Bald spots, tails with mohawks, and assorted lumps and bumps ... all
of these symptoms can be signs of an itchy horse. Unfortunately, all
the symptoms of horse itch are usually worse in the summer, when bugs,
humidity, and heat all contribute to the problem.
Does your horse itch? If so, then you know it is very difficult to
watch your horse rub himself on every post, tree, and shrub. An itchy
horse feels bad, and watching an itchy horse in action can make you
feel even worse. So what can you do as a responsible horse owner to
help your itchy horse feel better?
5 Steps to Alleviate Horse Itch
Horse itch can be one of the most difficult health problems to cure,
especially if symptoms are already full-blown during the middle of the
summer. The situation gets even more complicated if you want to avoid
constantly spraying your horse with chemical sprays. Luckily, there
are 5 steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms right now, while at
the same time supporting your horse's immune system so that symptoms
will be much improved next summer.
Horse Itch Solution #1: Relieve Stress
When a horse is itching madly, his system is totally stressed, which
means his immune system can't work effectively. To restore his immune
system to full functioning, you need to first take care of his stress.
Herbal supplements that relax his whole system work well. Two
supplements that seem especially helpful are RelaxBlend from Equilite
and Eleviv from XanGo. Both of these supplements keep
inflammation at a minimum, plus they keep your horse mentally cool and
calm. Other calming herbs to consider adding to your horse's daily
regimen include hops and lobelia.
Horse Itch Solution #2: Topical Solutions
If you horse itches all over, topical solutions applied daily are a
good bet for giving your horse immediate relief. For instance, DRAW
Formula is a multi-mineral liquid that you can sponge all over your
horse to relieve the itch. Simply dilute DRAW with water and apply daily.
Spraying your horse with a mix of Avon Skin So Soft, water, and apple cider vinegar also helps keep the flies away. If your horse has specific itchy spots,
you can apply ichthammol or Hyper-Cal to individual areas.
Horse Itch Solution #3: Fly Sheet and Leg Coverings
While this option seems obvious, many horse owners overlook this
simple solution. Covering your horse with a mesh fly sheet with
head/neck attachment will help if your horse's itchiness is caused by
fly or insect bites. Many vendors now also offer mesh leg coverings,
since flies tend to gather around your horse's legs. While covering
him in this way may scare off his pasture mates, your horse will feel
much more comfortable. In addition, you won't need to spray him
constantly with chemical fly sprays.
Horse Itch Solution #4: Feed Supplements
Another solution for itchy horses reacting to fly and insect bites is
to add supplements to his feed. Substances like garlic and apple cider
vinegar both work well. Equilite's Garlic Plus C works well for many horses,
and most horses find it palatable. This combination includes garlic and Vitamin
C, plus chinese herbs, astragalus, and schisandra with a touch of
zinc. As a bonus, it also works well on other skin conditions like
fungus.
Horse Itch Solution #5: Build a Nutritional Foundation
For the most part, a horse has itchy skin because his immune system is
not strong enough to overcome environmental factors, such as insects
or allergens. One way to support your horse's immune system right now,
plus prepare his immune system for next summer, is to start him on a
foundational nutritional program now. Good options include blue-green
algae, probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants like wheat sprouts and
coenzyme Q10.
One combination that works well is the Simplexity Essentials mixed
with XanGo mangosteen juice. Feed a lower maintenance dose this summer
and through the winter. Just before next summer, increase the dose to
combat the heat, humidity, insects, and allergens. For instance, you
might mix 750 ml of mangosteen juice with 7 packets of Essentials.
Feed an ounce per day of this mixture as a maintenance dose. Starting
in the spring, increase the dosage to three ounces daily. You may not
see much difference this summer or this winter, but next spring you
will definitely see a major difference in your horse. He will itch
much less, and have a much stronger immune system.
Solving the Horse Itch Problem Takes Patience
Watching an itchy horse in action is one of the worst things a horse
owner can bear. However, if you are diligent in supporting your
horse's entire immune system as well as alleviating symptoms in the
short term, you should see permanent results in six to nine months. As
with everything in holistic horse care, progress is slow when compared
with conventional medicine. However, solutions are also more permanent
and lasting than those offered by allopathic medicine. My advice?
Stick with a holistic program and be patient ... you will see positive
results!
Need Support for Your Itchy Horse?
They say that "it takes a village" to raise a child. I say that it
takes a village to cure some horses of chronic health issues. Just
check out my blog to see the struggles I've had with Bud, one of
my resident patients. Sometimes I just want to pull my hair out
because he can be so difficult to treat. So I know how hard it can
be for horse owners to care for horses with chronic health problems.
It does take a village.
Well, if you feel like you need a village to help your horse recover
from some health problem, we have one. It's called the Horse Health
Hotline. This online forum is filled with people who are caring for
their horses holistically, and having real successes. The health
issues discussed on the forum range from laminitis and
insulin-resistance to itchy skin and COPD. The solutions offered
include nutritional supplements, flower essences, homeopathic
remedies, essential oils, acupressure, barefoot trimming, and much
more. Read the forum at no cost or join for just $40 for a lifetime
membership. You will be amazed at what you find in this
information-rich online resource!
Horse Health Hotline Forum
How to Join
About the Author
Madalyn Ward, DVM, owns Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas. She is certified in Veterinary Homeopathy and Equine Osteopathy. Memberships include American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinay Medical Association and the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. She has authored several books and publishes the monthly newsletter, “Holistic Horsekeeping.”
Contact
Madalyn Ward DVM
11608 FM 1826
Austin, TX 78737
303-575-1170
www.holistichorsekeeping.com
www.horseharmony.com
www.horseharmonytest.com
www.yourhorsebook.com
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