Your horse seems off. They're not eating like usual. They're lying down more than normal. Something feels wrong—but you're not sure if it's serious enough to call the vet.

This is the hardest part of horse ownership: knowing when to call.

Horses are prey animals. They hide pain. By the time they show obvious signs, the problem may already be serious. But not every grumpy day is an emergency.

Here are 5 signs your horse needs a vet—and when you can wait.

1. Changes in Appetite or Thirst

What to watch for: Your horse leaves food in their bucket, refuses treats, or stops drinking.

Why it matters: Loss of appetite is often the first sign of illness. A horse that stops eating for more than 6 hours is at risk of colic.

Do this:

• Check water—is it clean and accessible?

• Check hay—is it moldy or dusty?

• Check temperature—is there a fever?

• If they refuse food for 6+ hours → call the vet

Red flag: A horse that's drinking much more than usual or not drinking at all. Both can signal serious issues.

2. Fever

What to watch for: Temperature above 101.5°F (38.6°C).

Why it matters: Fever means infection. It could be a virus, bacteria, or injury.

Do this:

• Take their temperature with a digital rectal thermometer

• Check for other signs: lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal discharge

• Call your vet

Red flag: Temperature over 103°F. Call your vet immediately.

3. Colic Signs

What to watch for: Rolling, pawing at the ground, looking at their side, excessive lying down, or getting up and down repeatedly.

Why it matters: Colic is the leading cause of death in horses. It's a medical emergency.

Do this:

• Walk your horse slowly (don't let them roll)

• Remove food and water (temporarily)

• Call your vet immediately

Red flag: Any colic signs are a red flag. Call immediately.

4. Lameness or Heat in Legs

What to watch for: Limping, reluctance to move, heat in a leg, or swelling in a joint.

Why it matters: Lameness can mean an injury, abscess, or joint problem. Left untreated, it can become permanent.

Do this:

• Check for heat or swelling

• Look at hooves—are there rocks or nail issues?

• Walk your horse in a straight line to see which leg is affected

• If swelling or heat is present → call your vet

Red flag: Non-weight-bearing lameness (holding a leg completely off the ground). Call immediately.

5. Respiratory Issues

What to watch for: Coughing, nasal discharge, rapid breathing, or flared nostrils at rest.

Why it matters: Respiratory issues can be viral, bacterial, or allergic. In severe cases, they can become pneumonia.

Do this:

• Check for fever

• Look at discharge color (clear = mild; green or yellow = infection)

• Listen to breathing (wheezing is a bad sign)

• Call your vet

Red flag: Flared nostrils at rest, blueish gums, or difficulty breathing. Call immediately.

When to Wait

Not every change means a vet call. You can wait if:

Quick Reference: Call the Vet

Bonus: The Daily Health Check

The best way to catch issues early is to check your horse every day.

5-minute daily check:

    □ Eyes—clear and bright

    □ Nostrils—clean, no discharge

    □ Mouth—gums pin

    □ Legs—no heat or swelling

    □ Hooves—no cracks or rock

    □ Droppings—formed, not runn

    □ Appetite—ate all food

When you know your horse's normal, you'll spot the abnormal fast.

Final Thought

Your horse can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why you need to watch, check, and act when something's off.

When in doubt, call your vet. They'd rather get a call that turns out to be nothing than get a call too late.

Take time to learn your horse's normal. Then, when something changes, you'll notice—and you'll know what to do. 🐴