Why is my horse coughing? Causes and solutions

How to recognise a concerning cough

Not every cough is the same. An occasional cough — for example once at the start of a training session or immediately after picking up hay — is often harmless and relates to a minor irritation of the throat. More concerning is a cough that occurs multiple times a day, is accompanied by nasal discharge, or where your horse is visibly struggling to breathe. Also watch out for: coughing during exercise, reduced performance, or a swollen nasal root — these are signals to take seriously. Note how often your horse coughs and in which situations — this helps the vet enormously. In EquiSight you can record these kinds of observations directly in the horse profile, so you have a clear overview at the consultation.

The most common causes at a glance

Coughing in horses has both infectious and non-infectious causes. The most common are:

• Dust and mould in hay or straw — the number one trigger for respiratory problems in the stable
• IAD (Inflammatory Airway Disease) — mild inflammation of the airways, often seen in young sport horses
• RAO/COPD (Recurrent Airway Obstruction) — chronic, allergic condition, comparable to asthma in humans
• Viral infections such as equine influenza or EHV — often accompanied by fever and nasal discharge
• Bacterial infections (e.g. Streptococcus equi, the cause of strangles) — watch for swelling of the lymph nodes
• Aspiration of feed or water — occurs in horses with swallowing problems or dental issues

When should you call the vet immediately?

Some situations require immediate action. Contact your vet today if your horse shows one or more of the following signs:

• Fever above 38.5 °C combined with coughing
• Yellow or green nasal discharge from one or both nostrils
• Visibly elevated respiratory rate at rest (more than 20 breaths per minute)
• Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or throat
• Cough that persists for more than 5 to 7 days without improvement

Stable management: the underestimated factor

In at least half of all chronic respiratory sensitivity cases, stable management plays a crucial role. Dust, mould spores, and ammonia from urine are the biggest culprits. Practical steps that make an immediate difference: soak hay for at least 30 minutes in water or switch to haylage. Use straw as bedding sparingly — sawdust or pellets are kinder to the airways. Ensure adequate ventilation: a stable with a constant fresh airflow has a lower concentration of irritants than an enclosed space. Horses that spend more time outside recover faster from respiratory complaints than stabled horses. Even if you cannot modify your stable space, simply putting your horse outside during mucking out already helps.

Treatment options and what you can do yourself

Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis. Infectious causes are treated with antibiotics or antiviral support; for RAO and IAD the vet often prescribes anti-inflammatories or bronchodilators, sometimes via an inhaler. In addition to medication, the following adjustments have proven effective:

• Switching to soaked hay or haylage — reduces mould spores by more than 90%
• Maximising time outdoors — 24/7 turnout has a strongly positive effect in horses with RAO
• Respiratory supplements (e.g. containing thyme or eucalyptus) as a complement, never as a replacement for proper treatment
• Adjusting targeted training: less intensive exercise until the cough has resolved

Vaccination and long-term prevention

Equine influenza is one of the most common infectious causes of coughing in busy stables and competition venues. Vaccination protects not only your own horse, but also the horses around you. The primary vaccination course consists of two injections with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks, followed by a booster vaccination after 5 to 7 months and then annually. For competition horses, stricter rules may apply from the FEI or relevant national federation — always check this in advance. Use the calendar in EquiSight to keep track of vaccinations and worming treatments, so you never miss a booster injection.