing ice buildup are:
- Repair leaky rain gutters on barns or run-ins that drip and form ice.
- Avoid spilling water when filling troughs and repair any leaks that may drip.
- Remove snow from frequently used pathways and paddocks to decrease water buildup and frozen puddles.
- Reduce the amount of manure in the paddock, as it is prone to freezing and will leave you with a muddy mess in the spring!
- Improve your paddock’s grade by building up sunken ground where water may pool and freeze in the winter.
- Create traction in icy areas by putting down shavings, straw, sand or salt. Refrain from feeding horses near where you spread sand or salt, as they may eat it off the ground. Always make sure your horse has an alternative source of salt if you choose to spread pure salt to melt the ice.
Winter Hoof & Health Care
Horse hooves require lots of attention during the winter to ensure potential issues can be addressed quickly. Keep these tasks on your winter horse care to-do list:
- Regularly pick out hooves to remove snow buildup and inspect them to ensure there is no bacteria or infection in the crevices of the frog.
- Although hooves grow slower in the winter, they should still be trimmed every 6-8 weeks.
- Consider removing metal shoes and allowing your horse to go barefoot in the winter. Going barefoot gives your horse more traction on icy winter terrain.
- If you do keep your horse shod in the winter, consider adding metal studs or snow pads to their shoes.
- Ensure horses have access to a dry place to stand and dry their hooves. Hooves that are wet for extended periods of time can lead to rot and infection.
Along with regular hoof care, there are a few other health maintenance tasks to be aware of in the winter to ensure your horse is in the best health:
- Deep mud and snow make it near impossible for your horses’ legs to fully dry off, leading to skin conditions like mud fever. While providing a place for your horse to stand and dry off can help prevent this, we still recommend that you check over your horse’s legs and hooves daily for signs of disease or infection.
- Heavy hair coats and blankets can sometimes hide weight loss, so we recommend regular body condition scoring to check your horse’s weight and assess their health.
Blanketing
Not every horse needs to be blanketed in the winter. Some horses are well-equipped to handle the cold without a blanket. However, blanketing may be necessary for a horse for the following reasons:
- No shelter is available to protect from the elements during turnout when the weather drops below -15 C.
- The horse is clipped.
- The horse is very young or old.
- The horse has a body condition score of 3 or less.
- The horse isn’t acclimated to the cold.
- If there is a chance the horse will become wet due to rain, freezing rain, or calm, warm snowfall.
If you are trying to decide whether to blanket your horse in the winter, we recommend speaking to your equine veterinarian about the best decision for your horse.
If you blanket your horse, make sure that it fits them well to prevent rubbing and sores, and remove and reposition the blanket daily. Always ensure the blanket stays dry, and never put a blanket on a wet horse, as this can lead to infection or fungal diseases such as rain rot.
Exercise
Horses need regular exercise in the winter to get their blood flowing, reduce boredom, raise body temperature, and, of course, stay fit, happy and healthy. Provide lots of turnout time for exercise, and if possible, enjoy a wintertime ride when the weather is nice! One thing to consider when exercising your horse in the winter is cooling them out. Leaving a hot, wet horse to stand in the cold without properly being cooled out can lead to illness.
How to Cool Out Your Horse
Following your ride, walk your horse for 10-15 minutes to allow heat in their muscles to dissipate. Once you’ve dismounted, loosen the girth or cinch, but don’t remove the saddle yet, as cold air can cause warm muscles to cramp. Cover your horse with a cooler to help wick the moisture away while you walk them for a few more minutes. Remove the saddle, but put the cooler back on while you continue to walk your horse for a bit longer until they are cooled down.
Proper winter care is essential to keeping your horse healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months. From adjusting their diet to reducing slipping hazards, every detail matters. For more advice and top-quality products to meet your horse’s winter needs, visit us in-store – our experts are here to help you every step of the way!
For more expert advice and horse care tips, check out our blog!
Horses Hoof and Skin Health
Deworming Your Horse
Importance of Fiber in a Horses Diet
