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Halloween can be an un-intentionally scary time for pets. In fact, veterinarians see many pet injuries that can be avoided this time of year. With all of the shrieks and howls coming our way, we thought it would be a good idea to make sure they are happy ones, in keeping with the fun atmosphere of the holiday. It’s always a good idea to keep aware that the festivities may not be as fun for our pets as it is for the kids, teens and adults.To keep this Halloween from being a real-life nightmare for you and your pet, consider...

Do you look at piles of leaves in your yard with dread because of all the raking you must do? Instead, why not consider the bounty Mother Nature has provided just when you need it most, and use those leaves as free, natural, organic mulch! Before You Mulch Mother Nature may have filled your yard with leaves, but you do still need to do a little work before you can use them as winter mulch. To be effective, leaves must be chopped or shredded first. Large, broad leaves such as maple, oak and elm can become matted and may smother...

Molting is an essential part of chickens’ growth and health, but losing and replacing feathers is also a messy, stressful process. Taking steps to help chickens with molting can minimize the stress and keep your backyard flock happy and healthy.About MoltingAll chickens molt to replace old, broken, and worn out feathers with fresh plumage that will provide better insulation. Young chickens typically have several juvenile molts as they grow to their full size, but won’t begin their regular seasonal molts until they are 12-18 months old. Mature chickens will molt once or twice a year, often with one “soft” molt...

A bountiful garden doesn’t have to be a source of delicious, nutritious food only while it is actively growing and ripening. If you plan how and when to can summer vegetables, you can enjoy all your produce throughout the year.Why Bother Canning?You don’t need a large garden or a commercial-scale operation to make the most of canning. Even if your garden just yields a few jars of your favorite veggies, canning will minimize waste and preserve your harvest, particularly when your garden may be producing more summer vegetables than you can eat right away. This will help save your grocery...

Walking your dog is ideal exercise, reinforces training, and helps you bond with your pet, and summer is a great time for long, rambling walks. If you are walking on hot asphalt and pavement, however, your dog may be getting something you didn’t bargain for – painful burns and blisters. Fortunately, it is easy to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement without giving up summer walks. How Hot is Hot? Quirky demonstrations of frying eggs, baking cookies, or grilling steaks on a sidewalk can be a dramatic way to understand how hot surfaces can get in the summer, but...