Help Horses Beat the Heat
While Spring is just getting into gear here in the United States, the other side of the globe is feeling the heat already. See some suggestions below from The Australian Veterinary Association on how to help your horses beat the heat this summer.
Australian Veterinary Association
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is providing practical tips on how to help livestock and horses cope during hot weather. AVA President, Dr Paula Parker said that much like pets, livestock and horses can also suffer from heat-related illness.
“During hotter days, it’s important that extra precautions are taken to protect them from heat-related health issues,” Dr Parker said.
Tips to keep livestock and horses cool are:
- ensure water supply is high
- ensure they have adequate shade and airflow
- hosing them down can help
- avoid any necessary yarding or work, especially during the hottest parts of the day and put off any routine husbandry procedures
- often feed needs to be adjusted in the summer months. For example, horses can need additional supplementation to replace electrolytes lost in excessive sweating. Feed consumption can be lower on hotter days. Try feeding in the cooler parts of the day and speak to your veterinarian about adjustments to your nutrition program.
Signs of heat stress in livestock and horses include heavy panting, increased sweating, excess saliva, high body temperature, muscle spasms, restlessness and lethargy.
“If you see any of these signs, you should take action immediately in an effort to cool them down. For horse owners, particularly, if you notice signs of heat stress, it’s important you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible,” Dr Parker said.
