When we bring a new companion animal into our home, we expect that there will be some adjustments until everyone gets to know each other. But we might not remember that our first new horse may be a new experience for the other four-legged residents of our homes too. Introductions might be necessary, and a careful eye kept on how everyone is getting along. Your smaller pets like rodents and birds won’t be an issue.

But if you keep dogs or cats, or animal companions like goats, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas or llamas, you’ll want to be sure everyone knows how to act around each other, and how to avoid problems.

Dogs

I don’t know many horse lovers that aren’t also dog lovers. Your dog will probably love going out with you when you work around your horse or go riding. If you have an athletic, obedient dog, going along for a trail ride may be a great way to give everyone exercise. Most  horses are quite tolerant of dogs. Some horses will dislike small dogs in particular or a specific dog in your home pack. It will depend on the character of your horse and what has happened in its past. If your horse has been nipped at by a dog, or chased, it might not have a good opinion of the rest of the species.

There are many horses that will chase dogs, and they can be quite serious in their intent, striking out at the dog, or attempting to bite it. A larger dog may be able to scoot out of the way, but a smaller dog may not be quick enough.

Either way, it’s a good idea to make introductions slowly, and make sure that both horse and dog know the rules of good behavior. Of course, there are dogs that can be quite serious about chasing horses. This too, needs to be curbed, and some remedial training can help your dog learn to behave around your horse.

Horse “Treats” And Your Dog

Dogs love hoof trimmings, and your dog may learn to greet the farrier as a good friend. Fresh trimmings may be safe for most dogs to chew. But, bacteria carried on the bottom of the hoof could make your dog sick. If your dog gets dried out hoof trimmings, the hoof material can splinter, leaving sharp edges that could cause big problems if swallowed. If your horse is shod, there’s a possibility of nail fragments staying in the hoof trimmings and that’s not something you want your dog to eat either.

Another danger for some dogs is the presence of ivermectin and other drugs on the bottom of your horses hooves. For a highly sensitive dog, there may be enough of the drug to cause a reaction. As yummy as your dog thinks hoof trimmings are, it’s probably best to sweep up carefully, and throw all the hoof shavings and trimmings in the trash where the dog can’t get them, rather than in the manure pile where they could be dug up, having become extra yummy.

Lots of dogs love, truly love to eat horse manure. You might find this repugnant, but it’s pretty normal dog behavior. There are a few problems that can occur if your dog eats horse buns though. A minor problem might occur when the dog decides to sick-up the manure snack on your living room carpet. or if you have a small dog, on your bed or sofa.

Bigger problems, that might result in a very sick dog and a visit to the vet, can happen if your dog gorges itself on manure and becomes badly constipated or there are drugs present in the manure. A badly constipated dog can become impacted, and that can have deadly consequences. If you suspect that your dog is constipated, don’t wait too long before calling the vet. And again, ivermectin and other equine drugs present in the manure can cause life threatening illness in a dog. Some breeds, or individual dogs can be more sensitive to ivermectin than others. Discourage your dog from eating horse manure, especially when any sort of medication is given to the horse.

Cats

Cats are a common barn companion animal, and they’re a great ally in preventing rodent infestation. Most cats and horses will be disinterested in each other. But some horses can be cruel to cats, or be entertained by them. It will depend on the individual character of the horse. Cats can put themselves in danger because they like to walk along stall walls and fences, where they are in easy reach of a cranky horse.

Goats, Cattle and Other Animal Companions

Goats, swine and cattle may get along fine with horses, and provide valuable companionship to a horse. Some horses will chase goats and cattle. Cattle and goats, and sometimes swine can chew horses tails, leaving the owner wondering who gave the horse an odd tail trimming. When introducing these animals to each other, be sure that everyone is getting along before you leave them alone. Some, like a pot-bellied pig, will not be fast enough to get out of harm’s way if it should be chased. Alpacas and llamas are sometimes kept with horses, and are usually smart and fast enough to co-exist. Watch for antagonism from any of the pasture mates, and be sure to keep all animals safe.