Fall Fecal Testing and Targeted Deworming for Horses

Horses often experience an increased shedding of parasites as autumn approaches. When the grazing season comes to an end, parasites that have accumulated over the summer can reach peak levels. This seasonal rise in parasite load can pose significant health risks to horses if not managed properly.

Fecal testing and deworming during the fall is crucial for several reasons:

1. Prevent Health Issues: High parasite loads can lead to various health problems such as colic, diarrhea, weight loss and poor coat condition. Fall deworming minimizes these risks, promoting overall well-being and reducing the chances of costly veterinary interventions.
2. Break the Cycle: Deworming in the fall helps break the life cycle of parasites. By eliminating adult worms before they can lay eggs, you reduce the number of larvae that contaminate the pasture, leading to a lower risk of re-infection when horses return to grazing in the spring.
3. Prepare for Winter: Reducing the parasite burden before winter ensures that your horse’s body isn’t under unnecessary stress, allowing them to maintain a strong immune system through the colder months
4. Manage Drug Resistance: Strategic deworming based on fecal egg counts helps in selecting the appropriate dewormer, minimizing the use of broad-spectrum treatments. This targeted approach slows down the development of drug-resistant parasites, ensuring that dewormers remain effective for longer.

Not all horses need dewormed several times a year. Understanding the importance of parasite shedding in the fall and implementing a custom deworming program can ensure your horses remain healthy and resilient throughout the year.

Fecal Egg Count testing is an economical way to help your horse fight parasite resistance. 

Drop off a fresh sample to our clinic and we will do the rest (Just let us know when you are stopping by)! If your horse needs dewormed, purchase Quest Plus while it is on sale at the clinic.