Juniata River Veterinary Services

07/17/2026

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/guidelines-horses-exposed-wildfire-smoke?fbclid=IwdGRjcATHOeJwZG9mA2ZkaWQWUKsA2RdJDYtywnQ9amkb9J9sNXkWIWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6XfNf61tP2q6OeBWjwyZcGQIEMvLS-9X6-CUBRbF6f7ND9Y4ouK24__DErPA_aem_Pv4apToNJW2CI66d0EpqLA

The severe fires throughout California over the past three months have exposed humans and animals to unhealthy air containing wildfire smoke and particulates. These particulates can build up in the respiratory system, causing a number of health problems including burning eyes, runny noses and illnes...

07/16/2026

If you feel hot, your horse feels even hotter.

Horses have a much harder time processing heat and humidity than humans. And among horses, foals usually cannot handle as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day.

Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will also be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Keep in mind that exercise is a major source of body heat and strenuous work on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.

Does this mean you should not ride on a hot and humid day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use common sense. And remember: don't push it! If your horse looks tired, it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.

07/16/2026

Most of our region is currently in the red range and probably will be for at least 2-3 days. Please stay safe, refrain from riding, and treat/monitor horses with respiratory conditions carefully.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18vRNbSxC5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Canadian wildfires are again affecting the air we breathe in Pennsylvania, as officials urge staying indoors and limiting outdoor activity. STORY: https://www.wtaj.com/news/regional-news/pennsylvania-residents-advised-to-stay-indoors-as-air-quality-plunges/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WTAJ

07/07/2026

Duration is still an issue, but this article was interesting!

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/jul/07/catnip-lotion-as-effective-as-deet-at-repelling-mosquitoes-study-finds?fbclid=IwdGRjcAS6WXhwZG9mA2ZkaWQWUKHRK2I-rVGDkNfsGGv5XRkGW140KmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7GZ0P_-1Idr8cu1rp9BzZwPqGkZq6RcsLtDW3g__j_7rl7VdIPKb1EyVD2lA_aem_D0VU6orOYjEadeRvjxr5Tg

Researchers testing a cheap, homegrown oil in Uganda found what cats knew all along – it worked as well as the artificial chemical used globally

06/30/2026

🇺🇸💥 🧨July 4 is rapidly approaching. If you suspect your horse may be anxious about fireworks, take a few steps to keep your horse calm during the celebrations. Click the link in the comments to learn more.

06/30/2026

🥵The early weather reports for July are indicating that the hot and humid weather is heading our way. So here are a few hot weather safety tips.

👍 Per the American Association of Equine Practitioners: When outside temperature + relative humidity =150 or above, it's hard for a horse to keep cool because their ability to sweat is compromised — especially if the humidity contributes to over half of the 150.

💧 Provide access to plenty of clean water. Check water levels regularly as it's a good way to monitor water intake & refresh the water supply. One may consider providing an additional water bucket containing electrolytes or administering oral electrolytes.

☂️ Make sure horses in turnout have access to shade so they can escape the sun.🌞

💨 Airflow is key for stabled horses. Open doors/ windows and utilize fans whenever possible, but be sure that wires are not causing additional hazards.

🛻 If you need to trailer your horse it is best to do during the cooler parts of the day.

🐎 Try to ride during the coolest hours of the day. If it's unavoidable, keep your mid-day rides short. A horse maintains normal temperature in hot weather by moving heat through the muscles and out through the skin in the form of sweat. Horses that cannot sweat, known as anhydrosis, will usually overheat.

🚿 Post-ride: help your horse cool down quickly by hosing his neck & chest first with cool water. Then hose the whole body, sweat scrape, and hose again.

👁️ Keep an eye out for symptoms of heat stress and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:
-Labored breathing and/or rapid respiratory rate
-Above normal temperature at rest
-Unusual sweating (too much or too little)
-Decreased appetite
Just to name a few.

🐴 Special care should be taken of foals and horses with heavy muscling, excess fat or are in poor condition. In some cases, one might consider clipping horses that still have a long hair coat.

⛑️ Maybe over these next couple of days consider unmounted barn activities such as organizing and restocking your first aid kit. Or double checking you have the required paperwork for the next horse show. Or just being with your horse.

🐎 Simply, be attentive to your equine partner and your own needs during this upcoming heatwave. Be safe!

06/30/2026

How to calculate HEAT INDEX and what it means for horses:

Heatstroke is a potentially deadly condition that can come on suddenly with little warning. Even gentle exercise can increase heat production by 10-20 times over resting values. Working your horse in steamy climates significantly increases your horse's susceptibility to heatstroke, as up to 2/3 of the heat-releasing sweat will roll off your horse's body before it can evaporate and cool the animal.

The following rule of thumb has been devised as a guide. If the sum of the temperature and humidity is:
· Less than 130 — no problem;
· Greater than 150 — use caution when working horses and keep an eye out for signs of heat stress, especially if the humidity is greater than half of the total;
· Greater than 180 — use extreme caution, since normal cooling is almost ineffectual and horses may resort to panting.

Source: https://www.uspolo.org/news-social/news/heat-index-warning-for-horses, courtesy of Dr. Joshua Hall

05/22/2026

Some information on ‘track system’ pastures or ‘pasture paradises’—which is the application of enrichment ideas and distributing resources to better mimic more natural grazing patterns/movement for ‘easy keeper’ breeds.

A simple track system known as “paddock paradise” can be created on small acreage pastures to allow horses space for exercise while protecting your pasture

05/15/2026

6-8 years ago or so, I bought these birdhouses along the roadside for a deal, then decided to use them for pickups and deliveries.

This is the very first year an actual bird decided to move into one! So be warned there is a tree swallow nesting in the brown house!

05/15/2026

Update: Dr Ford is back to full service on scheduling! Including castrations 😉