It's that time of year again, and although we all love the warmer weather, summer allergies can play havoc with our horses.

Seasonal allergies can result in sore irritated inflamed skin, hair loss, and respiratory conditions which are distressing to both horse and owner. One only has to watch the TV Vet Programmes to see it is not just horses that suffer from these allergy based respiratory and skin problems, dogs, cats and other animals are at risk too.

It is now widely acknowledged that air quality worldwide is declining, immune responses are lowering and so the opportunities for allergies to develop are greatly enhanced. Thankfully complementary health care has a whole range of products available on the open market to help both horses and owners ease the misery of these sometimes de-habilitating summer allergies.

Complementary health care is just one part of the answer and it is important to ensure that any herbal or homoeopathic treatment is used in conjunction with sensible horse management.

Dried and liquid herbal mixes containing herbs such as Eyebright, and Elderflower, can really help horses that suffer from headshaking, allergic rhinitis, inflamed mucus membranes or sore and irritated eyes. The herb Echinacea will help strengthen the immune response, it's specifically for upper respiratory tract problems and has been found to be excellent for reducing allergic reactions. Herbs like Liquorice and Plantain with their soothing and expectorant action will reduce the inflammation and help encourage the removal of excess mucus.

Prevention is better than cure, so consider using a nose net on horses that suffer with pollen allergies; these are readily available and will help filter the pollen particles, reducing inflammation of the airways and subsequent allergic reactions.

A soothing eye wash can be made by adding 5 gms of Eyebright herb to a cup of boiling water, allow it to cool and then strain. This eye wash is excellent for tired, sore and irritated eyes. Eyebright can also be fed internally and is specifically for any upper respiratory tract problems especially infected or inflamed sinuses.

Homoeopathic remedies such as 'Oil Seed Rape', 'Mixed Pollen', or 'Mixed Grasses' can also help horses and ponies that suffer from allergies. Consult a homoeopathic veterinarian/specialist or a good homoeopathic reference book* to help choose your remedy.

Sweet Itch is a particularly distressing condition for both horse and owner. Once again prevention is better than cure and there are now several excellent fly blankets on the market that can make your horses life a lot more comfortable by preventing the midges from biting. Obviously good management is important and supplements containing herbs to help support the immune system, cleanse the blood and reduce the allergic inflammatory response can be a big help, especially if the horse or pony can be given the herbs before they starts scratching.

Garlic is an excellent blood cleanser; it is rich in sulphur and to a certain extent will help to deter the midges. Buy a good quality proprietary brand of Garlic Powder or give 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic each day in feed.

Calendula is probably the most widely used herb for skin conditions, it is anti inflammatory, antiseptic and anti viral. Calendula cream is soothing and can be safely applied to even the most badly abraded skin. It will promote healing, and soothe inflammation. The herb can also be used internally to help promote healing and cleanse blood toxins.

Cleaver (commonly known as Goose Grass) is readily available in most of the hedgerows, it is rich in silica and it is free, horses love it! Pull up a big bouquet and give it to your horse each day, this plant is specific for the lymphatic system and contains constituents that will help strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cell production.

Nettle is another plant that most of us have plenty of. It is an excellent blood cleanser, circulatory stimulant and is rich in Vitamin C and Iron. Just cut it down and leave it to wilt so that the sting goes out of it before feeding it to horses and ponies. Both nettle and cleaver can also be given to laminitic ponies.

There are several homoeopathic remedies available that can help with Sweet Itch: Culicoides midge (which is made from the midge that causes the allergic reaction). Graphites, Arsen Alb.,which remedy you give will depend on the presenting symptoms, so again consult a homoeopathic vet or a good reference book* for advice.

There are also a number of topical applications available on the market that can be helpful.

Topical products containing herbal tinctures or essential oils can help reduce irritation and encourage hair growth. A lotion made from Rosemary and Burdock can be used as a mane and tail rinse, these herbs are reputed to encourage and strengthen hair re-growth. Remember always to dilute essential oils prior to use, they are extremely strong and should never be used neat.

Apply a good quality fly spray containing essential oils to help keep those irritating midges away.

Aloe Vera gel is readily available; it is soothing and will encourage healing of broken skin.

To help reduce irritation and deter midges use an insecticidal and antiseptic shampoo for horses with Sweet Itch or any other skin condition. There are now shampoos available containing Neem, coal tar and tea tree essential oil which will not only help deter the midges and reduce the risk of infection, but also soothe and encourage healing of sore abraded skin.

Cider vinegar should be fed internally to help cleanse the blood stream of toxins it is an economical product rich in potassium and magnesium. Cider vinegar can also be used as a final rinse to cool and astringe the skin. Add a couple of tablespoons of cider vinegar to 1 litre of water and use it to rinse manes and tails.

With more good weather on the way, hopefully these natural products will help keep you and your horse comfortable this summer.

Published: 30/07/2004