Smoke from nearby wildfires settles around Northwest Equine Performance, a sport horse practice in Mulino, Oregon. | Photo: Facebook/Northwest Equine Performance

Editor’s note: Northwest Equine Performance in Mulino, Oregon, sent the following information to its clients in response to the wildfires and poor air quality in Oregon. The Horse has reprinted this letter with permission.

To help you manage your horse’s health during the Oregon wildfires we have gathered a variety of recommendations regarding respiratory support of the sport horse. Please keep in mind that each situation is different, and it’s important to work closely with your veterinary team to come up with the best plan for your horse.

A horse’s respiratory rate at rest should be between 12-­‐24 breaths per minute. You can watch their sides move in and out to count each breath. It is good to know your horse’s resting respiratory rate so you can watch for change in the coming weeks. Other signs of respiratory distress include nostril flaring, a persistent cough, abnormal nasal discharge, wheezing, or obvious increased respiratory effort. If you notice any of these symptoms in your horse or your horse’s resting respiratory rate changes to anything above 30 breaths per minute, please call your veterinarian. It can take up to 10-­‐14 days for smoke inhalation signs to show up