The importance of your horse’s health can never be overemphasized .A sick horse is of no much use and could be a major source of distress. It is however possible to keep diseases at bay by carrying out certain precautionary measures. Just like the old adage goes; prevention is better than cure. It is also important that you already can tell between a sick and a healthy horse otherwise the difference will be the same. Outlined below are some activities that every horse owner should carry out on a daily basis
Your horse’s feeding pattern– How can you describe his appetite keeping in mind that horses EAT. If on more than one occasion he left his food untouched or ate too little then it would be about time you sought the services of a medic. And when we are still dealing with matters food, I need to point out that indeed your horses excretion says a lot. A healthy horse’s manure is soft though well formed and not watery. On the other hand an unhealthy horse’s manure is either too soft or too hard. If too hard it could normally mean that he has not been taking enough water and thus a digestion problem. If too soft it could be a worm problem and at times an indication that perhaps the diet is too rich with certain components. Worms could be deadly. Deworm your horses on time.
Observe your horse’s feet as small stones and other substances could find their way into his hooves. This could not only be a major source of distress but could develop to an ailment if left unattended. Use a hoof pick to remove the substances .Check for cracks and other anomalies
Eyes– just like in human beings, eyes say a lot. Watery, swollen or an abnormal coloration in the eyes should raise concern. Apart from being a sign of any bodily ailment, it could also be a sign of an eye condition and could develop to equine blindness if unattended.
The horses lying and standing posture-A healthy horse should look peaceful when lying down. However an unhealthy horse looks agitated; writhes repeatedly and expresses discomfort in his facial expressions. If this goes on for long, it is certainly time to call a vet. As it’s commonly known horses do not stand with their front legs resting, so if this happens, it should raise your attention.
There are many signs that you should look out for, Hence you should take your time to observe every part including the ears, nose, teeth etc
Be alert lest your horse dies on you!
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
