Late fall can be an unpredictable time for horses. Throughout November and December, it’s not uncommon for weather and temperatures to fluctuate wildly. One day, it might be an amenable 50 degrees, and the next, a frigid 25. These temperature fluctuations can impact horse wellness. During the fall, horses may already be dealing with a number of other unpredictable factors. They may be adapting to changing pasture conditions as fresh, green grass disappears. It might be time to add or change horse supplements. What else should you be on the lookout for in the late fall, and how can you help get your horses ready for temperature changes? Here are three suggestions.
Get Ready for Potential Digestive Challenges
While potential digestive issues, including colic, can be a year-round challenge to watch for, during the late fall, it can be even more critical. As fresh grass fades away, horses may set their sights on dried, noxious weeds. They may even eat damp leaves off the ground. In any case, it can be important to monitor what your horses are eating in the pasture. It may be necessary to trim back weeds or branches so horses can’t access them. As horses adapt to a more complete diet of feed or hay, it can also be beneficial to add supplements made to support digestion. This can include targeted supplements specifically for gut health and horse probiotics. Best of all, you can give them natural supplements all fall and winter long for continued support.
Combating Seasonal Dehydration
As temperatures fluctuate, horses may drink less water. This can lead to issues related to dehydration, such as constipation. It’s essential to monitor water access and intake. Horses may simply drink less water because they’re working less. They may even feel less thirsty. Still, it’s always good to keep fresh water nearby, whether it’s in the barn or the pasture. Adding warm water to their water sources may help stimulate drinking, but you can take other steps to combat dehydration, as well. Another option is to add a kidney-supporting supplement to their diet. Look for natural kidney support supplements with electrolytes. When water consumption drops, added electrolytes can help keep your horse’s systems better balanced.
Looking Ahead as Temperatures Fluctuate
Gut health and dehydration are both crucial issues to watch for as temperatures and conditions fluctuate, but now is also a good reminder for all horse owners, trainers, and riders to watch for issues related to colic. Changes in digestion, for example, can increase risk factors associated with colic. Dehydration can play a role, as well. So many of these systems and issues are interconnected, and some related symptoms can lead to others. During this time of year, it can be beneficial to keep colic-focused supplements on hand just in case. Early signs of colic can include turning their head to look at, nuzzle, or bite their ribs or belly, changes in manure (like smaller or drier clumps), loss of appetite, and decreased water intake. In some cases, walking your horse may improve symptoms, but you can always contact your vet if symptoms persist.
About Silver Lining Herbs
Silver Lining Herbs was founded on the principle of supporting your animals’ health and wellness with 100% natural supplements. They recognize that nature is full of safe and effective herbal ingredients that can help deliver real results. With their comprehensive range of natural horse supplements, you can support your horse’s appearance, performance, and overall well-being, inside and out. You can browse a wide variety of products, from effective horse dewormers to horse probiotics, all made with only the highest-quality ingredients. Silver Lining Herbs isn’t just dedicated to equine health, either. They’ve also developed a full range of natural dog supplements, including their natural dog dewormer. When the health and wellness of your animals is your number one priority, turn to Silver Lining Herbs.
Prepare your horses for common late fall wellness challenges at https://www.silverliningherbs.com/
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