Helping Your Horse Survive Summer Allergies

Pasture as source of horse allergies.
Pasture as source of horse allergies. Flickr.com - Smerikal

Allergies are the result of an exaggerated physical reaction by the immune system to normal substances in the horse's atmosphere. During warm summer weather, horses are often exposed to more allergy-inducing plants, insects, substances and situations than during colder weather.

Woman inspecting horse

Woman inspecting horse

If a horse has a healthy immune system, fighting off allergens will be easy, but, if the immune system is compromised in any way, allergies can become a serious problem.

When confronted by allergens, the horse's body produces antibodies that cause biochemical changes in the body including excessive antihistamine release, thereby producing symptoms and signs of the allergy.

Excessive inflammation has been linked to a number of horse health issues and has a clearly defined role in allergies, watery eyes and nostrils, hives, sensitivity to bug bites, some intestinal problems, a variety of skin inflammations and an increasing number of auto-immune health challenges.

Allergies are related to many normal substances in the environment including sensitivity to inhalants produced by pollens, grasses, weeds, shrubs, molds, oats, wheat, barley, corn, and barn dust, as well as ingredients in commercial horse foods. Certain foods, feeds, grains, hay varieties, and nutritional supplements may trigger allergies.

Other causes include reaction to chemicals in tack supplies, insect saliva, and products used in the stable area. Skin allergies are often caused by insect bites resulting in hives or welts as a result of the build-up of proteins called antibodies.

Horse allergies can take years to develop. Undetected allergies are difficult to prevent and diagnose initially. If a horse has a healthy immune system, fighting off allergens will be easy, but, if the immune system is compromised in any way, allergies can become a serious problem.

Preventing allergies in your horse

Keeping the environment clean and insect free, and changing the bedding often is key to prevention. In some cases, using shredded paper or rubber mats for bedding will help prevent or resolve allergy problems.

If horse allergies are caused by foods the horse is eating, a veterinarian or an equine nutritionist can help determine which foods are causing the allergies. Elimination of those foods that are causing allergy symptoms, and following a recommended diet for horses with allergy problems is helpful when food allergies are involved.

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

Author picture

As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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