Just like people, animals can have allergies too, and it's important that we know what they are and how to treat them. I'll discuss two here and more in the future. I have a list if allergies. I am allergic to dust, cats(hospital worthy), dogs, rabbits, birds, perfume, cologne,scented detergents, scented candles,mowed grass, rabbits, chocolate(very small), mold,pores,pollen,flowers,weeds(of various types) and finally, spores found in dirt. I am not allergic to horses, cows, hay or straw believe it or not. My younger brother is allergic to milk and eggs. 

Now, I doubt a horse will have allergies as extensive as what I do. My other brother has allergies the same as mine except worse for him. We're both asthmatics too, which means our allergies attack our lungs,giving us both very bad, slightly dangerous cases of pneumonia, for me, double pneumonia. So what are some things horses are allergic to and how do find out and treat them? 

A bad and common allergy in horses are bug bites. Biting midges;mosquitoes;deerflies;horseflies;stable flies:blackflies;mites and fleas all pose an allergic threat to horses. Last month when I was at Julie's with the hope of riding I saw a very large mosquitoe with zebra striping on his legs and wings, long antennae,and a striped body land on Cody. I swatted it away from him before it could bite but I saw more flitting around her yard. 

Bites can occur nearly anywhere on a horse, but typically the bites are seen on the belly,near the mane, base of the tail and face. Itchiness and inflamed,scabby skin is a good sign of a bug bite allergy.  The most severe form of this hypersensitivity to bug saliva is sweet itch, also known as summer itch. The risk factors are individual sensitivity to insect saliva varies widely. Some breeds are none susceptible than others,such as the Icelandic horse, Shire and Welsh pony. Treatment for this allergy is topical ointments, to soothe skin and Itchiness, topical steroids or a hydrocortisone leave-on conditioner. Fly masks and bug sprays can also help. 

The next allergy is food allergies. Some horses can be allergic to oats and grains and hay. Signs they may have a food allergy is hives with or without itching,that cover the body. Other signs of atopic dermatitis may be present. Food allergies are nonseasonal-unless the horse is allergic to a summer time plant or a specific hay in the winter. Risks are unknown and treatment is fairly basic. When the food at fault is identified,eliminate it from your horse's diet and there may be medication. 

In the end talk with you vet about potential allergies and treatments for them. Know your horse like you know yourself. 

Have a happy ride