askHELTIE HELTIEhorse® How do I support my horse with sweet itch?

How do I support my horse with sweet itch?

When your horse has sweet itch, it is important to constantly monitor the itching in the summer months to prevent it from getting out of hand. A total approach works best in this situation, which means combining multiple measures. You may have already put a rug on your horse and applied soothing cream to the affected areas. What else can you do to support your itchy horse and prevent it from rubbing its mane and tail raw?

Nettle

Skin

Sweet itch

15 July '22 • 2 min reading time

First of all, it is important to make sure that your horse indeed has sweet itch, as horses can experience itching in the summer months due to other causes as well. For example, excessive sugars in their diet or allergies can also cause itching. Overweight horses are more prone to itchiness, and some horses may itch if their pasture has been spread with fertilizers.

Total approach important

Sweet itch is a challenging issue. The best way to combat it is by implementing a range of measures. This includes detoxification and timely application of an eczema blanket. Additionally, it is important that sensitive horses do not consume too much sugar and can be supported with cannabinoids to help with skin inflammation and itching. A mixture of herbs can help make the blood less attractive to biting midges. A blend containing echinacea, gentian, thyme, and fenugreek is suitable for this purpose. You can also soothe and protect the skin with a spray containing Effective Microorganisms (EM).

Skin issues

When a horse experiences a lot of itching and starts rubbing, it can lead to small under-skin inflammations. Bacteria and dirt can get into these, causing further inflammation and itchiness. The wounds can then become larger and more troublesome. Using cannabinoids can help break this cycle. Cannabinoids are needed by receptors in the horse's body to act as a switch. Thanks to these receptors and switches, the body remains balanced. An allergic reaction, such as the one seen in Sweet itch, disrupts this balance. Therefore, supplementing with plant-based cannabinoids is a good idea. They work in the same way as the body's own signaling compounds. Additionally, cannabinoids support the immune system, reduce allergic reactions, and have pain-relieving properties, making the horse less bothered by the wounds and less likely to rub.

Soothing skin spray for itching

The 'good' bacteria, yeasts, and fungi in a spray containing Effective Microorganisms(EM) can also help reduce itching. These beneficial microorganisms displace harmful bacteria and fungi that settle in the wounds. An EM spray has a calming effect and speeds up the skin's healing process, restoring its natural balance.

Herbs for 'unappetizing' blood

Many of the measures against Sweet itch do not produce immediate results. They require a bit of patience and must be started in a timely manner. The herbs used to make your horse's blood less attractive also need time to take effect. By incorporating these special herbs into your horse's diet, it will become less 'tasty' and appealing to insect pests. This not only applies to midges that cause Sweet itch with their saliva but also to mites and lice, which will find your horse much less attractive when you feed them these herbs. Bonus!

Detox with nettle extract

A mild detox with a nettle extract twice a year helps your horse eliminate toxins and boost its immune system. It is best to do this in spring and fall.

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