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Deworming Horses - Page 2

© Caryn A. Tate

As far as actually administering the paste dewormer, the best way is to get your horse in a halter in an open area. Have someone help you if you'd like, especially the first time. According to the instructions that came with the paste and according to your vet's instruction, adjust the dial on the paste to correspond with your horse's weight (another area where your vet can come in handy, if you don't know your horse's weight for sure). Remove the cap and gently insert the top of the tube into the corner of your horse's mouth. Be sure to do this in the corner of the mouth; otherwise it can be too easy for your horse to spit out the paste. And trust me, he'll try!

Once the syringe is firmly inside your horse's mouth, administer the paste into the back of your horse's mouth and keep a firm hand on his halter, keeping his head upright. It's also important to keep his head up, like this. If he's able to lower his head, it again becomes easy for him to spit out the paste.

Wait until you're sure he's swallowed the paste. Sometimes as he's working on swallowing it, I'll run my hand along his throat and lightly massage it just a little to help him swallow. Afterwards, it can also be nice to give him a little treat like grain or a horse cookie to let him know you appreciate his patience.

The deworming supplements are also becoming popular. They provide the ease that the other two methods are lacking. Consult your vet for details about which type of supplement to use and how often to administer it.

Once you've set up a regimen of deworming, you've given the greatest gift of all to your horse-good health.

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