Just like dogs, horses can also be attacked by fleas. Fleas on horses can cause irritation, hair loss, anemia, scarring, and skin inflammation. Once your veterinarian confirms that you have fleas living on your horse, the steps to treat and relieve the disturbance are quite simple. This article will explain how to deal with fleas on horses.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Coping With Flea Attacks
Step 1. Fill the water into the bucket
Place the water near the horse, but not near its hind legs, as it may kick it.
Step 2. Mix the flea shampoo with water
Mix a vet-recommended flea shampoo, such as pyrethrin, with a bucket of water. Pour the water and shampoo into a large spray bottle.
Be sure to buy a special flea shampoo for horses. Flea shampoos for livestock or sheep can cause skin irritation and hair loss in horses
Step 3. Spray the flea shampoo solution on the horse's body
Spray the pyrethrin solution all over the horse, avoiding the eyes, ears and nose.
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Although many live in the mane, tail, fetlok, and along the horse's back, fleas can also hide in other parts.
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So you should spray the flea shampoo solution all over your horse, even if the attack is mild.
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Step 4. Rinse the horse's body
Rinse the horse all over to remove the pyrethrin solution. Use a sponge or cloth dampened with clean water. If the weather is cold, use warm water. However, in warm enough weather, the horse's body can be rinsed with a water hose.
Step 5. Dry the horse's entire body with a clean towel
Comb or brush any entangled horsehair on the mane, tail, and fetid to get rid of any fleas or nits that get stuck there.
Step 6. Sprinkle insecticide on the floor
Sprinkle some non-toxic Sevin powder on the stable floor. This insecticide will kill any remaining ticks and prevent them from seeking new hosts.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Flea Attacks Again
Step 1. Clean all horse grooming equipment
Use a pyrethrin solution to wash all horse grooming tools, and be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward. This will prevent the fleas from re-invading the horse while it is undergoing treatment.
Step 2. Wash all horse blankets
Wash any blankets or fabrics that have been used or have been in contact with horses.
Step 3. Clean the horse's saddle
Wipe the horse's saddles and bridles with fleas with a leather cleaner or other suitable cleaning agent.
Step 4. Keep horses away from flea rinks or farms
Fleas may still live in trees or fences that have been in contact with the horse's body.
Luckily horse fleas only last a few days at most, so horse farms can be reused after 10 days
Step 5. Give a second flea treatment
Lice eggs cannot be killed with medication, so a second treatment, 2 weeks after the first treatment, is generally recommended to kill any lice that hatch during this time.
Tips
- Flea treatment is most effective if given early. Check your horse for fleas regularly. If you suspect your pet horse has fleas, ask your vet to confirm this diagnosis before starting treatment.
- If more than 1 horse has fleas, check and treat all horses if necessary.
- Ticks are commonly found under the forehead, tail, nape, and fetlok of horses. However, if the attack is severe, fleas can be found all over the horse's body.
- Horse fleas cannot attack humans or other animals, but can spread from one horse to another.
- Dense winter coat, and poor coat care are the main causes of flea infestations on horses. Unhealthy horses are also more susceptible to flea infestation.
Warning
- Fleas can try rubbing their bodies until they are injured to relieve the itching caused by the tick in a fairly severe attack. Open wounds can trigger many infections and make the horse's condition worse. Lice must be treated quickly thoroughly so that this problem does not get worse.
- Be sure to use a flea shampoo specially formulated for horses. Using shampoo for farm animals or sheep can cause severe skin reactions and/or hair loss.
