PVDR: EARS
Education, Advocacy, Resources, and Support
Latest Articles
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New World Screwworm: What All Animal Owners Need to Know Right Now
New World Screwworm: What All Animal Owners Need to Know Right Now There are some threats that arrive like thunder. Others arrive like a single fly at the fence line. The New World Screwworm is the second kind, and it deserves serious attention. Recent reports confirm a New World screwworm case in Nuevo León, Mexico,
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Training Doesn’t End at Adoption: Why Your Donkey Needs You to Keep Going
Bringing your donkey home is a little like bringing home a well-read book with abookmark still tucked inside. The story isn’t finished… you’ve just turned the page.At Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, our donkeys leave us with a strong foundation.They know how to be haltered, led, stand tied, and pick up all four feet. They’ve learnedto
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Parasite Prevention in Donkeys
An Educational Guide from PVDR EARS Caring for a donkey means caring for what you can see… and what you can’t. Parasites, both internal and external, are a natural part of the equine world. Left unmanaged, they can quietly impact a donkey’s weight, coat condition, comfort, and overall health. With thoughtful prevention, routine monitoring, and
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EHV-1 and PVDR
Have you heard of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1(EHV-1)? On November 19, 2025, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDoA) issued an alert to equine owners regarding an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) in Texas, which was reported by veterinarians following the Word Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco, Texas. In the wake of this
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Winter Nutrition & Hydration: Helping Your Donkeys Thrive Through the Cold Months
As winter settles in and the pastures turn quiet, donkey owners often wonder how to best support their animals through the colder season. Donkeys are desert-evolved creatures, built for dry climates and steady forage, so winter brings unique challenges to their health and comfort. With the right nutrition and thoughtful hydration practices, your donkeys can
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The Truth About Wild Donkey Birth Control
Why Fertility Control Alone Can’t Solve the Overpopulation Crisis A message from Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue and the Wild Burro Project At Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR), we are proud to lead the Wild Burro Project, managing and capturing wild donkeys across 5.5 million acres in Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, NASA Goldstone, US Army Fort Irwin, multiple
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Can Donkeys Get Sand Colic?
Yes, sand colic can affect all equines including donkeys, horses, ponies, mules and other hybrids. But for the purpose of this article, we are just talking about donkeys and some of their special considerations. Sand colic, also known as sand impaction, is a condition where donkeys develop an accumulation of sand or other particulate matter
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The Truth About Donkeys as Livestock Guardians
We are often asked why we don’t allow our donkeys to be adopted as livestock guardians. The quick answer is that many of the donkeys that come into our rescue were livestock guardians that failed at their job and suffered long term neglect as a result. The long answer about WHY most donkeys fail as
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The Equine and Large Animal Veterinarian Shortage is Reaching Crisis Levels
The veterinary industry has been stretched thin over the last several years, especially the large animal and equine industry. Fewer and fewer veterinary students are entering the equine field after vet school, and of the few that do, half leave within the first 5 years to go into companion animal practice. With older vets retiring,
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Top 12 Donkey New Year’s Resolutions
January 2024 3500 donkeys were polled and here are their top 12 New Year’s Resolutions: January – Find a donkey friend … or two or three The thing your donkey wants most (even more than treats) is a donkey friend! While a horse, mule or pony will keep your donkey company and serve some of
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The Importance of Donkey Dentals
February is national Dental Month, so what better time to talk about the importance of equine dentals. And, yes .. even donkeys need dentals! Dental care for donkeys is just as critical as it is for horses, yet it often receives less attention. Donkeys have a distinct dental anatomy characterized by hypsodont (continuously growing)
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The Importance of a Donkey’s Diet to their Overall Health and Wellbeing
Donkeys, often referred to as the “forgotten equine,” are hard-working, gentle animals that have been a part of human history for thousands of years. Originating in Africa, their contribution to various tasks, such as carrying heavy loads and providing companionship, makes them invaluable. As with any animal, ensuring the health and well-being of donkeys is
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Donkey Vaccines: Ensuring the Health and Well-being of Your Long Eared Companions
As the seasons change and warmer weather approaches, it’s important to start thinking about your donkey’s health and well-being. One of the key components of a donkey’s healthcare regimen is vaccinations. Vaccines are essential to protect your donkey from a variety of diseases, some of which can be life-threatening and fatal. One of the most
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Donkey Hoof Care: Preventing Thrush, Whiteline, Abscesses, and Other Issues
As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but for equine owners, spring showers can also bring a host of hoof issues. May is National Farriers Month, making it the perfect time to focus on proactive hoof care to prevent common problems like thrush, whiteline disease, and abscesses. By taking some simple steps and
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Everything Hay Guide for Donkeys
As donkey owners, hay is a critical component of your donkey’s diet. However, choosing the right type of hay, understanding hay quality, and sourcing hay can be complex and overwhelming. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about hay for donkeys, including different types of hay, hay quality,
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What Do You Do With Donkeys?
This is one of the top questions we get asked by people .. what do you do with donkeys? What can donkeys do besides look pretty in the pasture? Pretty much anything a dog can do and more is our usual answer. Donkeys are affectionate, curious, and enjoy interacting with humans. Take them for a
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The Reality of Donkeys Housed With Other Livestock
While Disney movies often paint the perfect, picturesque image of farm animals all living together in perfect harmony, the reality is very different. Ask any experienced farmer and they will tell you all the reasons they house different species separately. We are often asked why we don’t recommend housing donkeys with other livestock. The quick
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Donkey First Aid and Emergency Care: A Beginners Guide
Donkeys, known for their resilience and adaptability, are valuable companions and workers in many parts of the world. However, like any animal, they are susceptible to injuries and health issues that require prompt attention. Understanding basic first aid and emergency care for donkeys is crucial to ensuring their well-being and swift recovery from injuries or
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Housing Donkeys and Horses Together: A Comprehensive Guide
Housing donkeys and horses together can be a harmonious arrangement, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the needs, behaviors, and characteristics of both animals. While donkeys and horses share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that can impact their cohabitation. This article will explore the key considerations for successfully housing these two
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Disaster Planning for Donkey Owners
As a donkey owner, ensuring the safety and well-being of your animals during a disaster is paramount. Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and even man-made emergencies can strike without warning, leaving little time to react. Having a well-thought-out disaster plan tailored to the unique needs of donkeys can be the difference between life
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The Cause for Castrating Jack Donkeys
Donkeys have been essential companions to humans for centuries, known for their strength, endurance, and calm demeanor. While they are often considered more docile than horses, intact male donkeys, known as jacks, can exhibit behaviors that pose challenges for donkey owners. In most cases, the castration of jack donkeys is recommended to manage behavior, improve
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Worming Donkeys
Worming, or deworming, is an essential aspect of donkey healthcare that helps to prevent and control parasite infections. These infections can cause a variety of health issues, from mild irritation to severe gastrointestinal problems and malnutrition. For new equine owners, understanding the when, why, and how of worming donkeys is vital to ensure their animals
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Preventative Donkey Care: Preparing for Winter
As temperatures drop and winter approaches, it’s essential for donkey owners and adopters to shift their focus to preventative care. Proper preparation and maintenance can ensure your donkeys remain healthy, happy, and comfortable throughout the colder months. Donkeys are resilient animals, but they have unique needs that must be met to withstand harsh weather. Here,
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The Complete Guide to Blanketing Donkeys: When, Why, and How to Do It Right
Donkeys are resilient animals, adapted to arid climates and capable of withstanding harsh conditions. However, when it comes to cold, wet, or windy weather, donkeys—especially those in regions where winter brings significant challenges—may benefit from extra protection in the form of a blanket. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of blanketing donkeys, addressing when it
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Why Donkeys Need to Live with Other Donkeys
Donkeys, often misunderstood and underappreciated, are unique creatures with specific physical, emotional, and social needs. While they are sometimes thought of as solitary or easygoing enough to thrive in any situation, donkeys are, in fact, highly social animals that require the companionship of their own kind to lead happy and healthy lives. At Peaceful Valley
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The Importance of Shelter and Appropriate Fencing for Donkeys
Donkeys are intelligent, social, and hardy animals that have served humanity for centuries. From agricultural work to companionship, donkeys play a significant role in many lives. However, owning donkeys comes with responsibilities that ensure their health and well-being. Two of the most crucial aspects of donkey care are providing adequate shelter and proper fencing. Understanding
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The Pros and Cons of Clipping Donkeys’ Coats
Donkeys, unlike horses, have a unique coat that provides essential insulation and protection in various weather conditions. Their thick, coarse hair serves as a natural defense against cold, rain, and sun exposure. However, many donkey owners debate whether or not to clip their donkeys’ coats, especially in warmer months or when dealing with health concerns.
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Finding the Right Vet and Farrier for Your Donkey
Introductio Caring for a donkey goes beyond providing food, water, and shelter. Proper hoof care and veterinary support are crucial to ensuring your donkey’s long-term health and well-being. However, finding an equine-experienced veterinarian and a competent farrier with donkey expertise can be challenging. Donkeys have unique health and hoof care needs that differ from horses,
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What Happens to Donkeys When Their Donkey Companion Dies?
Donkeys are highly social animals that form strong bonds with their companions. Whether living in a domestic setting or in the wild, these bonds provide emotional security, companionship, and even a sense of purpose. When a donkey loses a companion, the impact can be profound, often leading to noticeable changes in behavior, emotional distress, and
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Donkeys and Colic: Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment
As a donkey owner, it is crucial to understand the risks that come with caring for these unique animals, and one of the most serious conditions you may encounter is colic. Colic refers to any type of abdominal pain that a donkey might experience, and while it is not a disease in itself, it can
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Managing a Fat Donkey: A Guide to Safe Weight Loss and Healthy Living
Donkeys are highly efficient animals when it comes to utilizing food, which makes them naturally prone to weight gain, especially in environments where food is plentiful. While their hardy metabolism helps them survive in harsh, arid environments, it becomes a challenge when they are kept in domesticated settings with abundant hay, grass, and treats. An
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The Pros and Cons of Miniature, Standard, and Mammoth Donkeys
Donkeys come in a variety of sizes, each with its own unique characteristics and roles. At Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, we frequently educate the public about the differences between the three primary sizes of donkeys: miniature, standard, and mammoth. Each size category has specific advantages and disadvantages that potential owners or caretakers should consider to
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Understanding Founder and Laminitis in Donkeys: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
As donkey owners, it’s essential to stay informed about common health issues that can affect your donkeys. Among these, founder and laminitis are two conditions that can have serious consequences for donkeys if not managed properly. While they are often used interchangeably, these two terms refer to slightly different conditions that both involve inflammation of
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Caring for Senior Donkeys: A Comprehensive Guide for Donkey Owners
Donkeys, much like any other animal, go through different stages in life, and their needs evolve as they age. As a donkey approaches senior years, typically considered to be around 15 years and older, it’s essential for owners to adapt their care routines to ensure their donkeys remain happy, healthy, and comfortable. While donkeys are
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The Importance of Continued Training
Training Doesn’t End at Adoption: Why Your Donkey Needs You to Keep Going Bringing your donkey home is a little like bringing home a well-read book with a bookmark still tucked inside. The story isn’t finished… you’ve just turned the page. At Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, our donkeys leave us with a strong foundation. They
