Dear HH,
Is there a safe way to deworm a horse? I have been using Safeguard paste exclusively, alternating between single and double dose treatments every 3 months. Is this OK or do I need to rotate? After I couple of close calls I am terrified to use anything else. Can you suggest some safe wormers that will not make my horses very sick? Is my method ok or is it necessary that I rotate between safeguard and an ivermectin product? What immediate action can I do, should my horse become sick?
Thank you for your question.
Yes, rotating wormers is recommended by most vets because it offers a broad spectrum of parasite-fighting support to your horse. If you wish to stay with your current product I suggest a fecal test so you know what the status is before beginning your worming program. After that watch for any signs of worm issues like dull coat, loss of weight etc. Later you can do another fecal test if you want; otherwise I would stay on the wormer at least 6 months.
I personally use natural wormers. I have a horse rescue and the horses are almost always immune compromised.
I have consistently used (and had no problems with) Silver Lining Herbs #13- 1 scoop for 10 days. Pkg lasts 6 months for 1 horse.
A great non-DE herbal natural wormer is also available: www.silverliningherbs.com formula #13 with black walnut, cascara, chaparral, clove, garlic, juniper, kelp, slippery elm and sage. It’s about $44 for a 6-month supply.
I also have used and like the Natural Horse Vet’s natural wormer (a paste), www.thenaturalhorsevet.net
A very convenient DE natural paste is Dr. Dan’s Worm Check with clove oil, garlic, Artemisia, psyllium, and apple flavor in a tube dispenser for around $15.
I also use DE off and on (but not as a wormer by itself)- it can be a bit dry for some horses so I wet the oats.
I have never had any reaction to or ill effects on either of these wormers nor the natural DE.
Also I highly suggest that you build your horse’s immune system to combat the extra immune stress that is created by chemical wormers. There are several good immune products in the marketplace. I use www.silverliningherbs.com formula #24 (Immune). I use it with just about every horse that comes into the rescue upon their arrival to support the stresses of change. I also use it in cases of travel trauma as some of my horses have come in from long distances (even 2-3 day trips from out of state), and certainly for horses who are elderly, and those with various ailments.
Just about every horse needs some liver support since the liver filters out all the toxins.
Chemical wormers have to be filtered through the liver so adding Silver Lining #27 (Liver) would also be a wise addition to assist your horse’s body in dealing with chemical wormers and other toxins. If you want further confirmation just have a professional to check the liver point on your horse. Keep in mind once the liver does its job, it passes off the toxins to be flushed out by the kidneys. You can also check kidney points. Be sure to watch for any fluid retention which can occur when there are too many toxins for the kidney to stay up with.
Even skin eruptions can occur if the toxins need an outlet to be evacuated.
See Silver Lining #37 (Kidney).
Once your horse’s immune system is strong and the kidney and liver organs are strong as well, you may be surprised by the positive change in your horse’s overall constitution, energy and health. Some horseowners keep their horse on Immune because their horse is exposed to other horses frequently, they compete, or have other immune issues. The Liver/Kidney flush is more of a detox and one-time thing unless the horse continues to need support or is regularly exposed to toxins. Once the horse has an opportunity to flush out toxins and build their immune system, if they graze on open pasture and do not eat processed pellets and unnatural feeds, avoid stress and get plenty of exercise, they can continue to lead healthy lives.
I hope this gives you other options to safely explore for your horse-naturally.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Shari Frederick
Healthy Horse Hints
Happy Horse Haven Rescue