Proper deworming is one the most important aspects of horse health care.  Worms (parasites) steal nutrition from our horses, cause colic in some cases and create a less than healthy individual. With the development of paste dewormers that are easily administered by horse owners, deworming has become simple. However many owners fail to create an effective deworming program.

If horses are left on an open range they will roam freely, eating only the top of the grass with less worm (parasite) problem, but most of our horses are kept on small acreage or confined. This environment increases the exposure to worms (parasites). In most of these situations, deworming should consist of several dewormers rotated regularly every 60 days. Regular rotation of the dewormers such as Strongid Paste and Panacur Paste prevent parasites from developing resistance to the dewormers. In the Fall, after the first hard frost you should use a dewormer containing a boticide, such as Eqvalan. With a little planning worms should not be a thief affecting your horses health.

Owen Fisk