What types of internal parasites/worms can a horse can get?

The most common species of worms that affect horses include:

Large Redworms (Strongyles):

Large redworms are one of the most dangerous internal parasites.  They eat through the lining of the gut wall and travel through the blood vessels of the gut causing significant bleeding and damage.  They can cause rapid weight loss, diarrhoea and surgical colic.  Severe cases of infection can lead to death.

Small Redworms (Cyathostomes):

Small redworms are the most common internal parasite in horses.  The larvae hibernate in the gut wall during the winter and emerge in large numbers as adults in the spring causing severe damage to the intestines during the process.  They can cause weight loss, diarrhoea and colic with potentially fatal consequences particularly at the time of mass emergence.

Roundworms (Ascarids)

Adult roundworms can grow to 50cm in length and are particularly dangerous to foals and young horses (older horses develop immunity).  The larvae transfer through the gut wall, to the liver and then the lungs. The larvae are coughed up and swallowed where they mature to egg laying adults within the gut. They can cause respiratory signs (seen as a cough and nasal discharge) as the larvae journey through the lungs, or they can cause gut signs such as weight loss, a poor-doer or pot-bellied appearance and diarrhoea.

Pinworms (Oxyuris)

Pinworms can damage the bowel before laying their eggs around the outside of the anus causing intense itching and irritation.  Persistent scratching will result in hair loss and open sores, around the tail head which can become infected.

Threadworms

Threadworms often remain dormant in adult horses but transfer to newborn foals via the mare’s milk.  This leaves the foal weak and susceptible to diarrhoea and anaemia.  The foal’s growth rate may also be affected.  Foals should be wormed against threadworms as early as 4 weeks old and worming the mare during pregnancy will help reduce numbers transferring to the udder.  Natural immunity usually develops by 6 months of age.

Tapeworms (Cestodes)

Tapeworms can grow to 8cm in length and a width of 1.5cm.  They form into clusters at the junction between the small and large intestines where they can cause digestive disturbances, loss of condition, colic and fatal blockages.  Horses become infected indirectly through eating the infected forage mite found on grass and forage.

Bots (Gastrophilus)

Bot flies are the most common irritant to horses during the summer grazing season.  They lay sticky yellow eggs on the horse’s coat – these are then ingested as the horse grooms itself by licking.  On entering the mouth the eggs hatch out into larvae, which migrate to the stomach.  If left untreated they can cause inflammation in the mouth and throat, and ulceration in the stomach.

Chemical vs Natural Horse Wormer

There are many different drugs available for de worming your horse and, like any drugs, they all have side effects.

Worm Free Naturally is an effective 100% natural wormer you can use, so there’s no need to use drugs that can cause side effects and harm your feline friend.

Just read about some of the adverse effects that are reported for common de-worming drugs and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it’s not worth the risk to your four legged family member.

Here are some examples of the adverse drug events reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the most common active ingredients in de-worming drugs.

Probiotics and the immune system

Probiotics help maintain a good balance of healthy gut bacteria and can strengthen your pet’s immune system and help him keep worms at bay. Worm Free Naturally contains organic probiotics along with vitamins and trace minerals every cat needs to stay healthy.

Will My Horse Eat a Natural Wormer?

Worm Free Naturally is easily added to wet or dry food and most horses don’t even notice its there. Worms are in the environment and there’s no sure way to keep your horse from being exposed and potentially reinfected. Many horse owners give it year round as maintenance to stop a recurrence. It makes sense to use prevention, rather than cure an infestation of worms in your horse.

It also works great for Dogs and Cats

Feeding Instructions: Mix well with food. Add water if needed.

*If your horse is finicky you’ll want to start out with a very small amount added to feed first, and working slowly up to the recommended dosage as your horse acclimates to it.

Adding a small amount of water works very well to help horses adjust to Worm Free Naturally. With horses who are very finicky, try adding some apple cider vinegar or apple sauce works very well also.

One 3 lb. bag contains 30 servings (1/2 cup dose per day). First time users: Feed Worm Free Naturally natural horse wormer daily for 90 days without interruption, then feed 3 times a week thereafter for maintenance.

Ingredients: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, Probiotics, Organic Kelp, Vitamin A, D3, E

Available in 3lb, 6lb, 9lb, 25lb sizes

HORSES: Up to 1,000 lbs.1/2 Cup
                Over 1000 lbs. 3/4 Cup

*Disclaimer: We make no medical or veterinarian claims to any of the products offered on this site. The information presented on the Alternative Animal web site is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and should not in any way be used as a substitute for the advice of your physician, veterinarian, or other licensed health care provider.

CAUTION. Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven. If animals condition worsens or does not improve, stop product administration and consult your veterinarian. An examination from a veterinarian is recommended prior to using this product.

WARNING. For animals use only. Not intended for animals under 6 weeks of age. Keep out of the reach of children and animals. In case of accidental overdose, contact a health professional immediately.