As they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot necessarily make them drink. While that is true at times, it really only tells half the story.

If your horse is dehydrated enough, it can lose the physiological urge to drink even when their body desperately needs fluid. New Zealand’s weather can compound the issue, as well as the active competition scene, so dehydration is a constant risk that every equine owner needs to stay on top of.

Dehydration impacts everything about your horse, from their muscle function to their ability to regulate their body temperature. If you are concerned that your horse is currently dehydrated – not just thirsty – then this guide will help you figure out if that is the case, and respond accordingly with a horse salt supplement or equine electrolytes.

First, is your horse dehydrated or thirsty?

Before we can fix the problem with equine electrolytes or a horse salt supplement, you need to be sure you are actually dealing with dehydration. Horses, like many animals, are excellent at hiding their discomfort. So, here are a few ways to look for dehydration in your animal:

The ‘skin pinch’ test.

This is the most well-known method. Gently pinch a fold of skin on your horse’s neck or shoulder and release it. In a well-hydrated horse, the skin will snap back into place instantly. If the skin stays “tented” for two seconds or more, your horse is losing significant fluids.

If it stays up for five seconds, you are looking at a serious situation that cannot be resolved immediately with equine electrolytes. Call your vet immediately.

Capillary Refill Time (CRT)

Lift your horse’s upper lip and press your thumb firmly against their gum for a second to turn the spot white. Just like our own gums, when you let go, the pink colour should return within one to two seconds. If it takes longer, it means their blood volume is low because of fluid loss.

While you are there, feel the gums. Like ours, they should be slippery and wet. If they feel tacky or dry, the horse is definitely dehydrated.

Behaviour and appearance.

A dehydrated horse often looks “tucked up” in the flank area. They might appear lethargic, have a dull eye, or show a sudden drop in performance. Their urine will also become much darker and have a stronger smell as their body tries to conserve every drop of water it can.

If your horse was recently competing, jumping, or otherwise working hard, these behaviour signs are a strong indication that your animal needs help rehydrating.

How to Rehydrate Your Horse Quickly

Speed is vital. To get your horse to drink, you first have to reignite their thirst, and that happens by fixing the salt balance in their blood. From there, you can rehydrate them with water as their natural instinct to drink will have returned.

To quench their thirst, follow the steps below.

If you are at all unsure about what to do next, contact your equine vet for guidance, as (aside from you) they know your horse’s needs best.

1. Use a horse salt supplement or equine electrolytes.

To quickly balance their salts, an oral paste is often the best choice, though this will depend on your horse’s preference. These are concentrated versions of the minerals often found in powders, allowing you to administer a paste directly over the back of the tongue using a syringe.

This means your horse will get a full dose, rather than sifting through their feed or dealing with them ignoring a bucket of treated water.

Note: Do not ever give your horse concentrated electrolytes if they do not have immediate access to fresh, clean water. Electrolytes work by pulling water into the bloodstream. If there is no water for them to drink, the system will try to pull water from the horse’s own tissues and organs, which can actually cause a dangerous spike in dehydration.

2. Offer ‘sweet water’.

If your horse is being fussy about the taste of the water, try masking it with something. Add a splash of apple juice, a bit of molasses, or flavoured equine electrolytes to tempt them into the first few vital gulps.

3. Wet their feed.

A great way to sneak extra water into a horse is through a “mash.” Soak their grain or hay pellets in a generous amount of water until it reaches a soup-like consistency. This provides both hydration and a bit of energy to help them recover from the stress of dehydration.

4. Soak the hay.

Soaking your hay for even ten to fifteen minutes can significantly increase your horse’s water intake. For a horse that is already dehydrated, eating dry hay can actually draw more moisture out of their body during digestion, making the problem worse. Providing wet forage is a gentle way to keep the fluids moving through their system.

Placing a simple horse salt supplement in their stable with them can also help bring that thirst back, so something as simple as a salt lick is worth keeping on-hand.

If your horse refuses to drink after you have tried electrolytes, if they show signs of colic, or if their heart rate remains high while they are resting, call your veterinarian immediately. In these cases, the horse may need IV fluids to bypass the digestive system and get the hydration exactly where it needs to go.

Where possible, it’s always best to prevent dehydration with daily equine electrolytes and horse salt supplements. If they are a competing breed, start adding a high-quality electrolyte to their feed a few days before the event. This ensures their mineral stores are topped up, and their thirst response is sharp.

Have horse salt supplements and equine electrolytes on-hand for quick rehydration.

At NPC Health, we provide top-notch electrolyte supplements for horses so you can ensure your horse stays balanced and hydrated.

Whether you are competing at a high level or just enjoying a weekend ride, keeping your horse’s fluid levels in check is the simplest way to ensure they stay healthy, happy, and ready for work. Browse our range of equine electrolytes in NZ today.