Vet Tips for Caring for Horses in Extreme Heat 2025 ☀️🐴💧

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

As summer temperatures soar, horses become more vulnerable to dehydration, heat stress, and dangerous conditions like anhidrosis (inability to sweat). Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be life-threatening if not managed properly. 🌡️☀️🐎

In this essential 2025 vet guide, Dr Duncan Houston offers smart, proven strategies to help horses beat the heat and stay healthy all summer long. 💦🧠

1. Hydration: The First Line of Defense 💧

Water is the most critical need in hot weather. A horse at rest may need 5–7 gallons per day in cool temperatures—but in summer heat, that can spike to 15–20 gallons per day or more. 🔺💦

Hydration Tips:

• 🚰 Provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water
• 🪣 Use multiple water sources to avoid dominance issues
• 🔄 Change water daily and scrub troughs weekly

💡 Pro Tip:

Place water tanks in the shade and ensure timid horses aren’t blocked by more dominant herd members. 🐴

2. Electrolytes: Support for Sweating Horses 🧂

In summer, horses lose essential salts through sweat. Replacing them is key to hydration and muscle health:

• 🧂 Add electrolytes to feed or water—especially during heavy work
• 🧱 Salt blocks are helpful but often not enough alone
• 🥣 Offer soaked feed or saltwater mash for picky drinkers

3. Encourage Drinking in Picky Horses 🥤

Some horses won’t drink unfamiliar water when traveling. To help them stay hydrated:

• 💧 Add water to their feed
• 🧴 Bring familiar water from home when possible
• 🍊 Flavor unfamiliar water with apple juice or electrolytes

4. Provide Shade and Airflow 🌳🌬️

Direct sun exposure increases heat stress risk. Create cooling environments by:

• 🏠 Using loafing sheds with good ventilation
• 🌳 Offering natural shade (trees or shelters)
• 🌀 Installing fans in barns or near stalls

Tip: Avoid full turnout during the hottest part of the day (typically 1–5 p.m.). 🌞

5. Manage Flies and Allergic Reactions 🪰

Hot weather means more flies—and more itchy, uncomfortable horses. Protect them with:

• 🧴 Fly spray (reapplied regularly)
• 👕 Fly sheets and masks
• 🌀 Fans in barns to deter insects
• 🌅 Bring horses in at dawn and dusk when flies are worst

Horses with sweet itch or allergic reactions benefit most from fly control during peak fly hours. 🐜

6. Anhidrosis: When Horses Stop Sweating ⚠️

Anhidrosis is a condition where horses lose their ability to sweat—a dangerous issue in high heat. Signs include:

• 🌡️ Elevated body temperature
• 😰 Labored breathing, even at rest
• 🧊 Dry coat after exercise (no sweat)
• 🐌 Lethargy or refusal to move

What to do:

• 🚿 Hose with cold water and scrape repeatedly
• 🌬️ Move to shade and use fans
• 🩺 Call your vet—anhidrosis is serious and may need supplements or management changes

7. Emergency Response to Heat Stress 🧯

If your horse is overheating:

• 🧼 Remove all tack immediately
• 🚿 Hose with cold water—scrape and repeat
• 🌡️ Take rectal temperature
• 🧪 If temp is over 103.5°F, cool continuously until it drops below 102°F

Monitor heart rate, breathing, and behavior closely. Call your vet if the horse doesn’t recover quickly. 📞

8. Summary Table: Hot Weather Horse Care 📋✅

9. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 💬

Extreme heat is no joke for horses. With smart hydration, proper shelter, and close monitoring, you can keep your horse safe, cool, and thriving all summer. Don’t wait until heat stress sets in—preventive care is key. ☀️🐴🧠

Need help preparing your horse for summer or managing a non-sweater? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📲 for personalized care tips, product recommendations, and 24/7 vet support.

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc