Horse Care

Regular Care and Treatment

There are many aspects to keeping your new horse healthy. Owing to the horse's size and outdoor environment, preventative health care is even more important than it is for smaller animals. You can't exactly watch a horse as you would a dog who resides indoors most of the time. Although when horses are sick, dedicated owners sometimes take up residence right next to them.

You should begin by having your veterinarian give your horse an examination. He/she will often spot abnormalities in your horse's physical appearance and will process the horse's blood work which will reveal most illnesses or disease.

Many horse owners do not understand that horses need to be vaccinated perioodically just as with other pets. The veterinarian should immunize your horse to protect him against common illnesses. All horses should receive a flu vaccine, just as people do. This vaccine is not long term, so you will need to have him revaccinated at least twice a year, or, if your horse competes in events, possibly as often as four times a year.

Equine encephalomyelitis, which is deadly to horses, is avoidable with a yearly vaccination. Since this virus is spread by mosquitoes, all horses should receive the vaccine. Those horses that travel to events may need to be vaccinated for several different strains of the virus.

Mosquitoes can also spread West Nile virus which is also deadly. Since horses spend a lot of time outdoors, a vaccination against this virus is essential. You will need to ask your veterinarian to immunize your horse at least annually to protect him from West Nile. Some of the vaccines for West Nile do not protect horses as long as other vaccines, so you may want to ask if you should have your veterinarian administer the shot twice a year, instead.

Another vaccination horses should receive is for tetanus. People usually receive this vaccine once every ten years, but horses need a tetanus vaccine once a year. Tetanus infections can be very painful and even fatal. The vaccine will generally eliminate any risk of Tetanus from occuring.  

Horses also need to be treated for worms regularly due to its grazing and eating habits. Worms can be fatal if left untreated. A veterinarian will recommend using a dewormer regularly. It is important to know how to use these products correctly, since some worms build up an immunity when dewormers aren't properly administered and rotated.

Finally, the new horse owner should discuss the signs of colic with the vet and what to do to treat it until help can arrive.  Colic is a very common problem for horse and is often caused by a build up of gas in the digestive system. However, blockages or worms can also cause colic. If your horse shows any sign of pain, including biting or kicking at his stomach, pawing the ground, sweating, pacing or lying on his side, take away his food and call your veterinarian immediately. Then, get him on a lead and walk him back and forth until help arrives.