Prevent Heat Stroke in Horses as Summer Temperatures Increase

Sweating horse in harness in danger of heat stroke.
Sweating horse in harness in danger of heat stroke. Vesilvio

Newsdate: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - 11:35 am
Location: GILROY, California

With the arrival of hot summer-like weather, awareness of the danger of your horse suffering from heat stroke and other heat-related problems should be a top priority.

Horse gazing into the misty sunshine of a summer day.

Horse gazing into the misty sunshine of a summer day

Horses should be offered fresh water frequently and have access to water at all times.
© 2008 by Louis New window.

Profuse sweating, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate are indications that the horse is stressed and needs to be moved to a shady area, allowed to cool down, and given water to combat dehydration.

If the horse cannot be cooled down, the nervous and muscular systems will cease to function normally. When these systems stop functioning, heat stroke is inevitable unless measures are taken to cool the horse down and replace fluids lost because of sweating. If heat stroke is suspected, the veterinarian should be called immediately and steps taken to cool both the horse and the environment.

Horses that are affected by anhydrosis (absence of sweating) are extremely susceptible to heat stroke, and special care should be taken with them since the most important mechanism for heat dissipation in horses is evaporation through sweat.

In addition, horses that are unfit or overweight are more susceptible to heat stroke and exhaustion than more fit and lean horses.

If your horse shows signs of heat stroke, immediately move the horse to a cooler, shady area, and call the veterinarian. While waiting for the vet, cool water may be sprayed on the horse's legs and body, or towels soaked in cool water may be wrapped around the horse's legs and other areas that exhibit large veins.

In a critical situation, ice packs may be placed on legs. Fans to circulate the air may be used, and horses should be allowed to drink small amounts of water at frequent intervals. Walking the horse slowly will allow air movement to continue to help evaporate heat.

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

Author picture

As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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