REASONS FOR MANE AND TAIL ITCHING
Horse owners dream of their horse having a beautiful, luxurious mane and tail. Mane and tail rubbing and itching is a condition that all horse people encounter from time to time. Few things cause more frustration than seeing your horse's beautiful mane and tail turned into a ragged, tattered mess.
There are many reasons why your horse may be rubbing his tail. It is important to determine which of the following causes of tail rubbing are at work, so you can take the proper steps to prevent it.
Insect Hypersensitivity - Sweet Itch If your horse’s tail rubbing occurs in the hot months, the underlying cause is likely culicoides midge bites. Culicoides are more commonly known as sand gnats or no-see-ums. In horses, this biting insect is the cause of “sweet itch,” a hypersensitivity to the saliva of the insect. Horses with sweet itch will often rub their skin, tails and manes raw in an effort to alleviate the itch.
Dirty Sheath or Udder Horses will also rub their tails if their sheaths or udders need to be cleaned. All horses produce smegma. When enough smegma builds up, it can begin to irritate and itch your horse which leads to tail rubbing.
Ticks Although they’re a less common cause, ticks can cause irritation and rubbing if they attach to your horse’s tail, head, tailbone, anus, sheath or surrounding areas. Apply
Equiderma Neem Horse Spray to create an all natural barrier of protection.
Pinworms Internal parasites can also be a cause of tail rubbing.Consult with your veterinarian about a deworming program.