65: 7 Parasite Pointers That Every Horse Owner Should Know

Healing Horses with Elisha

Today, we share seven key pointers to help you, as a horse owner, plan a parasite control program for your horse.

In this episode, you will learn how to formulate a parasite program and how to prepare your horse for it. We will also explain how to schedule your program effectively and responsibly.

Understanding the Role of Parasites in Equine Health

Parasites can affect the health of horses significantly, and they can worsen problems in horses with ulcers, digestive issues, or chronic colic. So, owners should tailor their parasite management to suit the history and needs of each horse.

Fecal Testing: A Useful but Limited Tool

Even though fecal tests are helpful to monitor parasite loads, they should not be relied upon, as they do not detect every type of parasite, and they may not be effective when the parasites are in certain life stages or encysted in the gut lining. Living environments, pasture management, and herd dynamics can influence parasite exposure and infection risk. So, fecal testing should be part of a broader monitoring system that includes seasonal timing, observation of symptoms, and an understanding of the regional parasite risks.

The Limitations of Natural Dewormers

Chemical dewormers are necessary when dealing with high parasite loads, as although herbs and homeopathic remedies can support intestinal health and help preventinfestations, they cannot be relied on for treating active infections. Using only herbs in such cases may lead to severe or irreversible damage.

The Dangers of Over-Deworming

Overusing chemical dewormers could lead to parasite resistance and damage the horse's microbiome. Deworming too often or using the same chemical repeatedly allows the parasites to adapt and reduces the effectiveness of the deworming treatments. It could also add to the growing issue of parasite resistance across all animal species.

Deworming Strategically

Strategic deworming supports equine health and helps to reduce dewormer resistance in parasites. Strategic deworming means considering the parasite risk of your horse rather than relying on a fixed schedule, reducing the risk of over-deworming, and allowing the deworming drugs to remain effective. Factors like the age of the horse, its health status, pasture conditions, seasonal parasite patterns, and regional risks should all inform your deworming decisions.

Handling Deworming Challenges

In cases where horses are averse to oral administration of dewormers, training is the answer. Owners can work with trainers or use temporary strategies like mixing dewormers with foods the horse enjoys.

When Is the Best Time to Deworm?

To time deworming treatments, owners should consider seasonal parasite activity and fecal egg count results. In temperate climates, deworming in late winter or early spring helps reduce pasture contamination before peak parasite transmission in late summer and early fall. Avoid treating during extreme heat or cold when parasites are less active. Some owners prefer to deworm just before or after the full moon, but there is no scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of that.

Strengthening the Hindgut and Immune System

A healthy gut creates an environment less hospitable to parasites. Supporting digestive immunity with good nutrition and high-quality probiotics helps fortify horses, supports their overall health, and reduces their susceptibility to infestations.

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