Keeping your Horse Healthy in the Summer Heat

WATCH FOR HEATSTROKE A horse's normal body temperature is 100 (F). If it rises much over that, a horse can quickly develop heatstroke. In severe cases, this can cause neurological problems or fatality. Overweight or overexerting horses are particularly prone to this. Horses suffering from severe heatstroke may need a few weeks of rest from work, as part of the recovery process. GUARD MARES AND FOALS CAREFULLY Nursing mothers must be protected from heatstroke and dehydration, as they must continue healthy lactation to feed their foals adequately. Foals are typically born in the spring and summer. Newborns are particularly at-risk for overheating on hot, humid days. Simply put, their internal thermostats are not ready to deal with drastic temperatures. Foals should not be left out in a hot sunny pasture during the peak hours of the day (10 am to 3 pm). AVOID ANHYDROSIS Anhydrosis is the inability to perspire. Arabians, Quarterhorses, Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds, and other racing and endurance horses may suffer from this on hot, humid days. Working horses typically sweat profusely on hot days. As with humans, this is a natural means of self-cooling. If a horse fails to do so, this may be a sign of anhydrosis, particularly if he also seems to pant through his mouth. If this occurs, it's time to call the veterinarian. Bathing the horse with cold water, especially around the head and neck, can provide quick relief and help reduce his body temperature. DETER DEHYDRATION Horses require plenty of water each day, especially in the summer months. Keeping buckets and water troughs filled with fresh water will prevent dehydration. Test for dehydration by pinching a flap of skin on a horse's neck. If it immediately pops back into place, the horse is OK. If the flap holds for a few moments, that horse is in danger of dehydration. LIGHTEN THE WORKLOAD On truly oppressive hot days, a caring rider will not expect a full workout from his horse. Long warmup walks and even longer cool-outs will bracket an abbreviated work session. Following up with a cool hose-down and hand-walk are extra important! PROVIDE SALT AND MINERALS Sodium, electrolytes, and key minerals are essential to the health of active horses. Install a salt or mineral lick in each horse's stall. Offer mineral tubs in the pastures. These will provide important nutrients and also encourages horses to drink greater quantities of water. PROTECT AGAINST FLIES AND PESTS Lightweight, breathable flysheets may deter insects from biting your horse. At the same time, these may cool the horse from the sun. Select open-weave mesh fabrics, rather than tightly woven textiles, which can become dangerously hot. Flysprays can help to keep flies off your horse, so he does not have to overexert on a hot day, just to keep the bugs away! PROVIDE SHADE IN PASTURES If pastures do not include shady areas, consider adding an open lean-to or run-in shelter. Horses may not use it often, but there may be occasions when they need to get out of the sunlight or elements. KEEP STALLS CLEAN AND VENTILATED If your horse is stabled, be sure to provide adequate air circulation. Open windows and barn doors. Remove soiled bedding, as this creates pungent fumes in the heat. Adding a box fan to the stall bars can greatly improve ventilation and cool down the stall. (Be sure to unplug all fans before leaving the barn for the night, to avoid potential fire hazards.) Source: helium.com