Common Causes of Allergies in Horses
Last updated 1 year ago
If you own a horse, maintaining your horse’s health is likely to be one of your primary concerns. Equine allergies can cause a number of uncomfortable and even life-threatening problems for horses. Continue reading to learn about common causes of allergies in horses and how an automatic horse waterer can address some sources of allergens.
- Pollen
Like humans, horses often have seasonal allergies that are related to pollen. As the seasons change, different plants release pollen as part of their reproductive cycles. A horse’s immune system may treat inhaled pollen as a harmful foreign body, leading your horse to develop an allergic reaction.
- Spores
Another common cause of allergies in horses is mold and fungal spores. These spores have a tendency to grow in dark, damp places and can cause a range of problems for horses. A horse may develop an allergic reaction by inhaling or ingesting spores from mold or fungus. An automatic water trough prevents water from stagnating, thereby preventing potentially harmful mold growth.
- Insect Bites
Many horses develop an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting insects, such as midges, mosquitoes, and horse flies. These insects bite horses to feed on blood and secrete a small amount of saliva into the wound. Horses most often exhibit allergic reactions to insect bites in the warm months of summer when these insects are most abundant.
- Food
It is possible for your horse to develop an allergic reaction to food. If your horse has an allergy to mold or fungal spores, ingesting spores that have grown in hay can produce an allergic reaction. Some horses are also allergic to the high amounts of protein found in certain varieties of horse feed.
- Medications
Different types of medications, including vaccines and antibiotics, can trigger an allergic reaction in horses. If a horse reacts negatively to a type of medication, it is important to consult a veterinarian about your options for future medical treatments.
Providing your horse with a constant source of fresh water can help prevent mosquitoes and mold spores from invading horse stalls and pens. You can accomplish this by using the automatic horse waterer from Bar-Bar-A, which eliminate stagnant drinking water. To learn more, call Bar-Bar-A today at (888) 833-9821.
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