Herbal Treatment for Equine Hives

Maintaining a healthy coat consists of proper diet, exercise, shelter and grooming care. When incidences if equine hives do occur, consult a veterinarian before beginning any treatment course to determine the severity of the occurrence and what the underlying factors may be. Hives, small red bumps on the skin, are generally brought on by stress or an allergy. Plants and insects in a turnout area are often the culprit in hives, which can be easily treated using herbal methods.

  1. Treatment

    • Wash the area well with a mild soap and warm water at the onset of an occurrence of hives. Clean any hives well that have been scratched or the skin is broken in any way. Dry the area. Sponge on a rinse of Calendula and Hypericium to heal any infection that has been brought on by the broken skin.
      Herbal Apis should be applied directly to the hives. This rinse will reduce swelling and itching, promoting healing. Apply the rinse twice daily until the symptoms have dissipated.
      For herd to reach areas, a spray bottle containing the rinse agent can be used. Areas under the horse or around the legs should be treated using a spray bottle for safety. In the instance that a rinse cannot be applied, Rescue Remedy can be given orally to promote the healing of hives. This can be purchased from any herbal retailer specializing in equine treatments.

    Prevention

    • Prevention of hives and skin disorders is key to promoting a healthy coat. Don't over-bathe a horse. Once monthly is sufficient. Even mild soap can be damaging to the skin and remove the necessary oils for healthy skin and coat. Overuse of fly sprays is often associated with skin disorders. They create a build up, which can cause irritation to the skin. Wipe the horse with a damp rag between spraying to prevent build up. It is important for a horse's skin to breathe. Limit the use of blankets and sheets. Do not leave on for several days at a time. These tips combined with observation of the turnout area for trigger plants and insects will lead to a healthy coat and horse.