AskFinecto Horse Why you should start treating summer eczema early in the spring!

Why you should start treating summer eczema early in the spring!

Better early than late. A saying that is very important when it comes to the treatment of summer eczema in horses. It is important to start treating against summer eczema early in the spring, before the first mosquito bites, at the beginning of March. Why start now?

Sweet itch

14 April '22 • 1 min reading time

Treatment Plan for Summer Eczema

Summer eczema is a persistent problem that horses and ponies are unlikely to completely overcome. Therefore, it is important to minimize irritation as much as possible. Consistency is key in the treatment. That is why we have compiled the most important tips. The more you can apply, the less chance there is of itching from summer eczema.

1. Start administering supplements on time at temperatures above 10 ℃

By mixing a herbal supplement with essential oils into the feed, you make the blood unattractive to ectoparasites, including the Culicoïdes midge. Research has shown that midges dislike certain herbs and essential oils (a combination of Fenugreek, sepiolite, echinacea, astragalus, uncaria, gentiana, thyme, citronellal, citronellol). It is important to start with the preventive dose before the first mosquito has bitten.

2. Limit carbohydrates/fructans/sugars in the feed

Additionally, adjusting your horse's feed can help in the fight against summer eczema. This involves reducing sugars, fructans, and carbohydrates, which are mainly found in concentrated feed. Cold-blooded horses are more sensitive to sugars than warm-blooded horses. If your horse cannot do without concentrated feed, consider molasses-free and/or grain-free options. These contain less sugar and starch. Be sure to pay attention to vitamin and mineral supplementation if you are only feeding roughage.

3. Putting in the stable at dusk

The mosquitoes bite the most during twilight. Therefore, it can help to put your horse in the stable at sunrise and sunset. There are more mosquitoes in the pasture than in the stable. This is an additional measure and does not work on its own.

Due to laws and regulations, we are not permitted to mention related products on this website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Also interesting

Mites

Why is my horse stamping? Possible causes and solutions.

When a horse lifts its leg with a powerful movement and stamps it on the ground, it usually means that it is experiencing irritation. A single stamp due to a fly is normal, but if the stamping occurs regularly, it may indicate an underlying problem that needs attention. Stamping is not intended as a communication behavior between horses, but as an expression of discomfort. Research on Tinkers shows that consistent stamping often points to one of the causes listed below.

Mites

Washing with a natural agent also helps with mites!

Many horse owners use veterinary products to rid their horse of mites. These are chemical agents that reduce the horse's resistance and only kill the adult mites. Washing with these chemical products must therefore always be repeated. Sometimes this chemical treatment is necessary, especially if an infestation is so extreme that it would be inhumane not to intervene quickly. However, we always prefer a natural approach to mites, which also includes an external treatment.

Mites

What is the difference between chemical and natural treatment against mites in horses?

Chemical pesticides kill the adult mites that come into contact with the pesticide. This is an important detail. Mites burrow into the skin, making them not all accessible to chemical pesticides from the outside. Additionally, the fur can sometimes get in the way. Chemical treatment is a quick solution that does not break the cycle of mites. This works differently than natural supplements. Natural supplements do not kill the mites but prevent them from laying new eggs. In this way, the mite popu...

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news and promotions from Finecto+?