Oftentimes the people who suffer the most from Wars are the hero's who fight it for us. In most cases these heroes return home to the USA scarred for life by their war experiences, with some suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Whilst counseling and rehabilitation services are offered to these Vets, they do not always help.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

When Dave Sharpe returned home from Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq, he found himself struggling to deal with ordinary, everyday life because he was suffering from PTSD.

"I found myself waking up in the middle of the night, punching holes in walls, kicking and beating the refrigerator door," he said.

Sharpe accompanied a friend to a local pit bull rescue where he adopted a homeless pit bull puppy named Cheyenne. Together they were able to heal each other and the next time when Sharpe thought of punching the wall, he only had to look at Cheyenne to stop.

"I saw this puppy, cocking her head, looking up at me, like, what are you doing?"

It was then Sharpe realized that Cheyenne not only relied upon him to take care of her, but that she was also there to take care of him.

"I froze, I put down my drink, I picked her up and lay with her in my bed. I cried and I told her the whole story. I didn't feel judged;" he said.

Puppy Inspiration

Sharpe felt so inspired by how his dog, Cheyenne, helped him cope that he set out to start Pets2Vets, an non-profit organization that helps connect war veterans with homeless pets through adoption arrangements of shelter cats and dogs.

According to the PetsVets website, their mission is to:

To pair homeless pets with combat veterans, law enforcement/emergency personnel, and those affected by PTSD in order to:

* Help our nation's heroes and their families with rehabilitation through pet therapy

* Save sheltered pets from being euthanized by providing them with homes

* Raise public awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Pets2Vet's Vision

A major objective of Pets2Vets is to help increase awareness of post traumatic stress disorder in returning war heroes. In fact, the US Army conducted a study recently in which they determined that one out of every eight soldiers returning from Iraq, had symptoms of PTSD.

Even though there a few private and governmental groups that are set up to help provide war veterans with service dogs, patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury or who have been diagnosed with PTSD, do not qualify for these programs.

Sadly, even if they did qualify, most veterans are afraid to apply due to the public stigma attached to such psychological issues.

Making the Pet Connection

In order to create the perfect pet connection, war veterans, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officer and their families are taken to their local animal shelter or rescue to be matched with a suitable pet

Once matched, a bonding process begins which enables the vets to spend quality time forging friendships with their chosen pet at the animal shelter or rescue. After which Pets2Vets will aide in transporting the new pet back to the vet's home anywhere in the USA.

Pets2Vets also purchases a starter kit for the new pet which includes bowls, collar, leash and a crate.

Any veteran from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or family members who are survived by a veteran may apply to Pets2Vets.

Also any firefighter, law enforcement officer, first responder, as well as the families of 9/11 may take part in Pets2Vets.

Furthermore, Pets2Vets works alongside vets who are inpatients in a hospital or rehabilitation program. Pets2Vets assists in matching a veteran with a pet at a local shelter and then transports the vet to the shelter to visit their new pet during their rehabilitation.

Photo Credit: Beverly & Pack

The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has compiled a list of the top 10 pet poisons for which they handled more than 140,000 cases in 2009.

1. People Medication

Medication that has been prescribed for people has long been number one on the ASPCA's list of pet poisoning cases. In fact, in 2009 alone, the ASPCA handled 45,816 calls related to pets who have ingested prescription medication as well as over-the-counter drugs, like painkillers and dietary supplements.

Be sure to keep all pill bottles safety contained inside a cabinet and out of your pet's reach.

2. Insecticides

Creepy crawly insects often invade our homes and most people quickly turn to insecticides to eliminate them. However, these insecticides can be harmful, and sometimes lethal, to our pets. Last year ASPCA's toxicologists received 29,020 calls that were directly related to insecticides. Most of which were concerning flea and tick products that were applied incorrectly.

3. People Food

Roughly 17,450 cases were reported to the ASPCA in 2009, in which cats, dogs and other pets ate harmful people food. The most harmful foods include raisins, grapes, avocado, chocolate and xylitol containing gum.

4. Poisonous Plants

A lot of the most common house plants were the cause of 7,858 panicked calls to APCC during 2009. These common plants include lilies, azalea's, rhododendron's, and sago palm's. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can lead to kidney failure.

5. Pet Medications

Over-eager pet owners who misapplied or incorrectly administered medications that were prescribed for their pets caused over 7,680 calls to the ASCPA last year. Always read the instructions on your pet's medications carefully to avoid overdosing.

6. Rodenticides

Many homes receive unwanted visitors in the form of mice and rats. Unfortunately, one of the ways in which people choose to rid their homes of these unwanted visitors is by laying out rat and mice poison. Sadly, 6,639 calls were handled by ASPCA in 2009, concerning pets that had accidentally swallowed these poisons. This is because most of the attractants that entice rats and mice are also attractive to pets as well.

Also, pets that catch or eat poisoned rodents will also be ingesting the poison as well.

7. Household Cleaners

Bleaches, disinfectants and some detergents can be quite toxic to pets and actually resulted in 4,143 calls to the ASCPA in 2009. Most of these calls involved pets who either inhaled or ingested these household cleaners. Cats that walk across a recently mopped floor which has been treated with a harmful cleaner and then licked their paws, stand the risk of accidentally ingesting the cleaner.

8. Metals

Over 3,300 calls made to the ASCPA in 2009, involved pets being poisoned by heavy metals, like zinc, lead and mercury. Of these, lead is the most harmful. Ingesting lead paint chips and linoleum, as well as inhaling lead-filled dust are the most common ways in which a pet can be poisoned by lead.

9. Fertilizer

There are specific fertilizers that, when ingested, can poison pets. These fertilizers can cause acute gastric upset and even gastrointestinal obstruction and were behind 2,329 calls received by the ASPCA in 2009.

10. Hazardous Chemicals

Exposure to hazardous chemicals resulted in 2,127 cases of pet poisoning reported to the ASPCA last year. These harmful chemicals are commonly found in drain cleaners, pool cleaners, and antifreeze and when ingested can lead to respiratory difficulties, gastrointestinal upset, depression and even chemical burns.

Remember prevention is always better than a cure, so keep a watchful eye on your pet and at the first sign of illness take them to your veterinarian. If you have reason to believe that your cat or dog has been exposed to any harmful substances or has ingested them, you should immediately call the Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435 or call your veterinarian.

Photo Credit: madmolecule

There are many diseases and ailments that dogs share with their human owners; one of those being Arthritis. Unfortunately, dogs suffer more from arthritis than people do.

Disorder

Arthritis is deemed to be a degenerative joint disease that corrodes the soft joint cartilage, which causes the surfaces of the bare bones to rub together. The long term affects of arthritis is the continual disintegration of the joints, which in turn causes tremendous pain as well as impaired mobility.

Roughly 20% of all dogs will be affected by arthritis; and it is neither breed nor age specific. However there are certain risk factors that should be taken into account in assessing whether or not your dog may have or may be prone to arthritis.

Arthritis Risk Factors

According to the leading veterinarians at the Novartis Animal Health organization, there are 5 specific risk factors to look out for:

* Obese Dogs

Veterinary studies have demonstrated that dogs that are obese are more likely to develop osteoarthritis nearly 3 years earlier than dogs that are of normal weight.

* Genetic predisposition

Some dog breeds are simply more prone to arthritis based on their genetic DNA. This is not to say, however, that they will be affected by arthritis, but that their chances are up to 70% higher because of their breed, which include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

* Joint deformities

Some poor pups are born with joint deformities that can lead to arthritis when they get to their senior years. On the hand, certain joint conditions, like canine hip dysplasia, can add unnecessary strain and harmful strain on a dog's joints. This excess strain can increase a dog's chances of developing osteoarthritis in the future.

*Joint trauma

Sadly, there are many different types of injuries that dogs can sustain that can lead eventually to arthritis. The most common injury is one that has been sustained as a result of being hit by a car. In fact any injury in which there has been any damage to a dog's bones, tissues or ligaments will increase their chances of contracting arthritis later on in their life.

You should also be aware that dogs who are extremely active or partake in agility training or who are considered to be working dogs, are also at a higher risk of developing arthritis due to the excess pressure and strain on the joints.

* Infection

Lyme Disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, as well as several other types of viral, fungal and bacterial infections can quickly create the perfect conditions by which a dog's joints will succumb to the degenerating affects of arthritis.

Arthritis In Your Dog

The easiest way to determine whether or not your dog has contracted arthritis is by paying special attention to your dog. Dogs that were once very active may start to slow down. They will also have trouble lying down or standing up. Arthritic dogs will likely refuse to go up or down stairs and may also appear to be quite lame as well. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, you can bet that he is suffering from severe joint pain.

Arthritis Treatment

Be sure to take your dog to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. A good vet will be able to determine how much pain, if any, that your dog is in and will also offer various suggestions on medical and surgical treatments.

In most cases simply altering your dog's diet and exercise regime, along with taking anti-inflammatory pain control medications, can cause a major improvement.

Some vets also recommend that the pet owner use natural remedies to help support strong healthy joints in their dogs. A great one to use is "Old Timer", an holistic herbal tonic that works to reduce joint inflammation.

Old Timer contains herbs that have powerful restorative properties to help your dog feel stronger quicker.

Photo Credit: chaps1chaps1

The ethics of good nutrition doesn't stop with your dinner plate; it extends to your cat's food dish as well.

These days, cats require a diet that is specifically tailored to their unique needs and to accomplish that cat owners are turning to 'natural' cat food. But how natural is 'natural'? Do you know what to look for when choosing a natural cat food for your kitty?

Cat Food Regulation

It should come as no surprise that all pet food is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This regulation prohibits pet food companies from making false claims on pet food labels about the quality of the food, such as not claiming to be 'Organic' or 'Natural' if they aren't.

The AAFCO states that the term 'natural' means:

"... derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources ... not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices."

In order to fully comply with AAFCO's guidelines that state a pet food must be "complete and balanced", the majority of commercially prepared cat and dog food do contain synthetic sources of essential vitamins and minerals.

However, there are many benefits to feeding your cat a natural food, such as reducing the risk of intestinal tract infections and diseases of the bowel. Unlike commercial cat food, natural cat food does not contain any preservatives, additives, food stabilizers, wheat or other contradictory ingredients that are frequently found in canned, wet cat food that have been proven to lead to digestive upsets in cats.

Furthermore, cats that are fed a natural diet usually have a more shinier and manageable coat; not to mention the fact that they are also more active and alert. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that cats on such natural diets also live longer and healthier lives than their commercially fed counterparts.

What Natural Ingredients Should You Look For?

*No Artificial Colors, Flavors or Preservatives

"Natural" cat foods should not contain any synthetic fillers, artificial colors/flavors nor any man-made preservatives. However, naturally occurring flavors, colors and preservatives are to be expected, such as vitamin E and tocopherols.

*Byproducts

Whilst most byproducts are detrimental to your cat's long term health, most plant and meat-based byproducts actually fall under the definition of "natural" as specified by the AAFCO.

*Protein

The first ingredient in any cat food should state the source of the protein, i.e. meat, fish or poultry. Being carnivores by nature, in order to survive in the wild, cats have to eat the tissue of other animals. This translates into commercial cat food as well.

*Grains

Some cats develop severe allergies caused by excess grains in their food. Most times, a cat's owner is not even aware that their cat has an allergy which is being caused by their food. Some examples of these allergies include dandruff, dull coat and constant itching. There are, however, natural sources of carbohydrates that help to keep a cat's energy levels high throughout the day, such as whole grain barley and potatoes.

*Fruits and Vegetables

Even though your cat's natural food may claim to have fruits and vegetables in the ingredients list, you have no way of knowing whether or not they were genetically grown. That said look for peas and spinach to provide vitamin E and antioxidants, to build your cat's immunity.

To take the guesswork out of choosing and feeding a natural food to your cat, you can opt for ready-made, holistically natural foods, such as Prowl Cat Food, an all-natural dehydrated raw cat food which is prepared by adding warm water.

Prowl Cat Food is guaranteed to be 100% human grade food that does not contain any grains, by-products, chemical preservatives, or artificial colors/flavors. The first few ingredient listed are USDA chicken, eggs, potatoes, yams, and spinach.

Photo Credit:JSomeone1

In light of the recent over-the-counter medications recall, a nationwide hotline for poisoned pets has listed commonly used people medications that are poisonous to pets.

Accidental overdose from people medications, account for the majority of calls that are received by the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline.

In most situations, a pet has either chewed through a pill bottle, or their well-meaning owners have attempted to give their pets' human medication.

If you ever find yourself in such a situation with your pet, you are advised to immediately contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680 for assistance.

A representative of the Pet Poison Hotline, Dr Justine Lee, states:

"It is important to note that while a medication may be safe for children, it may not be safe for animals. Pets metabolize medications very differently from people. Even seemingly benign over-the-counter or herbal medications may cause serious poisoning in pets."

The most poisonous medications for pets are:

*Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories NSAIDs (Motrin, Advil) - Just one or two can cause ulcers and kidney failure in pets

*Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - One pill can cause liver failure in dogs; in cats it wreaks havoc on their red blood cells, preventing the flow of oxygen causing them to literally suffocate quickly. An antidote MUST be administered by a veterinarian in order to save your pet's life.

*Anti-depressants (Prozac, Cymbalta) - Even though these drugs are sometimes prescribed for high-strung pets, an accidental overdose can cause seizures and tremors

*Prescription sleeping pills (Ambien, Xanax)

* ADD/ADHD medications (Ritalin)

*Birth control pills

*Cholesterol lowering agents (Lipitor, Crestor)

Remember: Pets should never be given any human medication before talking with your veterinarian first.

Cats, dogs and other pets have a very unique physiology than people. What may work for us does not mean that it will also work for our pets.

On the other hand, not every human medication is bad for pets. Most veterinary medicines do have a human counterpart. The difference lies in the dosage. For example, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a human medication that can be safely used in pets. However, the dosage for cats and dogs is 1-2mg per pound; this means that a dog weighing about 50lbs needs a dosage of 50-100mg! Try taking that amount and see how what happens!

Other human medications safe for pets are:

*Buffered Aspirin (Bufferin)

This can be given to treat inflammation, fever and pain in dogs. The dosage for dogs is 5-12.5mg per pound every 12 hours, i.e. a regular 325mg tablet is safe for a 50-60lb dog. It is not advisable to give this to cats as the amount they need is much lower and at frequent dosage intervals. Side effects consist of an upset stomach and decreased blood clotting.

*Kaolin/Pectin (Kaopectate)

Primarily used to treat diarrhea, it is safe for both cats and dogs, with the dosage being 0.5-1 mg per pound every 4-6 hours. However, avoid brands containing salicylates, as these are extremely harmful to cats. The major side effect is constipation.

Given that the original formula is sometimes hard to find, it is best to have a bottle of Feline Plantaeris on hand for your cat instead. It is an herbal formulation that works to regulate your cat's intestinal functions, whilst simultaneously boosting their immune system.

*Chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor, Chlor-Trimeton)

For those pets suffering from sinus allergies, this is a good antihistamine. The recommended dosage is half to one tablet every 12 hours for cats and 1-2 tablets every 8-12 hours for dogs, with a maximum dosage of 0.25 mg per pound for dogs. Drowsiness is a common side effect.

The herbal equivalent is Feline Stimmune and Canine Stimmune, which helps treat a pet's allergies by stimulating their immune system. Unlike Chlorpheniramine, Stimmune has NO side effects and is safe for long-term use.

Keep in mind that for almost every medication, there is an herbal equivalent that is much safer for pets!

Photo Credit: Amanda M Hatfield

The earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010 destroyed large portions of this Island country.

The entire country is now in complete shambles without adequate food, water, shelter nor medical supplies. The communication systems are barely working and ongoing rescue efforts to save those who are buried under rubble is grim. Security measures are still being put in place in order to protect those who are arriving to aid the victims of this current disaster.

Many animal lovers who do not understand the dire circumstances that currently exist in Haiti may be criticizing animal welfare groups for not being quicker to respond to the animals who are also presently suffering in Haiti. While it may seem that nothing is being done to help these unfortunate pets, there is actually a relief effort underway. Specially trained 'sniffer' dogs have been recruited from around the globe, to aid in rescuing both people and their pets.

One of the first countries to respond was the USA, sending two search and rescue teams consisting of 72 members and their dogs. Other organizations in America that train search and rescue dogs have also sent six other dog and handler teams to Haiti.

The Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations also dispatched their own team consisting of 6 search and rescue handlers and their dogs: a German Shepherd, 2 Golden Retrievers and 3 Labradors.

Search and rescue dog teams from France, Peru, China, Taiwan, Mexico and Britain have also arrived in Haiti ready to get started with their rescue attempts.

As of now, access to Haiti remains limited and will continue to be limited until the human relief effort is well established and maintained. The necessity of doing so should be obvious and understandable to all. While there is much concern for the welfare of the animals suffering from this disaster, some type of order must be restored before any efforts for animal rescue can hope to be met with any kind of lasting success.

That does not mean that nothing is being done to help the pets of Haiti at the moment. The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) has been formed which consists of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, the International Fund of Animal Welfare and the American Humane Society all working in conjunction with as many other animal welfare groups as possible.

ARCH has already begun setting up a mobile unit that was donated to them by the Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society, and this group is taking donations from the international public to help purchase medical supplies and food to help meet the needs of the many displaced animals in Haiti. This coalition has been working furiously so that as soon as they are given the go ahead, they can move the mobile unit into Haiti and begin their rescue efforts.

Those wishing to help can donate money to help this animal organization to purchase badly needed supplies. Having supplies such as pet food, veterinary medicine, and crates, ready and available when the relief efforts begin, will allow ARCH to concentrate solely on the needs of each individual animal once they are allowed access around the country.

Whilst they are awaiting the start of these efforts ARCH is encouraging veterinarians and other animal welfare groups to join with them and commit to the effort of saving the pets of Haiti.

Canada, Venezuela, Spain, Germany and Iceland, amongst other countries, have all promised to send their own search and rescue dog teams, food and supplies.

If you would like to help the people and pets of Haiti you can send donations via your cell phone to The American Red Cross. Simply text the word 'HAITI' to 90999 to donate $10, or you can make a donation of any amount over the telephone by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575.


Photo Credit:United Nations Development Programme

Yes, you read that right. Cat lovers in Hong Kong are asking their government to build a park specifically for the use of their beloved cats. The feline lovers state that it is high time that Hong Kong builds its first cat park to accommodate Hong Kong's 330,000 feline residents.

United Feline Odyssey

Many organizations are becoming publicly involved in this debate, with some stating that cats could never actually appreciate their own park, whilst others are defiantly stating that cats, like dogs, need an outlet for safe play and exercise with other felines.

One such organization is Hong Kong's United Feline Odyssey. The pressure group organized a rally at the Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill, Hong Kong. In attendance to show their support were more than 30 pet lovers and their excited felines.

Cheung Kei, the president of the United Feline Odyssey explained that the biggest threat to his group's success was from people who did not believe that cats needed outdoor activity. However, Cheung Kei, and his group, wants Hong Kong's citizens to know that cats have an equal right to a park of their own and that many people in Hong Kong approve of such a park.

"We have received many complaints from Hong Kong cat owners saying there are no public places for their pets. They can only stay at home, which is affecting their health and physical development," Cheung explained.

Plans for the Cat Park

Chung Kong-mo, district councilor for the Yau Tsim Mong neighborhood, is one of the key players in the 'Cat Park Debate'. Interestingly, Chung successfully fought for the region’s very first dog park in May of 2008.

"Before we go any further, we need to gauge the atmosphere about this idea and get support and opinions from the public. Then we will officially discuss it with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department," said Chung.

So far, the preliminary plan for the cat park is to adapt a part of a dog park, which is already in use, at Ferry Street in Yau Ma Tei, into a recreational area for cats. According to Chung this area would include a variety of equipment and activities suitable for cats to use.

In fact, Chung is so confident that the cat park will be a huge success amongst Hong Kong's citizens that he believes that shopping malls as well as private residential areas will quickly become involved in the creation and support of a cat park.

"Having a cat park may be a selling point to attract shoppers and new households," stated Chung.

The Cat Park Site

In Hong Kong's Plaza Hollywood, an area of roughly 1,000 square feet was tested out as a possible site for the cat park. This site included a tunnel, fence and ladder for the resident cats to climb and play on.

Whilst the tested site in Plaza Hollywood was quite large, Cheung Kei of United Feline Odyssey, believes that an area of a few hundred square feet would be more than adequate for a permanent site for the cat park as the design and necessary materials and fixtures were simple to build.

"Setting up one 'cat park' would not cost much money, so we're here to urge the government to show some concern for the creatures," she explained.

The American Perspective on the Cat Park

A professional animal trainer from the USA, Barbara Reimer, was also in attendance at the rally. Although Reimer was there primarily to teach Hong Kong's pet lovers how to successfully train their pets to do difficult moves, she was happy to show her support of the cat park.

Reimer, who is a human companion to 11 felines, said: "There is a need to have recreation areas to give chances for cats to socialize and also for children to play with them."

Photo Credit: schlomif2

The winter season is in full swing across North America, bringing with it snow, rain, wind and the occasional blizzard. People have learnt to adapt to winter by wearing extra layers of clothing and putting snow tires or chains on their cars.

But it is not so easy for our pets to adapt to winter. They are not able to put on snow shoes by themselves, or get themselves an extra blanket if they are cold at night. As pet owners it is up to us to take extra special care of pets during the winter and make sure that they are both safe and warm.

Being Outside

Obviously your pet is better off staying inside during the winter than being outside in the cold, harsh temperatures. However, when you do take your dog outside, keep in mind that it is also cold to them as well, so if you have a short-haired dog, like a Yorkie, Chihuhua, or Cocker Spaniel, make sure to wrap them in a warm sweater or coat. In fact, any dog that will be spending a long amount of time outdoors should always be dressed appropriately.

The colder weather also causes pups to not want to go outside to potty. This can be easily remedied by sticking to a strict schedule in winter: let your dog first thing in the morning, at least twice during the day, and the one last time just before bed.

If you allow your dog to be both an indoor and outdoor pet, install a good quality pet door that provides protection from drafts.

Pampered Paws

A dog's paws and pads are often subjected the most to the harsh winter elements. During the winter time, salt is generously thrown onto the icy sidewalks, roads and steps to prevent the ice from sticking. This salt can stick to a dog's paws and wreak havoc on their pads, causing them to become dry and cracked. This can cause quite a bit of pain.

The salt, and even ice, can also get stuck between a dog's toes; if not removed quickly this can lead to frostbite.

This best way to prevent this from happening to your dog is to purchase booties for him to wear. These dog boots are designed to protect and insulate a dog's paws from the harsh effects of snow, ice and salt.

If dog booties are not a viable option for either you or your dog, you will have to resort to washing your dog's paws as soon as you bring him inside from spending any amount of time outside. Use warm water and gently rub your finger between his toes to remove any excess salt and ice. Be sure to thoroughly dry them before allowing him to run free in your home.

If you notice your dog's paw's becoming cracked and sore, you should take him to the vet as this is one of the first signs of frostbite.

Doghouse

If you do allow your dog outside for a few hours during the winter months, make sure that you provide your dog with a warm doghouse to protect him from the cold. When choosing a doghouse, do not automatically select one that is big. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and then lie down comfortably as well. A smaller dog house will also help retain your dog's body heat.

Place the doghouse in your yard where it will get the most sunshine. Keep it off the frozen ground by placing it on bricks to raise it up. Throw a heavy tarp over the top of the dog house to prevent drafts and moisture from leaking in. Do not give your dog a blanket to lie on as it will trap moisture and feel damp and cold; instead use straw or hay as these provide better insulation.

Photo Credit: OakleyOriginals