Owning a horse can be one of the greatest pleasures in life. What many people don’t realize is the amount of training and upkeep that goes into taking care of these magnificent creatures. Outside of regular daily horse care and feeding, grooming and exercise, you need to be on the lookout for health issues. With spring just around the corner, it’s a good idea to watch your horse for signs of spring allergies.
Spring Allergy Symptoms
What are the symptoms of horse allergies?
- Runny eyes
- Nasal drainage
- Head shaking
- Coughing
- Itching
- Hives
- Inflamed Skin
- Bald patches
Possible Allergens for Horses
Just like people, horses can be allergic to common allergens, such as grass, tree pollen, and weeds. They may also suffer allergic reactions from:
- Mold and dust from their bedding, animal dander, or hay
- Cleaners and other volatile chemicals that might be sprayed in and around the barn
- Contact dermatitis from tack, boots, and other equipment
- Insect bites, including mosquitoes, flies, or midges
Reducing Allergy Risks
You should always consult with your veterinarian if your horse has allergy symptoms. He or she will often recommend creams and shampoos that will reduce itching and help soothe the skin to promote healing.
There are things you can do to reduce your horse’s exposure to allergens:
- Keep your horse in its stable when pollen counts are expected to be high
- Keep pastures mowed to control weeds and cut down on grass pollen
- Use a bedding that is less irritating
- Soak hay with water to reduce dust
- Store hay and bedding in another building if possible to reduce exposure to mold and dust
- Scatter hay when feeding instead of leaving it in a pile
- Keep stables well ventilated
- Use fly sheets or screens to prevent insects in your barn