Best Home Remedies For Horse Colic [Full List]

Horses, just like humans, can experience a wide range of illnesses. One of these illnesses is known as colic, which appears to affect horses more so than other mammals. Colic can be extremely painful and even fatal if left untreated. There are several natural home remedies for horse colic, so keep reading to find out which ones work best.

 

 

What is Colic in Horses?

Colic is a general term used to describe abdominal pain. In horses, however, colic is a serious condition of extreme abdominal discomfort that requires immediate veterinary assistance. A horse that is experiencing the pain of colic might paw, roll, and have trouble defecating. Common symptoms of colic include:

 

• Pawing
• Rolling
• Inability to defecate
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of normal gut sounds
• Sweating and increased heart rate
• Urge for constant urination

 

 

Types Of Colic In Horses

A few different factors can cause colic. Generally speaking, there are 3 main types of colic known to afflict horses. Recognizing the early signs of colic is crucial for any horse owner, as timely intervention can significantly impact the outcome. If you observe your horse displaying symptoms of colic, it is likely due to one of these three common types.

 

 

Gas Colic

Gas colic is caused by excessive gas buildup in the horse's digestive system. This can cause symptoms of stress and abdominal pain in your horse. Gas colic is thought to commonly be caused by a sudden change in a horse's feed. This condition can lead to significant discomfort, resulting in symptoms such as restlessness, pawing at the ground, and noticeable abdominal pain. Horses may also exhibit signs of bloating and increased gut sounds due to the trapped gas.

 

 

Impaction Colic

This form of colic is marked by gastrointestinal distress caused by physical obstruction of the digestive system. These blockages are often caused by hardened dry clumps of food but can also be caused if your horse consumes a foreign object. However, impaction can also occur if a horse ingests foreign objects that cannot pass through the digestive system smoothly. Sand or dirt are common examples of foreign materials that can potentially cause impaction colic.

 

 

Spasmodic Colic

Spasmodic colic occurs when the stomach and digestive system muscles contract, causing pain and difficulties defecting. Spasmodic colic is frequently triggered by stress, much like common indigestion in humans, and can also be associated with sudden changes in the horse's environment, diet, or routine. Spasmodic colic can often be effectively treated by a veterinarian.

 

 

 

What Causes Colic In Horses?

Horses evolved on a different diet than the one they receive today. A horse's digestive system is built to eat high quantities of low energy foods like grass over a long period throughout the day. The large surface area of their digestive tract allows for rapid absorption of these low energy foods, providing readily available energy for the horse's physically demanding lifestyle.

 

Modern-day domestication of horses introduces several potential illnesses in horses due to the dramatic change in diet. Horses are expected to eat a different diet on an entirely different schedule than what they are used to. It is important to understand how a horse's digestive system works. Horses cannot throw up indigestible foods or toxins, which can result in gastrointestinal distress.

 

Additionally, horses absorb nutrients from ingested products fairly quickly. Ingestion of toxins or pathogens can enter the bloodstream before getting broken down, making the body highly susceptible to illness. Horses produce gas as a byproduct of the fermentation of the foods they eat. As a result, excessive gas accumulation can cause abdominal pain. Here are some common causes of colic:

 

• Excess gas accumulation in the colon
• Accumulation of indigestible material in the digestive tract
• Ingestion of parasites
• Ingestion of sands
• Dehydration (fluids prevent hardening of ingested materials)

 

 

Natural Home Remedies For Horse Colic

When dealing with colic in horses, many horse owners seek natural home remedies as a first line of defense, especially for mild colic symptoms. While severe cases require immediate veterinary attention, certain natural remedies can be effective in managing less severe forms of colic and may help support the horse's digestive system. These remedies can help alleviate discomfort, stimulate gut motility, and encourage overall digestive health.

 

 

Dandelion

Dandelion is a powerful natural remedy for horse colic, offering a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals that can support overall digestive health. This herb is packed with calcium, iron, potassium, and beta carotene, all of which play vital roles in maintaining a healthy digestive system and relieving symptoms of an upset stomach. Additionally, dandelion has mild diuretic properties that can encourage the elimination of excess fluids and toxins from the horse's body, further aiding in the relief of colic symptoms.

 

 

Chamomile

Chamomile is widely recognized for its soothing anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective natural remedy for horses experiencing colic. The herb’s ability to reduce inflammation can help ease the irritation in the horse's digestive tract, which is often a source of discomfort during colic episodes. Additionally, chamomile promotes relaxation throughout the body, which can be particularly beneficial for horses suffering from spasmodic colic, where muscle contractions in the digestive system lead to pain and distress.

 

 

 

Valerian Root

While valerian root is used as a sedative for humans, it can be used to promote relaxation in horses. This can be helpful for digestion and gastric discomfort. This herb's calming effects can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are often contributing factors to digestive issues and colic in horses. By promoting a state of relaxation, valerian root may ease muscle tension in the digestive tract, aiding in the relief of gastric discomfort and improving gut motility.

 

 

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet is a versatile herb that offers effects similar to aspirin, making it a valuable natural remedy for both equine arthritis and digestive issues. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, making it particularly useful for treating colic in horses. The soothing effects of meadowsweet can ease gut problems by calming the digestive lining, which is often irritated during colic episodes.

 

 

Peppermint

Peppermint is a well-known natural remedy that can significantly aid in the digestive process, making it an effective option for relieving pain caused by colic in horses. The soothing properties of peppermint help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which can alleviate discomfort and improve gut motility. This can be especially beneficial for horses experiencing mild colic symptoms, where digestive upset is the primary concern.

 

 

CBD Oil

CBD oil for horses is a product of the hemp plant. It is well-known for having therapeutic properties and is a very unique compound. It is non-toxic, has virtually no side effects, and is all-natural. People often confuse CBD and THC because they come from the same family of plants. In reality, however, CBD and THC are completely different chemical compounds. Unlike CBD, THC has strong psychoactive properties that alter your state of mind when ingested. This is one of the main reasons why some people favor CBD over THC.

 

 

 

Benefits of CBD Oil

There is no doubt that a horse owner wants the best treatment for horses. Optimal care is crucial for optimal functioning. The best treatment is one that is effective and does not have serious side effects, even over the long term. CBD oil for horses is the ideal choice. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS).

 

This system helps to regulate inflammation, digestion, mood, anxiety, stress, and much more. CBD interacts with the ECS to promote overall wellness and homeostasis. If the ECS is functioning at maximum capacity, horse owners can expect to see a healthier, happier pet. CBD has a calming effect that may make it more bearable for the horse to deal with colic.

 

 

Side Effects of CBD Oil

One of the reasons CBD oil is highly regarded is due to its minimal side effects. It is considered 100% safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive, making it an excellent option for long-term use in horses. This makes CBD oil an appealing choice for horse owners looking to manage various health issues, including colic, without the risk of dependency or significant adverse reactions. However, while CBD oil is generally well-tolerated, some horses may experience minor side effects:

 

• Dry mouth: CBD affects saliva production and can promote thirst as a result.
• Lowered blood pressure: CBD's relaxing properties can cause a slight drop in blood pressure.
• Drowsiness: When used in high doses, CBD can cause drowsiness and lightheadedness.

 

 

How Much CBD Should I Give My Horse?

Although there are no established standard dosing guidelines for CBD in horses, there are recommended dosages that can be used as a starting point for treatment. These initial dosages provide a helpful framework for horse owners looking to introduce CBD into their horse's care regimen, allowing for adjustments based on the horse's specific needs and response to the treatment. Here are the suggested dosages to begin with:

 

• The recommended amount for a regular strength dosage is 0.25 milligrams of CBD oil per every 1 pound of body weight.
• The recommended amount for a stronger dosage is 0.50 milligrams of CBD oil per every 1 pound of body weight.

 

Keep in mind that these are only recommendations and can be altered to meet the needs of your horse. Some animals respond better to low doses while others may benefit from higher doses. CBD oil is most effective when used twice daily. Learn more here!

 

 

Can You Prevent Horse Colic?

Colic is a serious affliction for horses that can have fatal consequences if left untreated. As such, horse owners can take a sigh of relief in knowing there are ways they can potentially reduce the risk of their horses developing colic. There is no one way to ensure that your horses are not at risk for it, but with consistent care practices, checking your horse's vital signs, and maintenance using natural processes, you can minimize the risk of your horse developing colic.

 

 

 

Preventing Horse Colic - Dietary Feeding

One of the first easiest home remedies for horse colic is a good diet! Horses prone to colic can benefit from a dietary overhaul. In the wild, horses graze feed on low-energy plants such as grass for as long as 12 hours at a time. Modern feeding methods do not account for this and, as a result, often do not provide everything a horse needs to avoid digestive problems. Modern feeding regimens also lack the proper spacing between meals, nutritional density, and portions to prevent your horse's digestive tract problems.

 

One simple method for creating a proper feeding regimen for your horse is to feed them only what they need. Overfeeding can reduce gut motility and lead to a case of equine colic if left unchecked. What should I feed them, you might ask? Simple grass is the answer and will work as a balanced food for your horse. Feeding your horse grass helps to stimulate gut motility by providing it with consistent gut activity. Consistent gut activity is a major way to reduce colic risk because a horse's digestive system has evolved to constantly digest and process food.

 

 

Do All Horses Survive Colic?

Unfortunately, not all horses survive colic. If left unchecked and untreated, the severity of colic can rapidly ramp up, causing major health concerns that can become fatal. This is why it is important to treat colic as soon as your horse starts showing signs. 10% of colic cases require surgical correction.

 

This surgery comes with its own mortality risk and a period of recovery that can prove difficult for horses and owners to manage. Generally, colic is not always a life or death situation, but as the highest cause of mortality for horses, it is always worth preparing for. A horse's digestive system is unique and complex, requiring specialized treatment with a consistent and natural diet.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Best Home Remedies for Horse Colic

Because colic is so common, horse owners must know some home remedies for horse colic. Prevention is an important aspect of horse care that owners must prioritize due to the potentially fatal nature of the disease. With the help of this useful guide to home remedies for horse colic, you have the fundamental know-how to identify and potentially treat symptoms of colic.

 

Talk to a veterinarian immediately anytime you suspect colic could be causing a horse's pain. In the meantime, try giving some extra alleviation to your horse's discomfort with specialized CBD horse products from us at HolistaPet! We would be proud to help you and your horse find your wellness, naturally.