Hot Times: Heatstroke and dehydration  

Our body deals with high temperatures in summer by doing one thing above all: sweating. The sweat on our skin evaporates and cools down the body. This mechanism works equally well in humans and horses. However, horses sweat significantly more than humans. While we have an average of about 150 sweat glands per square centimeter of skin, the horse's skin has 400 - 500 sweat glands.  

Advertisement

During exertion and high outside temperatures, a horse can release 10 - 15 liters of sweat per hour. This enormous fluid loss makes it clear how important it is always to give the horse access to fresh water. Otherwise, the horse is at risk of dehydrating on hot summer days.  

Read also: 5 alternative ways to cool your horse down in the summer heat

The comfort temperature for horses ranges between -10 to +25 degrees, depending on coat, breed, and age. However, they prefer temperatures between 5 to 15 degrees. Note that this can vary from horse to horse. 

Dehydration  

The most important thing is to recognize the first signs of a dehydrated horse. First, the mucous membranes change, they become dry, and the eyes appear sunken. If the loss of fluid continues, skin folds on the neck, that have been pressed together with the fingers, no longer retract immediately.  

When riding or working, you will quickly notice when the performance decreases, and the horse has accelerated, shallow breathing that hardly calms down after exertion. The pulse becomes flat and fast, the horse becomes apathetic, and the mucous membranes darken. If the dehydration progresses further, it leads to increased body temperature, colic-like symptoms, and, in the worst case, heat stroke. If the horse loses more than ten percent of its body weight through sweating, the blood thickens, and the vital organs are no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen. First, the metabolism collapses, then the entire circulation.  

Heat stroke  

The thickened blood leads to a metabolic over-acidification of the organism, an undersupply of organs, and disturbed intestinal peristalsis. Toxins can pass through the intestinal wall, causing laminitis. Organ damage is also the result.  

But what to do if you suspect the horse suffers from heat stroke? Quick action is called for here. Of course, a shady, preferably cool place should be found immediately. Then water must be offered (never ice cold), and the vet must be informed at once. The horse can be carefully showered or sponged off until the veterinarian arrives with cool water (also not ice cold).  

Besides water, the horse urgently needs electrolytes, and dissolved minerals, which the vet usually supplies via a drip. Above all, calcium, sodium, and chloride are excreted in large quantities with sweat, but magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium are also lost. These are all substances indispensable for the function of tissues and organs. Organ failure can result if the deficiencies are not compensated for as quickly as possible.  

Usually, the body manages to keep the body temperature stable through sweating and evaporation of sweat. However, this system can break down on scorching days or during great exertion in the summer heat. If the body temperature rises during the resting phase, it can be detrimental to the horse.  

Read also: Water - Why is it so vital?

Advertisement

On hot summer days, when high temperatures from outside still influence the temperature, it quickly becomes critical.  

Prevent heat problems  

To prevent dehydration and, in the worst case heat stroke, there are a few rules to follow:  

• Always provide fresh water. Even on rides or during transport, ensure the horses can drink regularly.  
• Providing tubs of clean water for horses to control how much water they drink can be useful. If it is too little, there is a risk of constipation colic.  
• On hot summer days, only leave horses in pastures with shaded areas. If these are not available, put horses in the paddocks early in the morning, late in the evening or overnight - during the hottest part of the day, they should stay in the stable.  
• Provide salt or mineral licks - horses lose a lot of salt and minerals when sweating.  
• Allow air movement in the stable; you can think about using fans.  

• Ensure windows and doors are open even in stable tents at shows and competitions to allow air to circulate.  
• Only ride when it is cooler, not at midday or early afternoon in the greatest heat.  
• Avoid transportation around midday and open ventilation options. Park the trailer in the shade and open flaps and windows. Damp blankets on the trailer roof also have a certain cooling effect.  
• Keep a close eye on the horse. If it lacks energy or is reluctant to participate, do not force it to perform. Rather go for a walk or take a cool (not cold) shower.  

We hope this article may help you and your horse through the hot days this summer. Be careful.