How to Help With Itchy Skin on a Horse

You've just begun grooming your horse and you notice that something is different. Maybe your horse's skin has a new, scaly texture; raised red patches; flakes, almost like dandruff; or even oozing sores. Horses, just like any other animals, can present with any number of skin symptoms, including itching. The more minor symptoms have remedies that can be tried at home, but if symptoms don't improve in at least ten days, it's time to visit your veterinarian.

Things You'll Need

  • Special shampoos, sprays or creams
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Instructions

    • 1

      Perform some research online about your horses's symptoms, or call a veterinarian. A wide range of causes can result in itchy skin for your horse. A horse's skin can be sensitive, reacting to things like shampoos, grooming implements, ticks, mites, or lice. Most mild skin conditions ailing horses can be eased or even cured without a visit to the veterinarian, but consulting one over the phone will lead you in the right direction for beginning treatment at home.

    • 2

      Purchase shampoos or sprays that contain antifungal or antibacterial agents to help to deter skin problems. If you can connect the itchy skin problem to a specific shampoo or grooming implement that you've recently used, discontinue use of that item. Often, shampoos that are advertised as "all natural" are much gentler on skin. Bites from ticks, mites and lice could lead to fungal or bacterial issues, if not treated. For these types of skin ailments, use a topical insecticide and shampoos with the ingredient selenium sulfide. A lime sulfur dip may also help. As with any shampoo, spray or other topical agent, ensure that it's rinsed out thoroughly and that no residue remains. Follow the instructions on the bottle to ensure proper use.

    • 3

      Immediately towel the horse dry after rinsing. Leaving the horse wet will not only worsen the existing skin ailment, but it can also encourage additional skin ailments. Further, keeping a horse wet when portions of its skin are injured by faulty or sub-par grooming equipment, flies, ticks and the like, along with the existing itchy malady, can cause dermatophilosis. Dermatophilosis is a bacterial ailment that can cause bleeding, and yellow or orange pus.

    • 4

      Apply any over-the-counter or prescribed oral or topical anti-inflammatories or antibiotics that the veterinarian may have suggested.