Two groups of horses with respiratory problems

Coughing in horses during the winter months can be broadly divided into two groups:

1. Horses that start coughing due to irritation of the airways from prolonged exposure to irritating substances in the air such as dust, mold, and ammonia.
2. Horses that develop inflammation of the airways as a result of reduced overall resistance.

In the first group of horses, symptoms usually appear in the first half of winter. The second group generally starts showing symptoms in the second half of winter.

Causes of respiratory problems in horses during the winter months

There are several possible causes of respiratory problems in horses during the winter months. Almost all causes are related to seasonal changes and the adjustments that come with it:

• Switching from fresh grass to hay or silage
  In the winter months, there is no fresh grass available, so horses eat more roughage. Hay can be dusty. The dust particles in the hay can irritate the airways, leading to coughing in horses. Also, horses can develop respiratory problems from silage. This is because silage is fermented and therefore has a higher acidity level. A high acidity level can disturb the intestinal flora, and coughing can be one of the consequences.

• More time spent in the stable
  During the winter months, many horses spend more time in the stable. The stable climate is very important when it comes to the causes of respiratory problems in horses. Some horses are very sensitive to dusty environments, while others are more sensitive to ammonia, molds, or high temperatures. Is your horse coughing? Make sure your stable climate is in order. Sometimes, simply ventilating more to provide more fresh air for your horse can be sufficient.

• Colder weather puts more strain on resistance
  During the winter months, horses develop a winter coat. This process requires energy and can result in a decrease in resistance. For healthy horses, this is not a problem and may go unnoticed. However, some horses may be more affected and become more susceptible to viruses and the like.

Measures to prevent respiratory problems

To prevent respiratory problems, it is wise to keep your horse as healthy as possible. This can be achieved by ensuring that the three basic principles are in order: nutrition, stable management, and exercise/fitness.

• Nutrition – Check the quality of the forage. Pay attention to the amount of dust in the hay, the acidity of the silage, and the presence of molds in both.

• Supplements – A supplement to prevent respiratory problems is recommended for horses with sensitive airways during the winter months. When choosing a respiratory supplement, make sure it not only has a soothing effect but also replenishes mucous membranes.
  Does your horse need more resistance? Opt for a supplement for its intestinal flora with a prebiotic effect.

• Stable management – Maintain a good balance in the stable climate. Minimize dust/ammonia and ensure a good temperature and sufficient fresh air. In addition to the stable climate, managing the right blanket at the right time is also very important. Make sure your horse does not catch a cold after exercise. Use a woolen sweat blanket in winter and a fleece sweat blanket when it is above 10℃. This is because the inside of a fleece blanket gets wet from sweat, and in winter, it does not dry, causing your horse to catch a cold. A woolen blanket only gets wet on the outside and is therefore recommended for temperatures below 10℃.

• Exercise/fitness – Does your horse have poor fitness? Slowly build up its fitness level and do not suddenly engage in intensive training. If you overwork an untrained horse, it can lead to coughing fits and can also be harmful to its muscles and joints.