Hydration plays an essential role in equine health, affecting digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and more. Dehydration can pose serious health risks, so it’s important for owners to monitor their horses’ water intake and ensure they’re getting enough to drink. 

If you’re wondering whether your horse is drinking enough water, keep reading to learn how much water your horse needs, common signs of dehydration, and how automatic livestock waterers can help. 

How Much Water Does a Horse Need?

Horses are large animals, which means they need a lot of water. On average, they should get somewhere between five and fifteen gallons of water per day. Of course, that amount varies depending on the horse’s size and activity level, along with the weather. If it’s hot outside, the horse is especially active, or you feed it a dry diet, they’ll need to drink more water to stay properly hydrated. 

That’s why it’s so important for your horse to have consistent access to clean, fresh water. If their water supply is inadequate or contaminated, it prevents them from maintaining optimal hydration levels. 

Common Signs a Horse Isn’t Getting Enough Water

Now that you know how much water your horse needs, let’s go over some common signs of dehydration to be on the lookout for:

• Dry or tacky gums: Run your fingers along your horse’s gums. If they’re dry, tacky, or pale, it may indicate that your horse isn’t getting enough water. 
• Slow capillary refill time: A sluggish capillary refill time is a sign of circulation issues, which can be caused by dehydration. To check capillary refill time, push your horse’s upper lip up and press your thumb firmly against the gums. When you remove your thumb, see how long it takes for the area to return to its normal color. Anything longer than three seconds is concerning. 
• Skin pinch test: Pinch the skin at the point of your horse’s shoulder. If the skin takes longer than two seconds to snap back into place, it could mean your horse isn’t getting enough water. 
• Sunken eyes or dull appearance: You know your horse best. If you notice a change in their appearance, it may mean their hydration levels are not where they should be. 
• Reduced urination or dark urine: Observe your horse’s urination during turnout or while they’re in the stall. Just like in humans, reduced urination or dark urine likely indicate poor hydration. 
• Lethargy or poor performance: Dehydration can affect your horse’s energy levels and behavior, making them slow and lethargic. 
• Poor appetite or dry manure: If your horse isn’t drinking enough water, their appetite and digestion may be abnormal. 

How Automatic Livestock Waterers Can Help

If you’re concerned that your horse isn’t getting enough water, consider switching to an automatic livestock waterer. By providing a constant supply of fresh, clean water, they reduce the risk of contamination or stagnation, encouraging your horse to drink more. And when your horse has had its fill, the excess water drains out, so you don’t have to worry about algae or bacteria.

Plus, by automatically filling with water when your horse presses on the paddle, they eliminate the need for constantly checking the water supply and manually filling troughs. These waterers are a fully automatic, non-electric solution that can make a big difference in the lives of both you and your horse. 

Tips to Encourage Hydration

Besides upgrading to an automatic waterer, there are additional steps you can take to encourage optimal hydration in your horse. If you typically feed them a dry diet, consider soaking the hay or providing wet feed to boost their water intake. You can also add electrolytes to their feed or water if needed or use salt blocks to naturally increase their thirst. However, as always, it’s best to talk to a veterinarian before making any big changes to your horse’s diet or routines. 

Automatic Horse Waterers at Bar Bar A

At Bar Bar A, we understand the risks of dehydration and know how important it is to monitor your horse’s water intake. That’s why we’re proud to provide reliable, low-maintenance automatic waterers to support your horse’s all-around health. 

If you’re looking to upgrade from a standard trough, explore our selection of automatic livestock waterers designed to keep your horses hydrated, happy, and healthy. And if you have any questions about our products, don’t hesitate to contact us.