🩺 1. Regular Veterinary Checkups
Horses need routine health examinations from a qualified veterinarian — usually every 6 to 12 months.
These checkups help detect problems early such as dental issues, lameness, parasites, or infections.
What’s checked:
- Heart, lungs, and temperature
- Eyes, ears, and nose for infections
- Hoof and leg condition
- Weight and overall fitness
- Vaccination and deworming status
💉 2. Vaccinations
Vaccines protect horses from dangerous diseases. Depending on the region, your vet will recommend vaccines such as:
| Disease | Vaccine Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tetanus | Yearly | Essential for all horses |
| Equine Influenza | Every 6–12 months | Protects from flu-like illness |
| West Nile Virus | Yearly | Especially in mosquito areas |
| Rabies | Yearly | Protects horse & humans |
| Strangles | Optional | For horses in stables or shows |
🪱 3. Deworming (Parasite Control)
Internal parasites can cause weight loss, poor coat, and colic.
Deworming Schedule: Every 6–8 weeks or as recommended by the vet.
Tip: Rotate dewormers and do regular fecal egg counts to avoid resistance.
🦷 4. Dental Care
Horses’ teeth grow continuously and may develop sharp edges that cause pain.
Check teeth every 6–12 months.
- Floating (filing) may be required.
- Watch for signs: dropping food, head tossing, or loss of weight.
🐾 5. Hoof & Leg Care
A horse’s hooves must be cleaned and trimmed every 6–8 weeks by a farrier.
Daily hoof picking removes stones and dirt that can cause infections.
Common problems:
- Thrush (bacterial infection)
- Cracked hooves
- Lameness due to poor shoeing
🌾 6. Nutrition & Hydration
Healthy horses need a balanced diet:
- Forage: Hay or pasture (main part of diet)
- Grains: Oats, barley, or commercial feed (for energy)
- Minerals & Salt blocks: For bone and muscle health
- Clean water: 5–10 gallons daily
Avoid sudden diet changes — it can cause colic (a dangerous stomach pain).
😷 7. Common Health Issues
| Condition | Symptoms | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Colic | Rolling, kicking belly, not eating | Call vet immediately |
| Laminitis | Pain in hooves, reluctant to move | Urgent vet care |
| Cough or nasal discharge | Persistent cough | Possible infection |
| Skin issues | Itching, bald spots | May be fungal or allergic |
❤️ 8. Signs of a Healthy Horse
- Bright eyes and alert ears
- Shiny coat and good appetite
- Normal manure and urination
- Calm behavior and smooth movement
- Normal temperature (99–101°F), pulse (28–44 bpm), breathing (10–24/min)
👨⚕️ 9. Emergency Care
Contact your vet immediately if you notice:
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Severe lameness
- Unusual sweating or colic signs
- High fever or labored breathing
Keep a first aid kit with:
- Thermometer
- Antiseptic and bandages
- Hoof pick and tweezers
- Vet contact details
🐎 Summary
Healthy horses need a mix of routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, clean environment, and daily observation.
Good care means your horse stays strong, active, and happy for many years.
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