Did you know that a horse chews anywhere from 10,000 to 40,000 times a day? Couple that with genetics, age, and individual varying degrees of decay, and it’s no surprise that tooth pain can cause serious problems, especially if she resists eating. The cost of gum infections and making your horse comfortable far outweigh the costs of regular dental care. That doesn’t even take into account the non-financial costs related to his mental health and overall well-being.
So, when should you start floating? Generally, it’s between 18 and 24 months, and usually your horse is the first one to know something needs to happen. Remember that prevention is key, so it’s up to you to notice when she’s telling you something isn’t right. If you stay on top of floating, you can help to avoid pain and corrective action in the future.
Cribbing is a condition that usually develops out of anxiety or boredom, especially when they’re contained for long periods of time. They grip things with their teeth such as stall doors, fence posts, and many other surfaces in an attempt to get “high” by gripping and sucking in air to release endorphins. It feels good, so they keep doing it. Clearly this causes abnormal wear and tear and can even lead to colic and stomach ulcers.
Don’t ignore your horse’s teeth – they will be happier, healthier, and you can help them prevent unnecessary pain.
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