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Deworming Your Horse : FAQs
Deworming a horse is an important part of their healthcare to prevent infestations of internal parasites, which can lead to serious health issues! Horse dewormers work by targeting and killing internal parasites, also known as worms or helminths, that live in the digestive tract. The active indigents in dewormers can vary, but most work by disrupting the parasites’ nervous system, metabolism, or reproductive cycle. Here are some general steps and tricks on how to deworm your horse:
Q : How Do Dewormers Work?
Different dewormers target certain parasites by disrupting their nervous system, metabolism or reproductive cycle. It’s important to understand what type of dewormer your horse is in need of based on their environment and what time of year it is. Here are some common types of dewormers and how they work :
Benzimidazoles - These dewormers, such as fenbendazole and oxfendazole, work by inhibiting the worms' ability to absorb glucose, which is necessary for their survival. This results in the death of the worms and their eventual expulsion from the horse's body.
Marcrocyclic - These dewormers, such as ivermectin and moxidectin, work by interfering with the worms' nervous system, causing paralysis and death. They are also effective against some external parasites, such as lice and mange mites.
Pyrantel Salts - These dewormers, such as pyrantel pamoate, work by causing the worms' muscles to contract, which leads to paralysis and expulsion from the horse's body.
Praziquantel - This dewormer is effective against tapeworms, which are not susceptible to many other types of dewormers. Praziquantel works by disrupting the tapeworms' cell membranes, causing them to die and be expelled from the horse's body.
It is important to note that dewormers can have side effects, such as diarrhea or colic, and should be used only as directed by a veterinarian. Additionally, overuse of dewormers can lead to the development of resistance in the parasite population, making it more difficult to control infestations in the future.
Q : How Do Horses Contract Parasites?
Grazing on contaminated pasture: Horses can become infected with internal parasites by grazing on pastures that have been contaminated with parasite eggs or larvae. Parasites can survive in the environment for long periods of time, and horses can become infected by ingesting the larvae as they graze.
Eating contaminated feed or water: Horses can also become infected with parasites by ingesting contaminated feed or water. Parasite eggs or larvae can be present in hay, grain, or other feed sources, and can also survive in water sources.
Contact with other infected horses: Horses can spread parasites to one another through close contact, such as grooming, sharing water or feed buckets, or even nose-to-nose contact. Infected horses can shed parasite eggs or larvae in their manure, which can contaminate the environment and infect other horses.
Poor sanitation: Poor sanitation practices, such as leaving manure piles in pastures or stalls, can create an environment that is conducive to parasite infestations. Parasite eggs or larvae can survive in manure and contaminate the environment, leading to increased exposure for horses.
Traveling to new locations: Horses that travel frequently, such as for shows or trail rides, may be at higher risk for parasite infestations, as they may come into contact with new environments and other horses that may be infected with different types of parasites.
Q : How Do I Deworm my Horse?
- Consult with your veterinarian: It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate deworming program for your horse. They can help you develop a schedule for deworming, and recommend the type of dewormer that is most effective for your horse.
- Choose the right dewormer: There are many types of dewormers available for horses, and it is important to choose the right one for your horse based on their age, weight, and overall health.
- Administer the dewormer: Dewormers come in various forms such as paste, pellets, and liquid. Follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your veterinarian to administer the dewormer to your horse. It is important to administer the appropriate amount of dewormer based on your horse's weight.
- Monitor your horse: After deworming your horse, monitor them for any adverse reactions such as diarrhea, colic, or loss of appetite. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms.
- Practice good management: To help prevent re-infestation, it is important to practice good management techniques such as cleaning up manure regularly, rotating pastures, and practicing good hygiene.
Overall, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate deworming program for your horse, and to follow their recommendations for the best possible health outcomes for your equine friend.
Q : How Do I Administer Dewormer?
There are several ways to administer dewormer to a horse, but the most common method is to use a syringe or dosing gun to give the dewormer orally. Here are some general steps to follow :
- Choose the dewormer: Select the appropriate dewormer based on the age, weight, and health status of your horse, and follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your veterinarian.
- Measure the dose: Measure the appropriate dose of dewormer according to the instructions on the package or as directed by your veterinarian. Make sure to take into account the weight of your horse, as an incorrect dosage can be ineffective or harmful.
- Administer the dewormer: Approach your horse quietly and calmly, and gently insert the syringe or dosing gun into the corner of their mouth, behind the teeth. Slowly depress the plunger or trigger to release the dewormer into the horse's mouth. Make sure your horse swallows the dewormer before removing the syringe or dosing gun.
- Reward your horse: After administering the dewormer, reward your horse with a small treat or a scratch on their neck to help make the experience positive and reinforce good behavior for future deworming.
It is important to follow the proper dosage and administration instructions to ensure the dewormer is effective and safe for your horse. Additionally, it is recommended to deworm horses regularly according to a schedule developed with your veterinarian.
Q : What Zoetis Dewormer Should I Use?
Just one dose of QUEST® or QUEST® PLUS Gel treats and controls encysted small strongyles, bots and roundworms. QUEST PLUS contains an additional active ingredient — praziquantel — for efficacy against tapeworms. QUEST and QUEST PLUS are proven safe for use in a variety of horses. QUEST and QUEST PLUS are the only products approved to treat encysted small strongyles in breeding mares. Here are some guidelines when using Zoetis Dewormer :
Spring Deworming - Spring is when encysted small strongyles (strongyles in the larval stage) typically emerge. QUEST effectively treats and controls encysted small strongyles in a single dose. In a study, QUEST was also nearly twice as effective in reducing egg counts as a five-dose treatment of fenbendazole.
Summer Deworming - Anthelcide EQ Paste safely and effectively removes and controls various internal parasites, including large strongyles, large roundworms, pinworms and threadworms. This dewormer contains the active ingredient oxibendazole.
Fall Deworming - Tapeworm treatment is recommended once a year, in the late fall or early winter after tapeworm transmission ends due to cold weather QUEST PLUS is the ideal deworming choice for late fall as it contains an additional active ingredient – praziquantel – that specifically targets tapeworms.
Winter Deworming - Strongid Paste safely removes and controls various internal parasites in horses and ponies, including mature infestations of large strongyles, roundworms and pinworms.
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Q : Why Do I Need to Rotate Dewormers?
It is generally recommended to rotate dewormers for horses to help prevent the development of resistance in the parasite population. Parasites can develop resistance to a particular dewormer when it is used repeatedly, which can make it less effective in controlling infestations.
By rotating between different types of dewormers, you can help ensure that the parasites are not exposed to the same dewormer repeatedly, which can help delay the development of resistance. The specific rotation schedule for dewormers can vary depending on factors such as your location, your horse's age and health status, and the type of parasites in your area. For example, you might use a benzimidazole dewormer one time, then a macrocyclic lactone dewormer the next time, and so on.
Choosing the right dewormer and rotating them periodically can further enhance their effectiveness and mitigate the risk of parasite resistance. By staying proactive and informed, you can ensure that your horse remains healthy and free from the harmful effects of internal parasites. Always prioritize your horse's well-being and consult with your veterinarian for the best deworming practices tailored to your horse's specific requirements.
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