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As the temperatures drop and the frost begins to settle, winter can pose unique challenges for our beloved senior horses. Aging horses, much like older humans, require a little extra care during colder months to stay healthy and comfortable. From their teeth to their toes, their digestive health to their vaccinations, preparation is key to ensuring your veteran horse thrives throughout winter.
🩺 Vet Recommendations
Older horses often face age-related changes that can make winter harder on their bodies. Here are the top areas to focus on to keep them comfortable and healthy:
- Dental health: Ensuring they can chew effectively and avoid weight loss.
- Hoof care: Preventing ice build-up and addressing any hoof conditions.
- Digestive health: Supporting weight maintenance and digestion with proper nutrition.
- Vaccinations: Staying up to date on tetanus and other essential shots.
Let’s explore each of these areas in more detail to help you prepare your senior horse for winter.
📋 Care Tips
Teeth: The Foundation of Good Nutrition
As horses age, their teeth naturally wear down, and some may even lose teeth altogether. This can make chewing hay and forage more challenging, leading to weight loss or digestive issues. Dental health is particularly important in winter when horses rely on hay as their primary food source.
Schedule a dental check-up before winter. Your vet or equine dentist can float (file down) sharp edges, check for missing teeth, and ensure your horse can chew comfortably. If chewing hay is difficult, consider providing softer forage alternatives like soaked hay cubes or beet pulp to ensure they’re getting enough fiber.
Toes: Winter Hoof Care
Cold, wet, and icy conditions can be hard on your horse’s hooves. Mud and snow can lead to thrush, abscesses, or ice balls forming under their feet, which can cause discomfort or even injuries.
- Pick hooves daily to remove mud, manure, and debris.
- Consider using hoof boots or non-slip shoes if your horse struggles with traction on ice.
- Talk to your farrier about trimming and shoeing options that work best for winter conditions.
Maintaining a clean, dry shelter and turnout area will also help keep your horse’s hooves healthy during the wet winter months.
Tums: Supporting Digestive Health
Winter can be a tricky time for older horses to maintain their weight, especially if they struggle with poor teeth or reduced digestive efficiency. Senior horses may also drink less water in winter, increasing their risk of colic due to dehydration.
- Provide warm water to encourage drinking and prevent dehydration. You can use a water heater to keep buckets from freezing.
- Feed high-quality forage and consider adding a senior feed or complete feed designed for older horses.
- Offer soaked feeds or mashes to improve hydration and make chewing easier.
- Monitor your horse’s weight regularly and adjust their diet as needed.
Probiotic supplements may also support gut health, especially if your horse has a history of digestive issues. Consult your vet for recommendations tailored to your horse’s specific needs.
Tetanus: Vaccination and Preventative Care
Winter often brings wet, muddy conditions that can create an ideal environment for bacteria like Clostridium tetani, which causes tetanus. This potentially fatal disease can occur when bacteria enter a wound or puncture.
Ensure your horse is up to date on their tetanus vaccination. Most horses require an annual booster, but your vet may recommend a more frequent schedule for older or immune-compromised horses. Check their vaccination records early in the season so you’re not caught off guard.
In addition to vaccinations, inspect your horse daily for cuts or wounds, especially around their legs and hooves. Prompt cleaning and care can reduce the risk of infection.
✅ Do’s and Don’ts
- Do schedule a pre-winter vet check-up to address any health concerns.
- Do monitor your horse’s weight and body condition weekly.
- Do provide access to shelter, warm water, and ample forage.
- Don’t overlook hoof care, even if your horse isn’t ridden in winter.
- Don’t rely solely on visual assessment—use your hands to feel for weight loss under their winter coat.
💡 Expert Advice
Every senior horse is unique, and their winter care plan should be tailored to their individual needs. Regular communication with your vet is essential for catching potential issues early and making informed decisions about their diet, vaccinations, and overall health.
Remember, preparation is the key to a healthy and happy winter for your horse. By focusing on their teeth, toes, tums, and tetanus protection, you’re setting them up for a season of comfort and well-being. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice.
FAQs
Q: How can I tell if my senior horse is losing weight under their winter coat?
A: Use your hands to feel along their ribs, spine, and hips. A weight tape can also help monitor changes in their body condition over time.
Q: What should I feed my older horse if they can’t chew hay well?
A: Soaked hay cubes, beet pulp, and senior feeds are excellent alternatives that provide the fiber and nutrition your horse needs without requiring excessive chewing.
Q: How often should I check my horse’s hooves in winter?
A: Ideally, you should pick and inspect their hooves daily to prevent issues like thrush or ice build-up.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
