Horse Allergies – Symptoms and Treatments
Tuesday, 27. October 2009
People can be allergic to horses, which can result in one or more of the following symptoms: – Itchy or watery eyes – Runny or itchy nose – Itchy skin, hives or rashes – Coughing or Sneezing – Breathing problems – Asthma attack
The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person, ranging from a slight itch to a serious asthma attack. People with asthma should be careful when they first come into contact with horses as there have been a number of cases of fatal asthma reactions. In particular, asthmatic children coming into contact with horses for the first time should be carefully monitored to see if they have an adverse reaction and their medication should be available to hand in case that they do.
The most common cause of horse allergies is horse dander (bits of hair and skin which flake off, like dandruff). Other common causes include horse mites, urine and even horse salvia.
It is not uncommon for people to have an allergic reaction without being near a horse, through indirect contact. For example, if you enter a barn or other enclosed space where horses have been, one can come into contact with allergic agents even though the horses are not present at the time. Likewise, if a family member rides or works with horses, it is possible to have a reaction upon exposure to clothes or tack which they bring home which are carrying bits of allergic agents (e.g. dander).
Horse allergies can be easily treated, using the same methods as for other allergies. These include medication, desensitizing treatment or simple avoidance.
If you want to ride but find that your allergies are making this difficult, you may want to try riding a ‘curly horse’ breed. Many people who suffer from horse allergies find that they have little or no reaction with these breeds.
You may also wish to be medically tested to determine which aspect of horses you are allergic to. For example, if you are allergic to horse mites, treatment of the horse and its box against mites may reduce your symptoms to acceptable levels. Likewise, if it is urine or saliva you are allergic to, one can take care to avoid these specific elements when involved with horses.
The article Allergy to Horses was written by Doug Stewart, as part of his series on Horse Care.