nutrition
You can lead a horse to water, but can you make him drink?
by Ellen Haight W D
ater is necessary for all life on earth. With the exception of air, its absence leads to negative health effects faster than the elimination of any other nutrient. Insufficient water intake by our
horses can result in maladies ranging from minor fatigue and muscle aches to severe colic and even death.
An average healthy horse consumes approximately 10 gallons of water each day. Pound-for-pound, that’s nearly four times the amount of food required on a daily basis for optimal health.
How do we ensure our horses are drinking enough to stay sufficiently hydrated?
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
ehydration does not suddenly occur; it is a gradual process. After an active day of riding or training -- particularly during hot, humid weather -- symptoms
of dehydration (including muscle cramps, rapid heart rate, panting-like respiration, excessive sweating or no sweating) may not appear until the next day.
Simple tests for dehydration include: - Pinch the skin on your horse’s neck or shoulder. Te longer the skin stays elevated after you release it, the more dehydrated your horse is.
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- Look at your horse’s gums and nostrils. Dark or reddish mucous membranes indicate dehydration. - Check for capillary refill. Press on your horse’s gum just above the front teeth. Once your finger is removed, the spot will be white. If normal color does not return within a few seconds, your horse is likely dehydrated. - Take your horse’s temperature. An elevated temperature (more than 102F) that doesn’t decrease after exercise may indicate dehydration.
If you suspect your horse may be dehydrated because of excessive heat, immediately move him to a cool area and offer unlimited access to water.
“You cannot underestimate your horse’s need for water,” says Bill Ormston, DVM, of Jubilee Animal Clinic. “If symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration continue to worsen, contact your veterinarian right away.”
ARE ELECTROLYTES THE ANSWER? E
xcessive fluid loss may require the administration of electrolytes. Horses in competition during the warm summer months are prime candidates for electrolyte
supplementation. Mike Uckele, President and CEO of Uckele Health & Nutrition, notes: “Performance horses, horses on diuretic medications, horses living in hot/humid weather, and horses experiencing diarrhea often need well-balanced
Holistic Horse™ • June/July 2010 • Vol.16, Issue 67
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