It’s that time of year when wildfires break out. While we can escape to indoor air conditioning, our horses cannot. Particles from the smoke cause an inflammatory response in the horse’s lungs. This article discusses management tips and nutritional strategies to help you support your horse when wildfire smoke is present.
◆︎ Environmental Management
It’s important to know that supplements cannot overcome environmental factors.
The first step to helping your horse is to reduce as many environmental irritants as possible.
☛ Reduce Dust:Dust causes secondary inflammatory reactions in the horse. By reducing excess dust, you can lower the burden on their already stressed lungs. This can be accomplished by:
▪ Hosing down arenas, driveways, and dirt areas
▪ Hose down aisles and run-in sheds,
▪ Soaking or rinsing hay before feeding.
☛ Monitor the AQI: Avoid forced exercise (trotting, loping) when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 150. This can usually be found on your cell phone under the weather icon.
☛ Consider Your Pastures: Smoke settles like water into valleys during cool mornings. Keep horses on higher ground overnight and in the early morning if possible.
◆︎ Hydration
Hydration becomes even more critical during wildfires, which frequently occur during extreme heat. Keeping the respiratory tract moist is vital for the lungs to expel particles. Be sure to offer plenty of fresh water to encourage drinking.
Additionally, an electrolyte like Equine Electrolytes – IR Safe can be added to the diet to supply electrolytes and encourage drinking. Alternatively, adding salt can also stimulate the thirst response.
◆︎ Nutritional Support & Supplements
Always fix the environment first, then consider the following systemic support.
◆︎ Basic Support:
➡ N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): A mucolytic that helps thin mucus so it can be expelled more easily. Recommended amount: 5,000 mg twice daily.
➡ Vitamin C: Acts as a frontline antioxidant scavenger in the lung fluids and regenerates used Vitamin E. Recommended amount: 2,500 mg per day (reduce to 1,000 mg per day if the diet is not supplemented with copper and zinc).
➡ Vitamin E: A major systemic antioxidant. A product like Vitamin E Zsorb is a powder that needs no additional oil. Because it is microencapsulated, it is highly bioavailable for the horse.
» Acute smoke inhalation: 3,000 to 5,000 IU of Vitamin E Zsorb, or 8,000 to 10,000 IU of regular d-alpha tocopherol.
» Recovery phase: 1,500 to 2,000 IU Vitamin E Zsorb, or 5,000 IU of regular d-alpha tocopherol.
◆︎ Advanced Support:
☛ Spirulina: Helps modulate the immune response and stabilize mast cells in the presence of pollutants. Recommended amount: 20 grams, twice daily.
☛ MSM: Modulates the systemic inflammatory cascade and provides sulfur for tissue healing. Recommended amount: 10 to 20 grams per day.
☛ Jiaogulan: An herb that helps reduce bronchoconstriction and aids peripheral circulation. Recommended amount: 1 to 2 grams, twice daily or more, as needed.
☛ Quercetin: A flavonoid that works synergistically with Vitamin C to reduce the histamine response. Recommended amount: 2 to 5grams, twice daily.
◆︎ When Management Isn’t Enough
If the smoke is hazardous and you have the means, consider evacuating your horse to an area with better air quality.
Always consult with your veterinarian for severe respiratory distress; he/she can diagnose lung damage and provide prescription therapies like nebulization or systemic bronchodilators if needed.
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Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay, MSc. 2026