Symptoms

A horse that hasn't been dewormed regularly can be an internal feeding ground for parasites. Symptoms include a dull coat, lethargic and depressed demeanor, and a potbelly. These horses show a decrease in positive attitude, performance, and health because the food they receive is consumed by the parasites, preventing the horse from receiving necessary vitamins and minerals.

For most horses, deworming should occur every eight weeks. This will prevent those nasty internal parasites from taking hold. In circumstances where the horse is exposed to high parasite concentrations, deworming should take place every six weeks.

How to Deworm

Various methods for deworming exist. The most common are paste, pellets, liquid, and powder dewormers. Paste, which is the most common type of dewormer, is administered through a syringe. This may become messy and inconvenient if the horse is uncooperative. Pellets are mixed into the feed and eaten with a regular meal. Since it is mixed in the food, the horse may not consume the entire dosage in one sitting. The powder and liquid dewormers are usually administered by a veterinarian. Horse owners should do extensive research to determine which dewormer is best for their horse.

It is especially important to consult a veterinarian when choosing which chemical class of dewormer to use. Different chemicals target different parasites. A veterinarian can help you determine which parasites your horse may be most susceptible to.