Horse owners need to be cautious of parasites like fleas and ticks that can affect their pets. They can live off the skin and blood of horses, causing great discomfort and even disease, in the case of ticks.

Fleas do not affect horses as much as ticks do, but they do occur. They affect the skin and cause great irritation to the horses and to the humans around them. The flea lays eggs anywhere the horse goes. These eggs hatch in about ten days. When a flea successfully lays eggs and multiplies, you need to deflea your horse and the areas around him or her.

Ticks feed on the blood of their hosts. Usually found in wooded areas, these parasites are attracted to warmth and motion. Thus, they seek mammals like horses. Ticks attach their mouthparts to the skin of their hosts and consume blood. They do not detach until hours or days later. Ticks may cause disease in horses and humans around them, if affected.

Parasite preventatives help protect horses from ticks and fleas. Ask your equine veterinarian about them.

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