Below is a list of recommendations horse owner can follow this spring in an attempt to stave off the uncomfortable and sometime harmful effects of allergies:

• Do not allow horses to graze within 24-hours after a pasture has been cut.

• Dampen hay rations with water, in an effort to keep the dust particles to a minimum.

• Gently wipe down the horse’s face, eyes, and nostrils with warm water and a clean cloth, removing all remnants of dust and pollen.

• Brush the horse more frequently to remove pollen, dust particles and other irritants from the areas on the horse where this material tends to accumulate.

• Ask a veterinarian about vitamin supplements, which can boost the horse’s immunities, reduce inflammation and bolster their own defense mechanisms.

• Assure that all water troughs are cleaned more frequently and adequately filled with a fresh supply, for the increase demand during the warmer temperatures.

Responsible horse owners should not ignore the sometimes subtle changes in the spring vegetation and airborne allergens, for while they might be mildly irritating for humans, untreated conditions in horses, resulting from allergic reactions, can be painful and lead to major downstream complications.