As the days begin to get longer and the temperature grows warmer, it is more likely that your horse will be spending more time outside enjoying the summer heat. Summer is a great time to get your animal active and spend time outside in nature, but be aware that your horse isn’t the only creature emerging from its winter hibernation.

Ticks become more active as the temperature rises, and are the most active between the months of March through May, and August through November.Ticks are known for spreading Lyme Disease – a disease that is caused by the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Symptoms of Lyme Disease in horses include muscle pain, fever, behavioral changes, hyperaesthesia or stiffness/lameness. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 95% of confirmed Lyme Disease cases in the United States are reported in just 15 states. The list includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland; you can read the full list here.  If you live it one of these states, it is important to take precautions to prevent your horse and yourself from contracting this disease this summer. Below are a few preventative steps to keep your animal protected from tick bites:

 

• Examine your Horse Daily- Check to see if your animal is experiencing any muscle pain or stiffness – a common sign of Lyme Disease in animals. Groom your horse to look for any ticks that may be on your animal, especially after going
  out riding.

 

• Stick to the Trails- avoid taking your animal through unpathed territory. Tall grass and the woods are breeding grounds for ticks. They tend to fasten themselves on bushes and shrubs, so it is important to keep on the trail when out riding with your animal.

 

• Use a Topical Tick Prevention- Since there is no way to keep your horse out of the grass and fields where ticks thrive, a topical tick preventative is key to prevention. RK Topical Spray is made of natural oils and Pyrethrin/Pyrethroids and gives your horse up to 8 hours of protection against ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. Check out Equine Medical and Surgical Associates’ Lyme Disease Prevention page to find out more about this product.

 

As of today, there is no vaccine that prevents Lyme Disease in horses, so the prevention of exposure to ticks is the main key to protecting your animal. Remember to always contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your animal has been bitten by a tick or is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.