Tips to Prevent Respiratory Problems this Winter
From MyHorse.com:
Winter is cold and flu season for people because they congregate in close contact inside warm buildings with poor air circulation, like schools and malls. The same could happen with your horse if you’re in a tightly closed-up barn with a lot of traffic on and off the premises, allowing for the introduction of viruses.
Good ventilation is one of the best safeguards. Tightly sealed barns with moist air condensing on the windows are a dream come true for respiratory infections. Follow your vet’s advice regarding vaccinations in your situation, but understand that a megadose of virus can overcome any vaccine’s protection.
Even more common is a respiratory problem that doesn’t involve infections, which is inflammatory airway disease or AID. This is inflammation caused by irritants such as ammonia fumes, dust, mites and fungal elements in hays and grains, fine hay and sawdust particles.
Symptoms range from a thin clear to frothy whitish nasal discharge, to coughs, to obvious decrease in exercise tolerance. Inflamed airways are also more prone to spasm when exposed to cold air. Closed-up barns with humid air also favor AID.
Fight AID by keeping the barn as well-ventilated as possible without putting the horses in a direct draft. Open doors and windows when stalls are being cleaned, preferably with the horses outside. Air out the barn during the warmest times of the day and when horses are turned out or being exercised. Never seal the barn up so tightly that warm moist air is condensing on the windows.
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!