07/09/2021
Great info to read as we approach the hottest months of summer (I know, we are also thinking how could it possibly get any hotter 🥵). If you notice any of these signs in your horse, contact your veterinarian ASAP!
CAN YOU RECOGNIZE HEAT STRESS IN HORSES? ☀️🐴
A horse’s body maintains its normal temperature in hot weather by moving heat through the muscles and out through the skin. Exercise is a major source of body heat, and horses that cannot sweat will usually overheat very rapidly, even in cooler weather with a small amount of exercise.
When outside temperature + relative humidity = 150 or above, it's hard for a horse to keep cool because their ability to sweat is compromised — especially if the humidity contributes over half of the 150.
Signs of heat stroke may range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Foals usually cannot take as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day. Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will have more problems. Keep in mind that strenuous exercise on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.
Does this mean you should not ride on a hot day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and signs of heat exhaustion, as heat exhaustion can advance to heat stroke quickly. Above all, be kind and attentive to your equine partner’s need. If you feel hot, they feel hotter. So if they look tired, it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.
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Source: Heat Stroke | https://aaep.org/horsehealth/heat-stroke
