Does My Horse Need A Respiratory Supplement?
Read on for information on why your horse may need a respiratory supplement and discover what products we recommend.
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.
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.
Horse respiratory supplements that contain natural prebiotics and antioxidants are key as studies have shown animals with lower diversity of their gut microbiome were more susceptible to respiratory diseases and developing asthma (Gensollen et al. 2017).
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Equine Respiratory Supplements
Science Supplements RespirAid: For An Antioxidant Hit
Available on Amazon, VioVet and GS Equestrian
From £44.99
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.
Cavalor Bronchix Liquid: For A ‘Horse’ Cough
Available on VioVet
From £55.00
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!
Horslyx Respiratory Lick: For Ongoing Support
Available on Amazon, VioVet and GS Equestrian
From £5.01 (small), £28.00 (5kg), £46.00 (15kg)
Horslyx Respiratory Lick 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.
Airway Plus: Winter Respiratory Support For Clearer Breathing
Available from Amazon, VioVet and Millbry Hill
From £32.00
Airway Plus is a palatable liquid designed to help keep chests clear, support open airways and soothe throats. Suitable for all horses and ponies, it supports normal breathing in challenging, harsh winter conditions and offers routine support through the summer months. Formulated for fast, effective results, it’s ideal for horses needing extra respiratory support during periods of increased environmental pressure.
NAF Easy Breathing 1kg – Herbal Respiratory Supplement for Horses
Available from Amazon, VioVet, GS Equestrian
From £27
Easy Breathing is a natural herbal supplement designed to support a healthy respiratory system and promote healthy lung function, using herbs traditionally associated with respiratory support. It can be particularly useful for horses exposed to dusty environments, where the respiratory tract may face additional challenges. Easy Breathing is audited under the BETA NOPS Scheme as suitable for FEI competition (always check local rules if racing or competing internationally).
