Horse Worming Schedule: Different Medications for Different Times of Year
- LUXOS Studios
- Feb 21
- 1 min read
Horses are susceptible to a range of internal parasites, and controlling them requires a well-planned deworming schedule. By rotating different active ingredients throughout the year, you can help prevent parasite resistance and keep your horses healthy.
Common Dewormer Ingredients
🪱 Ivermectin: Targets bots, strongyles, and roundworms.
🪄 Moxidectin: Similar to ivermectin but especially good for encysted small strongyles.
🏷️ Fenbendazole: Covers strongyles, pinworms, and roundworms.
🍏 Pyrantel Pamoate: Good for strongyles, roundworms; also a continuous daily feed option.
🔎 Praziquantel: Combined with ivermectin or moxidectin to kill tapeworms.
Seasonal Rotation (General)
🌸 Spring: Ivermectin or moxidectin; consider adding praziquantel for tapeworms.
☀️ Summer: Continue a broad-spectrum approach (often ivermectin or pyrantel).
🍂 Fall: Repeat ivermectin or moxidectin plus praziquantel to handle bots and tapeworms.
❄️ Winter: Fenbendazole or pyrantel can help control overwintering parasites.
Additional Tips
🧪 Fecal Egg Counts: Helps gauge effectiveness and need for treatment.
🌾 Pasture Management: Regular manure removal reduces parasite spread.
👩⚕️ Vet Guidance: Local factors and individual horse health can affect schedules.
Fun Fact: 🐎 Adult horses can develop some immunity to parasites over time, so young or older horses might need extra attention to keep parasites at bay.
