Equine Wormer for Tapeworms

A responsible horse owner knows how important it is to put her horse on a worming schedule in order to keep parasites at bay. While tapeworms are not usually a danger to horses, they still have a place in your worming regimen. Work with your veterinarian or another equine professional to make sure your horse is properly treated.

  1. Reasons to Treat Tapeworms

    • Tapeworms are not usually a major problem for horses, but they can cause intestinal inflammation in the areas where they attach, and in very rare cases can be fatal. Tapeworms can also be a contributing factor in some types of colic.

    Ineffective Wormers

    • Many types of wormers will not provide your horse with protection against tapeworms. For example, Ivermectin-based and Fenbendazole-based wormers are very common and thorough, but do not treat tapeworms.

    Praziquantel Wormers

    • Praziquantel wormer does not treat very many types of parasites, but can be used to prevent tapeworms. It can be paired with an Ivermectin-based wormer to cover a wide range of parasites.

    Pyrantel Pamoate-Based Wormers

    • Pyrantel pamoate-based wormers treat more types of parasites than Praziquantel, and will take care of tapeworms; however, it is usually only effective against tapeworms if a double dose is administered.

    Frequency of Treatment

    • Duane Maye, DVM, advises to treat horses twice a year for tapeworms, and recommends spring and fall as good times to worm.