Irritations to horses during Summer
The summer months are always something horse owners look forward to – a welcome break from mud fever, wet conditions and the accompanying cold, dark, shorter days. However, with summer comes other challenges such as sweet itch, allergies in horses, biting horse flies and other risk factors. In this equestrian blog, we share tips for beating summer seasonal conditions in horses and how horse owners can avoid irritations to horses during Summer.
Avoid Sunburn In Horses
Horse owners know the importance of protecting their equine companions from the harsh summer sun. Like humans, horses are susceptible to sunburn and can experience painful and damaging effects from prolonged sun exposure. Horses with white coats (whether entirely white or in patches on the body) are most susceptible to sunburn or photosensitivity. On the whole, the face and heels of horses are most commonly affected by sunburn because these often have non-pigmented patches and less hair coverage. Here are some tips to help horse owners avoid sunburn on their horses:
Provide shade: One of the simplest yet effective ways to protect your horse from sunburn is to provide ample shade in their pasture or stable. This can be natural shade from trees or shade cloths or shelters. Ensure the shaded area is large enough to accommodate all the horses in the pasture.
Use fly sheets and masks: Fly sheets and masks help protect horses from annoying flies and insects and provide a physical barrier against overexposure to sun rays. Look for fly sheets and masks specifically designed for UV protection. Make sure they fit correctly and choose a fly sheet with good airflow to prevent it from trapping heat i.e. prevent overheating. Do not use them in extremely hot and humid conditions.
Apply sunscreen: Just like humans, horses can benefit from using sunscreen. Look for equine-specific sunscreens that are safe for sensitive skin to avoid irritated skin. Apply sunscreen to areas most prone to sunburn, such as the nose, ears, and any pink or white skin areas. Avoid applying to broken skin and reapply as directed, especially after sweating or prolonged water exposure. Remember that Naure’s natural ‘sunscreen’ is the lipids in your and your horse’s skin as well as hydration. Remember also that aloe vera is used effectively topically to treat sunburn… and that, by feeding sufficient of it by mouth, you can lower the risk of sunburn significantly. Obviousy dosage matters hugely and this is why Aloeride aloe vera is so good for your sun sensitive horse.
Limit turnout during peak sun hours: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. To minimize the risk of sunburn, limit your horse’s turnout during these peak hours. Instead, allow them to graze during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. If turnout during peak hours is unavoidable, ensure ample shade is available and use a fly sheet and mask for extra protection.
Avoid Fly Bites in Horses
Fly bites can be a significant irritation for horses during the summer months. Not only do they cause discomfort and annoyance with itchy skin, but they can also transmit diseases and cause allergic reactions. Here are some tips to help horse owners protect their equine friends from fly bites:
Use fly repellent: Investing in a good fly repellent is essential to keeping those pesky flies away from your horses. Look for a fly repellent formulated explicitly for horses and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Apply the repellent to areas where flies gather, such as the legs, belly, and face. Reapply as needed, especially after your horse has been sweating or exposed to water.
When using a new fly spray, always do a patch test and leave for 24 hours to check that there is no skin irritation. Sensitive skin can react to certain ingredients, so checking your horse’s skin reaction and any allergic response before applying liberally is essential. Some horses also present insect bite hypersensitivity, including skin inflammation, hair loss, and secondary infection, and they may require medical support from their vet in some instances for effective treatment.
Fly masks and leg wraps: Fly masks and leg wraps are great additional tools to protect your horse from biting flies. Fly masks cover your horse’s face, shielding their eyes and ears from flies. Leg wraps, on the other hand, protect from flies that often target the lower legs and hooves. These additional layers can significantly reduce the chances of your horse getting bitten.
Keep the stable clean: Flies are attracted to manure and other decaying organic matter. Keeping your horses stable, clean, and debris-free will help reduce the number of flies in their environment. Regularly remove manure, hay, and any other waste materials that may attract flies. Consider using fly traps in and around the stable to control the fly population further, but ensure they are out of your horse’s reach.
If your horse suffers from sweet itch, you will need to manage this condition carefully by investing in a quality sweet itch rug and hood and insect repellents to manage this awful skin condition caused by equine insect bite hypersensitivity and immune response. If there are any signs of skin damage, a topical treatment is needed to prevent further discomfort. This allergic skin disease is challenging for horse owners to manage, but by turning out horses at times when midges are less active and choosing open fields with the potential for strong air currents, it is possible to control the summer itch. Some horses may require antihistamine treatment.
Consider feeding essential nutrients. Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory, so Aloeride is an excellent addition to your sweet-itch essentials. Aloeride also supports healthy skin and hair growth and recovery.
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Avoid Heatstroke In Horses
Heatstroke can be a severe and potentially life-threatening condition for horses during summer. To help horse owners avoid heatstroke in their equine companions, here are some essential management tips:
Provide ample shade and ventilation: Ensure your horse has access to shade throughout the day, either through natural shade from trees or by providing shade structures or shelters in the pasture or paddock. Good ventilation is also essential for air circulation and helps keep horses cool. If stabled, ensure the barn is well-ventilated with proper fans or windows.
Offer plenty of fresh water: Horses must stay hydrated to regulate their body temperature. Ensure your horse has access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially during hot summer days. Check the water source regularly to ensure it works correctly or hasn’t become contaminated. Clean water troughs regularly to encourage your horse to drink and avoid dehydration in horses.
Adjust riding and exercise routines: Avoid exercising or riding your horse during the hottest parts of the day when temperatures are at their peak. Instead, schedule exercise sessions for cooler times, such as early morning or late evening, to keep your horse cool. Take frequent breaks during rides to allow your horse to rest and cool down. Avoid fast exercise in humid conditions.
Recognize signs of heat stress: It’s crucial to be able to identify the early signs of heat stress in horses. These may include excessive sweating, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, lethargy, and reluctance to move. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately move.
Provide proper grooming and coat care: Regular grooming can help remove dirt, sweat, and excess hair from your horse’s coat, making them less attractive to irritants like flies and ticks. Additionally, consider using fly-repellent sprays or creams on your horse’s coat to provide an extra layer of protection against biting insects. Pay extra attention to the vulnerable areas such as the ears, face, and belly, as these are often prime targets for flies.
Avoid Fungal Infections In Horses
Muddy conditions can cause bacterial infections, but your horse still suffers from recurrent dermatitis, even in summer. Conditions like rain scald or ‘rain rot’ and mud fever can occur in wet conditions, but mud fever can also occur with overwashing. Mud fever is often seen in pastern skin with crusty and raw skin but can appear anywhere on the body. These summer skin issues can lead to more significant health problems if not treated quickly and effectively, leading to permanent hair loss in severe cases.
Ensure you wash your dirty saddle pads regularly to avoid bacterial skin infections and wash away sweat and dirt off your horse’s saddle and girth areas with antibacterial shampoo and cool water.
Regular grooming can help prevent equine skin irritations. Keep anything that comes into contact with your horse’s skin clean, such as your tack, boots, and rugs. Address any minor issues, such as bites from insects or other common summer conditions, and keep a close eye out for skin lesions, dry skin, or patches of hair loss to help keep your horse happy and healthy.
