07/02/2025
As Hampton Roads continues to experience extreme heat, it's imperative that horse owners do their due diligence to keep their horses safe and healthy during heat waves.
One of the side effects of the heat for some horses is the inability to sweat properly. This condition, called anhidrosis, is potentially dangerous for horses because it compromises their ability to thermoregulate even in weather that doesn’t seem that hot, and therefore puts them at higher risk of heat stress.
Anhidrosis is not fully understood yet; it is widespread in the hot and humid regions of the United States during the summer and particularly during heat waves. Remember that administering unnecessary medications without consulting your horse doctor first could do more harm than good, as it puts your equine friend at risk of developing harmful side effects!
If your horse has a high respiratory rate and does not seem to tolerate turnout on hot days, be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian. Call/text/email Guardian Equine Veterinary Services to schedule your wellness visit today.
(757)840-8030
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