Hot Weather & Hydration: Preventing Colic in Horses Before It Starts

As the temperatures climb, horse owners know that summer isn’t just about sunshine and longer rides—it also marks the beginning of colic season. While colic can occur year-round, hot weather dramatically increases the risk, often due to changes in hydration, feeding, and activity patterns. With proactive care and innovative tools, colic is often preventable.

At Creative Science, we’re committed to delivering science-backed solutions that empower owners with early insights and actionable strategies to protect their horses. Understanding how heat and hydration are linked to colic is the first step toward prevention, and with the right tools and daily support, you can help your horse stay healthy all season long.

Why Heat Triggers Colic Risk

During hot weather, horses sweat more, drink inconsistently, and may reduce feed intake—all of which can lead to:

• Dehydration
  
  
• Impacted gut motility
  
  
• Electrolyte imbalances
  
  
• Dry intestinal contents that obstruct digestion

Early Warning Signs to Watch

Colic rarely comes without warning. Subtle behavioral and physiological changes can appear hours or even days beforehand:

• Reduced water intake
  
  
• Dry or reduced manure output
  
  
• Lethargy or restlessness
  
  
• Pawing, rolling, or watching the flank
  
  
• Increased heart or respiratory rate

Daily Digestive Support with Assure® Guard Gold

Preventing colic isn’t just about technology—it’s also about strengthening your horse’s digestive system daily. That’s where Assure® Guard Gold comes in.

Assure® Guard Gold is a complete digestive health supplement formulated for horses with GI challenges, including irritations in the stomach lining, loose stool, sand accumulation, and hindgut inflammation. It supports the entire digestive tract—from stomach to hindgut—using a scientifically balanced blend of:

• Prebiotics & probiotics
  
  
• Psyllium
  
  
• Gastric buffers & digestive enzymes
  
  
• Yeast & calcium carbonate
  
  

This powerful, pelleted formula promotes gut stability, supports a normal response to inflammation, and helps balance the digestive tract. Many owners report noticeable improvements in just one week.

Even better, Assure® Guard Gold contains no added sugars, making appropriate for horses with metabolic or endocrine concerns. With proven support for hindgut health and leaky gut prevention, it's ideal for horses in training, competition, or under stress.

Prevention Tips for a Healthier Summer

Alongside smart monitoring and daily digestive support, here are key practices to reduce colic risk in the heat:

• Provide clean, fresh water at all times—multiple water sources can help during turnout.
  
  
• Offer electrolytes during peak heat to promote drinking.
  
  
• Soak hay or feed wet mashes to increase moisture intake.
  
  
• Avoid abrupt feed changes or routine disruptions.
  
  
• Keep horses cool with shade, airflow, and turnout during cooler parts of the day.
  
  

Digestive upset doesn’t have to be a summer inevitability. With smart technology, proven digestive support like Assure® Guard Gold, and the expertise of Creative Science, you can help your horse stay healthy, hydrated, and comfortable—no matter how high the temperatures climb.

Explore our equine innovations and digestive solutions at Creative Science.