Horses Hide Pain Well

As prey animals, horses are hardwired to conceal pain and weakness. Dental problems can go unnoticed for months, silently affecting quality of life, nutrition, and performance.

Eating-Related Signs

The most obvious signs show up at feeding time: quidding (dropping partially chewed food), slow eating, head tilting while chewing, whole grain in manure, dunking hay in water, and unexplained weight loss.

Behavioral Signs

Dental pain often manifests as behavioral changes: head shaking, bit resistance, one-sided stiffness under saddle, irritability around the head, and reluctance to drink cold water.

Physical Signs

Some signs are visible externally: facial swelling along the jaw, one-sided nasal discharge (may indicate tooth root infection), bad breath, and excessive drooling.

What to Do

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a dental examination as soon as possible. At Equide, we can usually see your horse within a few days. Don't wait — contact us to arrange an examination.