{"id":22467,"date":"2020-07-16T14:17:41","date_gmt":"2020-07-16T19:17:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/?p=22467"},"modified":"2024-01-19T15:56:30","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T21:56:30","slug":"how-to-prevent-heat-stress-in-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-heat-stress-in-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Prevent Heat Stress in Horses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Learn about the signs, treatments, and how to prevent heat stress in horses.<\/h2>\n\n\n

You take your horse for a ride on a warm, summer day, and it isn’t long before both you and your horse are soaked with sweat. The pace of your ride gradually slows down as your horse struggles to maintain energy. Is he\/she simply being lazy or is there something more going on? In this situation, it’s important for you to be aware that horses can develop heat stress if they become over-heated and dehydrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heat stress can lead to severe health complications. It can even be fatal, if not treated, which is why Blain’s Farm & Fleet<\/a> and Nutrena are providing a guide on recognizing, preventing, and treating heat stress.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Causes My Horse to Get Heat Stress?<\/h3>\n\n\n

This is probably the first question on your mind and the most crucial in order to prevent heat stress from becoming a problem. Some common factors that can lead your horse to developing heat stress are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Dehydration
\u2022 Hot, humid weather
\u2022 Poor conditioning
\u2022 Inability to sweat normally
\u2022 Heat generated in muscles
\u2022 Transporting in hot conditions
\u2022 Insufficient oxygen intake
\u2022 Riding too fast for horse\u2019s fitness level
\u2022 Exhaustion
\u2022 Insufficient time to acclimate to warm weather
\u2022 Intense exercise<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to note that all horses are different, which means heat can affect some horses more than others. You must look at your own horse’s situation (fitness level, age, health status, the climate they are used to) to determine how easily they can develop heat stress. <\/p>\n\n\n

What are the signs of heat stress?<\/h3>\n\n\n

This is probably the next question on your mind and an important one in order to notice the signs of heat stress before it becomes too severe. Refer to the list below for conditions that may arise if your horse develops heat stress and signals that may indicate that your horse is starting to become over-heated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visible Indicators of Heat Stress<\/strong>:<\/th>Conditions Caused from Heat Stress:<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Rectal temperature over 103.5\u00baF<\/td>Reduced tolerance to exercise<\/td><\/tr>
Sluggishness\/weakness\/ poor posture <\/td>Poor recovery after riding<\/td><\/tr>
Hot\/dry skin or inability to sweat<\/td>High\/irregular heart rate<\/td><\/tr>
Sunken eye sockets<\/td>Severe dehydration<\/td><\/tr>
Rapid breathing\/flared nostrils <\/td>Colic<\/td><\/tr>
Refusal\/disinterest in food or water<\/td>Cramping, spasms, or loss of muscle control<\/td><\/tr>
Falling\/stumbling<\/td>Seizures<\/td><\/tr>
Reduction of skin elasticity <\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Refusal to move<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice your horse exhibiting any of these signs or conditions, it’s imperative that you stop your ride immediately and get your horse into a cool, shaded place. If your horse shows severe symptoms or a rapid decline in health, contact your veterinarian. <\/p>\n\n\n

How do I treat heat stress?<\/h3>\n\n\n

You notice your horse is exhibiting signs of heat stress, so what can you do? The following steps will take you through a course of action to help bring your horse out if its heat stress state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: <\/strong>As mentioned above, stop exercise immediately and move your horse into a shaded area with a light breeze or fan<\/a>, if possible, and offer him\/her water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: <\/strong>Using a hose<\/a> or sponge<\/a>, apply cool (not cold) water onto your horse. Start by running the water down his\/her legs, then move up to their neck, back, and any areas with large veins that are close to the skin. Scrape away excess water, as it heats up, with a sweating blade<\/a>.
*Refrain from using a cooling towel or blanket <\/a>on your horse as this can trap the heat that’s coming off your horse’s body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: <\/strong>Massage your horse’s major muscle groups to encourage blood circulation and to help prevent cramping. You can also use liniment gel<\/a>, if your horse is not in a severe stage, to help soothe their muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: <\/strong>Monitor your horse’s rectal temperature frequently until it recedes to 101\u00baF. Once recovered, hand walk your horse for about 15 minutes to further prevent cramping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: <\/strong>Administer electrolytes and monitor your horse for several hours. Make note of any changes to his\/her condition. If your horse is in a severe state of dehydration or shock, you can administer intravenous fluids. However, if you don’t know how to administer fluids intravenously, it’s suggested to let your vet do this step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 6: <\/strong>Refrain from giving your horse any further medications until your horse is re-hydrated and fully recovered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your horse does not improve with these steps, or his temperature exceeds 104\u00baF, call your veterinarian immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n

How do I prevent heat stress? <\/h3>\n\n\n

While heat stress is hard to predict, there are preventative measures you can take to help reduce the chances of it occurring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n