3 Tips To Protect Your Horse From Impaction Colic

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, horse owners should be taking extra steps to decrease the likelihood of impaction colic in the colder months.

Here are 3 tips to help your horse when their digestion gets “tough” this winter

1. Offer Warm Water

Did you know that horses prefer warm water over cold water? It’s true! A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine found that horses drank 40 percent more water when it was heated.

On the other hand, if icy water was available, horses tended to drink exclusively from the icy water, resulting in them consuming less water overall.

So, if you want to ensure that your horses stay hydrated, providing them with only warm water is the way to go. Not only will it encourage them to drink more, but it will also keep them healthy and happy.

2. Feed High-Quality Forage

AAEP describes impaction colic as the accumulation of hard, dry fecal material in the colon.

In addition to increasing water intake, it is important to feed high-quality hay to ensure proper digestion. Not to mention, most times, this will increase your horse’s appetite.

Read the full article on why hay quality is important here!

ExcelEQ And ProElite Can Help With Digestion

ExcelEQ and ExcelEQ ProElite significantly increase the bioavailability and absorption of your horse’s digestive tract.

Learn more about our Equine Products here!

3. Increase Exercise

Sometimes, conditions during colder months can lessen the amount of exercise your horse receives.

Multiple professionals recommend adding simple stretches, or “horse yoga”, to your daily barn routine!

The takeaway…

1. To keep horses hydrated, provide only warm water to encourage them to drink more and stay healthy.
2. Avoid feeding poor-quality hay!
3. Find creative ways to stay active with your horse.

Read the full article on winter nutrition tips here!

Sources:

Drinking water temperature affects consumption of water during cold weather in ponies M.A. Kristula, S.M. McDonnell/AppliedAnimal Behaviour Science 41(1994)