My horse keeps biting his heels...?

Question

My horse has started biting his heels recently. They are not raw or bleeding and the hair all still there. I am pretty sure it is allergies, because I spray him with fly spray and it doesn't help. He gets pretty mad about it, so I would like to alleviate the itch for him. I thought about rubbing vaseline on his heels, or maybe trying an antihistamine...any ideas?

Answer 1

I know this sounds funny but I did for my pony and it works really well it is listerine (the mouthwash) if you rub some of that on his  heels that should help. hope this helps ;)

Answer 2

Any chance he has Scratches or some other skin condition?

Is it happening so much that the skin is getting broken or bleeding? I know during the heat my guys sometimes get itchier from the sweat &bugs.

Answer 3

If you can get it, I suggest an ointment called EMT...I get it at Farm and Fleet.  It works wonders for scrathes and those allergic-fungus-bug irritation kinds of things.  It is sticky enough to stay put and not water soluble.  I wouldn't know what to do without having it on hand.

Answer 4

If he is biting his heels, it has to be bothering him pretty badly.  I would discontinue the fly spray, since that could be making the irritation worse.

You should buy some salve or ointment that has fly repellant in it as well as healing properties.  You can get it at your tack/feed/supply store and it is usually a bright pink.  Spread it on his pasterns morning and night and see if that helps.  If not, you need to consult a vet.

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

It could be a skin infection or fungus too. It's actually really common. Anything they brush up against could flare it. Is it aggressive, like it's sudden? You know how you get an itch and you kind of jolt and scratch it? Is it like that? Or is it more passive and like painful...because there may be some sort of infestation. You can try (if he lets you) shaving the hair from there and looking at the skin. If it's red or blotchy or anything out of the ordinary, you should call a vet and get it treated. I know even some medications (like Furall and Blu Kote) give my horses instant fungus reactions which is really weird.  E-mail me at [e-mail] if you have anymore questions or need help.

Answer 6

Hi,Well It could be the fly's or nats

And ya he could have a rash there from the fly spray..I would try a nother fly spray

Hmmm  if it keeps on biting his heels spray him down with water to make sure hes got that off him