Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Robinson Animal Healthcare
Top Tips for Summer Survival
As the temperature has started to rise and summer seems to have finally arrived, now is the time to get out and enjoy time with your horse or pony.
To make the most of the warmer weather it is important to keep your horse healthy and take steps to avoid some common ailments that could spoil your summer fun and also keep your horse comfortable during the hottest part of the day.
Here Robinson Animal Healthcare offers advice on surviving the hotter months.
- Always make sure your horse has a fresh, clean supply of water when he is in the stable or field to avoid dehydration and to keep the body functioning at an optimum level.
- If you have automatic drinkers, check they are working properly, and keep troughs in the field clean.
- In warm weather you may need to add electrolytes to the diet to replace those that have been lost through sweating, also allow constant access to a salt block
- Make sure your horse always has access to shade on hot days.
- Hooves often become dry and brittle in hot weather, ask your farrier for advice.
- Avoid sunburn by protecting exposed areas of pink and white skin from the sun with a suitable hypo allergenic waterproof sunblock cream. Sunburnt skin can soon become sore and infected.
- Ensure your horse is protected from flies by using a suitable fly repellent, fly fringe and fly rug.
- Remove dry sweat from the coat as it attracts flies. This can be done by using a mild anti-bacterial cleansing wash, which removes dried sweat, dirt and contamination.
- Remove any dirt or eye debris to help deter flies by bathing the eyes using cotton wool and warm water that was previously boiled and left to cool.
- Remain vigilant for seasonal conditions such as laminitis and sweet itch.
- Try and exercise your horse at the coolest part of the day.
- Be prepared for minor cuts and injuries by having access to a suitable first aid kit.
Robinson Animal Healthcare is a long established manufacturer of animal first aid wound care and absorbents, including market leading brands such as Animalintex® and Veterinary Gamgee®. These products have been tried and tested in the equine market and together offer complete solution to everyday first aid requirements for riders and veterinary surgeons.
For further information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com