The importance of hydration cannot be understated. It can be just as crucial for your horses as it is for you—and all your other animals. When it comes to equine wellness, hydration should always be one of your top priorities. It can support everything from respiration to digestion. When hydration is disrupted, it can lead to all kinds of issues.
During the cold weather months, horses may drink less water and eat less fresh grass, which can serve as a key source of moisture. This can mean horses need extra support during the winter. You might be able to monitor their water intake or simply give them supplemental herbs for horses as part of a targeted plan. Here are a few ways to help your horses avoid dehydration during the winter.
Monitor Water Sources
As temperatures rise and fall throughout the season, water sources may freeze over or become inaccessible. From water troughs in a barn or stable to open-air troughs outdoors, it’s important to monitor them throughout the season. Horses may avoid icy water sources or simply be unable to access the water under a frozen layer of ice.
One option for addressing this is to routinely add warmer water to any water sources. It may encourage water intake and can help keep water sources more accessible. If water does freeze over, breaking up the ice (and possibly removing it) may also encourage horses to drink more.
Increase Activity When Possible
One reason horses may drink less water during the colder months is due to decreased activity. They may be working less and sweating less. As a result, they’ll likely feel less thirsty. It can be beneficial to increase activity when possible. This can include walks around the property or general training exercises.
This kind of activity isn’t just beneficial in encouraging increased water intake—it can have a number of other benefits, as well. Keeping your horses active can reduce boredom, curb potential behavior issues, and even help prevent digestive issues. If temperatures drop, help them stay warm with a protective sheet or blanket. Horses can withstand wider temperature variances than humans, but there are limits when they’re outdoors during cold spells.
Add Natural Electrolytes to the Mix
When horses consume less water, it can have an impact on their overall health and wellness. Many systems can be affected. For instance, with less water in their system, a horse’s kidneys might not function as effectively as they otherwise would. Horses may also get fewer water-soluble electrolytes in their system. While simply encouraging water intake can help, certain supplements may help balance things out.
Already giving your horses supplements like horse dewormers or products for digestive care? That’s okay! You can easily add natural kidney-supporting supplements to the mix. As always, be sure to carefully read the product description and usage recommendations. This kind of electrolyte support can help balance fluid levels throughout the body, which can support balanced waste removal and result in improved wellness all winter long.
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.
Support your horse’s wellness all season long with https://www.silverliningherbs.com/
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