Tuesday, November 26, 2013
The equine species is highly prone to constant infestations of worms in their digestive tract. This is because they graze close to the ground and often ingest soil particles. These particles contain worm larvae and eggs. Once the larvae have found a home in the animals intestines they begin their life cycle all over again. Once the eggs reach the mature adult stage they are passed out in the droppings to infect another animal. Domestic animals have the benefit of horse wormers to keep this problem under control.
Living in close proximity to other horses presents a number of health challenges. Horses are naturally infected with worms because they are grazers. They eat the short juicy grass closest to the ground. As a result of this they naturally ingest small amounts of dirt and soil. If this soil is contaminated with worm larvae they quickly make their way into the animals intestines and begin their life cycle all over again.
Although it is impossible to eliminate worms from the horses life altogether it is possible to minimize their risk and infection rates. Good stable management practices are essential. This includes keeping the stalls, feed pans and water buckets clean at all times. All turn out areas and paddocks must be cleaned on a daily basis too. The horses are infected when they graze close to the feces of their stablemates.
Rotation worming is the key to a healthy horse. There are many different types of worms that can live in a horses digestive tract. These include both large and small strongyles, hairworms, intestinal thread worms and ascarids. Some members of the equine family such as donkeys are particularly prone to lung worm infection. When donkeys are around horses it is important to stay aware of this danger.
Most worming products are in a paste form. They are sold in a syringe that is squirted into the horses mouth or can be mixed into their food. Most horses are quite happy to eat the medicine, especially those that are apple flavored. The owner or barn manager should keep a calender to record which day the animals were treated and with what form of worm medicine.
One thing for owners to keep in mind is that small ponies do not need the full dose. Studies have shown that by routinely over using a product the animal will quickly develop immunity and in consequence suffer from more worms. The best line of defense remains in good stable management.
Setting up a rotation program is easy. Most tack and supply stores sell all the necessary products. Many owner buy a years supply of wormers as this is the best way to save money and have all the right products to use. Although many people think that over use of wormers is a good idea, research has shown that it actually increases immunity.
It does not take a lot of time or money to keep up to date with a worming schedule. Many companies sell a years supply of horse wormers that is both handy and economical. The owner just needs to keep track of when each dose was given and their animals will be in the best of health.
Living in close proximity to other horses presents a number of health challenges. Horses are naturally infected with worms because they are grazers. They eat the short juicy grass closest to the ground. As a result of this they naturally ingest small amounts of dirt and soil. If this soil is contaminated with worm larvae they quickly make their way into the animals intestines and begin their life cycle all over again.
Although it is impossible to eliminate worms from the horses life altogether it is possible to minimize their risk and infection rates. Good stable management practices are essential. This includes keeping the stalls, feed pans and water buckets clean at all times. All turn out areas and paddocks must be cleaned on a daily basis too. The horses are infected when they graze close to the feces of their stablemates.
Rotation worming is the key to a healthy horse. There are many different types of worms that can live in a horses digestive tract. These include both large and small strongyles, hairworms, intestinal thread worms and ascarids. Some members of the equine family such as donkeys are particularly prone to lung worm infection. When donkeys are around horses it is important to stay aware of this danger.
Most worming products are in a paste form. They are sold in a syringe that is squirted into the horses mouth or can be mixed into their food. Most horses are quite happy to eat the medicine, especially those that are apple flavored. The owner or barn manager should keep a calender to record which day the animals were treated and with what form of worm medicine.
One thing for owners to keep in mind is that small ponies do not need the full dose. Studies have shown that by routinely over using a product the animal will quickly develop immunity and in consequence suffer from more worms. The best line of defense remains in good stable management.
Setting up a rotation program is easy. Most tack and supply stores sell all the necessary products. Many owner buy a years supply of wormers as this is the best way to save money and have all the right products to use. Although many people think that over use of wormers is a good idea, research has shown that it actually increases immunity.
It does not take a lot of time or money to keep up to date with a worming schedule. Many companies sell a years supply of horse wormers that is both handy and economical. The owner just needs to keep track of when each dose was given and their animals will be in the best of health.
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