How to Treat a Horse for Summer Itch

Summer itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva in biting flies. Since flies are most active during the summer months, the condition has been dubbed "summer itch." It can be very itchy and cause the horse to rub and bite to the point of bleeding.Flies are the curse of a horse's existence. They carry disease, suck blood and can cause summer itch--also known as "sweet itch." As a responsible horse owner, you will want to ensure that you know how to prevent and treat summer itch so that your horse can enjoy life without constant agony.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly spray
  • Antihistamines
  • Cortisone ointment
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the affected area thoroughly and apply a liberal amount of cortisone ointment to it. Buy the strongest over the counter cortisone cream and use that.

    • 2

      You can have your vet prescribe an antihistamine for your horse, which will help control his reaction to the bites. Prescription steroids may also become necessary if the condition is bad enough.

    • 3

      Apply a healthy dose of fly protection daily to your affected horse. Also, go after the flies in order to destroy as many as possible. Use fly bait in the barn, larvaecide blocks in the pastures, and keep your horses on a regular de-worming schedule. Keep manure cleaned up and composted to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for maggots.

    • 4

      If the above methods are not enough, it may be necessary to add a fly sheet to your horse's wardrobe. This will keep the flies from biting him, and prevent the reaction and the itching.