Mythbuster Monday: Horses Pant When They’re Hot
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Do horses pant when they’re hot?
It’s Mythbuster Monday, where Horse Nation dives into different equestrian myths and provides research-based evidence to either bust or confirm those myths. Today’s topic: Do horses pant like dogs when they’re hot? What are the signs of heat stress in horses? What does panting in horses look like? Read further to find out!
P.S. We hope you find entertainment in the AI generated pictures in this article.
Myth: Horses pant (like dogs) when they’re hot
Myth or Fact: Myth
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Heat stress in horses is a serious condition that can occur when a horse’s body becomes overheated and is unable to cool itself effectively. This is most common in hot, humid weather or after intense physical exertion, especially if the horse is not properly conditioned or hydrated. Recognizing the early signs of heat stress is critical to preventing it from escalating into heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Common symptoms include excessive sweating or, conversely, little to no sweating, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, muscle weakness, stumbling, dark or tacky gums, and lethargy.
But, do horses pant like dogs when they’re hot?
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According to an article by The Horse, horses don’t pant like dogs to cool down but, they do increase their respiratory rate to help release heat through their airways. One of the warning signs of heat stress is a constantly elevated respiratory rate that doesn’t return to normal even 30 minutes after exercise. Other signs include delayed capillary refill, muscle soreness, signs of colic; an increased heart rate, red mucous membranes, loss of consciousness, and collapse.
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Premier Performance writes that horses actually are very efficient at losing heat. Horses cool themselves through convection, conduction, radiation, evaporation, and — to a lesser extent — respiration. Unlike dogs, horses do not pant when overheated. Instead, they rely heavily on sweating and increased blood flow to the skin to dissipate heat. As sweat evaporates, it cools the horse down, but it also results in the loss of vital electrolytes, which must be replenished. Though respiration does play a minor role in heat loss, the absence of panting means horses can silently enter dangerous levels of heat distress. If their cooling systems fail — such as during intense exercise in hot conditions — core body temperature can rise to the point of internal organ damage due to heat exhaustion.
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In its article, AG Proud relays that while horses do not pant like dogs, an excessively high respiration rate can be a serious indicator of heat stress. Normally, a horse’s respiratory rate ranges from 8 to 12 breaths per minute, with up to 18 being acceptable during exercise. However, if that rate climbs above 50, it’s a major red flag. Unlike dogs that pant openly when overheated, horses show more subtle signs. These include muscle stiffness, lethargy, stumbling, and incoordination. One of the most alarming signs is if a horse stops sweating altogether, which signals the body’s cooling system is shutting down. Immediate action is needed to cool the horse down and prevent heat stroke or more severe complications.
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Kentucky Equine Research put in its article that during very hot, humid weather, horses can develop heat exhaustion — even without being exercised. When conditions are extreme, their ability to sweat isn’t always enough to regulate body temperature, especially in older or overweight horses. One of the most obvious and concerning signs is an elevated respiration rate. While horses don’t pant like dogs in the traditional sense, a severely overheated horse may appear to be panting — breathing so hard their its body rocks with each breath. This is a critical warning sign. Other symptoms include an elevated heart rate, excessive sweating, muscle tremors, and even colic-like behavior, such as rolling or throwing themselves to the ground. Recognizing these signs early is key to preventing a life-threatening situation.
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The consensus is that horses do not pant like dogs. While a horse with heat stress will have an elevated respiratory rate and accessory muscles moving, it does not look like traditional dog panting. If you feel your horse is getting to the point of severe heat stress, consult a veterinarian to aid you in getting them back to optimal health.
Do you have an equine myth you’d like us to tackle? If so, send it our way! Email your suggestions to [email protected]. Put Mythbuster Monday in your subject line.
