replace salt lost during sweating.
Stop exercising your horse in very hot weather, and
avoid using blankets or other coverings. Turn out during
the cooler parts of the day and keep him stabled in a
shaded, well-ventilated area during the day.
Signs of Overheating:
• Profuse sweating
• Muscle tremors
• Rectal temperature exceeding 103°F
• Increased heart and respiration rates
• Droopy ears
• Signs of fatigue
• Dehydration with a prolonged skin tent of several seconds
when the skin of the neck is pinched
Cooling the Overheated Horse: Using water to cool a
horse with a rectal temp 103 or less: When applying water
to cool a horse pay special attention to the head, jugular
area of the neck and the insides of the hind legs. Apply cool
water and then immediately use a sweat scraper to remove
the water. Continue this process until the horse cools. This
method transfers the heat from the muscles and skin into
the water. Removing the water from the skin also removes
the heat. It is necessary to scrape the warmed water from
the skin immediately or it may serve as an insulating layer
and actually cause the horse’s body temperature to increase.
Heat Stroke: An overheated horse can escalate to
heatstroke without prompt treatment. A horse with heat
stroke requires immediate veterinary attention. Heatstroke
in horses can lead to death within hours.
• Heat stroke is a severe and dangerous form of overheating
in which the rectal temperature exceeds 106 degrees.
• If the temperature climbs to 107 degrees, neurological
damage and death become likely.
• Do not ride your horse if the sum of the ambient
temperature and the %humidity exceeds 150.
AZintheSaddle.com
Signs of Heat Stroke:
• Rapid heart rate (>60bpm) that do not drop within 20
minutes of stopping exercise
• Rapid respiratory rates (>40) that do not drop within 20
minutes of stopping exercise
• Vocalization with whinnying
• Signs of distress
• Marked dehydration with dry mucous membranes, dry
skin, and a prolonged skin tent of greater than 4 seconds
• Obvious weakness, refusal to work
• Cessation of sweating
• Incoordination, convulsions, delirium
Using Water and Ice to Cool a Horse with a Rectal Temp
of 105 or Greater: If the rectal temp exceeds 105 it may be
necessary to add ice to speed the rate of cooling. Research
has shown that this is a safe procedure. If your horse has a
history of tying up, do not apply ice water to the large hip
muscles, instead apply the cold water to areas where the
blood vessels are close to the skin (i.e. head, neck and inside
of back legs). Do not apply a sheet or blanket as it will
block evaporation.
13 More Tips for Avoiding
Heat Related Problems
Another extreme summer is upon us! Help your horse
survive the relentless summer heat by doing a few simple
things. To avoid some of the more common problems in
horses associate with summer in Southern Arizona pay
special attention to the following:
1
Studies have shown that horses will drink more water
when the water is cool (<70degrees). Having several
water troughs placed in the corral or stall so that one is
always in the shade during the day will encourage water
drinking and prevent dehydration.
2
Fresh clean water is a must, prevent small animals from
drowning and fouling the water by placing a wood block in
the trough that they can climb onto. Frequent tank cleanings
and contamination removal will help encourage water
drinking. Do not use chemicals when cleaning the troughs.
3
Never allow your horse to pass up a chance to drink,
only horses that have been denied water for many hours
or days should have water restricted to small amounts over
time. Allow your horse to drink on the trail or after a ride.
4
Some horses will not drink without eating first, so
provide a small amount of hay and your horse may more
readily drink water.
5
Horses may more readily rehydrate if allowed access to
water when they are still hot rather than waiting and
providing water after they are cooled out.
6
A good rule of thumb is to allow 10 swallows of water
and then remove the water, wait 5 minutes and repeat
the process un ѥ