Horses in America are now mainly for recreational purposes or as pets. They are no longer required for transportation as they once were, but this does not mean that horses no longer hold significance. Caring for these majestic creatures isn’t easy, and they can sometimes suffer from physiological imbalances due to the loss of essential minerals. However, you can give electrolyte supplements to horses to maintain optimum mineral levels. Here is a small guide to help you learn more about electrolyte products.
What’s in Electrolyte Supplements?
Most commonly, the minerals present in these supplements are sodium, chlorides, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals are especially high in demand for horses with rapid sweating: Sweat contains salts that the animal needs to function adequately, and excessive sweating causes all these nutrients to be wasted before the body uses them. To ensure the health of the horse, electrolyte supplements are used.
The Benefits of Electrolyte Supplements
Here are some benefits your horse will have from taking daily electrolytes supplements:
1.Hydration
Your horse is likely to drink less when carrying heavy things and present in an unfamiliar environment. Horses also tend to drink less during weather changes. When it suddenly gets hot or cold, your animals may suffer from dehydration. Horses suffering from bowel issues, such as loose manure, are also at risk of dehydration as they constantly lose minerals and water.
If you live in areas where heat and humidity are potent, you may not even realize it, but your horse may continuously lose essential salts through sweating. Horses suffer from electrolyte imbalance significantly more than some other animals. Feeding them electrolyte supplements can solve the problem as these will instigate your horse’s thirst response, making them more eager to drink water.
2. Increases Energy Levels
Horses are great companions and encourage you to spend more time in nature. Therapy horses can help you build confidence and empathy and improve social skills. To develop a bond with your horse, be sure to ride them at least four times a week. However, this is only possible if your horse remains active and healthy. To guarantee the horse’s health, you can give them electrolyte supplements. This way, the supplements will always energize your horse, and their health won’t be compromised during regular rides.
3.Reduces Symptoms of Horse Colic
Horse Colic is a disease where horses experience abdominal pain because of trouble in their gastrointestinal tract. The condition may make your horse disturbed and uneasy, and your horse may also refuse to drink water. In such a situation, you should contact a medical professional immediately. Till they reach, you can administer electrolyte supplements to ease the problem for your horse. This medication will start them to drink water again so the disease does not exacerbate. The minerals can also relax the muscles, easing the pain of the muscle spasms. The supplement can also be used as a medication to calm and hydrate your horse until suitable medical attention is provided.
Endnote
To avail of the benefits mentioned above, you should consider purchasing electrolyte products, or you can even make your own. When making the electrolyte packet yourself, follow proper guidelines and ensure you use the correct quantity of each mineral.
It is also vital to understand that while electrolyte supplements can have so many benefits for your horses, you should not have them over-consume the packets. The dosage depends on your horse’s size and current state, so it is best to consult a vet to figure out a safe amount.
