Winter Dehydration

Even in cold winter months, dehydration can occur in horses. Dehydration occurs when horses lose too much water from their body and do not replenish it. Water is lost through urine, feces, sweating and moisture in breath exhaled from the lungs. 

Horses may reduce their water intake levels that can cause significant health problems. It is necessary to have adequate levels of water in the body because water is responsible for essential functions, such as, maintaining normal digestion, proper levels of moisture in feces, normal blood volume and the normal function of sweat glands. 

Insufficient water can cause decreased feed intake and impaction colic.

Decrease feed intake occurs because their is not enough saliva produced to mix with the food. A hydrated horse will produce about 10 gallons of saliva daily to help soften the food mass as it is chewed. Even if quality feed is offered, a horse will consume less if they are not drinking sufficient water. Less feed can mean less energy to tolerate cold weather and weight loss.

Impaction colic can be the most dangerous of the two. Feed material during digestion and fecal matter after digestion must have the appropriate moisture levels. If they become too dry, impaction (intestinal blockage) can occur because the feed material is not moved along the digestive tract in a timely manner.    

Horse owners should watch for the signs of a lethargic horse or decreased feed intake. Encouraging an increase in water consumption can prevent impaction colic.

Tips to encourage water consumption:

• Warm the water. Studies have shown when water was heated, water consumption increased by 40 percent per day.

• Additional salt. Increasing salt content will stimulate a horse to drink more water. A 1000 pound horse should be consuming about 2 ounces of salt per day. 

No matter the season, weather condition, or activity of the horse, good quality water should be provided at all times to prevent dehydration.