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Parasite Control
Why does my horse need a deworming program?
All horses should be on a regular parasite control program. Infestations of internal parasites can cause damage to a horse's internal organs. Signs that your horse needs to be dewormed can include a dull coat, poor overall condition, diarrhea, poor or voracious appetite, distended barrel, itchy tail, colic symptoms, and in extreme cases, death.
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What type of deworming product should I use?
There are several types of parasite control products on the market. These can be administered by liquid, powered, paste, or gel and you can obtain them through your local feed or tack store, or they may be administered by your veterinarian.
Tubes of paste or gel are very convenient and come pre-measured. It is very easy to use the syringe type applicator to place the medication in your horse's mouth. Powders can be mixed into feeds, although a wary horse may pick around the powder so they don't get the full dose.
Liquids can be put on feeds or administered with a syringe directly into the horse's mouth. All deworming products purchased through feed or tack shops are intended to be ingested through the mouth.
Each time you deworm you should use a different product so that parasites don't become resistant to any one type. If you live in an area with year round pasture, the products you'll need will be different from horse owners whose pastures are beneath the snow for several months of the year. Consult with your veterinarian to find out which products are advised for the area you live in.
How can I check my deworming program is working?
If you want to check the amount of parasite eggs in your horse's manure take a sample to your veterinarian who can do a fecal analysis. This will give you an idea whether your worming program is effective. You will learn the quantity and type of parasites your horse might be harbouring. A fecal analysis will not reveal if your horse has encysted small strongyles, so even if the parasite egg count is zero it is still important to maintain a regular deworming program. |
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How do I prevent my horse from getting parasites?
Total prevention of parasites is almost impossible. But steps can be taken to reduce the eggs that exist in pastures and stables.
Good pasture maintenance is the most important step in reducing parasites in horses. Parasite eggs, having been dropped in the horse's manure, are then eaten along with the grass. Keep your pastures clear of old manure. Allow pastures to rest if possible. Keep stalls clean and dry.
Fly sprays may help repel bot flies and many people pull the small yellow eggs off of their horse's hair coat so the horse does not ingest them.
It is also important to deworm any new horse that comes on the property before you turn it out on pasture.
Serene Fly Control
Serene is an insect growth regulator. Its mode of action is apecific to insects. It interferes with development of chitin in the fly exoskeleton. Since horseshave neither chitin nor an exoskeleton, the product does not affect them. The ingredient in Serene passes through the horses and exitswith manure. In manure, Serene prevents fly larvae from developing into flies. |
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