You may not think of dental care as a big part of your trusty steed’s wellness plan, but equine dental care is important not only for the health and longevity of your horse, but for performance as well. Join Woodside Equine Clinic in learning about why equine oral health is important, what your horse needs, and how to tell it’s time for an equine dental exam. 

Why Equine Dental Care?

Caring for your horse’s teeth is crucial for overall health, comfort, and performance. Because a horse’s teeth continuously grow and wear down throughout their (lives similar to a rabbit), abnormal wear can be a big issue.

Abnormalities in wear of the teeth can lead to sharp edges, uneven surfaces, and other dental problems if not properly maintained. Poor dental occlusion can make chewing difficult, and cause your horse to lose weight or suffer from digestive trouble.

Dental abnormalities can also lead to pain and behavioral issues including reluctance to work or trouble taking the bit.

Providing consistent dental care can make a huge difference in your horse’s well-being and your ability to enjoy them. 

Caring for Your Horse’s Teeth

Properly caring for a horse’s teeth involves regular effort to ensure their comfort, health, and ability to chew properly. 

Equine dental care consists of:

• Periodic professional floats —The primary method of care is floating, where a veterinarian or equine dental professional files down sharp edges and smooths uneven surfaces of the teeth. This is typically done annually, but may be required more often for older horses or those with dental issues. It is also important to note that floating is best done by veterinarians who can appropriately and safely sedate your horse to allow for a thorough procedure. 
• Self inspections — You can also help by monitoring your horse for signs of dental problems like difficulty chewing, dropping food, weight loss, or bit problems. Regularly inspect your horse’s mouth to look for abnormalities and identify potential problems earlier.
• Appropriate Diet — Providing your horse with a balanced diet that supports natural chewing behavior can aid in the natural, healthy wear of the teeth. Feeding quality forage like hay can help support dental health. 

When Is It Time For a Check Up

So how do you know when your horse needs a dental checkup? In general, horses should have a dental exam at least once a year as part of their wellness care. Certain signs may indicate the need for a checkup sooner, though. 

Look for:

• Difficulty chewing
• Dropping feed
• Changes in stool quality or consistency
• Frequent mild colic symptoms
• Weight loss
• Changes in performance
• Head tossing
• Reluctance to take the bit

If you have any concerns about your horse’s health, it is never a wrong time to get things checked out. Our team wants your horse to be at their best, and continuity and consistency of care help us to achieve that goal