Mucus serves many purposes, even for healthy horses. It traps bacteria and debris, serves as a protective barrier for the respiratory system, and helps prevent your horse from getting sick. When produced in excess, it also serves as a strong visual indicator that your horse may be feeling unwell. Here is what you should keep in mind when your horse has a runny nose.
Proper respiratory care, vaccinations, and parasite control can help protect your horse from illness. Horse owners often support their horse’s health with products found in the PetMeds Horse Pharmacy and Respiratory Care category pages on 1800PetMeds.
Runny Nose With Clear Watery Discharge
If you notice clear watery discharge coming from both nostrils, it is usually in response to dust or pollen irritating your horse’s airways. This is typically normal and requires no further action. In this case, the mucus is doing its job by protecting your horse’s airways from irritants in the environment.
Improving air quality in the barn and monitoring your horse for additional symptoms can help maintain healthy breathing.
Discharge From One Nostril
When your horse has discharge coming from only one nostril, it usually means that the fluid is coming from within the head rather than the airways. This can indicate a sinus issue, a guttural pouch infection, or even a tooth root problem.
Both conditions are serious and typically require veterinary diagnostics such as imaging to determine the cause. Contact your veterinarian promptly rather than attempting to treat the problem at home.
While treatment should always be guided by a veterinarian, horse owners often browse the Horse Pharmacy category for commonly prescribed medications and care products.
Runny Nose With Yellow or Green Discharge
If your horse has thick yellow or green discharge, they most likely have a contagious respiratory tract infection such as the common cold, equine influenza, or strangles.
Horses suffering from a respiratory tract infection may show several symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes in cases of strangles
Upper respiratory infections in horses often resolve within a few weeks. During this time,e your horse will be contagious, so isolation from other horses in the barn is recommended. Horses may also continue shedding bacteria and viruses for several weeks after recovery.
Some horses require antibiotics if the infection does not resolve on its own. Your veterinarian may recommend medications or supportive care products that can be found in the Horse Antibiotics category.
Call your veterinarian if:
- Your horse’s fever exceeds 104.5°F
- The fever lasts longer than three to four days
- Nasal discharge or coughing worsens after several days
When a Runny Nose Might Be Something Serious
Foals and older horses should be monitored closely because they are at a higher risk of complications from respiratory infections. If your horse of any age develops any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Bloody nasal discharge
- Signs of distress or severe illness
Early veterinary care combined with appropriate medications and preventive care products from trusted sources, such as the Horse Care categories on 1800PetMeds, can help keep your horse healthy and comfortable.
