09/17/2026
☀️WHEN YOUR HORSE ISN’T SWEATING… TAKE IT SERIOUSLY!
Here in Arizona, sweating is one of the most important ways your horse regulates body temperature. When a horse stops sweating or sweats significantly less than expected, especially during exercise or extreme heat, we become concerned about anhidrosis and an increased risk of overheating.
From your Phoenix Equine Veterinarians, here are some ways you can help:
• Stop exercise & get out of the heat. Move your horse into the shade or a well-ventilated area.
• Cool them down. Use cool water, fans and plenty of airflow to encourage evaporative cooling.
• Keep them hydrated. Provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water. Electrolytes may also be appropriate for some horses.
• Monitor temperature & breathing. Watch closely for an elevated temperature, rapid breathing, weakness, lethargy or poor recovery.
• Consider rubbing alcohol. Small amounts applied under the front legs/armpits or other thinly haired areas may help with evaporative cooling. Avoid broken or irritated skin.
• Adjust their schedule. Exercise during the coolest part of the morning and reduce workload when necessary.
• Ask us about One AC. Under the guidance of your veterinarian, One AC is a nutritional supplement sometimes used as part of the management plan for horses experiencing decreased sweating or anhidrosis.
• Call your veterinarian. A horse that suddenly stops sweating or consistently isn't sweating appropriately should be evaluated. Every horse is different, and there isn't one management approach that works for everyone.
🌡️ Don't wait until your horse looks distressed. If your horse is hot, breathing excessively, weak, uncoordinated or isn't recovering appropriately, stop exercising, begin active cooling and contact your veterinarian.
Arizona summers are no joke. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our horses is recognize when they're struggling before it becomes an emergency. 💦
Phoenix Equine
📞 480-621-9293
📧 [email protected]
