Summer Hoof Care Tips in Honor of National Farriers Week
Summer Hoof Care Tips in Honor of National Farriers Week
National Farriers Week is July 4-10, and there is no better time to talk about your horse’s hooves than now. To help deal with the unique challenges summer presents to horse owners, here are a few summer hoof care tips.
Avoid Extremes in Wet and Dry Conditions
Horse hooves are not meant to constantly cycle between very wet and very dry conditions. For this reason, it may be best to limit your horse’s evening turnout time during the summer. Your horse’s hooves will likely suffer if they are exposed to many hours in a moist, dewy field before being exposed to dry, hot conditions during the day.
Schedule Appointments with Farriers More Frequently
If your horse loses a shoe and experiences hoof damage as a result, it will likely lead to a cycle of hoof and shoeing problems throughout the summer. To keep this from happening, consider scheduling appointments with farriers more frequently in the summer months.
Make Sure Nutritional Needs Are Met
If your horse’s diet is insufficient in critical nutrients, you will probably see more hoof issues in the summer. For optimal hoof health, fine-tune your horse’s diet with the help of a skilled veterinarian.
Pick Hooves Daily
During the summer when hooves are more susceptible to cracking and other damage, it is essential to pick your horse’s hooves daily. This is especially important if your horse has spent any time in muddy paddocks.
Keep Your Dogs Away from Hoof Pieces
After farrier appointments, it is important to keep pieces of hooves away from your dogs (especially if your horse’s hooves have been treated). If your dog eats pieces of horse hooves and exhibits symptoms of intestinal distress or cracked teeth, schedule an appointment with Pet Hospitals of Hawaii. We will take steps to help your dog recover.
Waipahu Waikele
Kailua
Pet Specialists of Hawaii
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