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Are we Killing our Pets with Kindness
29 Jun 2010 21:17 #1
by Leticia German DVM
Are we Killing our Pets with Kindness was created by Leticia German DVM
Killing our Pets with Kindness
What is one thing you can generally count on to perk your horse’s ears forward and even get a nicker in response? More often than not we get this joyous response when we feed our horses or give them treats. Similarly our dogs do this same basic behavior in return for a treat. It makes them feel good, and let’s face it, it makes us feel good too. However, we may be killing our pets and companions with kindness. Obesity has been a big issue for our small animal friends for many years now, but it is just as important to our horses (and just as much a problem).
First off let’s discuss some of the dangers of an obese horse. As with any species of animal, excess weight can hurt joints. This constant, daily injury leads to arthritis and shortens our productive, or at least comfortable, life span. The extra pounds also tax our lungs, heart, digestive systems, immune systems, reproductive systems, and in horses their hooves. Overweight and obese horses are substantially more prone to founder, metabolic syndrome, and certain types of colic. Many of these health conditions are extremely painful and can be debilitating and even life threatening. So we have to see if their excitement over treat, grain and food in general is really as good for them. Also, poor saddle fit and back problems. Have you ever tried keeping a saddle in place on a round barrel with no withers? It just doesn’t work and the poor thing is cut in half by a way too tight girth/cinch in the process.
So what are some things we can do?
Next find out what your horse’s body condition score is (ie. how fat is he). I will post the details on this topic next week (sooner if folks are eager).
Then see how often your horse gets fed outside snacks
How much exercise does he get?
What’s his overall health status? (age, soundness, etc)
After we know all of these we can then start to explore the diet and exercise plan. There are great new innovations in feed these days. We have low starch, low calorie, high fat, complete feeds, grains or concentrates, and many types of hays to choose from. The best situation would be to tailor the diet to the individual’s needs. But a few rules of thumb are if feeding alfalfa switch to grass, if feeding a lot of grain cut back and find another vitamin/mineral source. If they are founder, Cushings, or metabolic syndrome prone special diets lower in starches and sugars can be developed with a nutritionist and your veterinarian. And the list goes on.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and I could go on forever, but I think it may be better done in sections and open for interactive discussion. Let me know what you guys think or what you have questions over.
But a final note: we will truly be showing or horses and other pets far more love if we help them achieve a happy, long, healthy lifestyle even if it means a few less carrots.
15% off wellness and nutritional consultations with mention of 285Bound and this article
Leticia German, DVM, MS, CVA
Leticia German grew up in Montana around a vast array of animals. She came to Colorado in 1997 to pursue an education in veterinary medicine. Leticia attended CSU for Veterinary Medicine and holds a Bachelor degree in Animal Science and a Masters in Animal Nutrition. After receiving her DVM, Leticia worked for a time in California before returning home to Colorado. Leticia worked in the area for the last 3 years at a local clinic before venturing out on her own, with her business Front Range Equine & Livestock. She recently completed an extensive training course and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.
Dr. Leticia treats a wide variety of large and small animal species and her practice offers comprehensive, integrative care including acupuncture, soft tissue and trigger point therapy, rehabilitation plans, and nutrition consulting. She also provides general health services including vaccines, dental care, blood work, and preventative health care and makes house and farm calls for your convenience.
In addition to her passion for animal health, Leticia is a gourmet food hobbyist, and enjoys travel and fiber arts such as spinning, knitting and crochet. Leticia’s personal pet family consists of two cats, a dog and a Morgan mare that is her great joy. Leticia has spent many years training and bonding with her mare from the beginning stages and understands the great human animal bond regardless of species.
What is one thing you can generally count on to perk your horse’s ears forward and even get a nicker in response? More often than not we get this joyous response when we feed our horses or give them treats. Similarly our dogs do this same basic behavior in return for a treat. It makes them feel good, and let’s face it, it makes us feel good too. However, we may be killing our pets and companions with kindness. Obesity has been a big issue for our small animal friends for many years now, but it is just as important to our horses (and just as much a problem).
First off let’s discuss some of the dangers of an obese horse. As with any species of animal, excess weight can hurt joints. This constant, daily injury leads to arthritis and shortens our productive, or at least comfortable, life span. The extra pounds also tax our lungs, heart, digestive systems, immune systems, reproductive systems, and in horses their hooves. Overweight and obese horses are substantially more prone to founder, metabolic syndrome, and certain types of colic. Many of these health conditions are extremely painful and can be debilitating and even life threatening. So we have to see if their excitement over treat, grain and food in general is really as good for them. Also, poor saddle fit and back problems. Have you ever tried keeping a saddle in place on a round barrel with no withers? It just doesn’t work and the poor thing is cut in half by a way too tight girth/cinch in the process.
So what are some things we can do?
Next find out what your horse’s body condition score is (ie. how fat is he). I will post the details on this topic next week (sooner if folks are eager).
Then see how often your horse gets fed outside snacks
How much exercise does he get?
What’s his overall health status? (age, soundness, etc)
After we know all of these we can then start to explore the diet and exercise plan. There are great new innovations in feed these days. We have low starch, low calorie, high fat, complete feeds, grains or concentrates, and many types of hays to choose from. The best situation would be to tailor the diet to the individual’s needs. But a few rules of thumb are if feeding alfalfa switch to grass, if feeding a lot of grain cut back and find another vitamin/mineral source. If they are founder, Cushings, or metabolic syndrome prone special diets lower in starches and sugars can be developed with a nutritionist and your veterinarian. And the list goes on.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and I could go on forever, but I think it may be better done in sections and open for interactive discussion. Let me know what you guys think or what you have questions over.
But a final note: we will truly be showing or horses and other pets far more love if we help them achieve a happy, long, healthy lifestyle even if it means a few less carrots.
15% off wellness and nutritional consultations with mention of 285Bound and this article
Leticia German, DVM, MS, CVA
Leticia German grew up in Montana around a vast array of animals. She came to Colorado in 1997 to pursue an education in veterinary medicine. Leticia attended CSU for Veterinary Medicine and holds a Bachelor degree in Animal Science and a Masters in Animal Nutrition. After receiving her DVM, Leticia worked for a time in California before returning home to Colorado. Leticia worked in the area for the last 3 years at a local clinic before venturing out on her own, with her business Front Range Equine & Livestock. She recently completed an extensive training course and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.
Dr. Leticia treats a wide variety of large and small animal species and her practice offers comprehensive, integrative care including acupuncture, soft tissue and trigger point therapy, rehabilitation plans, and nutrition consulting. She also provides general health services including vaccines, dental care, blood work, and preventative health care and makes house and farm calls for your convenience.
In addition to her passion for animal health, Leticia is a gourmet food hobbyist, and enjoys travel and fiber arts such as spinning, knitting and crochet. Leticia’s personal pet family consists of two cats, a dog and a Morgan mare that is her great joy. Leticia has spent many years training and bonding with her mare from the beginning stages and understands the great human animal bond regardless of species.
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05 Jul 2010 20:12 #2
by LopingAlong
Replied by LopingAlong on topic Are we Killing our Pets with Kindness
Well said and here is a link to the Henneke body condition scoring system so people can take a look at their own horses and evaluate them. Be objective! 
http://www.helpinganimals.com/pdfs/horsepack2.pdf
http://www.helpinganimals.com/pdfs/horsepack2.pdf
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