As the summer temperatures creep toward the triple digits, it is important to protect your horses from getting dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to significant health consequences that can be disastrous. When you provide your horses with the tools to stay hydrated, you can substantially reduce the possibility of significant issues. At Bar Bar A, our automatic waterers are able to help keep your horse healthy despite the summer heat. Here are a few of the best tips for preventing horses from getting dehydrated in summer.
Ensure a Constant Supply of Water
It is incredibly important to ensure that your horse has access to a constant supply of water. This means that it is crucial to ensure that the water supply is fresh and clean. It should always be available to ensure that your horse is getting sufficient amounts of water. Never restrict your horse’s access to water, especially during the summer. It is also important to ensure that the water is at a good, comfortable temperature. For example, when the water heats up too much, the horse may not be inclined to drink it.
Our automatic watering systems ensure that the water is stored beneath the surface of the ground. This helps to keep it at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. The water will be pleasantly cool in the summer, while still being warm enough for consumption in the winter. An automatic watering system also helps to reduce the amount of time that you have to spend on the watering processes for your horses. Implementing an automatic horse waterer will go a long way toward ensuring that your horses has a constant supply of fresh, clean water.
Importance of Preventing Dehydration
It is critical to prevent dehydration in your horses, especially in the summer months. Summer temperatures can easily lead to excessive dehydration. When you allow your horse to become dehydrated, it is highly likely that issues will occur. For example, colic is an incredibly common impact of dehydration, which can be deadly for horses. Preventing dehydration in summer can go a long way toward protecting the health of your horses.
Their Food Supply
You may be able to introduce additional hydration through your horse’s food supply. This can be done by soaking or steaming the hay that they eat. However, if you decide to do this, it is important to do so gradually. This can help to reduce the risk of colic. Keep in mind that uneaten soaked hay should be disposed of appropriately. Otherwise, mold may be able to accumulate on the surface of the hay, which can cause additional health issues.
Avoid Traveling
When the temperatures outside are extremely warm, you should avoid traveling with your horses. However, in some situations, you may be required to travel. If you have to travel, you should ensure that you do it as early in the morning or late at night as possible. This will help you to avoid traveling during the hottest part of the day. When you have to travel with your horse during the summer, you should always bring more water than you think you need. This can help to reduce the possibility of dehydration.
Provide Shelter
When a horse is forced to be out in the sunlight, their body temperature is likely to rise. It is important to ensure that you provide shelter or shade to your horse during the summer temperatures. This will help them to stay cooler and protect themselves from excessive amounts of heat.
Be Careful with Exercise
Be careful whenever you exercise your horse during the summer months. If you have to exercise during the hotter parts of the day, you should ensure that you take breaks on a regular basis. Whenever possible, you should ensure that you exercise them only in the morning or the evening to avoid the hottest temperatures. It is also critical to ensure that you cool the horse down properly after exercise. Failing to do so can lead to excessive issues.
Signs of Dehydration
Understanding the signs of dehydration will go a long way toward protecting your horse. Ensure that you contact your veterinarian if you think that your horse is dehydrated. The horse’s urine is likely to indicate the presence of dehydration. When urine is particularly dark or scarce, it is possible that your horse is dehydrated. A horse that is dehydrated may have a reduced amount of droppings. Other common signs of dehydration include dry skin, a dry mouth, thick or sticky saliva, lethargy, symptoms of depression, dark gums, and dull eyes.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion often sets in alongside dehydration. This makes it similarly important to understand the signs of heat exhaustion. As with dehydration, it is critical to consult with a veterinarian if you are concerned that your horse is experiencing heat exhaustion. Many of the signs of dehydration are also present with heat exhaustion. An increased pulse and breathing rate may also indicate that your horse is experiencing heat exhaustion. A horse that is experiencing heat exhaustion may flare their nostrils, pant excessively, or exhibit a decreased appetite. Other common symptoms tend to include increased rectal temperatures, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, raised body temperature, and reduced performance. Pay careful attention to these signs to ensure that you obtain the appropriate treatment for your horse.
At Bar Bar A, we are passionate about ensuring that you can keep your horses hydrated throughout the summer. It is incredibly important for horses to drink adequate amounts of water throughout the year. Our automatic watering systems can significantly reduce the difficulty associated with keeping your horse healthy over the hot summer temperatures. They can help to ensure that your horse always has access to a fresh, clean supply of water that is kept at a comfortable temperature. These watering systems significantly help to reduce the likelihood of dehydration throughout the summer months. To learn more about preventing dehydration during the summer and the benefits of our automatic watering systems, contact our experts at Bar Bar A today!
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