Signs of Dehydration in Your Horse
Not knowing or understanding the signs of dehydration in your horse is the first mistake. Take notice, and watch for the signs to prevent it. Dehydration is a serious condition and causes a lot of other problems. Keep in mind that any horse can become dehydrated if they are sweating. What makes it worse is the weather, such as heat and humidity, age, as the older the horse is the harder their bodies are working, health, for example horses in pain or recovering from sickness, or just coming down with sickness are having a harder time period. These factors can increase the chances of developing dehydration.
What to watch for?
1. Poor performance
Something will look off. The horse may not behave as normal and may look like they are struggling, being weaker and perhaps stiff. Dehydration can even led to 'Tying up'.
2. Appearance
Their skin will start to loose its elasticity. If you pull it (pinch test) it will not go back as quickly as normal. which should be relatively immediately.
3. Capillary Refill Time
The horse's gum will lose color. If you press on the gum a little, it will not return to its normal pink color.
4. Dark urine
Of course the urine will appear to be darker if the horse is dehydrated, and that is if you notice them able to urinate at all.
5. Beats per minute
The horse's heartrate will be increased as the heart is struggling to keep the blood flowing.
6. Breaths per minute
The horse will also struggle with breathing and there is an increased number of breaths per minute. It will not want to return to normal after exercise. This is why it is important to know your horse's vitals on a regular basis to get a baseline.
These are the top 6 signs of dehydration that are the easiest to recognize in horses. To study more see the International Rider Level IV. Learn what to do if your horse does develop dehydration. Keep informed and help your horse live a better life!
What to watch for?
1. Poor performance
Something will look off. The horse may not behave as normal and may look like they are struggling, being weaker and perhaps stiff. Dehydration can even led to 'Tying up'.
2. Appearance
Their skin will start to loose its elasticity. If you pull it (pinch test) it will not go back as quickly as normal. which should be relatively immediately.
3. Capillary Refill Time
The horse's gum will lose color. If you press on the gum a little, it will not return to its normal pink color.
4. Dark urine
Of course the urine will appear to be darker if the horse is dehydrated, and that is if you notice them able to urinate at all.
5. Beats per minute
The horse's heartrate will be increased as the heart is struggling to keep the blood flowing.
6. Breaths per minute
The horse will also struggle with breathing and there is an increased number of breaths per minute. It will not want to return to normal after exercise. This is why it is important to know your horse's vitals on a regular basis to get a baseline.
These are the top 6 signs of dehydration that are the easiest to recognize in horses. To study more see the International Rider Level IV. Learn what to do if your horse does develop dehydration. Keep informed and help your horse live a better life!
