A horse can also puke.

by Ellie Smith Content Writer

Dogs and humans puke and poo, so why don't horses? The act of puking is normal for all animals, but it's physically impossible for horses.

The digestive system of horses evolved to have a distinct link between the esophagus and their stomach. The valve is unable to allow vomiting. It could have evolved as an evolutionary advantage to survive the famine or prevent vomiting in the face of an animal with an empty stomach.

The inability to vomit could be a reason why horses suffer from colic. If you can't eliminate it, you won't be able to burp, and gas can only exit the system of a horse.

Inconceivable on a physical level

Horses have some differences that make them impossible to swallow. One of the differences is that the muscles located at the lower part of their esophagus are more robust. Furthermore, the stomach and esophagus connect at a low angle which means that in the event of a gas, it presses against this joint and makes the closure more secure.

This is the way horses evolved, so why would they do that?

It's not clear the exact cause, but it could be a means of survival. Wild horses require a lot of grass to live, and at times the grass is scarce (meaning the ability to throw away what they ate may result in starvation).

In addition, horses are also prey animals. Because of how they're made during their running through the mud, their intestines can move in a circular motion and then backward, beating into the stomach. Normally, this kind of motion could make an animal throw up. However, horses are not affected due to their physical inability to. This could be a helpful strategy to escape predators!

Certain animals vomit to flush the toxins out of their systems. Luckily horses have evolved into selective eaters and are likely to eat something poisonous.

Horses that suffer from colic

Colic is a word used to describe abdominal discomfort. It's typically caused by gas accumulation (in the case of a person, it is similar to feeling like you are bloated). It can be severe to deadly, based on several factors, including how much gas has accumulated and in what location.

Is it possible for horses to colic if they cannot throw up?

Since horses aren't able to throw up and release gases from their stomachs via their mouths, so, gas has to traverse a long digestive tract before it is released.

How does a horse get 'choked'?

Choke occurs when food or an object is stuck in your horse's throat. It is most often the result of the horse quickly consuming large quantities of dry grains. Dotting it down and feeding small portions is excellent prevention.