Remedies for Horse Dust Allergy

Eliminating dust from a horse's life can prove a challenge.

Horses by their very nature live in an environment of dust and dust-like particles. Since horses can develop allergies like humans, the fact that horses suffer from dust allergies should not be surprising. For the horse owner seeking remedies for his horse's condition, several alternatives exist. These remedies provide relief for the horse and peace of mind for the owner.

Out to Pasture

Horses need fresh air and exercise, which can temporarily alleviate allergies caused by stable conditions.

If the location of dust is in the horse's stable, remove the horse from the stable. Turn the horse out to pasture for some fresh air and exercise. Remove soiled bedding and scrub the stable floor; let it dry and air out.

Bedding Materials

Horses can develop allergies to hay or straw dust.

Respiratory allergies in horses, or heaves in veterinarian terminology, are caused by dust and other particles that irritate horses. Symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge and watery eyes all point toward an allergy. Once the horse leaves the stable for the pasture, its bedding needs to be changed. It is possible the horse is allergic to the type of bedding being used. Shavings or shredded paper may provide relief. If that is unsuccessful, try rubber mats for sleeping.

Wet Hay

There are many types of hay, such as alfalfa, timothy, clover, fescue, orchardgrass and bermudagrass.

Hay can be a source of dust, so wetting the hay keeps the dust down. Airborne dust particles cause allergies that wetting down helps prevent. Try a new supplier of hay that contains less dust. If all fails, switch from hay to another food source, such as pelleted hay.

Medications

If all of the avoidance remedies fail to treat and eliminate the dust allergy, then medication may be needed. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are available to make the allergy more tolerable for the horse.

References

• Horses and Horse Information: Horse Allergies
• Horse-Journal.com: Chronic Cough Solutions
• Allergies-Gone: Horse Allergy Treatment and Prevention
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension: Choosing Hay for Horses