Sweet Itch

G

georgiamaytoby

New User
Joined
10 July 2016
Messages
3
Visit site
My pony is really suffering from his sweet itch this year, I apply "Nettex Itch Stop Salve" (recommended by most people I have spoken to) daily as well as fly spraying him as often as I can. In a months time I am also moving him yards to a field with electric fencing rather than wooden to prevent him rubbing.
However he still seems very irritated so can anyone recommend any other supplements they use, or anything else that I can do?
 
Lots of people swear by Brewers Yeast for helping with itchiness! Also apparently cutting out garlic if your horse currently has it in their diet - as it can exacerbate the irritation.

I'd also recommend a really good fly repellent. I use Avon skin so soft for midges, and also Barrier fly repellent. Seems to do the job on my boy, and I also attach citronella tags onto head collars/bridles/rug buckles. My friend also swears by Leovet No Rub? If you can find the Leovet fly repellent, that's wicked stuff, but I haven't found it stocked anywhere for ages! Same with Coopers...

Also keeping them really clean, shampooing with tea tree which soothes and helps combat flies. It really helps them to stay away, and soothes the itching. Wonder gel is also great for any rubbing wounds!

Another friend also swear by tea - really! She says that brewing really really strong tea and applying it to the mane and tail does wonders for the itchiness. I've never tried it myself, but it could be worth a go? I know lots of people use it in their homemade fly repellent.
 
One problem with sweet itch is that different horses are helped (or not) by different treatments. The only thing to do is try them and see what works for yours. Keep an eye on ingredients though - some SI sufferers have allergies to other things. If horse is suffering, try puritan tablets. You can buy 500 (they need a lot!) on line cheaply and they usually eat them without bother. SI does seem worse this year.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top