Sweet itch rugs and bad weather

[dinodog]

Hi!
My Shetland has quite bad sweet-itch. No amount of sprays, been oil or concoctions seem to help so I’m planning on purchasing a sweet itch rug. My question is, is this safe to leave on in wet and cold weather? Will I need to put a rain sheet underneath?
She’s turned out 24/7 and the weather is so changeable. I work full time and work funny shifts so can’t be around to be putting rugs on and off. I’ve never owned a pony that needed rugging before so any advice is appreciated!

 

[Surbie]

Leave it on 24/7 and check under regularly. This is the worst time of year for me as mine is itchy and uncomfortable from shedding and he can't get rid of the loose hair when rugged.

The sweetitch rugs are designed to dry quickly and personally I don't put any rug on top unless it is forecast to be heavy rain for a long time.

Ideally get 2 so one can be washed without leaving your pony naked.

 

[hobo]

Peter pony's sweetitch rug went on Sunday as he is now out full time it will stay on through all weathers until November. He does have the one on, one in the wash and one ready to put on to cover every need.

 

[Leo Walker]

I had a boett type one and a rambo one that was mesh. He wore the Rambo one in the rain as it didnt get soaked. It didnt offer quite as much protection, but theres less midges about in the rain anyway so it was fine.

 

[MuddyTB]

I have a Boett style for my TB and just put a rain sheet over the top for medium/heavy rain as he isn't great when wet. They do dry really quickly though so unless he's quite sensitive he'd probably be ok with just the sweet itch rug.