Can Horses Be Allergic To Pollen?

Horses can become allergic to various types of pollen. Affected horses show signs of respiratory disease, such as coughing and mucus, or they can develop skin irritations that are often itchy, such as hives.

How do you know if your horse has allergies?

Allergies Affecting the Respiratory System of the Horse
Coughing and wheezing may or may not be present, often the eyes are runny and in extreme cases the horse may start head shaking. Prime causes are spores from dust, hay, some grasses, some pollens, moulds and fungi.

What can I give my horse for seasonal allergies?

Soaking of hay can be helpful for horses with dust allergies. If pollen is a cause, keeping the horse stalled during peak pollen season is helpful. For allergies related to insects, a good fly control strategy like that outlined in our Fly Control for Horse Barns is a good first step.

What are most horses allergic to?

Insect bites By far the most prevalent equine allergy is hypersensitivity to the saliva from insect bites. The most severe form of this allergy is sweet itch (also known as summer itch and equine insect hypersensitivity), a reaction to tiny biting midges (Culicoides spp.).

What animals are allergic to pollen?

Dogs, cats and horses may spontaneously and to different extents develop immediate type symptoms to pollen allergens.

What can I give my horse for pollen allergy?

‘The most effective method is to get a horse to inhale small quantities of steroid into his lungs. This will neutralise the allergic reaction that has caused the airway muscles to clamp down.

What is a natural antihistamine for horses?

Quercetin, a natural antihistamine, belongs to a group of beneficial plant antioxidants known as flavanoids. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster and has been said to be similar to, or more effective than, common NSAIDs in reducing inflammation.

What do you do for a horse with allergies?

Once an allergy is diagnosed, treatment usually involves avoiding the allergen, if possible, and use of corticosteroids to control the inflammatory reaction. If a horse is allergic to dust in the environment, you may consider keeping it outside rather than stabling it.

Can I give my horse Benadryl for allergies?

Diphenhydramine (brand name: Benadryl®, Vetadryl®, Banophen®, Genahist®, Diphenhist®, Unisom®, Sominex ®) is an antihistamine used in cats, dogs, ferrets and other small mammals, birds, horses, and cattle to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and vomiting.

Does Benadryl help with horse allergies?

Summary. Over the counter diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or comparable antihistamines can be used in an emergency for horses with severe hypersensitivity or allergy.

Can horses have seasonal allergies?

In horses, seasonal allergies often cause a runny nose and watery eyes. Allergies are also associated with headshaking, but research shows they aren’t the most common cause of this behavior. Sometimes seasonal allergies cause hives—large, raised welts all over the horse’s body that may or may not be itchy.

What plants can horses be allergic to?

Nine poisonous plants horses should avoid

• Ragwort. While ragwort has a bitter taste and is rarely eaten by horses when it is growing, when it is wilted or dried it becomes more palatable.
• Foxglove.
• Deadly nightshade.
• Buttercups.
• Acorns.
• Yew.
• Privet.
• Rhododendron.

Are animals allergic to pollen?

Yes, they can! Animals can develop seasonal allergies to some of the same environmental allergens that humans do, such as mold spores, grass, and pollens.

Can pollen affect animals?

Symptoms of pollen allergies in pets
Here are some of the signs they might show if they are allergic to pollen: Licking or biting their paws. Excessive scratching. Redness of the skin, especially around the eyes and ears and in between the paws.

Do other animals have pollen allergies?

Yes. Cats, dogs and horses can all develop allergies in much the same way that humans do. There are three main kinds of allergy in animals – food, flea bites and environmental allergies such as grass pollen and mould spores.

What is the fastest way to relieve pollen allergies?

Try an over-the-counter remedy

1. Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes.
2. Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms.
3. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray.
4. Oral decongestants.

Can you give horses Human antihistamines?

Extra-label use of human antihistamines is also common in equine practice. Examples of these medications include hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine, among many others. Cetirizine was shown NOT to be effective for treatment of Sweet Itch in horses.

What can I give my itchy horse?

Treatment: Antihistamines or corticosteroids may help ease the itch and inflammation, providing relief to the itchy horse; antibiotics or antimicrobial shampoos can help prevent secondary infections. Pentoxifylline can be used to decrease skin reactivity, and in some cases allergy serum is worth trying.

How do you treat hayfever in horses?

Treatment and prevention of hayfever in horses
Consider pollen nets or facemasks to help ease the head shaking and itching and coughing. If the problem seems severe and consistent, consult your vet. A simple case of Allergic Respiratory Disease could quickly lead to other, more damaging infections if not dealt with.

What is the best antihistamine for a horse?

Antihistamines:
Antihistamines are often prescribed for the allergic horse as a safer alternative to steroids for longer term control of symptoms. The most common antihistamine we choose is hydroxyzine, but other options include doxepin, amitriptyline, chlorpheniramine, and diphenhydramine.

How long does it take for Benadryl to work in horses?

Oral antihistamines generally take 20 – 45 minutes to exert an effect, whereas injectable antihistamines such as tripelennamine or pyrilamine maleate act more rapidly. Injectable antihistamines, however, are more likely to cause adverse side-effects.