A stable electrolyte balance is very important in the warm summer months

A stable electrolyte balance is very important in the warm summer months

In horses, temperature regulation takes place mainly through the coat and skin. That is why the skin is often called the largest organ. In winter, the skin controls the coat, straightens it and protects the body from the cold. In summer, however, the short coat is not enough to protect the body from overheating caused by prolonged heat or sunlight in combination with high temperatures.

A horse can lose up to 35 liters of water by sweating during only one ride. The loss of electrolytes through the horse sweating can result in disturbances in the water balance of the body and changes in the pH value in the blood. This pH level normally has only a small fluctuation range. If there are already changes in the pH levels of the blood, urgent intervention is needed, as this can result in massive metabolic disturbances. This can lead to muscle tremors and cramps but also to lumbago, kidney failure and even death.

Refusal to drink is often a very clear sign of performance-related electrolyte deficiency in horses. Subconsciously the body does not want to dilute the remaining salts and electrolyte by ingesting more water. The ratio between electrolytes and water must be maintained as stable as possible. Severe dehydration may ensue if the refusal to drink is not noticed.

Biological electrolytes are of great importance to almost all bodily processes during physical exertion. As are communication and signal transfer between nerve and muscle cells. However, biological electrolytes do not provide energy in the conventional sense, such as sugars, for example. Although the body does need a small amount of dextrose to metabolise salts properly, dextrose should not be the main ingredient in a product designed to balance the electrolyte balance in horses. Especially not in horses with metabolism disorders such as EMS or laminitis.

The body needs fast availability of electrolytes and nutrients, especially under heavy strain and in heat. Pelleted forms of nutritional supplements require a longer breakdown process and digestion in the gastrointestinal tract until they become available to the system. Electrolytes in solution in a liquid are digested much faster and can be used immediately by the organism. That is a significant advantage if the horse needs electrolytes urgently.

A summary of our tips for you:

• Do not expose your horse to prolonged heat without providing shelter!
• Check or observe your horse's drinking behaviour, especially after heavy exertion and heat!
• When giving electrolytes, make sure that the product contains only a small amount of dextrose or sugar!
• Use electrolytes in liquid form for easier feeding and digestion. (They can also be administered directly into the mouth after riding.)

The Ewalia Electrolyte solution

As horse owners of many years, we know how important electrolytes are in summer. Horses, whether they are sport horses or leisure partners, sweat a lot during the warm summer months, even when they are not exercised. Which puts some strain on the electrolyte balance. We believe in electrolytes in liquid form, as it is possible to administer with a syringe into the horse's mouth after training, long outrides etc.

The electrolyte solution from Ewalia is especially suitable for balancing the electrolyte requirement and vital substance loss at high temperatures, after exercise, heavy training, competition, after birth of a foal or even in case of diarrhoea. It stimulates regeneration through targeted nutrient supply. This means that the performance, speed and endurance of the horse can be maintained and improved.

A daily dose of 40-80ml (500kg horse) replenishes the total loss of chloride, sodium, potassium and magnesium in the organism. Our liquid electrolyte solutions is composed of water, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride and a minimal amount of dextrose.