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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 

 



Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Itchy Horse!

Good Morning Dr. Getty, LOVE< LOVE your forum and you have helped me in the past and have another issue. Seasonal itchy gelding, on antihistamines, and melesab shampoo baths every 4 or 5 days.....still itches but better than without above...... would like to know if you have any suggestions for something Holistic that would work better.... I am TIRED of giving him DRUGS can't be good for him.....Your help is ALWAYS appreciated!

Where are you from? Illinois

How did you locate this forum? Internet

Re: Itchy Horse!

Hello Donna,

Thank you for your kind words and I am delighted to know that I've helped you in the past.

One of the best antihistamines is vitamin C. Give it at large dosages to offer this protection. So, give your horse 15 to 20 mg per pound of body weight. Build up to this level over a few days and if your horse develops diarrhea, cut back and then start again. Ester C is a good choice when feeding large amounts if the horse might be prone toward digestive upset. If this is not an issue, you can go with Pure C or C-442.

If insect stings are the issue, in addition to vitamin C, try offering some apple cider vinegar to a water tub. There should be fresh, clean water also available. But add 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar to 5 gallons of water. Most horses like it and it seems to be helpful (though not scientific).

Also, vitamin B1 has been shown to help repel insect stings. Offer 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day - SuPer B1.

Finally, spirulina is very helpful for allergies. This has been very well researched and I recommend 2 to 4 mg per 100 lbs of body weight. Spirulina wafers, by Springtime, Inc. is worthwhile.

Keep me posted.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Donna
Good Morning Dr. Getty, LOVE< LOVE your forum and you have helped me in the past and have another issue. Seasonal itchy gelding, on antihistamines, and melesab shampoo baths every 4 or 5 days.....still itches but better than without above...... would like to know if you have any suggestions for something Holistic that would work better.... I am TIRED of giving him DRUGS can't be good for him.....Your help is ALWAYS appreciated!

Where are you from? Waverly, Ohio