FAQ

At Equi-Salt, we value transparency and want you to feel informed about the services we offer. That is why we have compiled answers and advice from our experts to address all of your frequently asked questions. Scroll down to learn more.

Why Halotherapy

Horses are exposed to the same air we breathe which often contain pollutants, pollen, and more.

The quality of air in barns and stables is often poor due to dust, mold, and other airborne irritants, which causes horses to experience inflammation, extra mucus, and restrictive breathing.

While both human and horse lungs share a long list of similar characteristics, and horse lungs are proportionally equal to human lungs, their capacities are quite distinct.

Humans inhale and exhale somewhere around 7 to 8 litres of air each minute, while nearly 60 litres of air move in and out a horse’s lungs every minute!

Due to this large lung capacity, horses often have issues with normal mucociliary clearance, and, in fact, there are specific guidelines for measuring this excess mucus, especially with Thoroughbred and racehorses.

A clean respiratory system from salt therapy will allow for:

Opens Airways
Increased Oxygen Carrying Capacity
Clearer Airways

These vital performance enhancers may:

Increase The Horse’s Stamina
Raise Energy Level
Run Faster
Enhance recovery

Why Halotherapy for Horses and Animals?

Horses and animals have a respiratory and lung system similar to that of people. And, like people, horses and animals are exposed to the same air we breathe which often contain pollutants, pollen, allergens, airborne diseases and more. They often experience the same issues including inflammation, extra mucus, and restrictive breathing. Horses have a large lung capacity and often have issues with normal mucociliary clearance, and, in fact, there are specific guidelines for measuring this excess mucus, especially with thoroughbred and racehorses.

What is Halotherapy or Dry Salt Therapy?

Dry salt therapy (halotherapy) is where 99.99% pure grade sodium chloride (salt) is heated and then ground and crushed into very tiny microparticles. These dry aerosol microparticles of salt are then dispersed into the air where they are inhaled. The particles penetrate deep into the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli to aid respiratory concerns, while the noninhaled salt particles are absorbed to combat skin conditions.

How Halotherapy Works

Once inside the mobile unit, or by using a portable unit, the animal will breathe in the dry salt aerosol created by the halogenerator. As the animal inhales the aerosol, the dry salt goes to work inside the respiratory system by acting as an anti-bacterial agent, clearing secretions, and dissolving bacteria and pollutants lodged in the respiratory tract. Ultimately, this lessens inflammation in the lungs, thins out mucus build-up, improves lung function, and opens breathing passages.

The microparticles of dry salt that are dispersed into the air and not inhaled into the respiratory system eventually fall onto the skin. Because dry salt is ultra-absorbent, the microparticles permeate into the epidermis of your pet’s skin, absorb oils, and reduce the frequency of irritating skin conditions. The natural antibacterial properties of salt can prevent the development of bacteria and help normalize the skin’s pH level.

How Long Does It Take For Halotherapy to work?

Typically, animals may experience short term results after 1-3 sessions. In order to reach deep into the alveoli in the lungs it's best to do 3 sessions close together for best results. However; it is best to use on a consistent basis. Each case is different depending on the conditions and symptoms the animal is experiencing. Salt Therapy is not a cure, but a natural way to manage symptoms.

How Do You Do Halotherapy

Halotherapy is a natural remedy that involves inhaling pharmaceutical-grade dry salt in a comfortable, controlled environment. As your horse relaxes in our trailer, or pet in our mobile tent, a special medical device called a halogenerator will disperse microscopic salt particles into the trailer or tent.

What Are The Benefits of Halotherapy

Studies have found that halotherapy can have benefits for respiratory conditions, skin problems, and allergies. Salt is a natural and safe ingredient.

It is also:

Mucoactive, clearing up mucus from your horses airways.
Antibacterial, helping prevent infections.
Anti-inflammatory.
Immunity-boosting.
Anti-allergic.

How often should I do Halotherapy for my horse or pet

Those with chronic issues will benefit greatly by having treatments at least 2-3 times a week initially before reducing frequency as symptoms improve. Those who want to incorporate salt therapy into their regular wellness routine would benefit from a weekly session. Halotherapy is safe to use on a daily basis, if required.

Does Salt Therapy Reduce Inflammation

Salt therapy reduces inflammation by penetrating deeper into the cells of your horse’s body. The negative ions and properties that are produced are inhaled through the nose or soaked up by their skin.

What Kind Of Salt Is Used For Halotherapy

Only 99.9% pure grade sodium chloride (salt) is to be used with halogenerators which are the machines that crush and grind the salt into microscopic particles and dispersed into the salt trailer or tent. All the medical studies and research for halotherapy involve only 99.99% Pure Grade Sodium Chloride.