Year-Round Tips to Keep Your Horse Healthy
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and this is particularly true for horses. Providing year-round protection for your horse against preventable problems can help you avoid expensive vet bills or even the tragic loss of your horse.
One of the simplest ways to protect your horse is to keep vaccinations and parasite control up-to-date during the course of the year.
We've all heard the arguments against vaccinating, and we interviewed a local vet about some of those here, but for those of us who will be vaccinating this year, we need to make sure we are up to date, not just on the actual yearly vaccines, but also the boosters you need (especially with younger horses).
We asked Zoetis Animal Health about to tell us what their year-round routine would be, starting at spring when the change in season can increase threat from viruses, bacteria and parasites.
The following is the answer we received from Zoetis answer, which was originally featured in our N40 eMag: Equine Edition.
Horse Health Spring Tips: March. April. May.
Vaccination helps protect against serious infectious diseases. Viruses can cause infectious diseases that pose a threat to horses--some can even be fatal. Fortunately, regular vaccinations stimulate your horse's own immune system to produce antibodies to help protect against serious diseases.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends ALL horses are vaccinated against the West Nile Virus. This virus kills around 1 in 3 infected horses by causing severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The virus is spread by mosquitoes, so the explosion in insect numbers during Spring increases the risk of horses becoming infected.
As the weather starts to warm up, disease-carrying insects (including mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus) and horse parasites are on the rise. So, now is a good time to think about the diseases and parasites in your area that could pose a threat to your horse.
Quest Gel
Deworm to protect against encysted small strongyles. Quest: the only long-lasting single dose treatment for control of encysted small strongyle larvae plus bots.
West Nile Innovator
Vaccinate against West Nile Virus prior to the start of mosquito season. Vaccinate annually, or twice-yearly if mosquitoes are present year-round.
You can buy this from us online here.
Fluvac Innovator
Tested and trusted influenza vaccine for horses is available in different combinations to provide protection against multiple diseases with 1 convenient vaccine.
Summer Tips for Keeping your Horses Healthy: June. July. August.
A new approach to deworming... individualized programs.
Apart from vaccinations, the other key to year-round protection for your horse is deworming. According to the AAEP guidelines, not all horses need the traditional--'one-size-fits-all' scheduled deworming every 6-8 weeks.
A new approach uses individualized deworming programs, tailored to your horse's specific risk. This provides effective parasite control and reduces the chance of parasites becoming resistant to deworming products. And because you're only treating when you need to, you might even be able to save money.
Infectious diseases and parasites don't take Summer holidays! So make sure you keep up with important vaccinations and deworming, because the hot weather can create ideal conditions for common horse threats.
Products for these inoculations are available here.
Anthelcide EQ
For control and removal of large strongyles, small strongyles, large roundworms, pinworms and threadworms.
Tetanus Toxoid
Vaccinate against Tetanus with this: The tetanus organism produces a powerful nerve toxin that can kill around 80% of infected horses (vaccinate annually).
Keeping your Horses Healthy in the Fall: September. October. November.
When it comes to the fall months, for some of us, it's the end of the competition season or the start of hunting season we are putting half shoes on for the late fall/early winter turnouts, or we are strapping on the Borium studs for packing back into the backcountry our animals still need to be vaccinated.
Rabies is a disease that can be fatal in horses take steps against it. When in close quarters, worms and other parasites should always remain top-of-mind for horse owners.
As the leaves start to drop, make sure you don't "Fall" down on keeping your horse protected during the cooler months.
Quest Gel Deworrmer
The only long-lasting single dose control of encysted small strongyle larvae plus bots and tapeworms.
Fluvac Innovator
Tested and trusted influenza vaccine for horses is available in different combinations to provide protection against multiple diseases with 1 convenient vaccine.
What to do in Winter: December. January. February.
Winter is when it gets real here in the Northwest. Equine influenza can take its toll on your livestock you need to be prepared and vaccinated against it.
When you pack all of your animals into the barn to keep them protected against the elements, you run a higher risk of infection it's that simple. At the onset of winter is a great time to deworm your horses and protect against Roundworms (ascarids).
The cold of Winter can see an increase in the risk of some infectious diseases and parasites, particularly if horses are kept in closer contact to protect them from the elements.
Strongid Paste
Deworm for protection against ascarids. Safe and effective for mares and foals.
Rabies
Rabies is a killer disease that can be fatal to horses and humans. Want to learn more about Equine Health? Click here for our Equine Emag.
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