There is an allergic reaction to the bites of culicoides in horses.It is also known as Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis or Summer Itch.The treatment of sweet itch involves preventing future bites and trying to soothe the itch so that it heals.Anti-histamines or cortico-steroids may be used to quell your horse's immune response.administering natural remedies, consulting your vet about medication options, and altering your horse's environment are some of the ways to treat sweet itch in a horse.
Step 1: You can add flaxseed to your horse's diet.
Adding flaxseed to your horse's diet may be able to quiet the allergic response.Add some crushed or milled flaxseed to your horse food.Discuss this with your doctor before you start taking it.You will want to give 1 lbs.It takes 0.45 kilograms of flaxseed for every 1,000 lbs.The weight of your animal per day.
Step 2: Apply the oil.
The oil from the tree is called neem.It has a strong smell and consistency.It is an excellent natural pesticide.Apply the oil to the neck of your horse.Leave this on for at least an hour.You can double your efforts by using a natural pesticide.
Step 3: Cut the sugar from your horse's diet.
Sweet foods have been shown to make the conditions of sweet itch worse.Some believe this is where the name Sweet Itch comes from.You should not feed these foods to your horse.
Step 4: Natural remedies should be applied to the skin.
If you want your horse to heal, you need to quell the itch.Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil or apply them directly to your horse's skin.Don't apply essential oil to broken skin.
Step 5: Give the horse something to eat.
You can help prevent sweet itch by feeding your horse certain foods.The idea is to change the smell of the horse's sweat so that they don't bite.Feed the horse garlic powder twice a day.
Step 6: Provide anti-histamines.
Anti-histamines have been shown to reduce the symptoms of Sweet Itch in horses.Due to the large doses needed for a horse, this can be expensive.Discuss this option with your animal's doctor.
Step 7: Cortico-steroids can be administered.
The immune response that causes Sweet Itch can be suppressed with Cortico-steroids.This helps your horse heal.The use of steroids can make horses more susceptible.When other methods have not worked, this method should only be explored.
Step 8: You can exploreimmunotherapy.
Sweet Itch is caused by an over-reaction of the immune system.A company called BioEos has created a treatment that corrects the immune response.70% of horses with Sweet Itch will benefit from this capsule.Discuss this option with your doctor.
Step 9: Antibiotics should be used.
Sweet Itch can cause violent scratching in your animal.Antibiotics may be needed to treat the problem if it is caused by the Sweet Itch.This is an issue to discuss with your vet.
Step 10: Your horse needs to be stabled at feeding time.
The times of day when the midges do their feeding are at dusk and dawn.It is possible to reduce your horse's exposure to biting insects by stabling them during these times.Ensure screens are in place and close doors and windows if you want to prevent midges from entering your stable.
Step 11: Use fans.
The use of fans inside your stable is a great way to repel insects.Anything over 5 mph is too much for midges.It is a good idea to point fans to the areas around the neck and tail of your horse.This may require a lot of fans.
Step 12: It's a good idea to prevent midges from colonizing your stable.
If you have rotting vegetation, manure, or standing water in or near your stable, you are creating an ideal environment for an insect.You can reverse the situation by removing rotting vegetation.There are puddles or standing water nearby.There are horse droppings in your yard.
Step 13: Attach barriers to your horse.
There are sweet itch rugs, blankets, masks, and hoods.These garments prevent your horse from scratching and causing damage, as well as preventing further bites from the midges.Sweet itch barriers can help your horse heal.It is important to keep rugs, blankets, and hoods clean.It is best to have two barrier methods so that you can use one while the other is being washed.
Step 14: You can use traps.
If you have regular fly or insect traps, you can help control the midge population in and around your stable.Glue strips, insect zappers, and catch and release traps may be included.If you have a horse, you should install any of these devices outside or inside your horse stable.
Step 15: If you can, turn your horse out on a hilltop pasture.
Wetlands such as marshy, boggy fields and pastures are where midges breed.Horses with sweet itch can be controlled by moving them away from the breeding grounds.The pastures in the hills are more exposed to the wind.