digital divide network - article database

The annual cost of maintaining a horse or pony can be steep, but fortunately, you could hire a trained parasitologist who has access to the latest technology and can administer the specific tests to validate that the wormers program is working for your equine. Commercial companies who offer such a test can charge varying prices, but the hiring of an expert is critical to the health of your horse or pony.

Treat Worm Larvae in Pasture

Unfortunately, worm larvae can build up in pasture, but it can be avoided by cross grazing sheep or cattle, collecting dung, resting, grazing foals on separate pasture, identifying and treating horses and ponies with large worm burdens, and finally, limiting any changes in grazing groups.

In commercial environments, applying all recommendations is not always viable, but equest wormer programs are useful to prolong for short intervals and a parasitologist can carry out a worm egg count in order to check the effectiveness of the equest worming plan. Ask the parasitologist to look at each animal individually, as different wormers may be necessary for each grazing group.

Use the Same Base Chemical Ingredient for 12-Months

Continue to use the same base chemical ingredient for 12-months, before changing to an alternate product. Practicing this method prevents the worm infestation from becoming resistant to the wormer. This can become a problem if the chemicals are changed each time you worm the animal, or if the base chemicals are not alternated on an annual basis.

The Panacur wormer was a success, as worms experienced no resistance to it; so equine owners used it continuously year upon year. The widespread resistance of wormers across the world has caused a similar situation with equest wormers. This method is inexpensive and easier to use than administering the animal with additional chemicals up to four times per year.

Dosing Guidelines for Wormers

Worming products treat worm infestations in horses and ponies. The Animal Medicines Trade Regulatory Authority authorises individuals to sell wormers online, as there are specific safety regulations that must be obeyed in the dosing, handling, storage and disposal of wormers. The applicator must be knowledgeable about the wormer, any possible side effects that your horse or pony may experience, and how to administer it safely. Read the instructions carefully before dispensing the wormer to your animal.

Best Practice for Worming

Weigh the animal first so that you can administer the correct dosage of wormer. Check that the horse’s mouth is free of food, position the syringe between the front and back teeth, and then deposit the paste at the back of the horse’s tongue. If you need more advice then consult a professional, you can find out more about these products online here.

After the paste is dispensed, elevate the horse’s head for several seconds to ensure that the wormer is swallowed. Some horses are difficult to worm. If this is the case, use an easy wormer.

The wormersfed to infested horse or ponies can be ineffective, unless you consider long term treatment against future infestations.

Debbie Reade is a frequent contributor of articles for Wormers.co.uk and has written on many subjects pertaining to all animal needs including cats and dogs but mainly on the subject of Equine health.