Equine Deworming: How Often Should You Treat Your Horse?

Equine deworming isn't as straightforward as picking a random schedule or using any deworming product you find on the shelf. It's a refined process that should be tailored to your specific horse's needs, and it requires careful consideration of various factors. In this article, we'll cover the key facts that determine how often you should typically deworm your horse, ensuring your equine companion stays healthy and parasite-free.

Factors to Consider First

One crucial point to remember is that not all horses are the same, even if they're part of the same herd. The level of parasitic burden can vary significantly among individual horses. To determine the right approach, consider the following:

Parasite Shedding: Is your horse a high shedder? High shedders produce more parasite eggs than their counterparts, making them responsible for infecting the rest of the herd. Identifying high shedders is vital because it allows you to target deworming efforts effectively, reducing the overall use of wormers. Overusing these products can lead to resistance, rendering them ineffective, much like overusing antibiotics.

Adult Horse Worming Recommendations

For adult horses, a general guideline is to deworm them once or twice each year. However, before making any decisions, it's essential to obtain a fecal egg count (FEC). This procedure measures the worm egg burden in your horse's system, helping you determine whether your equine is a high or low shedder. Late fall is an ideal time for deworming adult horses. Consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable dewormer based on the prevalent parasites in your region. Most veterinarians also recommend performing another FEC in the fall to assess the parasitic burden. Depending on the results, additional deworming treatments may be necessary. Pregnant mares should undergo deworming in the spring before foaling. The choice of dewormer should once again be guided by the FEC results. Within 24 hours after foaling, it's crucial to deworm the mothers with an Ivermectin product to protect both mare and foal.

Foal Deworming Schedule

Foals require more frequent deworming compared to adult horses due to their developing immune systems. The initial treatment should be administered around two months of age, using a product containing fenbendazole. This treatment should be repeated every two months until the foal reaches one year of age. Fenbendazole effectively targets common parasites in foals, such as roundworms, pinworms, and bloodworms. Once foals reach 12 months of age, you can transition to Ivermectin deworming, which is effective against most parasites except tapeworms. However, it's worth noting that resistance to ivermectin can sometimes occur. Following this initial ivermectin treatment, subsequent deworming can be performed every three to four months, with the choice of product based on fecal egg counts. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the most suitable deworming product for your horse.

Parasite Control

Proactive parasite control is essential for maintaining your horse's health. Deworming strategies can be complex, varying based on factors such as age, weight, and pregnancy status. Therefore, always consult your veterinarian to develop a personalized deworming schedule and product selection tailored to your horse's unique needs. Fecal egg counts are invaluable in determining the appropriate course of action. Avoid the temptation to deworm more frequently than necessary, as this can contribute to dewormer resistance and ultimately harm your horse's well-being.

No matter your horse's specific schedule or type, we offer a range of deworming products designed to keep your equine healthy and safe from harmful parasites. Prioritize your horse's health by partnering with your veterinarian to create an effective deworming plan that ensures a long and vibrant life for your four-legged friend.