Things You'll Need
- Water
- Mineral oil
Instructions
Ensure an abundant supply of clean drinking water is easily accessible to prevent dehydration. If dehydration is suspected, check for common symptoms and perform a pinch test of the skin. A pinch test can help determine the elasticity of the horse's skin. Grab an inch of skin from the horse's neck, pinch it, release it and observe the amount of time it takes for the skin to return to normal. Skin that is non-elastic and does not return to normal with one to two seconds can be a symptom of equine dehydration. Contact a veterinarian to fully assess the situation.
Lead the horse to water in an attempt to provoke consumption.
Add a small amount of mineral oil to a water supply to help ease the pain associated with dried fecal matter and aid in expulsion.
Have an appropriate caretaker perform intravenous or tube hydration procedures if the situation is severe.