Equine Deworming Recommendations

More than 150 internal parasites can damage tissues and organs, cause obstructions and ulcerations, and deprive your horse of the necessary nutrition and roughage to maintain a healthy life. The following can be signs of parasite infestation: dull coat, lethargy, weight loss, coughing, tail rubbing and hair loss, colic, summer sores, depression, loss of appetite, or diarrhea.

There are three different methods used to rid horses of these parasites: tube deworming, oral paste, and feed additive. All are effective, but the product must be at proper dose and fully consumed and retained by the animal. Pastes and additives are convenient and easy, but take care that they are not spit out. Tube worming ensures the proper dose is directly delivered to the stomach, and is recommended in cases of heavy parasite infestation. Our veterinarian can help you determine the most effective method and schedule for deworming your horse. Our general guidelines are as follows:

Foals: 30 day intervals until some natural resistance is built

Companion: Twice a year at minimum, every 90 days is recommended

Performance: Every 60-90 days is recommended

Breeding: Every 60-90 days is recommended

For horses on daily feed additive product: such as Strongid C or C2X, the dosage is given daily as a top dress on the horse's feed. This product is in a convenient pellet form, with an easy measuring scoop for proper dosage according to the animal's weight. In addition to the Strongid C/C2X, we do suggest the use of an Ivermectin product as a Boticide in the spring and fall. For our area this is typically mid-April and after the first frost, or again in November or December.