We've all seen the warnings about dogs' welfare during a heatwave - such as not walking them during the hottest part of the day and never leaving them in a hot car. Animal-lovers should also be aware of how rising temperatures can affect a horse’s wellbeing.

While responsible horse owners know how to maintain a healthy summer horse care routine, in the event of a heatwave, there are some particularly serious health concerns that should be considered.

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Dehydration

The recent heatwave has meant horses have been at risk of a very serious health problem - dehydration. Much more severe than your horse simply being thirsty, it can be the trigger for other life-threatening equine problems, including impaction colic.

Although dehydration can strike at any time of year, it's particularly risky during a summer heatwave, when a horse may lose more fluid through sweating than it takes in through drinking.

Look out for symptoms of dehydration, which include lethargy, "sunken" looking eyes and dry mucous membranes. A simple way for horse-owners to test for dehydration is the old-fashioned skin-pinch test. Grab a fold of skin on the shoulder and then let it go.

Time how long it takes for the skin to go flat again. If your horse is adequately hydrated, the skin will snap back into place within a couple of seconds. If it takes longer, this can indicate your horse is dehydrated. If it takes anything over six seconds, this could be very serious and you need to call a vet immediately.

To try and prevent dehydration, make sure your horse has water available at all times. If you're concerned he isn't drinking enough, try flavouring the water with a little apple juice, or offer him a watermelon slice. If your horse still doesn't want to drink, contact your vet, in case of illness.

Electrolytes, which are salts and minerals, can be added to encourage water consumption and to replace the loss of fluids through sweating. Consult your vet about the correct dose of electrolytes and always offer your horse unlimited plain drinking water afterwards.

 

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is also known as heat exhaustion. It occurs when horses are in hot and humid conditions, especially if they are working, or being ridden strenuously. When they don't lose the excess body heat, their temperature can go up quickly.

This is a serious (it can even be fatal) medical condition that must be treated as soon as possible. Horses who are overweight, or who already have respiratory diseases, are even more at risk

Symptoms include lethargy, restlessness, a rapid pulse rate, heavy breathing and panting, excess sweating and salivation, an erratic heartbeat, redness of the tongue, muscle spasms and a stumbling gait. If the horse isn't treated promptly, it can collapse and this can prove fatal.

Easy to diagnose, heat stroke presents distinctive symptoms. As soon as you spot them, contact your vet immediately and call for assistance. The horse needs to be cooled down as soon as possible for the best chance of success.

If you're waiting for the vet, apply cold water to your horse's skin, pouring it over his body. Add ice to the water if possible. If the horse can walk, guide him to a shady area and fan him. If a horse has suffered heat stroke, this indicates a loss of electrolytes. The vet will likely administer an intravenous electrolyte treatment.

Try to prevent heat stroke by not exposing your horse to hot and humid outdoor conditions wherever possible. In the event of a heatwave, horses should not be expected to do manual labour. You should avoid racing, or even riding them in the event of extreme heat.

Provide your horses with plenty of water and if they are outdoors, make sure they have a shady area. If your horse is obese, try to get him fit. Remember, as soon as you spot any symptoms of heat stroke - act fast!

Summer can be a wonderful time of year, for both you and your horse, as long as you watch out for signs of these most dangerous heat-related health issues.

Visit Griggs Equestrian to check out our supply of top-quality equestrian products.