Friday, June 22, 2012

How to cool down Your Horse!


<>Warning signs of heat stress in your horse include:<><><>
  1. Elevated breathing. More than 40-50 breaths per minute in an inactive horse, or after several minutes rest (2-5 minutes) your horse's breathing doesn't return to normal. Normal range is 4-16 breaths per minute.
  2. Elevated heart rate. More than 80 beats per minute in an inactive horse, or after several minutes rest (2-5 minutes) your horse's heart
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  1. Profuse sweating or no sweat at all.
  2. Elevated temperature. More than 103-105 degrees. Normal range is 99-101.
  3. Lethargy and/or depressed attitude. Doesn't want to move, doesn't want to eat, or becomes disinterested.
  4. Dehydration. Flanks are caved in, pinch test of the skin on the neck doesn't snap back quickly, and/or the mucous membranes are discolored (specifically a dark red, purple or "muddy" color). Normal is pink colored.
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What to do when you recognize any or all of these signs:

  1. Stop what you are doing and call your veterinarian, especially if the signs do not improve within 10 minutes.
  2. Remove all tack.
  3. Douse your horse with cold water. Especially over withers
  4. Find shade.
  5. Seek a breeze, either natural or with a fan.
  6. Offer water to drink. Plus High trac from www.happynaturalhorse.com+ natural mollases 1 tablesppoon
  7. Wait for your veterinarian to arrive.




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