Does My Horse Need A Respiratory Supplement?

An equine respiratory supplement could be the just answer you have been looking for to help your horse breathe easy. Whether it’s the summertime pollen or the enclosed stables during winter, nutritional support may kick those ill-gotten symptoms to the curb. But you may be asking yourself, “do I need to use a respiratory supplement for my horse?”

In this article, we take a look at why your horse may be suffering, how you can aid the respiratory system and what types of supplements are available to help your horse.

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Why is my horse suffering from respiratory problems?

Multiple factors may affect your horse’s ability to breathe.

Once the symptoms of a respiratory problem have been identified, it is recommended that your vet is called in for further investigation to rule out the possibility of disease and infection.

If an infection or other underlying medical conditions are not the root cause of your horses’ respiratory issues, difficulty breathing may be caused by the horse’s environment. This can be anything from pollen particles circulating outside to the dust from hay and bedding in the stable.

How can I aid my horse’s respiratory system?

Environmental respiratory sensitivities can be hard to manage, but seeking well-ventilated stables, dust-extracted bedding, and soaking hay for those who are reactive to dust can help reduce breathing symptoms. On the other hand, when suffering from pollen allergies, restricting turnout on days when the pollen count is high is recommended.

However, on top of essential management, research has suggested that respiratory supplements may aid the side effects of respiratory difficulties further.

Supplementing with antioxidants helps to fight ‘free radicals’ (chemicals that can cause damage to the body’s cells). Fighting these ‘free radicals’ can help reduce inflammation of airways for easier breathing and provide nutritional support to the respiratory system for optimal health and function.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids have also been found to aid breathing. In humans, research suggests that omega-3s have positive effects on those suffering from asthma. Meanwhile, for horses, omega-3s improve chronic lower airway inflammatory disease symptoms.

Equine Respiratory Supplements

Science Supplements RespirAid: For An Antioxidant Hit

Science Supplements RespirAid (available on Viovet) contains a unique balance of antioxidants that have been shown to support cell membrane integrity and help reduce inflammation of the respiratory system. Horses can develop a range of respiratory conditions often caused by environmental factors. Inflamed airways and mucous build-ups reduce the horse’s pulmonary function leading to impaired performance and health.

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Gold Label Cod Liver Oil With Garlic: For A Dose of Omega-3

Gold Label Cod Liver Oil (available on VioVet) is one of the best sources of omega-3 out there and helps to reduce airway inflammation caused by environmental irritators. With added garlic, the Gold Label Cod Liver Oil has the perfect combination of omega-3 and antioxidant properties to fight any breathing difficulty!

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Horslyx Respiratory Lick: For Ongoing Support

Horslyx Respiratory Lick (available on Amazon and VioVet) is designed to provide a unique two-pronged approach to supporting a healthy respiratory system. Ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus, and aniseed support the airways and keep them clear of mucus, while the high-specification balancer package helps maintain immunity. Available in different sizes from field to treat size.

 

Cavalor Bronchix Liquid: For A ‘Horse’ Cough

Banish your horse’s tickly cough with Cavalor’s soothing Bronchix Liquid (available on Amazon). A liquid blend of essential oils and plant extracts, it’s one of the fastest solutions for ‘stable coughs’ and helps to open the airways before an intense effort is needed!