At what age should you start worming a foal?

Question

At what age should you start worming a foal?

Answer 1

Foals are most suceptible to worms. so start early at approximately 4-6 weeks old ( based on the instructions on the dewormer) and continue every 6 weeks or so after that.

http://www.horsekeeping.com/horse_health...

Foals under one year of age and very old horses. Foals under one year of age are susceptible to heavy parasite infestation. We recommend deworming at one month of age, and then every month until weaning. After weaning, deworm every six weeks until 12 months of age, then every eight weeks thereafter.

http://www.curtitsyacres.com/Education/W...

Answer 2

At what age should you start worming a foal?

My friend, Caron said:

Internal parasites  ('worms' ) can contribute to major health problems if left untreated. Foals are quite susceptible to them. Environmental factors  (drought conditions leading to short grasses, what area you live in (humid/ dry), etc ) and management  practices (dirty stalls, piles of manure in pastures, overgrazing pastures, not rotating horses from one pasture to another, etc) can directly affect the parasite population with potential to cause a heavy 'load' on horses. If the mare shows signs of worms (light colored gums , a harsh, scruffy coat, ribs showing with large belly, then most likely the foal is infested, too.

If any of these factors are present, consider worming the foal as early as 4-6 wks with anthelmintics (de-wormers) that are labeled safe for that age. Note: Panacur and Safeguard are both considered 'safe' (chemical class - febendazoles) for young horses, and eliminate a wide variety of worms. Follow instructions on package for dosage (by weight) and age. Repeat deworming as needed  - that will vary depending on above factors, though as often as every 4-6 weeks  is often recommended to assure foal is free of worms that might otherwise affect it's growth and overall health. Consider changing to another type (different chemical class) dewormer after 4 - 6 months of age.

There are many opinions about what wormers are 'best', how often they should be used, and whether or not to rotate wormers (use different (chemical) types ) . Read the label/instructions of the wormer for suggested use.  Discuss your horse's health with a professional in your area and see what worming program works best for them. Fecal samples can be taken to your vet to determine if - and what type - worms are present . (They can see worms and eggs in the manure by looking through a microscope). Your vet will know what should work best for managing your particular horses during the year.

Caron Wilson

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Answer 3

WELL it all depends ..

one all animals have parasites if the mom has them

so as early as the vet say s to....plus the weather and season has allot to do when worming one and what for ?

so get with a vet ,

if mom has not been wormed and you worm the baby he will still get them thru the milk or what ever

both should be on a regaler schedule

The best is to get both on the same plan

and ask your vet what type and when .....there are many many different types of worms for all seasons