Signs & Symptoms of Allergies in Horse

It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose allergies in humans, and diagnosing allergies in a horse can be even harder. Your horse may be ill and suffering from allergies without your knowledge. Common allergy symptoms can be easy to spot if you know what you're looking for.

  1. Tearing Eyes

    • Horses, like humans, often exhibit tearing eyes as a result of an allergy. You might notice that your horse is blinking more than usual or you may see tear lines underneath the eyes of the horse.

    Coughing

    • Coughing in horses is sometimes a sign of heaves, or respiratory allergies. A runny nose is also common with this condition, which is likened to asthma in humans. If you find that your horse is coughing or wheezing, try to find the allergen trigger and remove it from the area that your horse occupies.

    Bumps on the Neck and Shoulders

    • Horses often develop skin allergies which can manifest with itchy skin and hives around the neck and shoulders. This type of allergy can be caused by food allergens, or more commonly, insect bites. Your horse may rub a gnat or insect bite until there is very little fur left on the spot and the skin is red and raw.

    Loss of Appetite

    • If you notice that your horse isn't eating as much as usual, this might be a symptom of an allergy. When your horse is having an allergic reaction to food, he might simply avoid eating as a way to combat digestion problems. If your horse stops eating and begins to lose weight, change his diet immediately.