Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.
And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi there, Dr.
I was wondering what your professional opinion is concerning the use of DEET products on horses to rid them of pesky flies and such?
I've heard both sides so far, that some horses might have very bad reactions to being sprayed with DEET and others not.
But if DEET is relatively safe to use on human skin, why can't it be used on horses as well?
Thank you,
~Ivonne 
Where are you from? colorado
How did you locate this forum? surfing
Hi Ivonne,
No, do not use DEET on horses. According to the Center for Disease Control, “Never use insect repellent sprays intended for humans and containing DEET on horses or other animals. These could be fatal for the animal. Only use mosquito repellent sprays meant specifically for horses.”
Thank you for writing about this important issue.
Dr. Getty
