Wildfire Smoke & Horse Health: How to Protect Your Horse’s Lungs

Chasing Gold
Jun 10
3 min read

Wildfire Smoke & Horse Health: How to Protect Your Horse’s Lungs

Wildfire smoke can sneak up fast. One day the sky is clear, the next it smells like a campfire—and your horse is breathing it in 24/7. If your eyes or lungs feel irritated, just imagine how it feels for an animal who lives outdoors full-time.

Let’s talk about what wildfire smoke does to your horse’s lungs, how you can help protect them, and why daily support from HELTIE horse® supplements is a smart move when the air gets thick.

What Smoke Does to Your Horse’s Lungs

Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and all kinds of irritants. Horses can’t escape it, and their sensitive airways react fast. You might notice:

Coughing, wheezing, or flared nostrils
Grey or clear nasal discharge
Breathing harder, even at rest
Less stamina or unwillingness to work

Already dealing with allergies, heaves, or Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD)? Then your horse is more at risk.

Protect Your Horse When Air Quality Drops

✅ Cut Back on Work

If the air quality index (AQI) is over 100, it’s time to scale back. Cancel lessons, skip gallops, and don’t trailer unless it’s necessary.

Air Quality Basics:

U.S./International AQI:
- 0–50: Good — ideal conditions for all outdoor activities
- 51–100: Moderate — no need to change routine unless your horse is sensitive or showing symptoms
- 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive horses — limit strenuous activity and monitor closely
- 151–200: Unhealthy — reduce or reschedule outdoor work for all horses
- 201+: Very unhealthy to hazardous — avoid all outdoor exertion; horses should stay calm and quiet
Canada’s AQHI (Air Quality Health Index):
- 1–3: Low risk — ideal air quality. All usual riding and outdoor activities are safe.
- 4–6: Moderate — reduce or reschedule strenuous exercise, especially if your horse is showing symptoms.
- 7–10+: High to very high risk — avoid strenuous activity. Horses with respiratory sensitivity should stay as quiet as possible.

Use tools like Air Quality Ontario, AirNow, or local apps to check before you ride.

🏡 For Horses in the Barn

If your horse is stalled:

Keep doors/windows closed during peak smoke
Use fans with filters to help move and clean the air
Avoid dusty bedding

🌲 For Horses Outdoors

No barn? No problem—you can still help:

Offer shade or shelter to break up direct exposure
Set up feeding spots away from the wind
Turn out early in the morning if possible
Support the lungs with daily supplements

💧 Don’t Forget Hydration

Smoke dries out airways. Make sure your horse has lots of clean water—and consider adding HELTIE horse® Electrolytes and HELTIE horse® Minerals to keep them drinking and replenished.

Soak hay to cut down on airborne particles, and skip dusty feeds.

🩺 Keep an Eye on Changes

Watch your horse like a hawk:

Increased breathing rate?
Sluggish or not eating?
Persistent cough or wheeze?

If yes, slow things down—even if the smoke “doesn’t look that bad.” Horses often show signs before we notice the air feels heavy.

Planning a show or clinic? Postpone it. There’s no medal worth risking your horse’s lungs.

HELTIE horse® Support for Smoke Season

Smoke affects more than just the lungs—it stresses the immune system too. That’s why HELTIE horse® offers natural support options that actually help:

🌿 HELTIE horse® Respiratory

Eucalyptus, echinacea, schisandra & more
Clears airways and helps ease coughing
Great for both prevention and recovery

🌿 HELTIE horse® Nettle

Full of minerals and antioxidants
Helps regulate immune response during allergy or smoke stress

🌿 HELTIE horse® Black Cumin

Supports the body’s natural inflammation response
Especially helpful if your horse is prone to coughing or irritation

All HELTIE horse® products are liquid, competition-safe, and easy to feed.

Call the Vet If...

Natural support helps a lot—but it’s not a substitute for medical care. Call your vet if your horse shows:

Laboured breathing at rest
Coloured or foul-smelling nasal discharge
Lethargy or loss of appetite
A cough that doesn’t improve

Breathe Easy

Wildfire season is tough—but you’re not powerless. Adjust your routine, keep a close eye on symptoms, and use the right support to help your horse stay comfortable, even when the air isn’t.

Shop HELTIE Respiratory Support to get ahead of wildfire smoke season.