Got Allergies?

Click here to download a print version of this infographic.

Additional Resources:

• Did You Know Allergies Can Cause Your Horse to Stock Up?
• Why supplement with Contribute?
• What Do You Know About Heaves?
• Quick and Dirty Facts on Skin Problems in Horses

Text-only version of “Got Allergies?”

Signs your horse has allergies

• Hives
• Itching
• Hairless patches
• Inflamed skin
• Coughing
• Head shaking
• Nasal drainage
• Runny eyes

List of potential allergens:

• Insect bites (midges, flies and mosquitoes are at the top of the list of irritating insects)
• Grass, weeds, tree pollen
• Dust and molds from hay, bedding and animal dander
• Aerosols and volatile chemicals used around the barn
• Feed ingredients and additives (less common)
• Contact dermatitis from boots, tack and other equipment

To reduce respiratory allergies

Improve your horse’s environment

• Change to a less irritating bedding.
• Reduce mold and dust levels in hay.
• Ensure superior ventilation in arenas, barns and trailers.
• Keep horses stabled when pollen counts are high or airborne irritants are present.

Management tips

• Remove sensitive horses when cleaning stalls and blowing aisles.
• Store hay and bedding in another building to reduce dust and mold.
• Mow pastures to stop weeds and grass pollen from forming.
• Scatter hay out instead of feeding in a pile.

To reduce skin allergies

Barriers reduce exposure

• Fly sheets
• Screened-in barns
• Sprays and creams

Management tips

• Keep horses stabled during peak insect activity in early morning and evening.
• Use fans to ensure good air flow that will keep biting insects away.
• Apply recommended shampoos and creams that soothe skin and reduce itching.
• Discontinue the use of possible irritants.

Contribute™ Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to reduce skin inflammation and mitigate allergic response. Contribute delivers both plant and marine sources of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Feed one to two ounces per day, depending on severity of the allergy.