Horses, like humans, can experience a range of skin conditions and allergies that can impact their performance and overall health. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management techniques outlined in this blog, you'll be better equipped to identify, prevent, and address these concerns.

Allergies Found in Horses

1. Pollen Allergies - Horses can be allergic to certain types of pollen, such as ragweed, grass, or tree pollen. Exposure to these allergens can result in respiratory symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Products like Hawthorne Wind Aid and Equine Medical Heave Ho can open airways and relieve coughing and other related breathing problems.

2. Insect Bite Hypersensitivity - Also known as sweet itch or summer eczema, this allergy is caused by the saliva of biting insects like mosquitoes, midges, or horseflies. Horses allergic to these bites may develop intense itching, hair loss, skin inflammation, and open sores. If your horse suffers from allergic reactions, like the ones mentioned above, grab a Coat Defense Prevention Powder. Coat Defense Powder eliminates and prevents rain rot, fungus, thrush, scratches and odor all while soothing itchy and inflamed skin caused by insect bites, allergies, hives or sweet itch.

3. Dust and Mold Allergies - Horses can be sensitive to dust and molds present in their environment, such as in bedding, hay, or dusty arenas. This can lead to respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, and labored breathing.

4. Contact Allergies - Some horses may develop allergies to certain substances they come into contact with, such as certain plants, shampoos, fly sprays, or bedding materials. Contact allergies can cause skin irritations, hives, or dermatitis.

5. Food Allergies - Although relatively rare, horses can develop allergies to specific food ingredients, such as grains, certain types of hay, or additives in their feed. Food allergies may manifest as skin reactions, digestive disturbances, or changes in behavior.

6. Medication Allergies - Just like humans, horses can have adverse reactions or allergies to certain medications, including antibiotics, vaccines, or topical treatments. Allergic reactions to medications can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic shock.

Featuring : Hawthorne Wind Aid #HAW04 | Hawthorne-Ahi Wind Aid Paste #16542107 | Equine Medical Heave Ho #10004-1 | Coat Defense #CDDPP16

If you suspect your horse has an allergy, consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment options. They can perform tests, such as skin patch tests or blood tests, to identify specific allergens and recommend appropriate management strategies.

Signs Your Horse Has Allergies

Equine allergies can manifest in various ways, and the signs can vary depending on the type of allergy and the individual horse. Here are some common signs that may indicate equine allergies :

Skin Reactions

1. Excessive scratching, rubbing, or biting at the skin is a typical sign of allergic reactions in horses. They may target specific areas or exhibit generalized itching.

2. Hives, raised bumps or welts on the skin, often accompanied by redness and swelling, can indicate an allergic response.

3. Hair loss, allergies can cause patches of hair loss, especially in areas where the horse scratches or bites its skin repeatedly.

4. Skin inflammation and sores. Inflamed or red skin, along with heat and sensitivity, may be observed as a result of an allergic reaction. Constant scratching or self-inflicted wounds due to allergies can lead to open sores or lesions on the skin.

Respiratory Symptoms

1. Coughing and nasal discharge. Allergies can trigger coughing in horses. It may be a dry, persistent cough that occurs particularly during certain times of the year. Increased mucus production, leading to nasal discharge, can be observed in horses with respiratory issues and other allergies.

2. Labored breathing and flared nostrils. Allergies can cause difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or wheezing in some horses. Horses tend to exhibit flared nostrils when experiencing respiratory distress as well.

Eye and Facial Symptoms

1. Watery or teary eyes, horses with allergies may have excessive tearing or watery discharge from their eyes.

2. Swollen or puffy face, facial swelling, especially around the eyes and muzzle, can occur as a result of allergic reactions.

Digestive Disturbances and Changes in Behavior

1. Some horses may develop loose stools or diarrhea as a response to certain allergens, allergies can also cause a decrease in appetite or reluctance to eat.

2. Horses with allergies may exhibit increased restlessness, irritability, or changes in behavior due to discomfort caused by itching or other allergy-related symptoms.

If you suspect your horse has allergies based on these signs, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Allergy testing and a thorough evaluation by a professional can help determine the specific allergens involved and guide the most effective management strategies.

Skin and Allergy Prevention

Helping your horse during seasonal allergies involves a combination of management strategies and veterinary guidance. Here are some steps you can take to alleviate your horse's symptoms and prevent seasonal allergies:

Environmental Management :

1. Minimize your horse's exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, and molds. Keep your horse in a well-ventilated stable or pasture during peak allergen times, use dust-free or low dust bedding like Queen Easy Sift, and avoid cutting grass or riding in dusty arenas when allergen levels are high.

2. Implement measures to prevent insect bites, such as using fly sheets, fly masks, and applying insect repellents. Stable and pasture fly control can also help reduce exposure to allergens carried by insects.

3. Maintain a clean environment by regularly cleaning stables, removing wet bedding, and properly storing hay to prevent mold growth.

Featuring : Queen Horse Bedding Easy Sift #SHAV-ES | Starbar Trap N' Toss #100520149 | Cashel Aluminum Manure Fork Handle #MFH

Nutrition and Supplements :

1. Provide your horse with a balanced diet that includes high-quality hay or pasture, as well as appropriate concentrates. Ensure that your horse's diet meets its nutritional needs to support a healthy immune system and skin function. Bluebonnet’s Intensify Omega Force is the perfect example for elevated levels of Vitamins for anti-oxidant support, contains cool energy calories for premium fat sources rich in omega fatty acids and critical amino acids, trace minerals and other organic minerals!

2. Consider adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your horse's diet, such as flaxseed or fish oil. These can have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce allergic reactions and support skin health.

3. Antioxidant-rich supplements, such as vitamin E and selenium, may help support the immune system and reduce inflammation associated with allergies. Consult with your vet for appropriate supplementation.

Featuring : Bluebonnet Intensify Omega Force #172455-AB | Purina Omega Match Ahiflower Oil #3005953-946 | Farnam Super 14 #32304

Grooming and Skin Care :

1. Regularly bathe your horse with hypoallergenic shampoos or medicated washes specifically recommended by your veterinarian. This can help remove allergens from the coat and soothe irritated skin.

2. Use moisturizing products or topical ointments recommended by your vet to help soothe dry or irritated skin caused by allergies. Having a bottle of Shapley’s MTG is a must for your track room or trailer. MTG not only soothes girth itch and sweet it but it also treats rain rot, tail rubbing and is great for mane & tail growth!

3. While regular grooming is important, excessive brushing or currying can potentially worsen skin irritations. Use gentle grooming techniques and avoid harsh brushes or tools.

Featuring : Vetericyn Foam Care Medicated Equine Shampoo #085-1614 | Shapley's Original MTG #MTGDS | Champion Brush Dandy Ivory Polypropylene Soft Brush #108B

Allergen Avoidance :

1. Monitor pollen counts, keep an eye on local pollen counts, and try to limit your horse's outdoor activities during high pollen periods. Adjust turnout times or exercise schedules accordingly.

2. Test the quality of hay to ensure it is free from excessive dust, molds, or other allergens. Soaking hay before feeding can help reduce allergen levels.

NRS Influencer Product Review & Product Spotlight

Jessie Lynn®

“Ouch! That hurt!” One of my students exclaimed as she swatted away a ginormous horse fly. “What was that?” she asked. “Oh, just one of our usual external parasites that we must defend against every Spring, Summer, and Fall. Unfortunately, I believe they have found a way to become immune to every horse fly repellant, spray, sticky strip, and supplement known to man. Not to mention that my horses have started having an allergic reaction to their bites as well as night gnats…” This used to be my narrative.

Over the years, I have tried every supplement, fly spray, repellant, sticky strip, pre-packaged time release capsule, fly gear, and ointment known to man. Unfortunately, I still had equine partners who suffered with skin allergies and various forms of irritants caused by the “blooming” spring season, various external parasites, and most recently night gnats.

During the past few weeks, I started my equine friends on a supplement powder sold by NRS called: Kinetic Vet Equishield® SA Powder. Sure, I had my doubts, but after just a week of being on the supplement I began to notice significant changes in my horse’s coat, “scratching/ itching” habits (i.e., rubbing on trees, stall beams, rolling, scratching one another, etc.), and less reactions to fly and/or night gnat bites. Needless to say, I became a believer and started looking in to why this product worked verses other alternatives I have used over the years.

To begin with, this product identifies the problem at the source… the epidermis and the animal’s histidine function. Secondly, this product helps support normal histamine levels, immune function, and houses an inflammation reducer. Historically, majority of the products I was using were only treating one or two of the symptoms displayed.

I specifically noticed major changes in my paint mare (Rain) and my solid black gelding (Jet). Rain is a true tri-color paint and tends to be extremely sensitive to fly bites, night gnats, and ultraviolet rays. Prior to Kinetic Vet Equishield SA Powder, she wore a fly mask, fly sheet, fly boots, and received a healthy dousing of fly spray most evenings. On occasions, if she was displaying symptoms of hives, or an allergic reaction, she would receive Benadryl based on her size and weight. Since starting Kinetic Vet Equishield SA Powder, she now only wears her protective gear during the evenings and no longer suffers with allergic reactions to bites or irritants. Her hair coat is shiny, well hydrated, and displays no signs of calloused bites from previous reactions.

For my gelding Jet, he suffered horribly from night gnat and fly bites. Like Rain, he wore protective gear almost 24/7.  He would scratch his belly on the ground or a shrub bush, rub his tail and neck on the beams of the stall doors, and ultimately would whelp up from the numerous bites he had received throughout the day. Once I started adding KineticVet Equishield SA Powder to his feed, I noticed that he was less “itchy,” flies and gnats were leaving him alone, and he no longer suffered from inflammation or whelps. This was a major win for all of us!

As for the product itself, one thing that I absolutely loved about this product is the ease of delivery. One scoop, per horse, once a day. That’s it and you’re done! How much easier could distribution be? One question that I have received is, “how much product do you suggest buying?” Personally, I have a 2 lb. bucket that lasts approximately 30 days for three horses. With that, it is important to know that NRS offers two options for purchasers:  A 2 lb. and a 12 lb. bucket.

Overall, I have been thrilled with the results of incorporating Kinetic Vet Equishield SA Powder into my horse’s daily health management routine and highly recommend it for equine owners and their horses who are experiencing allergic reactions and skin irritations."