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Caring for Your Horse - Heat Stress and Respiratory Issues
By Dr. J. Royce Hagaman, Veterinarian
Understanding the short and long-term effects of hot and humid
weather on your animals and their living and working spaces is
necessary to preserve the health, safety and performance of your
horse. Extreme environmental conditions can have a negative and
serious impact on your horses. Whether it's in the arena or in the
stables, or anywhere your horses may be exposed to higher
temperatures or intense activity, it's important to understand what
can happen to your horse and what steps you can take to prevent or
reduce the effects of heat stress.
Do you know the answers to the following questions?
- Why do horses overheat?
- What are the symptoms of overheating or heat stress?
- What can I do to keep my horse cool?
Why do Horses Overheat?
There are many factors that can contribute to a horse overheating:
- Prolonged activity (work and exercise) in high temperatures and high humidity
- Hot, stuffy stables; high temperatures in arenas and health care facilities
- Poorly ventilated barns, stables and travel trailers
- Health conditions such as Anhydrosis - a condition where horses have little or no
ability to produce sweat, causing an inability to cool down effectively
What are the Symptoms of Overheating or Heat Stress?
When horses overheat, they become lethargic, exhibit a rapid heart rate and fast shallow breathing,
sweat profusely, or in the case of anhydrotic horses, the skin may become dry and hot and sweating
may cease or never occur.
Tips to Keep Cool/Prevent Heat Stress
- Stop exercise/activity immediately if your horse is showing signs of distress
- Remove saddle or harness immediately after any activity and cool down adequately
- Stabilize and lower the horses body temperature through the use of evaporative cooling systems/fans
- Rinse or sponge down with cool water
- Provide adequate ventilation in stables, arenas and travel trailers
- Provide small amounts of water at frequent intervals before, during and after activity
- Call your vet if signs of heat stress don't improve - this is dangerous and can be life threatening
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