Author: equigroomerllc

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Although it’s something we’d rather not think about, emergencies happen (including natural disasters) and when they do, your horse (or any other pet for that matter) is depending on YOU to be prepared! Whether you’re riding in the backcountry, injuries happen in the barn, paddock, pasture or even the show ring, your horse needs you, his guardian, to be prepared to offer immediate help for his safety, well-being and comfort.

So how can you build emergency horse kits? Keep reading below.

Potential Horse Emergencies: Be Prepared!

In the moment of an emergency, we can forget even the simplest of things when trying to cope with stress and anxiety. By keeping a fully stocked first aid kit accessible, you can save precious time when trouble strikes!

Trail Riding Mini First Aid Kit (Amazon)
Mini Trail Riding Horse First Aid Kit (Amazon)

Also make sure to:

  • Take a mini kit for trail rides.
  • Keep another first aid kit in your barn; and
  • Keep another kit with your trailering emergency kit (see below).

While smartphone apps for First Aid are invaluable, they are only as good as the reception for your phone. So, consider carrying or posting a printed “cheat sheet” in case your phone cannot reliably access cell service when an emergency happens.

“The Complete Equine Emergency Bible”
can also put valuable information at your fingertips immediately!

Horse Emergencies: A First Aid Kit!

Equine Vet First Aid Kit (Amazon)
Equine Vet First Aid Kit (Amazon)

While you can purchase a ready-to-use Equine First Aid Kit online (like Amazon.com), it’s also easy to assemble your own with checklists and videos you can find online like the ones below.

But wait! Do you also have an emergency kit for your horse trailer? You should!

Horse Emergencies: The Horse Trailer!

Brown and White Horse Looking out Trailer Window
Brown and White Horse Looking out Trailer Window

If you’re transporting your horse(s), it’s also critical to have a “trailering emergency kit.” This kind of emergency kit for your horse trailer goes well beyond the traditional emergency kit for your horse but is just as critical if your trailer breaks down while traveling with your equine(s).

The trailering emergency kit should include:

  • Road service phone numbers.
  • Current guides (or apps) listing potential horse hotels.
  • Plenty of water for your horse(s).
  • Proper automotive tools.
  • Registration and insurance paperwork and health certificates; and
  • In the winter, items required for winter travel; and more!

The trailering emergency kit (remember to include your horse’s First Aid kit too) could mean the difference between quickly and safely resuming your trip or being stuck for hours waiting for road services, especially in bad weather. In sweltering heat or freezing cold temperatures, not being prepared could put your horse(s) at great risk!

Thanks again to HorseIllustrated.com, you can download a copy of the trailering emergency kit checklist here.

By being prepared before an emergency, natural disaster or injury,
you can provide the best care and attention for your horse or pet!
Do not wait until the worst happens!

Mare Being Nuzzled by a Foal in the Pasture
Mare Being Nuzzled by a Foal in the Pasture
The EquiGroomer Tools cut shedding in half
The EquiGroomer Tools for Horses and Other Animals

EquiGroomer: The Perfect Grooming Tools for Your Horse!

Easy to Use!

Painless!

Durable!

Made in the USA for all Equine Breeds!

We guarantee your horse, dog, cat, other pets or livestock, will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604
or send us an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Regardless of which pet shares your life, maintaining their coat is critical for their overall health, well-being and comfort!

Reasons include:

  1. A healthy coat will help your pet effectively regulate its optimal body temperature.
  2. A healthy coat protects internal organs from external threats including the environment, heat, trauma and ultraviolet light.
  3. The overall condition of your pet’s coat (and skin) indicates their overall health. A glossy and healthy coat reflects:
    • A nutritious diet;
    • Effective brushing and grooming; and
    • A healthy immune system.
  4. Regular and consistent brushing of the coat helps:
    • Distribute natural oils.
    • Remove dead hair, dirt and dander.
    • Prevent painful mats and tangles.
  5. Regular bathing promotes optimal coat (and skin) health.

Below, let’s take a closer look at how to care for your horse’s coat with 5 priceless tips!

How often does your family dog need to be bathed? Read our blog post!

(Stay tuned to our blog for future posts on how to effectively care for your cat, dog and rabbit’s coat too.)

How to Care for Your Horse’s Coat: 5 Tips

Brown Horse with a Leather Halter Eating Fresh Grass
Brown Horse Eating Fresh Grass

The Horse’s Coat: Diet

As mentioned above, a pet’s coat is an accurate indicator of your pet’s overall health! Without the proper foods and vitamins, your horse’s coat will suffer.

How the Quality of Hay Affects Your Horse

Horses need proper levels of:

  • Vitamin D (typically from the sun, but may need to be supplemented).
  • Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin E (from fresh forage including pasture grass and tender plants).
  • Minerals.
  • Proteins.
  • Fats including flaxseeds and fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids).

NEVER feed these items to your horse!

Gray and White Horse Being Brushed with the EquiGroomer
Gray and White Horse Being Brushed with the EquiGroomer

Brushing Your Horse’s Coat

Maintaining a healthy coat on your horse means regular brushing, ideally daily!

Consistent brushing helps remove the dead undercoat and encourages new hair growth! Daily brushing also stimulates and distributes natural oils. Always make brushing a pleasant, relaxing experience for your horse with the proper tools, gentle and slow strokes over the entire body with plenty of praise! If you observe your horse rolling on the ground more often, add some extra brushing to address any irritation from sweat or tack.

Regular Exercise

Did you know that regular exercise is just as vital for a healthy coat? Exercise will:

  • Stimulate your horse’s blood vessels and capillaries to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin; and
  • Help your horse release toxins through sweating and the natural oils for a healthy shine.
Brown Horse Getting Bathed
Brown Horse Getting Washed

Don’t Forget a Good Wash!

While daily brushing is important, horses also need a good wash including their tail, mane and entire body.

Avoid the area around their eyes and nostrils.

After the mane and tail have dried, add conditioner.

NOTE: Do not over-bathe your horse to avoid stripping the natural and essential oils from your horse’s coat.

Horse Tack
Clean Equine Tack will Protect Your Horse’s Coat

Stay Clean and Tidy!

  • Keep all tack, rugs and saddle blankets clean to support an optimal, healthy horse coat!
  • The barn environment should also be clean and dry.
  • After riding, sponge off or squeegee all sweat under the saddle, down the neck or anywhere else on the body to avoid skin irritations, infections or sores.

Use these 5 tips to best support and maintain your horse’s coat year-round!
Remember, brushing/grooming also provides the perfect opportunity
to check your horse’s coat for issues like lumps and bumps,
bald patches, infections or inflammation as well as
unwanted parasites. Early prevention and detection
will ensure proper diagnosis and treatment!

EquiGroomer: The Perfect Grooming Tool for Your Horse!

Chestnut Horse in an Open Field featuring the EquiGroomer Tools
Chestnut Horse in an Open Field featuring the EquiGroomer Tools

Ensure your equine’s best coat with regular
brushing to remove the dead undercoat, dander
and dirt especially after your horse rolls on the ground!

We guarantee your dog, horse, other pets or livestock,
will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604
or send us an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Homemade dog treats are easy to make even if you’re not an expert baker! Some do not even require baking!

Why homemade dog treats?

They will be a lot cheaper than most commercial treats and you can guarantee the ingredients are healthy for your dog! Say goodbye to artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors that may cause unwanted – and unnecessary – health issues for your beloved canine. You can also guarantee the absence of high-calorie fillers offering little to no nutritional value, artificial sweeteners, and sugar!

Keep reading for five great recipes your dog will beg for!

“How to Make Homemade Dog Treats” from the AKC for tips and recipes!

The Favored Treats for Canine Sports!

Brown Puppy Catching a Dog Treat Midair
Brown Puppy Catching a Dog Treat

A well-known treat for those in canine sports, “tuna fudge” offers a powerful scent to motivate dogs. But it’s also easy and quick to make and healthy in moderation! (Other canned meats can be substituted for tuna.)

Tuna Fudge” for Fido

  • 6-ounce can of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 3/4 cup unbleached flour or your favorite flour
  • 1 egg

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Pour tuna (with water) and flour into a mixing bowl. Add egg and mix completely. Pour batter onto parchment paper; spread out to about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.

Place in oven. After 10 minutes, turn over the loaf and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cool on raised wire rack. When cool, score with a pizza cutter. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze.

Courtesy: DogTipper.com

Homemade Dog Treats: No Baking Required!

Hate to bake? Or too hot for the oven? Try this easy but healthy frozen dog treat below! They are a great way to cool your dog off in hotter temperatures.

An Overripe Banana Highlighted on a Black Background
An Overripe Banana

If you eat bananas, you’ve probably got overripe bananas! Do not throw them out, make these healthy (and EASY) frozen dog treats for your four-legged best friend instead.

Frozen Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats

  • 2 brown/spotted bananas (mashed)
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol-free only!)
  • 3 tablespoons of coconut oil

Blend well so it can be poured; don’t overmix, keep some of the texture. Pour a heaping teaspoon into dog-themed silicone molds or ice cube trays.

Freeze for 2-3 hours before serving. Makes 10-12 treats for less than $1.50 each!

Suggestions:
Try substituting mashed sweet potatoes or apple sauce in place of the bananas. Also, add your dog’s favorite things like blueberries or other small pieces of fruit.

Courtesy: EatTheGrains.com

Here’s another no-bake, frozen dog treat recipe! All you need is a blender, ice cube tray, freezer, and three ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen!

Three Dogs Looking up intently at treats
Three Dogs Looking Up at a Dog Treat

Frozen Apple Dog Treat

  • 2 Apples
  • 1 Cup Greek Nonfat Plain Yogurt
  • Water

Slice two apples into small pieces removing the core and seeds.

Mix the apple, yogurt, and a splash of water in your blender until liquid consistency.

Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray (makes 16 cubes) and freeze for a few hours or until hard.

Store in the freezer in a Tupperware container.

Courtesy: IrresistiblePets.net

4 Ingredients for a Healthy K9 Treat!

Sweet potatoes, turmeric, cinnamon, and coconut oil will not only make an easy dog treat but also one loaded with nutritional benefits! Just 10 minutes to prep this tasty K9 treat!

Sweet Potato K9 Fries

  • Sweet potato (washed and peeled)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
  • Turmeric and cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Cut the sweet potato into evenly sized, long skinny (fry-shaped) pieces. Coat well with melted oil and spices in a large bowl or Ziploc bag.

Place fries on a baking sheet in one layer. Bake for 15 minutes.

Flip over fries for even baking and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Completely cool before giving it to your dog to enjoy.

Courtesy: Beagles and Bargains.com

DIY Dog Treat for Sensitive K9 Tummies!

Many dogs have a sensitive stomach and cannot handle foods made with grains eliminating many commercial treats on the market!

Black Dog Catching a Dog Treat Outside
Black Dog Catching a Dog Treat

Try this safe, inexpensive and healthy treat below! It’s also grain– and gluten–free.

DIY Pumpkin Treats

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoons chicken (or beef) stock (low sodium)

Mix all ingredients and roll out to approximately 1/2- inch thickness.

Cut out treats with your favorite cookie cutter (or even a simple shot glass) and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes.

Store in the freezer or refrigerator to keep fresh.

Courtesy: Smart Penny Pincher

Want more recipes?
Check out these 25 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
from The Dog Kennel Collection!

EquiGroomer: The Perfect Grooming Tool for Your Dog!

Woman Hugging a Golden Retriever in the Fall
EquiGroomer: Easy and Stress-Free Grooming!

After spoiling your dog with the homemade recipes in this blog, finish up with a calming, bonding brushing session with the EquiGroomer!

We guarantee your dog, horse, other pets or livestock,
will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604
or click here to send us an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Thousands of years ago, humans domesticated horses to share their life and work. Today there are more than 300 unique equine breeds with even more variations in sizes, coats, and personalities!

How well do you know horses? In today’s blog, we’re going to test your knowledge and see if you know these 8 amazing equine facts!

Click here to learn about 10 unique horse breeds.

How Do Horses Sleep?

Horse Laying on the Ground
Horse Laying on the Ground

Let’s start with an easy one! Did you know that horses sleep standing up?! They also lay down to achieve a full, restorative sleep cycle. Several factors influence a horse to lay down to sleep including:

  • Weather.
  • Available space.
  • Comfortable bedding; or
  • Physical ailments.

A Horse’s Life Span

Horses have one of the longest life spans among pets. Today, domestic horses are known to live more than 30 years (wild horses only to 20). A lot of this is due to an increase in knowledge about horse care, nutrition, and vet medicine.

Horses: The Most Popular Breed!

Among dogs, the Labrador Retriever has held the top spot of Most Popular Dog Breed since 1991.

For horses, the top spot is held by the American Quarter Horse! This breed is appreciated and ridden by beginner riders and professional horse people.

Quarter Horses Running in a Field
Two Quarter Horses Running

The Equine Diet

Horse Eating Green Grass
Horse Eating Green Grass

Here’s another easy one … which term below describes horses?

  • Omnivores?
  • Carnivores?
  • Herbivores?

Hopefully, you guessed herbivores!

From their grinding teeth to the position of their eyes (to look out for predators with the largest eyes among land mammals and their wide range of side vision) and their digestive system, horses are a prime example of herbivores!

The Horse’s Distant Relative?

If you don’t already know this, don’t feel bad; this writer didn’t have a clue either! While a distant relative, the rhino is in the same group or “order” as the domesticated horse! Both are similarly hooved and known as odd-toed ungulates or hoofed mammals. Other relatives also include the zebra, ass, and donkey.

Horse’s Teeth Tell a Tale

Open Horse Mouth with tongue and teeth
Horse’s Open Mouth Showing Tongue and Teeth

Did you know that you can tell a horse’s gender through its teeth? It’s true! This is because:

  • Males have 44 teeth.
  • Females have 36-44 teeth.

A horse’s teeth will also help you estimate his age! By observing the permanent teeth, the indents in each tooth, the shape of the teeth surfaces, and the angle where the top and bottom teeth meet, an experienced horse person can estimate the horse’s age.

The Highly Intelligent Horse

Studies have shown that horses use sensory input to identify and remember people in two entirely different ways!

  • Horses can distinguish different people just by their voice alone.
  • Conversely, horses can also distinguish different people with just sight and smell.

Hey! No Laughing!

Finally, here’s a fun one. What usually comes to mind when you see a horse doing this? He’s a comedian trying to make you laugh? Not quite!

Horse With Open Mouth Showing Teeth
Horse Sniffing the Air with the Flehmen Response

This horse behavior is called the “flehmen response” and it has nothing to do with being funny. Instead, the horse is trying to get a better whiff of an interesting scent!

By curling his upper lip and raising his head into the air, the horse can direct pheromones and other scents to the olfactory sense organ in the soft tissue of the nasal cavity (called the VMO) which signals the brain to trigger physiologic and behavioral reactions.

It’s common to see stallions using this behavior when mares come into season. Mares will also use this behavior to recognize their foals. But this behavior can also be used to identify potential predators and even sources of water.

Click here to learn 30 other interesting horse facts!

The EquiGroomer Tools

The EquiGroomer Grooming Tool
The Perfect Grooming Tool for Your Horse!

We guarantee your horse, dog, other pets or livestock,
will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604
or send us an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Do you have a very vocal feline? You might be surprised to learn that cats can make over 100 distinct sounds when they are communicating.

Cat sounds like meows, hisses and purrs are common cat sounds most of us know. But in reality, your kitty has a wide variety of different sounds they can call upon depending on the situation.

Click here if you missed our previous blog post
“Learn How to Understand Your Cat’s Language?”

Golden Eyed Gray Cat Meowing
Gray Shorthair Cat Meowing

So, is your cat trying to talk to you? Most likely yes, and since obeying our cats – and their commands – makes for a happier feline home, learn about the distinct sounds of cat communication below!

Do all Purrs Equal Happiness?

According to Hepper.com, people think a cat’s purr simply means they are happy and content. While that is true, there’s actually more behind the purr.

Research has found that cats also purr when they:

  • Are sick or in pain.
  • Sad or feeling sorrow.
  • Visit the vet or
  • Are around another cat they like.

So, the next time your cat purrs, take it as an emotional sign about their world and reaction at that moment.

Attention Human! THIS Meow is for YOU!

Meowing Cat Laying on Wooden Deck
Meowing Cat Laying on a Wood Deck

Did you know that adult cats only meow in the presence of humans? It’s true and has evolved since the times of ancient Egypt and being domesticated by humans. Depending on what your cat is asking for, tones and durations of meows will change. By paying close attention, you can learn how to decipher the correct request from your kitty.

Cat Sounds: The Angry Cat!

It’s pretty clear when your cat is upset … all the hissing and spitting is a definite sign! Your cat’s ire may be directed at:

  • Humans.
  • Other cats.
  • Dogs or other creatures.

While it can be fun to watch your cat get all hot and bothered, it’s best to step in to address and resolve the situation immediately.

Distress and Kittens

Tiny Crying Kitten Outside
Tiny Kitten Crying Outside

Once you’ve heard this sound, you will never forget it! When in danger, kittens will send out a high-pitched distress call. These particular cries are to alert other cats around the kitten and may sound differently depending on the situation.

Calling All Potential Mates!

The intense mating calls and moans are loud and long as both the males and females let others know they are ready to mate! Male felines may also use these mating noises to warn off other potential suitors! High-pitched screams can also be heard after the mating has finished.

Chattering Excitement!

Cats often “chatter” when watching birds or wildlife outside. This unique sound indicates your cat’s excitement and desire for the prey out of their reach. The sound comes from your cat’s trembling jaw, but is nothing to worry about.

Cat Sounds: Other Fascinating (and Normal) Sounds!

Sleeping Cat Laying on her side next to yellow toy
Sleeping Cat Laying on Her Side
  • Sighing cats may indicate:
    • Relaxation. Often before or after they sleep.
    • Contentment
    • Boredom. This prolonged behavior can lead to destructive actions. Engage your feline with more mental stimulation and play to naturally relieve their boredom.
  • Cats may also imitate human baby sounds to attract their owner’s attention!

Felines also use their ears and scent for additional communication!
Click here for our June blog, “Learn How to Understand Your
Cat’s Language: Ears and Scent”

Tabby Cat and the EquiGroomer Grooming Tool
Tabby Cat and EquiGroomer Tool

Enhance your bond and one-on-one time with your cat using the EquiGroomer!

Did you know that our grooming blade actually mimics a cat’s tongue? We guarantee YOUR cat will love it!

We guarantee your dog, horse, other pets or even livestock will LOVE the EquiGroomer Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or send us an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Like many questions, this one is not a clear-cut yes or no. But there are some tips you can use to determine how often your dog should be bathed.

Dog bathing … if you ask ten dog parents how often you should bathe your dog, you will get at least 10 different answers with everyone believing their answer is the right one!

But how often should your dog be bathed? The answer depends on a number of different factors. Keep reading to learn more!

Small Pug in a Metal Tub
Small Pug in a Metal Tub

What We Can Agree Upon!

The one fact we can all agree upon is that our dog should be brushed, bathed and groomed regularly to maintain their optimal healthy skin and coat. But that’s where the agreement usually ends when it comes to defining “regularly.”

It might be easier to look at what a dog parent should not do when it comes to bathing their dog and the frequency.

Dog Bathing: Do NOT Do This!

Most dog owners can agree upon this advice, avoid bathing your dog too often where the skin and coat are stripped of their natural oils creating dry and irritated skin and a dried-out coat.

Let’s take a look at the 4 factors to consider when deciding how often to bathe your dog.

THE Four Factors to Consider

There are at least 4 factors to consider when determining how often to bathe your dog.

Black and White Chinese Crested Dog Standing Outside
Chinese Crested Dog Standing Outside
  • Your dog’s breed.
    • Hairless dogs including the Chinese Crested and Xoloitzcuintli require weekly bathing.
    • Dogs sporting double-coated dogs (Retrievers and Siberian Huskies) should not be bathed too often to prevent stripping too much oil from the skin.
    • The Puli (technically a long-haired breed) does not need to be bathed often when corded because they do not develop common “doggie odors.”
  • Your dog’s type of coat.
    • Short, single-layered fur needs to be bathed more frequently.
    • Little to no fur needs to be bathed the most!
    • Dogs with thick, heavy coats are typically bathed the least because their coat is more apt to repel dirt and protect the skin.
Black Cocker Spaniel Laying in a Mud Puddle
Black Cocker Spaniel Laying in a Mud Puddle
  • Your dog’s lifestyle.
    • Dogs that are highly active and spend a lot of time outdoors should be bathed more often. Of course, there are also those pups who just cannot help indulging in the mud, manure, or other messy, stinky things and will need to be bathed more often to remove dirt and bacteria!
  • Any skin or coat issues.
    • Shedding coats can benefit from bathing to shed dead hair and stimulate new hair growth.
    • Skin conditions will dictate how often a dog should be bathed to effectively manage chronic skin conditions without exacerbating them. Your vet, breeder or groomer can offer the best advice based on your dog, his breed and history.

Pets.WebMD: How to Bathe Your Dog

Black Puppy Being Bathed in a Green Tub
Black Puppy with Shampoo in a Green Tub

Dog Bathing: The Products to Use

Once you’ve determined how often to bathe your dog, only use specifically-formulated dog shampoos! (Never use human shampoos with potentially toxic ingredients, colors and fragrances!).

Make sure any dog shampoos and conditioners are:

  • Mild
  • Hypoallergenic and
  • Help moisturize.

Also use warm, not overly hot water for bathing to avoid over-drying your dog’s sensitive skin.

The Bottom Line

Again, there is no definitive answer when it comes to how often a dog should be bathed. Many say a dog should be bathed about once every 3 months, others say twice during that same period. Some vets say weekly and other experts will insist on their own opinion.

Typically, we bathe our dogs for our own comfort and prevention of doggie smells. The best advice is to work with your breeder, veterinarian or professional groomer to establish the best bathing schedule for your family dog!

Small Brown Dog being brushed with the EquiGroomer
Small Brown Dog Laying Down and Being Brushed with the EquiGroomer Brush

Regardless of how often you choose to bathe your dog,
regular brushing is a must!

Keep your dog’s coat free of dirt, dander and shedding hair with the EquiGroomer!

We guarantee your dog, cat, horse, other pets or even livestock will LOVE the EquiGroomer Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or send us an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Your feline expresses itself through more than just
purring or meowing. They also communicate
with ear and scent signals.

Our feline friends communicate to their world through meows, purrs and meows (vocalizations) and even tail/body language! In our May 9th blog, we explored these familiar forms of kitty language to help cat parents better understand their furry companions.

In today’s blog post, we’re going to explore the last two forms of feline communication, ears and scent signals. Below, learn how to decipher these two common ways your cat expresses itself!

Refer to Lili Chin’s Cat Language Poster to Learn More!

Cats Have 32 Muscles in Each Ear
Cats have 32 Muscles in Each Ear

Cat Language: The Ears

Body language is a huge component of how animals (and humans) communicate with each other and their world at large. According to The Spruce Pets, “ears are a kitty barometer that can help owners anticipate and avoid potential problems.”

Previously, we deciphered how the feline tail communicates specific messages and moods, but there’s more.

Felines also communicate by using the 32 muscles in each ear (compared to only six muscles in each of our ears). So, with all this muscle power, what are your cat’s ears conveying?

  • The ears of a relaxed kitty will be in their natural and neutral posture. They may twitch in response to a noise.
  • A playful cat will have their ears in an upright position. They look alert with their ears pointing forward. This position indicates interest or curiosity from the cat.
Cat Laying in Green Grass with Flattened Ears to the side
Cat Laying in Grass with Ears Flattened and Pointing Sideways
  • Ears that move quickly back and forth are all signs of a highly aroused cat that may be:
    • Scared.
    • Worried.
    • Agitated.
  • Their ears may also be:
    • Down and pointed sideways (exhibiting uneasiness or feeling threatened), i.e., “airplane ears/wings” or
    • Flat against their head (the cat is fearful or angry).

Health Pets: 30 Ways Your Cat Speaks to You

Black and White Cat Rubbing Scent Against a Wall
Black and White Cat Rubbing Against a Wall

Feline Language: Scent Signals

If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know scent-marking is a common form of feline expression. The Cat Behavior Associates explains your cat’s scent as their “calling card,” leaving behind volumes of kitty information. (Dogs have the same natural form of communication.)

Unlike canines, cats have a variety of scent glands, including their:

  • Cheeks, Lips and Forehead (called head bunting by feline experts).
    • Low-intensity, friendly, calming, affectionate and inclusive, reflecting security and familiarity.
  • Paw Pads:
    • Used for scent marking along with physical claw marks.
  • Anal Glands, Flanks, Tail & Urine
    • High-intensity scent-marking under stress or arousal.

Scent Signals = Cat Language

The scent glands contain – and release – chemicals called pheromones which contain vital information for another cat or animal. Let’s look at why cats use scent signals.

Feline scent signals are used to:

  • Identify other colony members.
  • Define/mark their territory.
  • Define reproductive status.
  • Soothe themselves.
  • Bond.
  • Act as subtle aggression to warn other cats away from their territory.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about cat language! Feel free to comment below and be sure to subscribe
to our bi-monthly blog posts in the right-hand column!

Black Cat Looking up into the Camera
Black Cat Looking Up into the Camera

Feline Head Bunting

Head bunting by your cat is an open invitation for your affection and interaction! EquiGroomer tools are the perfect answer to nurturing the bond with your cat!

We guarantee your dog, cat, horse, other pets or livestock, will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604
or click here to send an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Like with our feet, good foot health is crucial for enjoying an active and healthy life! From our posture to balance AND overall well-being, the state of our feet affects our whole body.

The same is true for your horse and its hooves.

When the foot is compromised, mobility and quality of life is acutely compromised. From foot, back, knee and joint stiffness, pain and weakness to poor posture, good foot health is imperative for mobile and pain-free life!

But how does this translate to horse hoof care? In a nutshell, regular hoof maintenance is non-negotiable! As the saying goes, “no foot, no horse.”

Why is Horse Hoof Maintenance SO Important?

Why Good Hoof Care Requires Regular Maintenance

Well-maintained Horse Hoof
A Well-Maintained Horse Hoof

Imagine if you never tended to your feet? Imagine if you didn’t cut your toenails for 12 months! Imagine if you neglected to wash and moisturize your feet. Then to top it off, imagine if you never wore shoes to protect your feet outdoors!

Now, imagine if you were talking about your horse’s hooves instead.

As Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.” No matter what time of year it is, the regular maintenance of your equine’s hooves needs to be a priority!

Regular hoof maintenance helps ward off potential injuries and pain; but it also gives you the opportunity to address potential diseases and issues before they happen to keep your horse comfortable, healthy, sound and pain-free!

What regular maintenance of your horse’s hooves should involve? Keep reading.

Don’t Miss our Blog: “To Shoe or Not to Shoe Your Horse“

The 4 Horse Hoof Care Habits Your Horse Needs

To help your horse’s hooves remain healthy, strong and pain-free throughout the year, make the 4 habits below part of your horse’s regular hoof maintenance.

Highlighting the Frog in the Horse's Hoof
The Frog in an Equine Hoof / Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

1. Regular Farrier Visits

Typically, it’s good to have your horse’s hooves trimmed every 4-6 weeks to prevent imbalance, cracks, wall separations and more. But double-check with your vet and/or farrier (an equine hoof-care professional) for your horse and their environment.

2. Moist and/or Damp Environments

Horses whose hooves are exposed to moisture or dampness for long periods of time are at risk of developing a bacterial (or less frequently, fungal) infection called thrush in the “frog” (the triangle of tissue in the hoof). Horses that live outside or stand in dirty (mud or manure) or urine-soaked stalls for long periods of time are at high risk for thrush.

SOLUTIONS:

Person picking out a horse hoof
Picking a Hoof With a Hoof Pick

Stall Cleaning: Clean stalls often to help prevent wet mud, urine or other debris from becoming trapped and packed around the hoof’s frog. Address all barn or stall moisture with proper ventilation.

Hoof Picking: Debris packed around the frog can cause both increased sensitivity and pain. It can also create the “perfect storm” for thrush. Clean hooves before and after riding and after bringing your horse in from the pasture. Also, use the opportunity to inspect overall hoof health.

Topical Spray: Since thrush infections are often difficult to get rid of completely, consider using a topical spray treatment to shield the hoof from moisture. Some thrush treatments can stain barn floors, so find a spray that is non-staining.

Diagram of the anatomy of a horse hoof
Anatomy of a Horse Hoof Courtesy: Epauk.org

3. Multi-Use Hoof Dressings

Hydrating equine hoof dressings can help:

  • Prevent dry/brittle hooves.
  • Encourage healthy hoof growth.
  • Protect the heel, sole, frog and coronary band.
  • Reduce hoof maintenance.

4. Supplementation

Talk to your vet or farrier about adding a hoof supplement to your horse’s feed. Again, hoof issues are easier to prevent than repair! Look for a supplement that contains:

  • Biotin.
  • Zinc methionine.
  • Lysine.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids; and
  • Calcium.

Remember, regardless of the time of year, always keep up on the regular maintenance of your horse’s hooves for their overall well-being and comfort!

Woman Brushing a Horse with the EquiGroomer
Video of Woman Brushing a Horse with the EquiGroomer

Along with the regular maintenance of your horse’s hooves, regular grooming will also help support your horse’s overall well-being and comfort!

Our EquiGroomer tools are easy-to-use with no pulling, pain or damage to the coat.

We guarantee your horse will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Your feline expresses itself through more than just
purring or meowing.
Keep reading to learn how to understand your cat!

Cat speak involves vocalizations, body postures (including tail and ear signals) and scent signals. Some cats even love and reciprocate “cat smiles” from their humans! But cat vocalizations or sounds (with feral and domestic felines) can be harder to decipher.

But what do they all mean?

Cat Language: Vocalizations

Chartreux Cat Looking at the Camera
A Large Chartreux Cat with Golden Eyes

Our feline friends love to express themselves through well-known meows and purrs. But not all cats are vocal. For example, the Blue Chartreux and Persian breeds tend to be more quiet than vocal. On the other paw, Siamese cats are known to be very vocal!

So, what are they trying to say?

Excessive meowing may be:

  • Attention-seeking demands like “play with me” or “feed me!” Be careful giving into these demands! If you do, your cat has effectively trained YOU!
  • Due to pain, disease or health issues.
  • Expressed by a deaf cat.
  • Vocalized by an old cat suffering from feline dementia.
  • From stressed cats with separation anxiety (yowls or whining).
  • Territorial or signaling conflict.
  • A genetic characteristic in some breeds.

Some cat vocalizations can be so subtle at a higher frequency that only other cats can hear them!

An angry and crouched low cat hissing
Hissing Cat Crouched Low

It’s also important to understand your cat’s body language to effectively translate all the cues your cat is displaying and help prevent potential problems!

Cat Body Language

Just like their canine friends, felines have a sophisticated system of communication through body language cues. Next, let’s take a closer look at how felines communicate through tail signals.

Refer to Lili Chin’s Cat Language Poster to Learn More!

Cat Language with Tail Signals

Even if you understand a dog’s tail language, cats communicate in a very different way with their tails.

Tabby Cat with Tail High in the Air
A High Cat Tail Indicates Friendliness and Interest

Kitty tail language includes:

  • A tail held straight up is the kitty’s way of saying “hello!” (The opposite with a dog.)
    • They are welcoming attention (the higher the tail the better) and interaction (with the end of the tail tipped over).
    • WARNING: If the tail has bristled and is upright or straight behind the cat, watch out for a potentially aggressive attack!
  • A cat’s tail curved down and back up in a gentle U-shape indicates a relaxed feline.
  • A “wagging” feline tail is signaling to back off (again, the opposite of a wagging dog tail).
  • When the cat’s tip of the tail flicks back and forth, it should be perceived as frustration or heightened excitement, fear or aggression. If ignored, the cat will escalate to:
    • Thumping the ground with her tail or lashing the tail. Kitty is getting ready to attack!
A Hissing Cat with lowered ears
Hissing Cat with Ears Pinned Back

Finally, when a cat tucks their tail between its legs it is from a high level of fear (this is similar to a dog). It will usually be accompanied by lots of hissing, growling and the ears pinned back against the head. If the cat suddenly turns onto her back, do NOT mistake this for “submission;” cats don’t “do” submission. They are getting ready to attack with all paws engaged!

As we mentioned, cats also communicate with their ear and scent signals. These two forms of feline communication will be covered in our next blog, so be sure to subscribe to our bi-monthly blog posts!

Tabby Cat Peeking Around the Corner
A Curious Tabby Cat Peeking around the corner
Black and White Ragdoll cat getting brushed
Brushing a Ragdoll Cat with an EquiGroomer

Does Your Cat Excessively Meow?

They may be stressed or anxious.

Our EquiGroomer tools can help calm the most finicky cat!

We guarantee your dog, cat, horse, other pets or even livestock will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email!

Posted on by equigroomerllc

For many of us, music provides the soundtrack to our lives. But did you know your dog enjoys music as well? Research reveals the music our dogs love most!

Yes, Dogs Love Music!

Yes, there is music dogs love! It turns out our canines enjoy music right along with their human guardians! Of course, also like us, dogs prefer certain musical genres over others especially when it comes to rest, relaxation and the reduction of stress. (Yes, your dog gets stressed too!)

“Research confirms that dogs have musical preferences
and react differently to particular types of music.”
(Psychology Today)

Research has uncovered some basic conclusions when it comes to dogs and music. Along with the positive physiological and behavioral changes in dogs, other benefits include less standing and pacing, less barking and more sleeping when dogs heard their favorite musical genres. Some dogs even resumed barking when the music ended!

Next, let’s look at what music genres are our dog’s favorites!

Music Genres: K9 Favorites

Reggae Musician Playing the Guitar
Reggae Musician Playing the Guitar

All the studies seemed to agree that genres like reggae and soft rock were the best at relaxing – and reducing stress -in the canine subjects due to the slower tempo and fewer beats per minute.

In addition, these genres positively affected the K9 Heart Rate Variability (or HRV) with longer intervals between heartbeats creating a slower heart rate along with decreased levels of stress.

In contrast, songs with a faster tempo (like hard rock or heavy metal) or even heavy bass caused more excitement, anxiety, agitation, stress, barking and even trembling for the shelter dogs being studied. In addition, music with too many digital noises also increased the dog’s excitement and/or anxiety according to the Founder of PuppyTip, Li-ran Bukovza.

Violinists Playing in an Orchestra
Violinists Playing in an Orchestra

Another favorite K9 musical genre is classical music. When 117 kenneled dogs were observed over four months by researchers from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, classical music was shown to not only relax the dogs but also encouraged them to sleep. (The same effects were found with children!) These findings were also validated by the research of Psychologist Deborah Wells of Queens University in Belfast and published in Psychology Today.

“It is now believed that dogs may be as discerning as humans when it comes to musical preference.” (Psychologist Deborah Wells of Queens University in Belfast)

Did You Miss this Viral Video?

Watch this dog join and then fall asleep as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra played!

Dog Falls Sleep Listening to the Orchestra
Large Dog Relaxing by a Playing Orchestra

Did you know that in 1980, Carnegie Hall hosted a performance of “Howl” which included 20 singers and 3 canines? (Psychology Today)

How the Find the Music YOUR Dog Loves!

Bulldog Laying Down and Listening to Music with Headphones
Black French Bulldog Dog Listening to Music with Earphones While Laying on the Floor

It is clear that our canine friends hold an appreciation for music just like their humans! Studies have shown music can either energize our furry best friends or calm them down.

So how do you find the music your dog will groove to?

Since the adult dog has the approximate intelligence of a human toddler, try music you would play for a baby. Experiment with different genres and watch your dog’s reaction. If he does not like the music (illustrated by panting, trembling or whimpering), try another genre that calms and relaxes his body and mind. You can also find dog playlists on YouTube and Spotify.

Grooming and Shedding Tools by EquiGroomer
The 8-inch Grooming & Shedding Tool by EquiGroomer

Just like the right music calms our pets, the right grooming tools can relax and calm your horse too!

We guarantee your dog, cat, horse, other pets or livestock will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

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