Protecting Your Horse’s Respiratory System in Poor Air Quality
Whether it's smoke-filled skies from wildfires around the Western United States or severe winds from storms in other parts of the country, or even dust. Environmental factors that impact air quality can affect your horse's respiratory systems even when exposed in small doses. Respiratory issues can be a catalyst for decreased immune function and poor performance.
Making sure your horse is receiving nutrients to help improve respiratory health and even prevent respiratory ailments and diseases can ensure a happy, healthy, horse.
Vitamins & Minerals to Protect Your Horses Respiratory System
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that benefits the horse's respiratory system. In addition to protecting the body, it also increases resistance to viral and bacterial infections and reducing the risk of lung diseases. The best way to protect your horse is to continually feed them a powerful multi-vitamin that includes Vitamin C and other important trace minerals and vitamins not available in hay. Horse Guard contains 127 mg of Vitamin C per dose!
Flaxseed Oil:
Research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids help with respiratory issues in horses and improves lung function. Flow, our 100% cold-pressed Flax oil, is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and easy to add to their concentrate. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of flaxseed oil for the highest level of benefits.
Vitamin E:
Increasing Vitamin E levels during times of heavy smoke can be extremely beneficial because it lessens the severity of respiratory symptoms. It is also a powerful antioxidant that is responsible for protecting the body from free radicals. Eas-E Guard contains no other vitamins or minerals which makes it easy for you to increase Vitamin E intake without throwing off other nutrient levels. Plus, it's carried in ground flaxseed!
Other Ways To Protect Your Horse's Respiratory System
While managing your horse’s nutrition to improve your horse’s respiratory system, pay attention to their exorcise and workload. Your horse’s air quality is important, especially when performing a task that elevates their respiratory rate. Exorcising your horse in poor air quality can increase their susceptibility to lung disease and respiratory issues down the line. It’s best to reduce aerobic activity when the air quality exceeds 200 AQI. If you can feel the effects of the smoke in the air, your horses can too. Keep in mind that depending on the type of living situation, they don’t get a break from the smoke like we do when we go inside.
Change out water frequently as it can fill up with debris or pollutant particles like ash can leave a toxic residue. Changing out water buckets and allowing access to fresh water at all times will help keep your horse hydrated and happy.
When our horses live outside exposed to the elements staying aware of the different environmental risks that can threaten their immune system and overall well being is crucial, especially for performance horses. Horse Guard is always available to help ensure the right nutrition for your horse, just email our Certified Equine Nutritionist, here!
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