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Licking is one way a dog senses its world, and occasional licking is perfectly normal behavior and nothing to be concerned about. When your dog licks excessively, however, it can be an indication of underlying problems, or the licking itself could cause problems and injuries. Understanding why your dog licks can help you identify any potential difficulties and redirect your dog’s behavior. How Much Licking Is Too Much? Licking is normal behavior for a dog to groom itself, express affection, and taste objects, and some casual licking can be comforting and soothing to the animal. Too much licking, however, is...

Cattle may seem hardy, but newborn calves can be weak and delicate, and proper care in the first few hours of their lives will greatly improve survival rates and the overall health of newborns. 5 Essential Steps in Newborn Calf Care Calving season can be hectic, with cows giving birth at all hours of the day and night, often in adverse conditions or inconvenient locations. These five key steps will help protect newborn calves, improving their chances of survival and helping them take strong steps into their new lives. Keep WarmCalves are highly susceptible to chills and hypothermia, particularly right...

As daylight lengthens and temperatures warm, gardeners are always eager to get right into spring planting. If you look past the first flush of spring, however, you can take easy steps early in the season to give your garden a great summer. 10 Spring Steps for a Great Summer Garden It doesn’t matter how large your garden may be, whether you plant in containers, raised beds, small plots, or longer rows, or whether you grow vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs. These simple steps can help you prepare your garden in spring so the summer growing season will be easier, healthier,...

Spring is a favorite season for many gardeners, and performing the proper tasks from late winter through late spring can help you enjoy a productive, bountiful growing season. In late winter… When a few warm days arrive late in winter, it's time to start thinking about spring gardening. As snow begins melting, the following tasks should be on every gardener's to-do list… Planning garden beds, including any new beds or plantings. This includes adjusting beds for space as needed and deciding which plants will work well together. Cleaning out any remaining plant debris from the previous year, including removing winter...

Raising free range chickens can be a challenge, but it can be well worthwhile for a more robust, healthier, more productive flock. But what makes free range chickens so desirable, and what special needs do they have for their care? What Free Range Means When chickens or other livestock are “free range” they are allowed to roam at will, with free access to outdoor areas and fewer restrictions on their overall movements and habitat. These animals are not restricted to a small coop, barn, or pen, but instead have a much larger, more enriching space to explore. There is a...