How to Take the Itch Out of Bug Bites on Horses
Insects naturally pester horses and all outdoor animals, but some horses react poorly to insect bites. Gnats, ticks and biting flies can create serious itching, swelling or allergic reactions in horses, which require treatment to keep the animal from hurting itself or getting sick. Before you take the horse to a veterinarian, there are many ways you can treat bug bites, and take the itch out of your horse's bite, before the conditions get worse.
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Instructions
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Wash affected areas with cold water and antibacterial soap, to remove dirt. Hold ice or ice packs to the bites to reduce serious swelling.
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Cover the bitten areas with hydro-cortisone cream, or other anti-itch bug bite medication. Lotions with aloe, menthol -- or other soothing products that are safe for humans -- are safe for horses.
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Wash the horse with an oil-based shampoo to soothe itching and maintain its coat. When a horse scratches its own itches, it can damage, or dirty its coat, so keep the wounds and hair clean.
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Feed your horse 2 tablespoons of garlic powder to produce garlic smell in its sweat and coat. The smell of garlic repels flies.
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References
- Photo Credit horse image by ann triling from Fotolia.com
