What is your deworming plan after the first frost arrives? Photo from Flicker.com under Creative Commons License
Just last week I was scrolling down my Facebook feed and saw yet another meme that absolutely cracked me up. For it called out the first day of frost as a holiday for equestrians and their horses, because it means the end of the season for annoying bugs and biting flies.
Along with the refreshing way in which I can shelf the fly spray until the warm weather returns, my mind starts to put together a checklist of other activities. And the list contains all of the little tasks and things that need to happen around the barn before the arrival of winter.
One of the activities that always lingers in the back of my mind is deworming. Perhaps my brain is still getting used to the idea of not being on a rotational deworming schedule, even though it’s been several years since I discontinued my old rotation.
The first frost brings to my mind questions of what type of dewormer is best to use to combat fall and winter parasites. What kind of parasites should you be targeting during the cold season? Head over to The Horse to check out this article on seasonal deworming.
And then check out some of the other headlines from this week in Horse Health News, presented by Absorbine:
Need to Rasp Sharp Teeth Points?: Most horses have had their fair share of routine dental appointments in order to maintain oral health. But when it comes to filing down sharp points and hooks on teeth, do horses really need this type of work done for their wellbeing? A recent study was conducted by British-based veterinarian, Dr. Graham Dunkanson. [Horsetalk]
Supplement Status Check: Does your horse have a line-up of supplements that helps to support their health and performance? When is the last time that you evaluated their supplement regiment? If you revisit your horse’s supplement routine each year, you can determine whether their current supplements are still needed, or if they could benefit from starting on any additional supplements. [Equus Magazine]
Do Horses Remember Each Other?: Depending on how often a horse has moved around during their life, they may have interacted with many other horses. But do horses who are familiar with each other ever remember one another if they are reunited months or even years after being separated? Check out this commentary piece by Robin Foster, PhD and IAABC-Certified Horse Behavior Consultant. [The Horse]
Small Strongyles Can Develop in Bedding: Did you know that small strongyles have the potential moist straw that is used for bedding materials in stalls…and then may be capable of infecting horses? A recent study that was conducted by Scotland’s University of Glasgow and Denmark’s University of Copenhagen which led to this conclusion. [Horsetalk]
Can Horses Eat Pumpkin?: While I certainly am head over heels for the pumpkin spice craze that comes around every fall, is pumpkin something that is safe to feed horses? The answer is yes, it is ok for horses to consume orange pumpkin. Educate yourself on the specifics using this commentary piece by Clair Thunes, PhD and independent equine nutrition consultant. [The Horse]
