Can A Horse Be Allergic To Hay?

Horses can also develop food allergies, although documented cases are rare. For example, there are reports that certain types of grains or hay have caused hives in horses.

What does an allergic reaction to hay look like?

True hay fever rashes cause red, raised welt-like bumps called hives. Hives are extremely itchy and can occur anywhere on the body. They can range in size from as small as a pencil eraser to larger than several inches across. Hives can also occur along with swelling of the skin (angioedema ).

What are the symptoms of a horse allergy?

Some of the horse allergy symptoms include: itchy, watery eyes. runny nose. sneezing.
Symptoms include:

• dizziness.
• hives.
• low blood pressure.
• nausea.
• swollen throat and tongue.
• vomiting.
• weak, fast pulse.
• wheezing.

What are most horses allergic to?

Some common allergens and irritants for horses include:

• Insect bites (particularly Culicoides flies also called midges or no-see-ums)
• Dust.
• Pollen.
• Mold.
• Bedding.
• Topical products and ointments.
• Vaccinations.

Can hay make a horse sick?

High moisture hay can also lead to the proliferation of bacteria, molds and fungus that can produce mycotoxins that are dangerous to horses and other livestock species. Some forage laboratories will test for the presence of mold and mycotoxins. If hay is moldy, do not feed it.

How do you fix hay allergy?

Medications for hay fever

1. Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat the nasal stuffiness (congestion) and the itchy, runny nose caused by hay fever.
2. Antihistamines.
3. Decongestants.
4. Cromolyn sodium.
5. Leukotriene modifier.
6. Nasal ipratropium.
7. Oral corticosteroids.
8. Allergy shots.

How long does hay allergy last?

Allergies occur at the same time every year and last as long as the allergen is in the air (usually 2-3 weeks per allergen). Allergies cause itching of the nose and eyes along with other nasal symptoms.

Can horses be allergic to grass hay?

Also, some horses develop multiple allergies and can become allergic to pollen in the grasses and in the trees surrounding the pasture. In those extreme cases, horses have to be housed on dry lots and fed forage alternatives.

What can I give my horse for allergies?

Symptomatic treatments to control the itch in the short-term may be needed, and may include topical cortisone, soothing shampoos and conditioners, fatty acids, and oral (Prednisolone) or injectable (dexamethasone) forms of cortisone.

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.

How do you test a horse for allergies?

There are two tests currently available for food allergy testing in horses: intradermal testing (known as a skin-prick test) and a blood test that measures a specific protein, or antibody, called immunoglobulin E.

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 you give a 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.

What happens if a horse eats too much hay?

Horse owners know to keep their animals and feed secure in order to prevent a loose horse from gorging on feed, as a sudden intake of a large quantity of feed can cause colic and laminitis.

What happens if you feed horses too much hay?

But it’s easy to go overboard when feeding them with the wrong hard feeds or hay that is too high in sugar or protein. Overfeeding leads to problems like obesity, laminitis, and colic. Healthy horses need a very simple diet of good pasture or hay.

How many bales of hay should a horse have a day?

A horse can eat anywhere from 15-25 pounds of hay a day, which generally equates to a half of a 45/50-pound square bale of hay per day (~15-30 bales per month).

Can hay trigger allergies?

And while pollens found in hay can be a trigger for allergic rhinitis, it’s not exclusive. These symptoms can also be caused by dust mites and mold. While hay pollens can trigger allergic rhinitis², so could dust mites contained in the hay³ (though the research on this is several decades old, it is worth considering!).

Can you outgrow a hay allergy?

While it’s possible to outgrow hay fever and environmental allergies such as dust and mold, that’s less common than outgrowing some food allergies.

How do you soothe hay rash?

Here are some common home remedies:

1. Wash the area. Taking a shower or washing the affected area with warm water and a very mild cleanser may help remove pollen and soothe the skin.
2. Apply a cold compress.
3. Take an antihistamine.
4. Apply a corticosteroid.
5. Apply an ointment.

What season does hay fever start?

Most people associate hay fever with spring, when airborne grass pollens are at their peak. This is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or spring hay fever. However, hay fever can occur at any time of the year. When symptoms occur all year round, this is known as perennial allergic rhinitis.

What triggers hay fever?

People with allergic rhinitis generally experience symptoms after breathing in an allergy-causing substance such as pollen or dust. In the spring, the most common triggers are tree and grass pollen. In the fall, a common allergen is ragweed or other weed pollens or outdoor mold.