How can you protect your horse from ticks?

Although fatal cases of tick-borne diseases in horses are rare in Poland, it is important to bear in mind that every tick bite is potentially dangerous. We explain how to protect your horse from ticks.

Why should you protect your horse from ticks?

Ticks transmit various diseases, which are dangerous to both humans and animals. In horses, one such disease is piroplasmosis (also known as babesiosis). Although it occurs most commonly in tropical and subtropical climates, its geographical range is expanding due to climate change and the increasing prevalence of international horse transport. Piroplasmosis has already been observed in countries with temperate climates.

Piroplasmosis does not cause distinctive symptoms — diagnostic tests are needed to identify it. It is most commonly accompanied by weakness and fever, as well as bloody urine and jaundice. Severe cases lead to the animal's death, so it is very important to ensure an accurate diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine that protects against piroplasmosis, so the best way to reduce the risk of contracting the disease is to use tick protection.

How can you protect your horse from ticks?

In Poland, tick season lasts from March to November — not just in summer, as is commonly believed. Moreover, ticks can be found almost everywhere — in meadows, forests and scrub, but also on urban lawns. Bear in mind that a horse can pick up a tick even while simply grazing. Every ride out in the countryside carries an even greater risk.

How can you protect your horse from ticks? It is worth using insect repellent products, including those that repel ticks. These products come in various forms and formulations — the most common are:

• herbs that change the horse's scent to make it unattractive to insects,
• essential oils that repel insects,
• products containing the chemical compound DEET, which repels ticks very effectively but is not without health effects,
• tick collars — their effectiveness, however, depends on many external factors.

We primarily recommend the first two types of products — essential oils and herbs. Here are a few examples of such products from our range:

• Ballistol bite repellent spray,
• Tri-Tec insect repellent,
• Topvet alcohol-based insect repellent tonic,
• Lincoln insect repellent shampoo,
• Hippika insect repellent gel,
• Absorbine insect repellent conditioner,
• Horse Line insect repellent supplement.

However, remember that no product provides 100% protection. It is therefore essential to check your horse's coat regularly for ticks. The inspection should be thorough and cover the entire body, as ticks can attach anywhere. Pay particular attention, however, to the belly, legs, area around the tail, mane and underside of the head.