Keep the environment healthy for horses with asthma

Keep the environment healthy for horses with asthma


Equine asthma includes a group of inflammatory airway conditions that incite coughing in horses. One of the most common forms affects stabled horses fed hay. For them, airborne irritants and poor air quality cause chronic problems. That’s why it’s critical for their owners to optimize stable ventilation, bedding, cleaning schedules and feeding protocols.

For example, open windows and doors allow fresh air in while fans help it circulate. Adding air quality monitors helps keep tabs on the process.

Low-dust bedding is essential too — like paper or shavings instead of straw. Daily stall cleaning prevents ammonia build-up but should be done only after moving horses outside.

Finally, dipping hay in water or steaming it before feeding helps cut back dust and debris. Alternatively, some owners switch their horses from hay to pellets.

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