For devoted horse owners, it can be difficult to watch your equine companion struggle through a period of convalescence. You’ll want to do everything possible to ensure a speedy recovery, which includes keeping the horse comfortable and well-supplied. Many factors are involved in this, from the base material you use for horse bedding to the way you administer their medicine. Here are some basic tips.

A Brief Guide to Convalescent Equine Care

Food

What you feed your horse in their time of sickness will largely depend on the advice of the horse doctor. It’s still helpful to be aware of some mainstays, however. Meadow hay is a solid choice for providing the bulk of the horse’s diet, especially since, unlike grain, it likely won’t supply too much protein while your horse is resting, which could lead to colic or laminitis. Many forms of medication can be slipped into the feed, though if the horse refuses to eat the medicine, you may have to use an alternate delivery method such as mixing it with peanut butter or directly squirting it into the horse’s mouth.

Horse Bedding

The type of bedding you use is critical for creating a comfortable, clean environment that will facilitate fast healing. What you use will often depend on what’s accessible in the region where you live, but the key is to find something that’s soft and dry. Wood shavings, particularly pine, often make the perfect base for horse bedding. Shavings help wick moisture away; change them for fresh ones whenever they feel damp. Make sure to store excess shavings carefully to prevent dust from infiltrating them. Dust may exacerbate the animal’s discomfort by irritating the eyes and lungs.

Entertainment

A horse that’s accustomed to being active is likely to get bored during their period of bed rest, which can lead to escape attempts and other harmful behaviors. To avoid this, provide your horse with entertainment. Toys can help with this, as can a good view: a horse’s idea of a view is a place from where they can watch other horses playing watch you and the stable hands going about your chores. This should hold their interest for the majority of the day.

If you’re searching for comfortable horse bedding, GI Shavings LLC provides high-quality products including wood shavings and sawdust. Located in Hallandale, FL, they distribute products throughout south and central Florida. Their two decades in business have allowed them to craft ideal customer service for their clients. Learn more today by visiting them online or calling (754) 300-4684.