Vet Tips 2025: Preventing Heat Stress in Horses—Hydration, Shade & Smarts ☀️🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Summers are getting hotter—and horses are paying the price. Between horse shows, trailering, and pasture turnout, heat-related issues like dehydration, fatigue, and heat stroke are real risks. Fortunately, with a few key strategies, you can protect your horse and keep them cool, safe, and healthy. ☀️🐎

Why Heat Hits Horses Hard 🔥🐴

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine warns that horses are especially vulnerable to heat in regions like Texas, where triple-digit temperatures are common. Events and travel during the summer can push horses beyond safe limits if hydration, shade, and rest aren't properly managed. 🧠📉

Most Common Heat Problems in Horses 💧💥

• 🚫 Dehydration
• 💤 Heat exhaustion
• 🌡️ Heat stroke (life-threatening!)
• 🧊 Electrolyte imbalances
• 🧬 Eye irritation from trailer travel

Hydration Is Priority #1 🥇💧

Horses need constant access to fresh water—especially during events, trailering, and summer turnout. Here’s how to encourage drinking:

• 🥕 Offer soaked hay or hay cubes
• 🍲 Add warm water to grain to create a mash
• 🧂 Mix electrolytes or table salt into feed to trigger thirst

You can’t make a horse drink—but you can make it easy and enticing. 💧🐴

Know the Signs of Overheating 🚨☀️

Recognize these early warning signs of heat fatigue or stroke:

• 💨 Rapid breathing that doesn’t normalize after 10–20 minutes of rest
• 😴 Lethargy or reduced responsiveness
• 💥 Increased body temperature or warm ears, chest, and under the tail
• 👁️ Dull eyes or sunken appearance
• 🧃 Dry mucous membranes and slow capillary refill

Don’t wait to act—early rest, shade, and hydration can prevent emergencies. ⏱️🧠

Trailer Travel in the Heat 🚛🧊

Traveling with horses during summer requires special care:

• 🧊 Leave windows and vents open for ventilation
• 🧼 Use window screens to block debris and UV exposure
• 🚫 Never tie a horse in full sun at a show—find shade or create it with tarps
• 🥛 Offer water before and after loading, during breaks if possible

Horses can develop eye irritation or corneal damage from flying debris during trailer rides. Screens protect vision and help airflow. 👁️🚚

Shade and Rest—Don't Skip It! 🌳🧘‍♂️

• 🌴 Ensure shaded turnout areas or shelter
• 🛑 Plan breaks during travel or competition to reduce overheating
• 🌬️ Use portable fans at shows or stalls

Never underestimate the importance of giving your horse time to cool down between activities. ⏳🐎

When to Call the Vet 🩺📞

If your horse shows any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call your vet immediately:

• 🌡️ High temperature that doesn’t drop
• 😵 Disorientation or stumbling
• 💨 Labored breathing even after rest
• 💧 Refusal to drink water for an extended time

Dehydration can escalate quickly—don’t wait to intervene. 🧊🧪

Summer Show Checklist ✅☀️

• 🧊 Water buckets or portable water source
• 🍲 Electrolytes and mash feed
• 🕶️ Fly masks and trailer window screens
• 🌴 Portable shade or sun tarp
• 📋 Health and hydration monitoring chart

Preparedness = performance and protection. 🎯

Need Help With Hydration Strategies? Ask A Vet 📱🐴

Wondering if your horse is drinking enough or showing early heat signs? Chat with a certified equine expert via Ask A Vet for help building your summer hydration plan.

Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 guidance on heat stress, electrolyte dosing, and safe trailering strategies. 🐎☀️

Final Thoughts: Beat the Heat With Smart Prep 🧠🐴

Heat stress is preventable. Monitor water intake, offer shade, plan breaks, and keep your horse cool with hydration-rich feeds. Whether you’re trailering or competing, preparation protects your horse’s health—and performance. 🧊🏇

Have heat concerns or summer show questions? Visit Ask A Vet for real-time equine support. 🐴💙