Horses are a grazing animal that eat most of their food from the ground. In the wild they are moving around all the time. This natural movement prevents them from eating close to their droppings. However, when horses are domesticated they are often kept in small pastures or stalls. They are in close contact with other equines and are constantly infected with worms. Every animals needs to be treated with a variety of horse wormers on a regular basis.
Living in close proximity to other horses presents a number of health challenges. Horses are naturally infected with worms because they are grazers. They eat the short juicy grass closest to the ground. As a result of this they naturally ingest small amounts of dirt and soil. If this soil is contaminated with worm larvae they quickly make their way into the animals intestines and begin their life cycle all over again.
Once the worm eggs reach adulthood they are passed out with the droppings. Any horse eating close to this manure is at risk of infection. Obviously in close quarters such as small paddocks that are shared by many animals there is constant infestation. This can be best dealt with by a strict worming program that treats every animal in the barn. Any new horses should be quarantined and treated for at least a month before being allowed to mingle with the other horses.
Rotation worming is the key to a healthy horse. There are many different types of worms that can live in a horses digestive tract. These include both large and small strongyles, hairworms, intestinal thread worms and ascarids. Some members of the equine family such as donkeys are particularly prone to lung worm infection. When donkeys are around horses it is important to stay aware of this danger.
In recent years modern science has really been able to help. A host of worm treatments has been developed that are both safe and effective. A number of active chemicals is necessary to treat each different type of worm. The ingredients to look for are ivermectin, bimectin, fenbendozole, pyrantel and moxidectin. These chemicals are used in many different worming products and buyers should educate themselves about the different brand names.
Rotating the products is the key to effective treatment. Each active chemical treats a different type of worm. Some are more active at certain times of the year. A typical horse needs to be treated every six to eight weeks depending on their level of risk. Using a different product each time is essential not only to treat the different parasites but also to prevent immunity building up.
An owner who needs help or advice about setting up a worming program for their animals should talk with their local veterinarian. They will be able to offer all the help and advice needed. The products can be purchased from a local veterinary office, a feed store or from an on line store or catalogue.
It does not take a lot of time or money to keep up to date with a worming schedule. Many companies sell a years supply of horse wormers that is both handy and economical. The owner just needs to keep track of when each dose was given and their animals will be in the best of health.
Living in close proximity to other horses presents a number of health challenges. Horses are naturally infected with worms because they are grazers. They eat the short juicy grass closest to the ground. As a result of this they naturally ingest small amounts of dirt and soil. If this soil is contaminated with worm larvae they quickly make their way into the animals intestines and begin their life cycle all over again.
Once the worm eggs reach adulthood they are passed out with the droppings. Any horse eating close to this manure is at risk of infection. Obviously in close quarters such as small paddocks that are shared by many animals there is constant infestation. This can be best dealt with by a strict worming program that treats every animal in the barn. Any new horses should be quarantined and treated for at least a month before being allowed to mingle with the other horses.
Rotation worming is the key to a healthy horse. There are many different types of worms that can live in a horses digestive tract. These include both large and small strongyles, hairworms, intestinal thread worms and ascarids. Some members of the equine family such as donkeys are particularly prone to lung worm infection. When donkeys are around horses it is important to stay aware of this danger.
In recent years modern science has really been able to help. A host of worm treatments has been developed that are both safe and effective. A number of active chemicals is necessary to treat each different type of worm. The ingredients to look for are ivermectin, bimectin, fenbendozole, pyrantel and moxidectin. These chemicals are used in many different worming products and buyers should educate themselves about the different brand names.
Rotating the products is the key to effective treatment. Each active chemical treats a different type of worm. Some are more active at certain times of the year. A typical horse needs to be treated every six to eight weeks depending on their level of risk. Using a different product each time is essential not only to treat the different parasites but also to prevent immunity building up.
An owner who needs help or advice about setting up a worming program for their animals should talk with their local veterinarian. They will be able to offer all the help and advice needed. The products can be purchased from a local veterinary office, a feed store or from an on line store or catalogue.
It does not take a lot of time or money to keep up to date with a worming schedule. Many companies sell a years supply of horse wormers that is both handy and economical. The owner just needs to keep track of when each dose was given and their animals will be in the best of health.
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