Horse allergies
Just like dogs and cats, horses too can be allergic. Insects, weeds, grasses and trees pollens often cause allergies in horses. Other allergic triggers are dust mites and molds, contained in damp hay or straw, and foods.
Horse allergy symptoms
Horse allergies are often associated with respiratory symptoms such as coughing, raspy breathing, slight exercise intolerance and headshaking. As the allergic condition advances, the coughing becomes more progressively frequent and deeper. Runny nose and watery eyes are often early signs of allergies. Dermatological symptoms are also common. These include itching, recurrent hives and/or small flat-topped bumps (wheals), patchy hair loss due to excessive rubbing or crusting.
One of the most common allergy in horses is the Summer Dermatitis, a seasonal skin problem, caused by the bite of the Culicoides insect. The symptomatology is very typical, with lesions in the neck, face and tail during summer period.