The Importance of Fall Dental Checks: Don’t Let Your Horse Lose Weight This Season

As we wind down the summer here in Texas, most horse owners are preparing for the fall season soon approaching. But there's one essential step that often gets overlooked this time of year:

Your horse's fall dental check. It's not due at any specific time of the year, but we do our dentist visits around back-to-school time each year.

At Texas Equine, we prioritize dental care year-round—but fall is a critical time to ensure your horse’s teeth are in good shape before winter feeding routines begin.

Here’s why dental checks matter, what signs to watch for, and how timely care can help your horse maintain weight, comfort, and overall health through the colder months.

Why Dental Health Affects Winter Weight

Unlike summer, where horses may graze on fresh pasture, winter feeding relies heavily on hay and grain, which require more chewing and grinding. If your horse is dealing with dental issues like:

• Sharp points or hooks

• Uneven tooth wear

• Loose or missing teeth

• Mouth ulcers or abscesses

...they may struggle to chew feed properly—leading to:

• Reduced feed intake

• Choke or colic risks

• Weight loss

• Nutrient deficiency

These issues often develop gradually, making them easy to miss until your horse starts dropping weight or acting uncomfortable at the feeder.

Why Fall is the Best Time for a Dental Check

Fall dental exams are all about preventive care. Addressing dental concerns before winter helps you:

• Avoid feed waste and picky eating

• Prevent sudden weight loss when calories are crucial

• Reduce the risk of choke during hay and grain season

• Keep older horses comfortable through winter

At Texas Equine, our horses receive routine dental care—and our recent August dental visit reminded us just how much difference a properly balanced mouth can make. It’s not just about teeth—it’s about the whole horse’s health.

A big thank you to Dana Kelley Equine Dentistry for her continued care of our herd!

Dana provides professional, mobile equine dentistry and has been a trusted part of our wellness team. You can reach her directly at (903) 563-4992—she’s the best!

Signs Your Horse Might Need a Dental Exam

Not sure if your horse needs to see the dentist? Look out for:

• Dropping grain or hay while eating

• Head tossing or resisting the bit

• Bad breath or excessive salivation

• Noticeable weight loss or poor coat condition

• Choke episodes or colic after meals

• Undigested feed in manure

Even subtle changes in behavior or eating habits could signal a dental issue. Don’t wait until your horse has lost weight—it’s much harder to regain during the colder months.

Don’t Forget Senior Horses!

Aged horses are especially vulnerable to dental issues due to worn, missing, or damaged teeth. Some older horses:

• Can’t chew hay well and require soaked feeds or mashes

• Need more frequent dental exams (every 6 months)

• May develop tooth root infections or gum issues that go unnoticed

For our senior residents at Texas Equine, we often adjust their feeding program based on what our dentist finds—because the mouth is where digestion starts.

What to Expect During a Fall Dental Visit

A professional equine dental check typically includes:

• Full oral exam with sedation (for safety and thoroughness)

• Floating sharp points or correcting uneven wear

• Checking for infections, loose teeth, or gum disease

• Recommendations on feed adjustments if needed

It's a quick appointment that can make a huge impact on your horse’s health and performance all winter long.

Feed Smarter, Not Harder

You can feed the best hay and grain in the world—but if your horse can't chew it, they won't get the benefit.

Dental care ensures your horse is able to chew, digest, and absorb nutrients properly, helping them maintain body condition and avoid costly health problems later.

Schedule Your Fall Dental Check Today

If your horse hasn’t had a dental exam in the past 6–12 months, now’s the time to get it done. Fall checks are a smart part of your winter prep routine—just like stocking hay or checking blankets.

👉 Need help finding a trusted equine dentist in the area? We highly recommend Dana Kelley Equine Dentistry for her expertise and gentle approach.

👉 Want guidance on how to adjust your horse’s feed post-exam?

We’re here to help. Visit us at texaseeh.com or contact the Texas Equine team for support.

Don’t let winter weight loss sneak up on your horse. A fall dental check can make all the difference.