Two experts challenge some standard practices asserting horses need to rehydrate promptly after exercise so their body’s cooling mechanisms function effectively, especially if the horse is receiving the diuretic Lasix (furosemide). They also shared thoughts on hosing horses down and using cooling sheets.
“A horse has to sweat; it’s their basic mechanism to dissipate heat. . . So they need to drink as soon as they can to rehydrate themselves.” – Gary D. Potter, PhD
“. . . not scraping off the water after hosing down a hot horse and the use of a cool-out sheet. . . interfere with the horse’s ability to dissipate heat through sweating.” – Jonathan H. Foreman, DVM, DACVIM
Source: The Paulick Report, August 13, 2023. Link.