SmartPak Monday Morning Feed: Ask the Vet, September Edition

What’s the difference between hoof hardener and hoof oil? How can you prevent equine sunburn? Are sugary treats okay to feed my horse? All these questions and more are answered in this month’s “Ask the Vet!”

The great thing about the horse world is that if you’ve had a question, chances are someone else also has the same question. That’s the premise behind SmartPak’s “Ask the Vet” video series, starring SmartPaker Sarah and SmartPak Medical Director and Staff Veterinarian Dr. Lydia Gray!

Each month, Sarah and Dr. Lydia answer fan-submitted questions via video so that all horse lovers can educate themselves, and get those burning horse health questions answered.

Questions answered in this episode:

1. As you may know, there are these treats with sugary foods on them, that have been in high demand lately. These treats have things on them like cereal, jelly beans, sprinkles, and etc. I know you will answers these questions with “it all depends on the horse.” So, I am wondering if these treats are actually healthy for horses? If people do buy them, should there be a limit? Also, should there be things to look out for (like red flags) if people do buy them? Lastly, what are some treat alternatives?

2. What is the difference of hoof hardener and hoof oil? Depending on what climate you live in and what season it is (dry, humid, spring, summer, fall, winter, etc) when should I use hoof hardener and/or hoof oil? Is it possible to use too much hoof hardener and/or hoof oil? Where is the most beneficial place to apply hoof hardener and/or hoof oil? Like the wall or the sole frog area.

3. My spotted saddle horse has large areas of white hair with pink skin underneath. His hair is thick enough over most of his body to protect his skin somewhat from the sun, however, his face is very prone to sunburn and peeling. Human sun screen works, however, most require reapplying often and it’s difficult to do that regularly. I have used an extended nose fly mask to attempt to screen some of the bright sun but he’s a bit of a Houdini…. If he decides it needs to be off, it comes off. What’s the best treatment for sunburn? I have had some luck with the thick baby rash creams with zinc oxide (Desitin, for example) but he will rub his face against things to try to scrape it off, abrading the sunburnt area in the process.

4. I would like to know if it is true that horses shouldn’t be rinsed immediately after a hard workout or if rinsing them in cold water or hot water makes any difference.

5. Should I wrap my horse’s legs when going on a long trip in the trailer?

What did you learn in today’s video? Shout out to us in the comments!

Want to submit your own question for next month? Comment on this video (via YouTube, not here at Horse Nation) and tag your question #AskTheVet. You can also post your questions on SmartPak’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or by visiting the SmartPak blog — don’t forget the hashtag! Questions can be submitted directly via [email protected].

Bonus: if your question is selected, you win a SmartPak gift card!

Go riding.