Too Hot To Work.

The horse is a great athlete, capable of strenuous exercise over prolonged periods. But all that muscular activity generates heat. This causes an increase in body temperature. Under normal circumstances the horse is able to lose the excess heat and maintain its body temperature within tightly controlled limits.

In response to the release of epinephrine, and the increase in skin temperature, the horse starts to sweat. Evaporation of sweat is the most important means of losing heat available to the horse. Sweat secreted onto the skin draws heat from the horse as it evaporates. Evaporation from the respiratory tract also plays a role in cooling.

Some heat is lost through convection. The body surface warms the surrounding air, which conducts the heat away. Loss of heat by convection is most effective when the temperature of the air surrounding the horse is low. When the environmental temperature approaches that of the horse’s body, heat loss by convection is greatly reduced. Air movement at the body surface helps by removing the warmed air and replacing it with cooler air.

But all that sweating has its drawbacks. Prolonged sweating can result in significant loss of fluids. A horse can lose as much as 40 litres of fluid during an endurance ride.

And it is not only the fluid loss that is important. Equine sweat contains electrolytes (salts) such as sodium, potassium and chloride, often in higher concentrations than in the blood.

So prolonged sweating can result in the loss of significant quantities of electrolytes from the body. This can lead to colic, and muscle weakness and can be potentially life threatening.

Evaporation increases in hot dry conditions. The horse may sweat so much that he becomes dehydrated. But humid conditions reduce the heat loss through evaporation. The horse may be unable to lose enough heat and become dangerously overheated.

Horses working in hot conditions are at risk of developing heat stroke or becoming exhausted. Heat stroke is more common in horses doing fast, strenuous work and is the result of the horse being unable to lose enough heat. Affected animals become distressed. The rectal temperature rises above 40 degrees centigrade

Heat stroke is a problem that needs to be corrected very quickly. Affected horses can collapse and die within minutes if not treated.

The horse must be cooled as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage. The best way to do this is to pour iced water all over the horse’s body. Walking the horse for 30 seconds in between applying the water helps. The movement stimulates the blood supply to the skin, encouraging heat loss. The air movement over the body promotes heat loss through evaporation.

As the horse cools down, offer half a bucket of water periodically. Oral electrolyte solutions are better than plain water, providing the horse will drink them. There is no advantage in offering cooled water to drink. Studies show that horses usually drink more if the water is offered at ambient temperature.

Exhaustion tends to be more a problem of horses taking part in endurance, or other longer but lower speed, activities. The prolonged need for heat loss leads to fluid and electrolyte disturbances.

Exhausted horses are depressed, and have no interest in food or water. Again the rectal temperature is above 40 degrees. The skin is dehydrated. In addition to being cooled, these horses need further treatment to support the circulation and prevent shock. Horses may have lost over 30 litres of fluid which will need to be replaced. But because they have also lost electrolytes they often show no interest in drinking despite the fluid deficit. So it is usually necessary for fluids to be given into the vein or by stomach tube.

If you are competing in hot conditions, what can you do to prevent problems? Make sure that your horse is well hydrated before starting work. Encourage him to drink. Sometimes horses dislike the flavor of the water when they are away from home. Adding flavorings such as apple juice to the water at home and then adding it to the water at the competition may help.

Give the horse as many opportunities as possible to drink during breaks in the exercise. Stand him in the shade whenever possible and take advantage of any breeze to help keep him cool.

Most horses that are in light work, and receiving a balanced diet with access to a salt lick, do not need electrolyte supplements. But horses may benefit from them if they are taking part in more demanding sports, such as endurance riding or eventing.

Giving electrolytes before, during and after strenuous work, helps replace the losses and prevent dehydration. Electrolytes specifically designed for horses are now available. Those that are produced for cattle are not necessarily suitable. Your equine veterinarian will be able to advise you about the most appropriate products.

Star Tattoos Designs

Star Tattoos designs are not just for sailors anymore. Star Tattoos designs can be worn so many different ways on many different people. Have you thought about where you’d like to place your tattoos? How often will you need to cover it up? Will the tattoos be large or small? These are all things to think about before you start looking for unique tattoos designs. Then you’ll need to find great designs and I’ll tell you where to look.
Getting a unique design is key. Star Tattoos designs are very common and you don’t want to see your tattoos on someone else. If you choose your tattoos correctly you should have no trouble getting a unique tattoos. If you walk into a tattoos parlor and pick a design off the wall or out of a book, you are not doing it correctly.

What does getting Star Tattoos designs mean to you? That is the first thing you need to think about. What story will your tattoos tell? A tattoos should be unique to you. When someone asks you about it, you should be able to tell him or her why it’s special to you. If the tattoos isn’t personal then you should rethink your decision to get it. ‘Just because it looks nice’ shouldn’t be your reason. I say this because our tastes change over time. What ‘looks nice’ now, may not look nice even one year from now. Don’t be like 1 out of 4 people and have tattoos regret.

When looking through Star Tattoos designs you will start to get ideas on what you want your tattoos to look like. If you’re a female you might want a small string of stars going up your foot or past your ankle. These shooting star formations are popular. Think about how you can make yours different. Perhaps you can add a butterfly or fairy to your stars.

When you use a tattoos gallery you will be looking through thousands of pictures of Star Tattoos designs. Sometimes you can get overloaded but if you have a little idea of what you want, it will make it easier. The best thing about using a tattoos gallery is it’s easier to get a unique design. You can combine parts of more than one design together to come up with your own.

for:http://www.bestpicturesoftattoos.com

Dog Grooming: Clipping the Nails

If the thought of clipping your dog's nails is frightening to you aren't alone. Most people prefer to ask their veterinarian to do this fiddly task. There's no reason why clipping your dogs nails should be a frightening task at all. There's no need to regard it as any different to giving your dog a bath.

Ideally you should start when your dog is young to get the dog used to having his feet handled regularly. Desensitizing your dog to having his paws handled will have a few other benefits too: it will make it easier for groomers or your vet to handle your dogs feet and will also mean if your dog is injured you will be able to examine his paws easier.

If it's your first time clipping a dogs nails it might be a good idea to watch someone else do it first. Ask your vet or the groomer if you can watch while they clip your dogs nails.

You will need a special pair of clippers for the purpose. Human clippers of scissors could tear the nail and cause painful torn edges. Make sure you get the right size and type of clippers for your dog. You might find a nail file useful too.

You will also want to have some special clotting powder on hand just in case you accidentally cut the nails too short and it starts bleeding. You can find all these products at your local pet supply store.

You will want to clip the nails in a quiet place with minimal distractions. If your dog has never had his nails clipped or is particularly resistant you might want to ask someone to help you. You are after all poking at your dog with a sharp object and it could be dangerous !

To avoid mishaps its best to slowly desensitize your dog to having his paws handled. this part should be easy. Take your dogs paws and massage them a bit.

It makes the process easier if the dogs nails are softer. You can do this by bathing the dog beforehand, massaging some baby oil into the paws or even just dipping the paw into warm water. This has the dual effect of both softening the paws and cleaning the dirt out from under the nails.

Examine the nails closely and try to locate the cluster of veins. This is called the 'quick' and cutting this can cause your dog to bleed. If your dog has dark nails this can be difficult. The best policy here is to trim the nails bit by bit over a longer period of time. The quick will retreat over time.

Try to cut with the right hand and hold the paw firmly. Use a calm soothing voice while you do this. You don't want your dog to become afraid and make the clipping more difficult. Try to cut at 90 degree angles.

If you do cut too far - don't worry! You can use some of the powder to stop the bleeding. Just sprinkle the powder over the affected area or dip the paw into the powder. There are some other household items you can use to slow the bleeding. You can use cornflower or normal powder in the same way you use the styptic powder. You can also press the dogs nail into some soap. If the bleeding is not too bad - just simply applying pressure should slow the bleeding.

If you have cut your dogs nails too far and they bleed - this may make the dog scared of the nail clipping all over again. You will need to desensitize your dog again.

If your dog is very afraid of having his nails clipped you should gradually get the dog used to the process and the tools. Start again by praising and treating the dog while you handle his paws. Then get the dog used to the clippers. Step by step desensitization coupled with positive reinforcement should ease your problem.

If you really can't get your dog to behave long enough for a nail clipping remember - most vets will do it for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Aquarium Lighting: Is It Needed Or Can You Go Without?

For some, aquarium lighting seems a bit like adding a neon sign to a lemonade stand. It looks like overkill and a waste of money. Yet, there are veritable reasons to use the correct lighting in an aquarium. Is it important to keep your fish healthy and in the best possible conditions as possible. The fact is that there are numerous reasons that almost every serious owner understands about aquarium lighting.

Of course, there is the aesthetic element. It makes the fish, corals and other livestock look good. You simply cannot see the beauty of many aquarium inhabitants in the dark. Their color revealed is only visible when light bounces off their reflective scales. If you are going to pay money for nice fish, corals and other livestock in an aquarium, you need to make sure that you can see it. Aquarium lighting is what is what transforms an aquarium into a work of art and conversation starter.

Yet there is an important aspect to most aquarium lighting requirements. Most fish require some type of lighting simply for health reasons. Different aquarium lighting can affect the fish's bodily systems, such as eating habits, breeding patterns and reproductive organs. Aquarium lighting can affect a fish, coral and other habitants stress levels as well.

Fish need about 12 hours of light per day to ensure that conditions in the tank are as close to their natural conditions as possible. To make sure that the lighting is also similar to natural light as possible is; fluorescent lights should be used. Flames and household bulbs are not good; you need fluorescent lights, which should be replaced every six to eight month. The aquarium lighting must be similar the natural light or it can cause stress in fish and lead to serious health related issues. Timers that you can purchase at your local hardware store can be used to maintain a constant duration each day; they can also be adjusted as need depending on the time of year. Remember that the fish cannot turn a blind eye and so the twelve hours per day of lighting should be during the day when they are awake. At night, turn the lighting off to enable them to sleep. Yes, fish sleep too.

A general rule is that your tank needs 2.5 watts per gallon of water volume; now this is different for corals and reef systems. If you plan to maintain living coral or rocks then the aquarium lighting requirements are much higher and it may be necessary to maintain up to 8 watts per gallon.

Many corals and marine plants require "spectrum" fluorescent light. It is quite a bit more complex and another topic all together but research of the fish, plants and corals you plan purchase can ensure that you have the right aquarium lighting. You do not have to know how it works to do so.

However, if you do not have coral or other livestock then you can consider using "color enhancing" florescent bulbs. These can be used in tanks with fresh or salt water and with a tint of pink or yellow in order to make the colors in your fish come out.

Some of the pitfalls of a poorly lit aquarium are undesirable algal growth that can take over. It will also indirectly, have an impact on CO2 and nutrients in your tank and it is therefore is certainly a vital aspect of your aquarium to take seriously.

Puppy Love: Secrets to Professional Dog Training

You're proud of the new member of your family, that furry four-legged creature that is full of unconditional love and that will be with you for years to come. All too often, though, a new puppy or dog can wreak havoc on your home, yard, and neighborly relationships. For the sake of a happy home life and a contented puppy, dog training is a necessity. The right approach, combined with professional dog obedience training, will ensure that your newest family member will fit right in. Here are four secrets that the pros use for success.

1. Who's the Top Dog?

By nature, dogs travel in packs, with the alpha dog as the leader of the pack. There can only be one alpha dog per pack; otherwise, chaos would ensue and the safety of the pack would be in peril. Your dog needs to understand that you are the alpha dog of the pack. You communicate that to your dog by exerting your leadership, such as taking him for a walk when you come home from work or by successfully completing a dog obedience training course together. You also exert your alpha dog status by controlling your dog's food. When he knows that you feed him twice a day, it reinforces your position as top dog.

2. Consistency is Key

Virtually every dog trainer will tell you that humans are generally at fault when dogs don't successfully learn commands. That's because dogs see the world in black and white, whereas humans see the world in shades of gray. For humans, "Come" and "C'mon" mean the same thing; a dog, on the other hand, may understand "Come" but is clueless as to what his owner wants when he says, "C'mon." Whenever you want to modify your dog's behavior or teach it a command, use a consistent vocabulary and tone.

3. Mutual Respect Leads to Obedience

A happy and healthy human-canine relationship is based on mutual respect. Your dog respects your position as the alpha of the pack and you respect his needs. Contrary to what you may read, respect and obedience do not grow out of a package of doggie treats, nor do they grow out of fear. Excessive rewards and excessive sternness will lead to erratic behavior, while appropriate praise and correction will lead to respect.

4. Timing is Everything

Timing comes into play in various aspects of dog training. The adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," isn't entirely correct, but it is much easier to train a puppy than it is an older dog. Some people make the mistake of engaging their dogs in long, drawn-out training sessions. Like young children, the attention spans of dogs are relatively short, and fun 15-minute lessons are more likely to bring results than hour-long drills. Timing is also key when establishing your alpha role. For example, the alpha dog eats first, so you should feed your dog after you've finished with your meal.

Dog training is a necessity, but it doesn't have to be a chore. Regardless of the location of your dog training - Chicago, San Francisco, or Miami - you should find a dog trainer that both you and your dog enjoy, and work with her or him to make your new family member feel right at home.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Puppy And Dog Information

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is happy, energetic smaller dog that makes a great watch dog. They can be kept in an apartment as long as they can be walked for exercise. A properly fenced in yard is best for exercise but they are diggers and known as escape artists. Never leave them off the leash as they will take off after an interesting scent. They generally like other animals and will socialize with them. They also like children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 13 to 15 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 31 to 40 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the look out for ear problems, Aseptic meningitis and hereditary eye problems. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a long rough, harsh to the touch coat with a thick, short under coat. They should be brushed at least weekly. Long hair at the bottom of feet may need to be trimmed.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her nails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

*Life Span. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen come from the La Vendee district of France. They are a scent hound and were bred for hunting rabbits. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1991.

Some Registries:
*Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of Amnerica
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 4 to 7 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppies

Category: Hound

Terms To Describe: Bold, tough, compact, alert, lively, confident, independent, happy, extrovert, confident.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Barely sheds.
Makes a nice family do.
Some enjoy the company of other animals.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes a poor guard dog.
May howl.
Will follow a scent so should be controlled.
Not a fast learner.
They like to dig.
They are known as escape artists.

*Other names know by: PBGV

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Insurance for Your Pets - at a Discount

Many online insurance companies will give you discounted pet insurance if you have more than one pet to cover. Before you accept any agreement, you must do your homework and learn as much as you can about pet insurance products. Some companies require that pets must be of the same breed before they give a discount, for example.It pays to look for bargains in pet insurance coverage. Many providers offer discounts of about ten percent, but a few may offer higher discounts depending on your circumstances. If you are searching for pet insurance coverage on the Internet, you can obtain dozens of quotes and then compare the coverages and rates of each plan in just a few minutes. There are many kinds of pet insurance available as well. Third-party liability coverage protects you if your pet destroys property, causes harm, or causes an accident. The fees associated with liability are often higher than paying the monthly premium for pet insurance.If your pet has any preexisting conditions, your chances of finding coverage may decrease, so if your pet has any such conditions, tell the insurance firm ahead of time. They may find coverage that will protect you and your pet, and while it may not be full coverage, it will be better than nothing. If you don't tell the insurer about preexisting conditions, you may not receive expected reimbursements. Some pets have heredity conditions, which make it difficult to find coverage. Most insurers prohibit coverage of such conditions. An insurer will cover pets for chronic illnesses, but premiums often increase as more claims are filed. You also have the obligation to renew the insurance policy every year to receiving ongoing coverage for your pet. Maximum payout plans provide maximum coverage for a pet, and if your pet needs ongoing treatment, this is your best option. These policies often stipulate no more than one claim per year for the same condition, however.Many of the claims that are filed under pet insurance policies extend ten days before the owner is paid. Companies provide a variety of options and impose different conditions and stipulations, so it is best to do some research before you decide on a plan. You can find lots of information about pet insurance on the Internet, and you can take advantage of getting online quotes. This method is convenient and lets you compare the different options available in coverage and prices. By going online, you can often save money because you have a better chance of finding an effective and affordable plan. You will also be able to get all the information about a policy upfront before you have to file a claim, so you'll know what to expect.

Getting Cats to Feel At Home

When getting a new cat or kitten, it is very important to get her feel good in the new home and family you are bringing her in. Planning and patience are the two main elements of successfully adopting a cat and making the adjustment period be as rapid and stress-free as can be.Cats are generally very territorial and it is a very important thing to their emotional wellness to have a place to call home. After the stress from having been in a shelter or being given up for adoption, being brought to a strange new home increases that stress. So imagine the state of that poor cat! Your task is to make feel comfortable as quickly as possible in the new home you are providing her. The best strategy is to keep her in a single room for several days and give her everything she may need in there. The idea of this is to allow the cat to be the owner of small new territory at its own pace and without competition. Different cats act differently when put in such a situation. Some cats may hide under the bed and go out to explore the new house at once, others may stay hidden for as long as a week. But whenever they are ready, they will surely come out! Meeting the new family is very important too, as everyone will be very anxious to meet the new pet. But you should not frighten the cat with all this excitement! Should the cat approach you, offer her an outstretched hand to sniff. If she accepts it, you can then freely pet her. But never allow them to pounce on your fingers, because as pleasant as it may feel while the cat is still a kitten, once they grow, cats can hurt either you or the kids. Like humans, cats can get real jealous, so in case you already own a cat, make sure that the older cat does not get jealous of the new kitten in the house and accept her around. Love and attention must equally be given for each and everyone of the pets in a house. One must reassure your pet that it is still the center of your universe! Making two cats get along can be very tricky, but provided that you allow them to slowly get to know one another, they will soon enjoy playing together. Just keep your older cat’s routine intact and don’t allow the new one to sleep in any of her favorite places and they will surely become friends.