How to Keep Your Horse Cool on the Trailer During Summer Travel
Introduction
As temperatures rise, it’s important to take measures to prevent your horse from experiencing heat stress during trailering. In this article, we will discuss how to recognize the signs of heat stress, how to cool your horse if they experience it, and important considerations for horses with anhidrosis.
Understanding Heat Stress in Horses
Heat stress is the body’s response to dehydration, extreme heat, and electrolyte loss. Common symptoms include sustained skin “tenting” after a pinch test, pale and tacky mucous membranes, sunken eyes, dry feces, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Horses with mild heat stress typically have a body temperature above 103 F and increased capillary refill time, while those with severe heat stress can have a temperature of 106 F or more, elevated heart rate, thready pulse, and a lack of thirst despite being dehydrated.
Recognizing and Treating Heat Stress in Horses
If you recognize that your horse is experiencing heat stress, it’s important to contact your veterinarian and begin cooling your horse as quickly as possible. Move your horse out of direct sunlight into a well-ventilated area, continuously hose them with cool water, and offer small sips of water frequently. It’s important to avoid allowing your horse to guzzle water, as this can lead to complications.
According to Ragan Adams, MA, DVM, veterinary extension specialist in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, in Fort Collins, horses suffering from heat stress can become dehydrated, develop low blood pressure, colic, or suffer from kidney compromise or failure. If your horse becomes unsteady or falls in the trailer, each horse must be evaluated on an individual basis, as some may stand up easily with encouragement, while others may not.
Considerations for Horses with Anhidrosis
Horses with anhidrosis, or the inability to sweat, may be particularly susceptible to heat stress during travel. Bob Coleman, PhD, associate professor at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, recommends carefully monitoring these animals during travel and maximizing trailer ventilation by using a more open-sided trailer. It’s also important to avoid traveling during the hottest parts of the day and planning routes carefully to avoid traffic and parking in direct sunlight.
Conclusion
As horse owners, it’s important to take precautions to prevent heat stress during summer travel. By recognizing the signs of heat stress, knowing how to cool your horse if they experience it, and considering the needs of horses with anhidrosis, you can help keep your horse healthy and comfortable during travel.
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About the Author
Haylie Kerstetter, Digital Editor, holds a degree in equine studies with a concentration in communications and a minor in social media marketing. She is a Pennsylvania native and, as a horse owner herself, has a passion for helping owners provide the best care for their horses. When she is not writing or in the barn, she is spending time with her dog, Clementine.
Originally Post From https://thehorse.com/1129016/hauling-horse-in-hot-weather/
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