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We're moving and I'm shipping my gelding at the end of July. The shippers suggested giving him Electrolyte paste and Gastro Guard as well as sending a couple extra tubes with just in case. Where would I get these and how much are they usually? What exactly do they do? Yes, he's my first horse, so I don't know too much about this stuff. I'm using a company that my farrier has used many times and highly recommends. Another horse at my barn is shipping out next week and is getting Gatorade. Is that kind of the same thing as the Electrolyte paste, and who has had experience with either? What do you suggest? I want to make sure I do what's best.
You can get these supplements at any feed store and most tack shops. Another reliable source is valleyvet.com. The electrolytes will help support his system with the stress of shipping and promote good fluid intake. The gastroguard will help prevent an ulcer from the stress of shipping. In addition, whenever my horses are going to have a big change or stressful event, I put them on probiotics for about a week prior to the event and during the course of the event. It helps balance their intesitinal flora, which can get out of whack when stressed. Some horses take stress in stride, but the risk of ulcers and colic is well worth the investment in the supplements. Hope this helps.
No, I don't have any in particular brand that I recommend over another. I do buy most of my supplements from Valleyvet.com. Great customer service, good info and ratings on their products. And if you're ever in doubt, ask your vet :)
Go look at smartpak's website. They have a lot of paste supplements for an affordable price. They even have one called Smart Ship & Show, which I have used on my sensative Appendix and it seems to have kept him in good order. A lot of horses get stressed on long rides, so making sure he is going to drink enough, and that his tummy is in order is very important. '
Excellent suggestion from the shipper....Feed electrolyte paste that is meant for horses. Gastro guard is also excellent. We start dosing 2-3 days before we ship or show with GG. Not cheap....cheapest i have found it for is about 27.00 per tube...but there are 4 doses in there. you want to give it about 1/2 hour before feeding. GG is the only thing that cures ulcers...when horses travel they get stressed and the GG helps keep the gut healthy. The electrolytes help to ensure that your horse drinks water.....
