08/05/2024
Good advice this summer.
Itβs no surprise that summer down south is HOT π₯΅
For animals/livestock that live outside, the heat and humidity can be quite taxing and even fatal in some cases.
Here are some facts and tips regarding πheat stressπ in horses and what you should know during this excessive heat wave.
πΉRegarding horses:
Horses sweat through their skin and not only lose water this way, but essential electrolytes as well. When sweating is not effective to cool down, they will increase their respiration efforts to try and dispel heat. Muscles produce heat when worked (hence why you sweat when you workout). Increased breathing effort can create more heat.
Additionally, the digestive process of horses utilizing sugars and starch in their hindgut produces a certain amount of internal heat from this fermentation process. Certain grains can be avoided to minimize this internal heat production.
When there is excessive heat (environmental temp or body heat from working/existing in summer months) there is a certain amount of free radical damage that occurs throughout the body. The fitness level of horses has no effect on free radical damage-meaning horses in shape vs horses not in shape still have the same level of free radical damage when heat stressed. Fitness level doesnβt help with damage done by the inflammatory process of heat, but can help with horsesβ cardiac recovery and metabolic acidosis status.
Humidity affects how quickly heat is evaporated which can slow cooling compared to dryer environments. When temperatures and humidity are excessive and remain high for extended periods of time, horsesβ sweat glands are working in overdrive to try and cool the body without a break. Exercise studies have shown that heart rate increases significantly more in heat and humidity compared to just dry heat. For these reasons mentioned, this is a critical time to keep horses as cool as possible to avoid heat stress.
πΉSymptoms of heat stress in horses:
-Decreased sweating or not sweating at all
-Lethargy
-Panting/excessive respiratory rate
-Excessive yawning
πΉWhat should you do if your horse is heat stressed?
The quickest way to cool a horse is to continuously hose with cold water until their temp is down to normal (less than 101). As a horse owner, you should know how to take a horseβs temperature. You can also utilize fans, put them in ice boots, put an ice boot around their throat latch area, and offer cool water. Remember that their internal temp is higher than surface temperature; a quick rinse isnβt going to cut it. You may need to hose them for 15-30 minutes. You can also get creative: utilize misting systems in barns, sprinklers in pasture, build shade if you donβt have it from trees.
Know that not every barn is an escape from the heat! Some barns or structures donβt have good airflow and are actually warmer than standing outside. Consider this when bringing your horse in from the heat.
πΉWhat we as vets want you to know:
We cannot control the weather! π¬ It is up to you to provide relief to your horse to the best of your ability.
Provide clean, fresh water. You can offer flavored water, but additives and electrolytes also drive the thirst response. Itβs fine to offer it, but make sure they have plenty of fresh water available too. They are drinking an excessive amount right now.
Replacing electrolytes is essential. We recommend Platinum Refresh not only because it provides electrolytes, but it has other ingredients in it to help remove antioxidants and free radicals caused by excessive heat damage, as well as ingredients to help bring heat to the surface of the body to help with faster cooling. Itβs not just an electrolyte supplement.
Supplementing with specific vitamins (E and C) helps with inflammation caused by heat damage as well helping with nerve function. Horses that have sweating issues can benefit from vitamin supplementation.
Lastly, when itβs this hot outside and your horse has sweating issues:
STOP RIDING THE HORSE. Period. βΌοΈ
Use this time for doing something else with them that doesnβt require strenuous efforts.
