Itching on horses: Causes and treatment

Constant rubbing, biting, or shaking can not only be unpleasant for your horse, but can also have serious causes. Whether it's parasites, allergies, or metabolic problems – itching is a warning sign you shouldn't ignore. In this article, you'll learn what's behind the annoying scratching, how to treat it, and what you can do to permanently protect your horse from itching.

Causes of itching on horses

Itching in horses can have many different causes, ranging from external influences to internal health problems . To provide targeted help, it is important to understand and classify the potential triggers.

Parasites: Small pests with a big impact

Parasites such as mites, lice, and biting lice are among the most common causes of itching in horses. These small pests live on the horse's skin or coat and feed on skin particles or blood. Parasite infestations can increase particularly during the winter months, when the coat becomes thicker and provides optimal conditions for parasites.

Allergies: Overreactions of the immune system

Allergic reactions occur when the horse's immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless substances . The most common allergy triggers include ingredients in feed, pollen, dust, or certain grooming products. Symptoms often manifest on the skin, such as redness, scaling, or increased itching.

Skin diseases: Problems directly on the skin surface

Skin conditions such as sweet itch, fungal infections, or bacterial dermatitis can also trigger intense itching. These conditions often occur when the skin's natural protective function is disrupted, whether due to external factors such as moisture or a weakened immune system. Visible signs often include dandruff, bald patches, or inflamed areas of skin.

Environmental factors: irritants in the environment

A horse's living environment has a major impact on its skin health. Dust in the stable, poor hygiene in grooming equipment, or prolonged humidity can irritate the skin and lead to itching. Chemicals contained in grooming or cleaning products can also stress a horse's sensitive skin.

Metabolic problems: Effects of internal diseases

Metabolic disorders, such as Cushing's syndrome or liver problems , can also cause itching. These health conditions have an indirect impact on the skin, as they often burden the entire body and make the skin more susceptible to irritation. Signs of this include dry or flaky skin and an overall poor general condition.

Symptoms of itching in horses: Recognize warning signs

Itching in horses manifests itself through a range of symptoms , which can be identified both through the animal's behavior and through visible changes in the skin. Close observation is crucial for early detection of potential problems. Below are the most common symptoms and their typical manifestations.

Typical behavior: When the horse behaves differently

Horses suffering from itching often exhibit unusual behavior to relieve the unpleasant sensation. The most common signs include:

• Rubbing : The horse rubs itself intensively against walls, fence posts, trees, or other objects. The crest of the mane, the dock of the tail, or other hard-to-reach areas of the body are often particularly affected.
• Biting : Some horses try to relieve the itching by biting or nibbling the affected area. This can lead to minor wounds or hair loss.
• Shaking : Frequent head shaking or skin twitching may be an indication of itching, especially if the ears, head, or back are affected.

Skin changes: Visible signs of a problem

In addition to the horse's behavior, the skin provides important clues to the cause of the itching. Typical changes include:

• Dandruff : Dry, flaky skin is a common symptom of itching and may indicate dry skin, parasites, or allergic reactions.
• Redness : Reddish, irritated skin is often a sign of inflammation or irritation, which is aggravated by frequent rubbing or biting.
• Hair loss : Bald patches or thin fur on certain areas of the body are often caused by constant rubbing or parasite infestation.
• Crusts and sores : Chronic itching can lead to open sores or crusted areas, which pose an increased risk of infection.

Side effects: More than just itching

In addition to the typical behavioral and skin symptoms, other signs may indicate a deeper problem:

• Restlessness : Horses with severe itching are often restless, appear nervous and may have difficulty calming down.
• Weight loss : Long-term stress and discomfort due to itching can lead to reduced food intake and thus to weight loss.
• Poor general well-being : Dull coat, lack of energy and an overall sickly appearance can be accompanying symptoms, especially if the itching is caused by internal diseases.

Diagnosis of itching in horses: Identify the cause and act correctly

Careful observation is crucial to identifying the cause of itching in horses. Increased rubbing of the mane or tail often indicates parasites such as mites or lice, while redness and dandruff can indicate allergies caused by feed, grooming products, or pollen. Bald patches or inflamed skin often indicate fungal infections or bacterial skin problems, especially in damp stable environments.

Additional symptoms such as restlessness, head shaking, or skin twitching may indicate underlying causes such as metabolic disorders. If weight loss or a dull coat also occur, Cushing's syndrome could be present. Careful observation provides the basis for further diagnosis by a veterinarian.

When should a veterinarian be consulted?

A veterinarian should always be consulted if:

• The itching does not subside despite initial care or hygiene measures.
• Open wounds, severe swelling or purulent areas may occur.
• The horse becomes increasingly restless or shows signs of pain.
• Accompanying symptoms such as weight loss, refusal to eat or general weakness may occur.
• The itching lasts longer than one to two weeks or worsens.

A veterinarian, with their experience and diagnostic tools, can pinpoint the cause more precisely and make targeted treatment suggestions . This is especially essential in unclear cases or when serious illnesses are suspected.

Importance of skin tests and blood tests

To clearly identify the cause of the itching, further diagnostic procedures are often necessary. Two of the most important methods are:

Skin tests :

• Skin scrapings or adhesive strips can be taken to detect parasites such as mites or fungal infections. These samples are examined under a microscope.
• Allergy tests help identify reactions to specific substances such as pollen, food ingredients or contact substances.
• Skin biopsies (tissue samples) may be important if more serious skin diseases or systemic causes are suspected.

Blood tests :

• Blood tests can provide evidence of internal diseases such as metabolic problems (e.g. Cushing's syndrome) or liver disease.
• They can also be used to determine allergic reactions or to assess the horse's general health.

These examinations provide valuable information that is crucial for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Effective treatment for itching in horses

Itching in horses requires both quick relief and long-term solutions to sustainably improve skin health. Immediate measures such as EnviWell's "Wash Me - Anti-Itch Shampoo" offer fast relief. This shampoo cleanses the skin with probiotic microorganisms that strengthen the natural skin microbiome, relieve itching, and are particularly ideal for those with eczema or parasite infestation. At the same time, it conditions the coat, providing a silky shine and easy combing, and is suitable for all coat colors. In addition, EnviWell's "All-Rounder" - the all-rounder for eczema, wounds, and mud fever - can soothe inflamed areas and reduce irritation.

In the long term, feed adjustments and optimized care play a key role. A balanced diet with high-quality supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids strengthens the skin from within, while regular care with gentle, natural products maintains the skin barrier. Clean, low-dust barn conditions also support the prevention of skin problems. This not only treats acute itching but also promotes long-term skin health.

Preventing itching in horses: How to keep skin healthy

Prevention is the best way to avoid itching in horses and keep their skin healthy in the long term. With a combination of good care, optimal housing conditions, and a balanced diet, many problems can be prevented in advance.

Regular care: The basis for healthy skin

Regular grooming ensures the removal of dirt, dust, and dead skin cells that could irritate the skin. Use mild, skin-friendly care products from EnviWell that support the skin's natural balance. Regular brushing not only promotes blood circulation in the skin but also helps detect potential problems such as parasites or skin changes early.

Stable hygiene: A clean environment protects the skin

A clean, dust-free stable environment is crucial to preventing skin problems. Change the bedding regularly to minimize moisture and the accumulation of germs. Make sure that mold spores do not form in the stable, which could affect the horse's skin and respiratory system. Good ventilation and sufficient exercise in the fresh air also support skin health.

Parasite control: Keep unwanted guests away

Parasites such as mites, lice, and biting lice are one of the most common causes of itching. Regular checkups and preventative measures, such as cleaning and disinfecting grooming equipment, blankets, and tack , can help prevent parasite infestation. In spring and summer, protection against insects such as black flies and horseflies should be increased to reduce the risk of allergic reactions such as sweet itch.

Balanced diet: Healthy skin starts from within

Proper nutrition is a key factor for skin health. A balanced feed plan tailored to the horse's individual needs supports the skin from within. High-quality hay, minerals, and vitamins such as biotin and zinc promote a strong coat and resilient skin. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids can have anti-inflammatory effects and help prevent skin problems.