When you first begin caring for a horse, you might not be aware that these gorgeous creatures are prone to allergic reactions. We may not often think of horses as having allergic reactions, but they absolutely do, just like people. These allergies manifest in much the same way as they do in humans, with runny noses and watery eyes. Horses can also develop hives, soft bumps that form just below the surface of the skin. Fortunately, you can treat equine allergies with some preventative strategies and a few tips from Dr. Thomas Winter, your horse vet in Cannon Falls, MN.
Airborne allergens
Anyone who suffers from an allergy to pollen, mold or dust understands the discomfort that goes along with it. The same is true for your horse. When these airborne allergens spring to life, they can cause skin problems or respiratory issues, like coughing or rough breathing.
Unfortunately, while horses who develop an airborne allergy can’t be “cured,” the condition can be managed. The best thing you can do is treat them with help from a medical professional. Some vets recommend ordering a skin test, which can help identify the specific allergies impacting your horse.
Insect bites
During the summer, when insects are at their most prevalent, allergic reactions in horses are common. When bitten, susceptible horses show irritation at the point of the bite. The most common
result is itchiness. Horses will sometimes scratch until they wear patches into their fur, which is why it’s crucial to identify and treat insect-related allergic reactions as soon as possible.
Dr. Thomas Winter in Cannon Falls, MN can recommend a topical salve to help relieve itching in severe cases. Meanwhile, you should also consider making a few adjustments. Make sure your fly strips are effective. Outfit your horse with fly-proof clothing, and change their schedule so that they’re indoors when flies are most active.
Contact allergens
Because some horses are prone to sensitive skin, owners run the risk of inciting an allergic reaction whenever they apply any kind of contact solution like fly sprays or shampoos. If you notice lesions appearing at the site of application, your horse could be prone to contact allergies. The most popular solution for contact allergies is to treat the affected areas and then switch away from whatever substance caused the issues to begin with.
The best in equine veterinary services
If you’re looking for a highly-qualified horse vet in Cannon Falls, MN, look no further than Cannon Veterinary Services Ltd. For over half a century, the people (and pets) of Cannon Falls have come to rely on the personal touch they receive in our care. We specialized in offering a full range of veterinary services for cats, dogs and larger animals.
Whether you’re treating an emergency, practicing preventative care, putting in a microchip, getting vaccinations, searching for behavioral counseling or require any of a variety of animal healthcare services, our team is ready and waiting to help you.
Come find out why the team at Cannon Veterinary Services Ltd. is the perfect option when you need top-of-the-line veterinary care. Give us a call to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you.