Pollen allergy in horses

What is a pollen allergy?

This type of allergy is also known as hay fever. Just like humans, horses can be allergic to different types of airborne pollen. Your horse’s immune system reacts sensitively to the pollen from blooming trees, grasses and plants, which can trigger various allergic responses in the body.

How can you recognise hay fever in your horse?

The symptoms of a pollen allergy or hay fever in horses can vary. You may notice signs such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and nose, skin rashes and rubbing. Your horse may even become short of breath. However, the most well-known symptom is headshaking in the field or while riding. If your horse shows these seasonal symptoms, there is a strong chance it is suffering from hay fever.

How can you support your horse with hay fever?

Desensitisation: This involves trying to make your horse’s body less sensitive to the substances it reacts to. This can be done by administering a diluted solution of the most common grasses and pollens according to a set schedule and continuing this over a longer period. The immune system will gradually learn to react less strongly to allergens and pollen. With Puur Pollen, your horse’s body can defend itself against these reactions, giving pollen less of a chance to take hold.

Pasture management: While you can’t prevent your horse from coming into contact with pollen, the concentration in the air tends to be lower at night, in the early morning and after rainfall. You can take this into account when managing your grazing schedule. In addition, use a fly mask with a nose flap. Not only does this protect against pollen, but it also helps ward off flies and sunlight.

Stable management: Maintain a clean stable environment to keep pollen levels as low as possible. Clean the stable regularly and improve air quality by ventilating often.

Activities: Check pollenradar.nl regularly to see when the peak pollen levels occur. Adjust your activities accordingly or postpone your outdoor ride if high pollen levels are expected.

Protection while riding: If you’re heading out for a ride, attach a pollen net to your bridle. This net helps filter out some of the pollen during your ride. You’ll notice that your horse shakes its head much less.

Boost your horse’s resistance with supplements: By supporting your horse’s immunity from within, you can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Supplements that may help include Phytonics Multivit Horse, Puur Vita-min, Pavo Healthboost and Hilton Herbs Equimmune. HorseFlex AllerRelief may also help strengthen the defence mechanisms of the skin, respiratory system and mucous membranes by stimulating histamine production.

Direct relief for the airways: Hay fever irritates the airways. De Groene Os Scutellaria Tinctuur provides immediate relief for your horse’s respiratory system. If your horse has more mucus build-up, Groene Os Luchtweg Compositum helps soothe the airway linings. You could also consider using Audevard Balsamic Control if your horse spends a lot of time indoors. This supplement has a soothing effect on the respiratory system and is useful for horses in dusty environments or areas with higher pollen or mould levels.

Tail and mane eczema

Pollen allergy in horses may be directly linked to tail and mane eczema. Although this condition is caused by a hypersensitivity to the saliva of certain midges, allergic reactions to pollen can make it worse. A weakened immune system can allow the two conditions to reinforce each other, causing intense itching in your horse. It is important to be aware of the connection between these two issues.

Although managing pollen allergies in horses can be challenging, preventive measures and appropriate supplements can help improve your horse’s wellbeing. By staying alert to the symptoms and starting support early, you can make the pollen season as comfortable as possible for your horse.

If you’re unsure whether your horse has a pollen allergy, or if your horse is experiencing more severe symptoms, it is always advisable to consult your own veterinarian.

Do you have any questions about pollen allergy in horses? Then contact our veterinary team by phone or email: veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk