It’s summer time in Texas, and we’re not the only ones sweating it out. Livestock, including horses, are also trying to cope with the heat as the mercury topples 100 degrees.
Dr. Bob Judd, host of the TFB Radio Network’s Texas Vet News says horses need six nutrients in their diet: carbohydrates, protein, fat, mineral, vitamins and water. Water is the most important.
An animal can live for a period without the first five, but can only live a very short period without water. In only 48 hours without water, horses will colic, develop an impaction and without fluids, will not survive, Dr. Judd said.
An average 1,000 pound horse normally drinks between five and 15 gallons of water per day depending on their activity level and the time of year. Monitoring a horse’s water intake is easier when kept in a stall, and more difficult when a horse is out on pasture.
To check for dehydration, you can easily lift your horses’ gums and place your finger on the gum. If the gum is dry, dehydration is possible. When you take your finger off the gum, the pink color should return to the area in less than two-and-a-half seconds. If it does not, the circulation is decreased and dehydration is a concern, Dr. Judd said.
Although horses on pasture may drink from ponds and streams, a full water trough is still necessary to ensure the safety of horses.
Listen to Dr. Judd’s full report on the TFB Radio Network here: http://bit.ly/1IzlNEz.