Are winter blankets necessary for domestic horses with thick coats?

Horses need shoes if their hooves have a problem or need protecting (like founder or white line disease). If the horse is doing a lot of showing, racing or work where there is a lot of rocks/uneven footing then shoes would also be indicated. If a horse is just out in the pasture and gets ridden only lightly or intermittently then shoes are not likely necessary. If you are worried about your horse's feet in particular then I suggest you consult with your vet and/or farrier to see what they think about your specific horse's needs. Hope this helps.

Woolen blankets can cause drying of the haircoat and subsequent pulling out of the hairs, but not always. If this is what he prefers you can try it out and see how things go. If it does cause some hair and skin issues, then I would stick with the softer bedding if possible. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Take care.

Offer to help with the rehoming process. He shoud have some kind of shelter or shade or at least some trees he can shelter in to avoid the worst of the wind. You can check with our local animal control for the regulations about the reuirements for horses in your area to see what he should have. Even a lean-to structure with a wall to block the prevailing wind would be helpful. If he is getting his regular vet visits and vaccinations and the vet feels he is healthy, he may be adapted to his environment, but I still agree with you that he at least needs some kind of shelter from the weather. If there is another pasture or paddock he can be moved to that offers better shelter, suggest he be moved.

Your mule may be suffering from Cushing's disease. Your veterinarian can easily diagnose or rule this out with a blood test. If your mule does have Cushing's disease, it will need medication to feel much better. Apart from that, if a horse or mule does not lose its winter coat by May, you need to clip it, as it will be too hot in summer, especially in the southwest.

This is wonderful of you to do for the homeless. I would buy your dog a coat to wear when it's cold. You can get one at a pet store. Also bring plenty of blankets for him, and a soft dog bed so he does not sleep on the hard ground.

I would get them doggie sweaters! This will help keep them warm both inside and outside the house. They can wear the sweaters indoors, and you can also get thick doggie coats for them to wear outside. Pet stores will carry these, and some of the stuff they have is really cute. I'd buy those for your dogs. I hope this helps!

Batman is cute!!!! I would recommend a coat for sure when he goes outside. If he is going outside for longer then 10 minutes, I would also recommend boots (if he will wear them). These little ones lose body heat quickly. Thank you for using Pet Coach!