Ask the Vet – Blanketing, foals, aloe & more! – February 2019

You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Dan answer 5 viewer questions about how to know if your horse is overblanketed, the difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement, how to make sure your foal is healthy, aloe as a supplement ingredient for a horse with a history of ulcers, preparing a mare for breeding and so much more. Most importantly, though, lots of foals and even baby donkeys!

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Additional reading/watching material mentioned in the video:
Ask the Vet individual topics playlist
Ask the Vet blogs
Horse Health Library videos
Ask the Vet form
Last month’s episode featuring Dr. Andy Kaneps
December’s ATV episode featuring the questions on Strangles
Blog post: How your horse stays warm
Norwegian research study on horses communicating their blanket preferences
SmartGut Ultra® research by Dr. Frank Andrews

Questions answered in this episode:
1. I was wondering if there are common signs that horses display when they are too warm in their blankets? Often people tend to blanket their horse based on perception of how they feel in the current temperatures. I have 2 horses that are ideal weight and moderately thin coats. I realize this may vary for each individual horse.
2. What is the difference between negative and positive reinforcement? I think this could be an interesting topic for your next video.
3. I wonder if SmartPak in general, not specifically “Ask the Vet” could do a ‘foal 101’ video? For example when to do what, i.e. vaccinations, farrier work, wellness of a foal.
4. What are your thoughts on adding aloe as a supplement for horses with a history of ulcers? If not aloe, what do you recommend? My sweet Mimic had them about a year ago and I just want to make sure he continues to heal and stay comfortable. Thank you for all you do!!
5. My horse is a 13-year-old Quarter horse and I’m planning on breeding her in the next couple of years. How do I know if she is ready for breeding? What steps should I take with my vet to get my horse ready?