Parasites Affect Your Horse From the Inside Out..... Help It Fight Back

Parasites. To the unsuspecting, and unfortunate, host, they're a scourge that has existed on the Earth for far longer than Homo Sapiensor Equus Caballuscombined. These organisms, classified into three categories: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites, all function in the same manner, they feed on a host via its blood (external) or through digested food (internal). Most internal parasites focus on the intestines because that's where most mammals absorb food, and thus, will give the parasite the best chance of survival. Unfortunately, parasites often cause disease as fluids transfer between the two organisms in the process, regardless of where the parasite is located on the host organism. These diseases can weaken the host over time, making them susceptible to predation or other, more debilitating diseases due to weakened immune systems.

Horses are not immune to the dangers of parasitic infections. In fact there are four primary species of internal parasites that should concern any horse owner. They are: tapeworms, roundworms, and small and large strongyles. The damage they can cause may not only include commonly targeted organs such as the intestines and the stomach but other organs, such as the lungs and liver. Indeed, parasitic infestations can be deadly.

Should a veterinarian confirm an infestation in your horse, a deworming regimen will most likely be started. To help the horse recover faster, he or she may suggest a supplemental feeding regimen to help counteract the effects of any weight loss or intestinal damage the horse may have sustained throughout the ordeal, which may cause a dull hair coat.

Horse Guard Inc. offers a variety of products that can help your horse's recovery by providing it with balanced nutrients to help them from the inside out.

The first product we'd recommend is Super Weight Gain, which features high-protein, high-fat soybeans to boost your horse's caloric needs during recovery. It also contains methionine (an essential amino acid), a prebiotics and probiotics package for digestive system support as well as a vitamin and mineral package to address any deficiencies that the horse may from being infected. All are important factors when counteracting the effects of intestinal parasites. Another helpful product would be Glow, of which the only ingredient is soybean. This serves as a high-protein, high-fat feed supplement, because the soybeans retain all their essential oils, providing visible improvements to your horse's coat. We also offer Hoof and Hair Guard, featuring biotin, which is a great supplement for further hair growth & coat conditioning.

These products are multifaceted ways of improving your horse's health after an infestation. However, these products are wonderful supplements even if there aren't any health issues. Either way, we think you'll agree about how great your horse will look and feel after using our products. Should you have specific questions or concerns, contact our Equine Nutritionist, Dr. Kelsey J. Nonella, today to learn more about what products and feed will help your horse fight back after a parasitic infection.