Sorry- due to staff vacation we can't upload the Oct. 1 Ask Dr. Kaia on time. The Oct. 1 & 8 columns will be displayed together and will be uploaded about Oct. 7.
Q: I just moved to the East side of the state and I was wondering how your winters were here and what I should do for my horses until we get our barn built?
A: Our winters can be quite variable as far as temperature and snowfall are concerned. The main thing to provide for your horses is fresh, unfrozen water. Horses that are accustomed to cold will actually break ice to drink, but if yours have not seen real winter before, they probably won't. If they decrease their water consumption by much, they increase their chances of colicking. The best solution is to use a tank heater. Do get a good sized tank rather than a bucket, and make sure the cord is not where they could chew on it.
The other thing horses need is a windbreak. If weather is really extreme, you can blanket the horses. Be aware that if you blanket them early on, they won't grow a thick winter coat. Horses seem to grow a coat that will tell you what kind of a winter we will have; the sooner and thicker that they "hair up" the harder the winter will be!
Be sure to deworm your horses after the first killing frost. Call us for the cheapest, slickest wormer ever!
countryclassicsnaches@hotmail.com
Kaia Sorem, DVM
WSU 1984
Veterinary Service
Pet Grooming
Country Classics Antiques
Hwy. 12 & 410 across from Slim's Market
Naches WA 98937
1-509-653-2108
Past Dr. Kaia columns:
Sept. 17, 2003 Found Sickly Puppy
Sept. 10, 2003 Horse Not Conditioned Properly
Aug. 27, 2003 Barrel Horse Anxious and Unwilling
Aug. 20, 2003 Cats Get Tumors From Vaccines?
Aug. 13, 2003 Horse Unshod All Year?