How To Treat Hives On A Horse

Introduction

There’s a lot of misinformation about how to treat hives in horses. For example, many people think that one should simply let the horse’s internal system take care of the problem, but others understand that this can actually put the horse’s health at risk. To help you sift through all of the information available, we’ve written this short guide to help you figure out how best to treat hives on your horse.

Clean the area.

The first step is to clean the area with a damp cloth. You should not apply too much pressure because this can irritate the skin and cause additional pain for your horse. Also, do not use soap or alcohol on the affected area as these chemicals can dry out your horse’s skin even more and cause further irritation. Finally, avoid using brushes or towels that are dry because they may cause even more damage to your horse’s skin.

Apply an ointment.

The most effective treatment for hives is an ointment containing hydrocortisone. Apply the ointment to your horse’s skin once a day for two weeks, or until the hives have gone away. You can also use this medication in a shampoo, although it will take longer to work and may not be as effective as simply applying it directly to your horse’s skin

Try a Fly mask to keep the horse away from the hive.

A horse fly mask is an effective alternative to a fly sheet for keeping the hive away from your horse. A fly mask can be used in conjunction with a fly sheet, and it’s easy to use on horses that are allergic to them.

Fly masks are made of soft fabric and have elastic straps that go over the ears and around the jaw. The material is thin enough that you can see your horse’s eye color through it, but thick enough so that it doesn’t rub or irritate the skin around his eyes or mouth (like some material does).

Cover the hive with a wet washcloth.

Use warm water, not hot or ice cold. You want to be able to cover the affected area without causing your horse discomfort. The cloth should be slightly damp, but not dripping wet or soaking through to her skin. If you are using a sponge, wring out the excess water before applying it to her coat and skin.

Hives on a horse can be treated by preventing flies, cleaning and tending to the hives, and trying a fly mask.

You should treat hives on your horse by preventing flies, cleaning and tending to the hives, and trying a fly mask.

Preventing Flies: Flies are often at fault for creating the conditions that lead to hives. The best way to prevent flies is by keeping your horse clean, fly-proofing your barn or pasture and using insecticides when necessary.
Cleaning And Tending To Hives:

Wash off any dirt, debris or other contaminants from the affected areas with warm water; use as gentle a cleanser as possible (such as baby shampoo) so as not to irritate sensitive skin further. Then apply aloe vera gel directly onto each hive; this will help reduce itching and swelling while promoting healing. If there is no aloe vera available, applying crushed strawberries or fresh mint leaves can work nearly as well in soothing irritated skin—and both of these options have natural antihistamine effects too! Just be sure not rub them into open sores because doing so may worsen the condition instead of helping it heal faster!

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve learned something about how to treat hives on a horse. While this isn’t an all-inclusive guide, it’s the basics of how to get started. You should always consult a vet if your horse seems at all ill or distressed in any way. That is, after all, their job: to help animals stay healthy and happy!