Horses can get burned if they stay in the sun too long.White and grey horses are more prone to burns.You can help a horse heal from sunburn by keeping them out of the sun and applying a soothing cream to the burn.If there is an underlying problem with more severe sunburns, they should be checked by a vet.Repeated sunburns can increase your horse's risk of developing skin cancer, so take care to avoid the issue in the future.
Step 1: Do you know where the horse is burned?
There are bare patches around the muzzle, nose, ears, and eyes of a horse.Light-colored patches on their coat can cause sunburns.Take the horse for a checkup if you notice a sunburn.When touched, a sunburn will feel hot.The skin may be pink.If you see clear fluid or blisters on the skin, call a vet.There are signs of a serious burn.A horse with a sunburn may become head shy or refuse to put on their bridle.
Step 2: The horse should be moved into the shade.
The horse may need to be stabled for a few days.They should be kept under some trees or in a shaded area if they go outside.This will keep their sunburn from getting worse.The horse should not suffer from heat exhaustion during the day if your stable is well-ventilated.If you take your horse out, make sure to put on a fly mask or sun blocking mask.
Step 3: Rub on the diaper rash cream.
Creams designed to soothe diaper rash can also be used to treat sunburn on horses.You can pick any brand from the drug store.It's best to apply it once or twice a day.Depending on how bad the sunburn is, it may take a few days or weeks for the horse to heal.
Step 4: The areas that have been burned should be applied with aloe.
It is possible to provide cooling relief while hydrating the horse's skin.There are drug stores and grocery stores where you can buy pure aloe sun gels.When the horse heals, massage it into their burn once or twice a day.
Step 5: Provide your horse with plenty of water.
If your horse has a sunburn, they may be thirsty or at risk of heat stress.They should be given fresh water to drink.As they recover, make sure they have access to water.
Step 6: Call the vet.
If the sunburn doesn't go away after a few days, call your vet.Some conditions can make horses more sensitive to the sun.The burn will need to be treated to prevent it from getting worse.After a few days, most minor sunburns should heal.There may be something wrong with the horse if it is not healing from its sunburn.Tell your vet if your horse is taking any medications that can increase their sensitivity to the sun.
Step 7: Take a look at your field for plants that are photosensitizing.
Horses are more sensitive to the sun if they are eaten.Take a look at any pastures or fields where your horse has grazed.Once they stop eating the plant, your horse's symptoms should go away.If they continue to eat it, they are at risk of developing liver damage.To introduce safer plants, you will need to eliminate problematic plants from your field.
Step 8: Inflammation can be reduced with a steroid cream.
A steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, may be prescribed by your vet to help reduce swelling from the burn.Before applying, follow the directions on the label.
Step 9: If the burn is peeling or oozing, use an antiseptic cream.
Savlon or Sudocream can be used to prevent infections in blisters or oozing skin.Rub it into the areas.The vet may inject an antibiotic if the sunburn is very bad.Open sores can be treated with an over-the-counter triple antibiotic.
Step 10: The horse needs to be stabled during the day.
In the summertime, keep your horse out of the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.The horse can rest in a stable.The sun is weak in the morning and evening.Horses are protected from the sun and heat at night in stables that have a night turn out.Ask the barn if your horse can take part in the night turn out if it has lots of white in it's coat.If you let your horse out during the day, make sure they have shade.They can rest under trees or in a covered area.
Step 11: Put sunscreen on your horse.
Children's and horse sunscreen can be used.Before exposing your horse to the sun, rub the sunscreen around the bare areas of their face and any white or light colored areas on their coat.The zinc oxide works well on the pink skin around the muzzle.
Step 12: Put a mask on your horse.
The most sensitive areas of your horse's face will be protected by a fly mask.Choose a mask that protects the eyes and muzzle.If you want the best coverage, look for a fly mask with an extra long nose piece.If your horse doesn't like the fly mask, try hanging it from their ear or pressing it against their face to get them used to it.Goopy from sunscreen is what the fly mask can get.If this happens, rinse it out and let it dry in the sun.
Step 13: Horses are covered with a blanket.
If your horse has large patches of white or light colors on their back, drape a fly sheet or blanket over them to keep the sun out.If it is hot, choose fabrics that are light and airy.