We’re finally starting to see some warmer weather and although it’s not the searing heat of 2022 we still need to ensure our horses are well hydrated – even on cloudy days.
It is important to be aware of signs that your horse could be getting dehydrated:
- Darker than usual urine
- Dry mucous membranes around the eyes, nasal passage and gums
- Decreased thirst response
- Loss of skin elasticity when you pinch the skin on your horse’s neck above the shoulder. It should snap back in a second or two under normal conditions
A horse’s body is over 65% water and if the horse is subjected to warmer temperatures or harder exercise this water level can be impacted greatly. Horses can literally sweat gallons and because their sweat is hypertonic it takes with it important electrolytes such as Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium.
Dehydration can be prevented by:
- Providing plenty of clean, fresh water and always allowing your horse access to water
- Feed salt on a daily basis as well as providing a salt lick
- Feed plenty of forage
- Cool your horse off after exercise
- Provide your horse with shade
- Add electrolytes to their feed to replace those lost through sweat
Ensuring your horse is fed plenty of fibre by way of forage will help to trap water and electrolytes in the hindgut, giving the horse a reservoir for times when they need it, such as exercise.
You will also need to add salt to your horse’s feed to replace Sodium and Chloride. Whereas salt licks are great and also provide a good distraction for your horse, the horse’s tongue is smooth and will not take enough salt from it to meet their needs.
When should you feed an electrolyte?
Although you don't need to feed electrolytes all the time, it is important to feed electrolytes when your horse has been sweating to ensure that their electrolyte balance is maintained. When horses drink water, this dilutes the electrolyte levels in their bloodstream. In turn this can ‘switch off’ the thirst response and lead to further dehydration. This is why it is important to feed electrolytes when needed, to maintain an optimal electrolyte balance.
Feedmark’s Replenish™ is a balanced blend of the essential electrolytes Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium, which are lost through sweat whilst exercising. Optimal electrolyte status is vital for peak performance, to maintain correct muscle and nerve function. Replenish™ is ideal for horses in hard work, or those who sweat a lot, to remain hydrated. Find out more here >>