The summer months mean not only sunshine and pasture for horses but also increased respiratory stress. Warm, dusty air, pollen, and gases accumulating in the stable can easily irritate a horse’s respiratory system. Coughing is a common symptom in summer, often overlooked by many riders — yet it can be an early sign that the horse’s airways need support. Preventive airway cleansing during the summer can be crucial in avoiding more serious respiratory diseases, such as heaves.
Why Does Your Horse Cough in Summer?
There are several factors behind horses coughing in summer. The most common causes include dusty hay or straw, pollen, dusty arenas or environments, airborne microorganisms, and ammonia present in the stable. A horse’s respiratory tract is especially sensitive to these irritants, particularly if ventilation is inadequate or the animal’s immune system is under stress.
Many don’t realize that recurrent coughing can easily lead to RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction), also known as heaves. This condition causes inflammation in the horse’s bronchi, increased mucus production, and airway constriction. The horse will have increasing difficulty breathing, decreased performance, and persistent coughing and labored breathing (“heaving”).
Why is Airway Cleansing Especially Important in Summer?
Summer is a particularly risky period for horses’ respiratory health. Warm weather increases dust and pollen levels in the air, dry forage tends to become dusty, arena watering is often insufficient, and pastures have many flowering plants. Additionally, sport horses tend to train and compete more frequently in summer, which puts greater demand on their respiratory systems.
Using a breathing aid for horses in summer is not only helpful but essential for prevention. A simple cough can quickly develop into a prolonged inflammatory process if not addressed early.
What Can Riders Do to Prevent Summer Cough?
Preventing coughing in horses during summer involves multiple steps. First, provide dust-free forage — dampening hay or choosing dust-free feed is advisable. Improving stable ventilation, daily bedding maintenance, watering arenas and paddocks, and supporting the respiratory system with natural supplements all help maintain the horse’s health.
Proper immune support and the use of natural herbs are increasingly recognized methods to prevent respiratory problems in horses, especially in summer when environmental stress is greatest.
Resp Elixir – Natural Respiratory Support for Horses
Resp Elixir is a herbal and essential oil-based respiratory supplement specially developed for horses. Its formula supports the respiratory system in multiple ways: reducing inflammation, loosening mucus, and strengthening the immune system.
The product contains eucalyptus, known for its mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effects; thyme, which aids mucus clearance; and rosehip, rich in vitamin C for antioxidant protection. Lemon balm and lavender act as natural stress-relievers, particularly beneficial for sport horses or more nervous animals.
Usage:
- Horses: 2 measuring spoons daily (2 x 20 g)
- Ponies and foals under 2 years: 1 measuring spoon daily (20 g)
This dosage is easily mixed into the daily concentrate feed and can be used as needed or regularly.
Natural Prevention with Long-Term Effects
Preventing “summer horse cough” is not just about treating symptoms. Using an airway cleanser, supporting immunity, and applying natural herbs can help keep your horse healthy long-term, avoid heaves, and maintain performance.
Resp Elixir is an ideal choice for any rider wishing to support their horse’s health naturally, especially during the summer when the respiratory system is most at risk.
The horse pictured on the cover uses Resp Elixir occasionally when feeding on dusty forage. In his case, coughing symptoms disappear by the next day after use. If the hay in the stable is dust-free, the supplement can be paused. It can be used this way, but for more severe symptoms, frequent coughing, or labored breathing, it is recommended to continue the regular dosage daily. The more advanced the respiratory problem, the more the environment and airway cleanser dosage should be adjusted accordingly.
Additional feedback on the product’s effectiveness is available on the product page and our social media platforms.
