Horse wormers are important for horse health by controlling internal parasites that can harm a horse. These parasites, small strongyles, roundworms and tapeworms can cause malnutrition, weight loss, colic and even death if left untreated.

Choosing the right wormer and applying it correctly will mean effective treatment and long term health for horses.

What are Horse Wormers

Horse wormers are the tools to control the common worms that infest a horse’s digestive system. They come in different forms like horse worming pastes, gels and pellets. Wormers eliminate the parasites that feed off the horse’s nutrients causing potential health problems. Regular deworming is necessary to prevent these infestations.

Horse wormers have different active ingredients like ivermectin, pyrantel and moxidectin that combat different parasites. Macrocyclic lactone wormers including mectin-based wormer products are effective against a wide range of parasites that’s why they are the most popular brands for horses.

Types of Horse Wormers

Horse wormers come in different forms, each targeting different parasites. Some popular horse wormers are:

• Ivermectin: Used to control large and small strongyles, roundworms and bots.

• Praziquantel: Paired with ivermectin or moxidectin to control tapeworms.

• Pyrantel pamoate: Reliable wormer for roundworms and pinworms.

• Fenbendazole: Effective against all stages of small strongyles.

Some horse owners prefer wormer pastes which are easy to administer and available in all your popular brands. For example mectin-based wormer pastes target a wide range of parasites. Combination products that control multiple worms are also popular like those containing praziquantel which is usually praziquantel combined with ivermectin for tapeworm treatment.

Worming Schedule and Tips

A rotational wormer strategy will prevent parasites from building resistance to specific wormers. Horses should be dewormed based on fecal egg count results and a vet’s advice. Most horse owners treat horses quarterly, adjusting the worming schedule according to seasonal parasite activity.

Here are the key tips:

• Spring and autumn treatments: These are the peak parasite activity periods.

• Rotation of worming chemicals: Switching between different worming chemicals like macrocyclic lactones or mortantel tartrate will reduce resistance.

• Weight based dosing: Calculate the dose based on the horse’s weight to avoid underdosing which can lead to ineffective treatment.

Deworming frequency will depend on the horse’s weight, living environment and parasite load, ivermectin and moxidectin are the preferred for heavy parasite infestations.

Advantages of Regular Worming

Regular worming will prevent parasites from causing health problems like weight loss, digestive issues and poor coat condition.

Effective wormer use will reduce the risk of colic, a painful and often serious condition caused by internal parasites. Popular horse wormer brands will target a wide range of parasites and maintain long term health.

• Better digestive health: Worming will ensure nutrients are absorbed well, no malnutrition.

• Less vet bills: By preventing serious health problems, regular worming will reduce the need for emergency vet visits.

• Better performance: Horses with low parasite load will perform better in terms of energy and endurance.

Signs of Parasites

It’s important to recognize the early signs of parasites in horses so you can treat on time. Here are the common symptoms:

• Weight loss despite proper feeding;

• Lethargy and poor performance;

• Diarrhea or other digestive problems;

• Dull coat and general poor condition;

If you see any of these symptoms, consult a vet and do fecal egg count to determine the level of infestation. This will help you decide on the right treatment and wormer to use.

How to Worm Horses

Administering horse wormer pastes or liquid wormers is easy if done right. For most wormers follow these steps:

1. Weigh the horse: Make sure the dose corresponds to the horse’s weight to avoid under or over dosing.

2. Use a dosing syringe: Most wormer pastes come with a syringe for easy application.

3. Apply the paste: Place the syringe at the back of the horse’s mouth and release the paste. Hold the horse’s head up for a few seconds to make sure he swallows.

Different wormers have different administration instructions. Rotational wormers should be rotated to prevent resistance. Consult a vet for advice on the best worming for your horse’s specific needs.

Precautions and Safety

Wormers are generally safe but there are some precautions to take. Overdosing can cause toxicity especially with mectin based wormers like ivermectin. Always make sure you administer the correct dose based on the horse’s weight. Some horses may have allergic reactions to certain wormers like swelling or hives which needs immediate vet attention.

Rotating wormers like mortantel tartrate and macrocyclic lactones will help prevent wormer resistance which is a growing problem in equine parasite management. A vet can guide you on the best worming strategy for your horse to avoid parasite resistance.

Popular Questions

Below are common questions we get asked about horse womers.

How often should I worm my horse?

Horses should typically be wormed every 6 to 12 weeks depending on factors like age, environment, and the results of fecal egg counts. It's recommended to consult a veterinarian to create a worming schedule tailored to your horse's needs.

Can I use the same horse wormer year-round?

No, using the same horse wormer year-round can lead to wormer resistance. It is recommended to rotate between different types of wormers to effectively target different parasites and reduce resistance.

What are the side effects of horse wormers?

Common side effects of horse wormers may include mild colic, diarrhea, or allergic reactions such as swelling. In rare cases, overdosing can cause toxicity, especially with certain mectin-based products. Always administer the correct dose based on your horse’s weight.