Goats make great farm animals! Not only do they offer companionship, but they also offer milk, which can be turned into a wide variety of products. However, if you’ve never owned a goat before, you’re probably wondering what to feed her.

Goats are vegetarians, which means they like to graze. However, unlike cows, goats don’t like to chomp on grass all the way to the root. Instead, goats prefer trees, bushes, and woody weeds, but these items aren’t enough to sustain your goat.

In addition to allowing your goat to graze, you’ll also want to provide him with hay, especially during colder weather when plants aren’t as hardy. You should also supplement your goat’s diet with grains. By feeding your pet the right food, she’ll provide you with great milk!

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Cats love being the master of all they see. Unfortunately, their curiosity can get them into trouble. Are there some rooms that should be off-limits to your cat?

If you have trouble with your cat keeping you up at night, you may want to consider shutting the bedroom door. The problem is, if your cat was allowed in the bedroom in the past, he might put up a fight. Try using aluminum foil on the floor or squirt your cat in order to dissuade him from going near the door.

It might be a good idea to keep your cat out of the office, especially if you work from home. There’s nothing more annoying that a cat that lays on your keyboard!

No matter what the circumstances, the garage should always be off limits to your cat since there are many chemicals and tools that can harm your furry friend. Contact your vet cli ... Read more »

Horses are great to have around the farm. However, dealing with a horse is very different than dealing with other animals. Here are some tips for staying safe around a horse.

Horses have blind spots directly in front of and behind them, so it’s always best to approach one from the side. Using your hand is the easiest way to communicate with a horse. If you do have to move in front of or behind him, place an arm on his body so he can feel where you’re going.

It’s always best to wear hard-toed boots when working with a horse so his powerful hooves aren’t able to crush your toes. If you’re planning on riding, never wear loose, baggy clothing and remove all of your jewelry.

For more horse safety tips, call your veterinarian Four Oaks, NC.

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Grooming is a regular part of pet ownership, but it is especially important if your cat has a double coat that is prone to matting. In order to prevent uncomfortable mats, follow these tips.

First, you must make sure that you get the right brush. Sturdy metal combs are especially effective at getting down to the skin to tease apart clumped hair. Most combs also have a side with fine teeth and wide teeth, so you can adjust depending on the severity of the mat. If the mat is especially bad, you may have to tease it apart with your fingers first.

To keep mats from developing in the first place, make sure you brush your cat often. If you can’t brush your feline once a day, try and brush him once every couple of days. You can also consider shaving your cat. To learn more, call your veterinarian Four Oaks, NC.

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When you’re searching for the right cat it’s important to keep in mind not only the possible purchase price, but also the price for routine maintenance and care. You should ask your vet Floyds Knob, IN if a certain breed is prone to health issues as this will also play a role in future expenses and upkeep. For instance, the Himalayan breed of cat is a popular breed. However, this breed is both expensive to buy and keep healthy as it’s prone to several health issues. For example, they have flat pug like noses that cause breathing problems. The breed is also prone to joint problems and watery eyes. However, if you choose a Himalayan mixed breed cat you will not only pay a cheaper price for the cat, but also your chances of avoiding typical purebred health issues are much better. If possible, always have the pet checked by a vet before purchasing or adopting. See details here.

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Identifying a spider bite on your canine friend can be difficult or even impossible even for your veterinary clinic Floyds Knob, IN staff.  Even so, if your dog has an unidentifiable bite that isn’t healing, give your vet a call and schedule a visit. Your vet may not be able to identify the bite, but he can determine how to treat the bite and diagnose whether it’s a serious bite or not. If it’s a black widow spider bite then your dog may have symptoms such as muscle tremors, cramping, abdominal rigidity, severe pain in the back, chest or abdomen, respiratory problems, increased blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Some dogs may show no symptoms at all while younger or older dogs are at a higher risk. Treatment includes hospitalization for supportive care, anti-venom drugs, and monitoring. Side effects from the poisonous bite could last for several months.

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