Itchy horse

[cblover]

Quick question about my 3 year old cob. Not so much now but earlier in the year she gets very itchy.

It’s not sweet itch but I’m thinking possibly allergies. What do you all use to sooth an itchy horse? Either topical or digested. I’m happy to try anything that may help her. Thanks ?

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Is she at all overweight? One of the signs my EMS pony is starting to have issues with his insulin is a very itchy horse when he shouldn’t be itchy at all. Just a thought and it usually happens in June/July. I don’t treat him topically.

 

[cblover]

She’s got plenty weight on but not too bad I’d say. Good to know though, thanks.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Regulare cool baths with medicated shampoo has helped my friends really itchy boy x

 

[Goldenstar]

Sky was itchy when he arrived .
We did biopsy’s found nothing helpful .We gave a course steroids ,we bath weekly
we changed bedding from shavings to rape ,we slimmed the horse down .
we rugged as lightly as possible and kept him closely clipped and got the rugs off as soon as we could and let the light at his skin .
I think the biggest change was when we changed the bedding .

 

[Griffin]

If you have ruled out things like alfalfa (which can cause itchiness), you could try feeding a bit of brewers yeast and/micronised linseed. Spirulina is supposed to help but I found it took a while to kick in!

Topically, there are loads of things you can buy. Many have benzyl benzoate in which can help. However, if it's mild itching, often a bath helps. My mare has a very thick mane and tail, which can get sweaty and I often find if I give her neck, under her tail and between her legs a quick wipe to remove any sweat, she is less itchy.