Castlerock Equine & Canine First Aid of Massachusetts

10/28/2025

Last class for 2025 in Belchertown Mass

Because YOU are their first responder

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

Last class for 2025…..still time to sign up.

10/26/2025

Still time to sign up!!!!!
Do you know how to take your horse’s vitals, what are their baselines? How many vitals are there? Do you know how many layers you have when you bandage? Learn this and a lot more by taking an equine first aid class.
www.castlerockmorgans.com

10/12/2025

Would you know what to do if you think your horse has a possible BROKEN LEG, how to stabilize it before transport? If you answered no, then this class is a must!!!!!!
Learn this and a lot more by taking first our standard equine first aid class and then the Advanced. $169.00 pp. per class.
Check out when classes are available at:
www.castlerockmorgans.com

Must take the standard first aid class first.

10/11/2025

Do you know how to take your horse’s vitals, what are their baselines? How many vitals are there? Do you know how many layers you have when you bandage? Learn this and a lot more by taking an equine first aid class. $169.00 pp. Check out what classes are available at:
www.castlerockmorgans.com

09/23/2025

Would you know what to do in an emergency? These classes will help you be prepared. $169.00 pp
www.castlerockmorgans.com
To register, click the link above.

09/22/2025

Is your dog eating dirt? Here’s some Common Reasons Why:

Nutritional Deficiency: A lack of certain essential minerals and nutrients in their diet can lead to some dogs seeking out alternate sources of nutrition, including dirt.

Boredom: Dogs can get bored, just like humans. Digging in and eating dirt may be a way to entertain themselves.

Exploration: Dogs use their noses and mouths to explore the world around them. They may just find the dirt to be something interesting in their environment.

Upset Stomach: Your dog may eat dirt as a way to try to induce vomiting to alleviate the discomfort.

Pica: Pica is a behavioural condition in which a dog eats items that are not food. Dirt could be one of these non-food items.

Instinctive Behavior: Dogs may have an instinct to eat dirt because of a natural behavior to seek out minerals that may be contained in it as wolves might do in the wild.

Scent: Dogs see much of the world through their noses, so if something in the dirt smells good, they may try to eat it.

Medical Issues: Medical conditions like gastrointestinal problems or parasites might lead a dog to eat dirt.

How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Dirt

1 - Take Your Dog to the Vet
The most important thing to do if your dog is eating dirt is to rule out a medical issue. If your dog’s dirt-eating is caused by a medical condition, early detection is essential to ensuring the best possible health outcomes.

2- Ensure Your Dog Is Eating a Balanced Diet
If your dog is otherwise healthy, the next step is to check your dog’s diet. You can also ask your vet for recommendations and advice to ensure that your dog is getting a balanced diet with all of the essential vitamins and minerals that will make them less inclined to eat dirt.

3- Increase Your Dogs Stimulation
If your dog is eating dirt out of boredom, then they may require more stimulation.

4- Distract Your Dog When They Start To Eat Dirt
Anytime your dog is starting to eat dirt, try distracting them or redirecting their attention. This could be with toys, a game with you, or commands.

5- Consider Consulting With a Professional Trainer

When in Doubt, Contact Your Vet

07/26/2025

This week’s horse health topic: Hives! ‼️💥

Hives (urticaria) are local inflammatory reactions in the skin. They manifest as raised, flat-topped bumps of varying sizes and appear within minutes of contact exposure to an irritation, including:

Insect bites or stings 🐝

Snake bites 🐍

Certain drugs or vaccines 💉 💊

Soaps or shampoos 🧼

Plant allergens, including pollen or irritating particles in feed or bedding 🌾

In severe reactions , affected horses may also develop a fever (temperaute 101.5 F +) or mood changes (lethargy or anxiety).

Treatment may include:

1) Anti-inflammatory medicine, such as corticosteroids, anti-histamines, or NSAID (Banamine)
2) Cold-hosing of the affected area to reduce inflammation
3) Daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo or detergent that’s free of fragrances or dyes to remove topical allergens.
4) Discontinuing the medicine or topical product (soap/shampoo) that may be causing the hives
5) Changing bedding and/or hay

What sets off hives in your horse? Sound off in the comments!

06/05/2025

Just don’t. Aside from the horrific chemical process the hide goes through to become what appears to be a “bone”. It’s not. It’s a choking hazard, intestinal blockage risk, and just bad for your dog.

06/05/2025

Do you know how to take your horse’s vitals, what are their baselines? How many vitals are there? Do you know how many layers you have when you bandage? Learn this and a lot more by taking an equine first aid class. $169.00 pp. Check out what classes are available at:
www.castlerockmorgans.com

Equine First Aid | Arbonne | Barn