Allergies & Hives in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Hives can pop up out of nowhere. This guide helps you spot triggers, calm the outbreak, and build a routine that keeps sensitive skin and airways happier all season.
Allergy Basics: Why Hives Happen
Equine allergies are hypersensitivity disorders—the immune system overreacts to otherwise ordinary exposures. The most common categories are:
- Insect hypersensitivity (gnats/midges, flies, mosquitoes, ticks)
- Airborne (atopy)—pollens, molds, dusts
- Contact—bedding, tack cleaners, topical products, plants
- Feed-associated—specific ingredients (less common than many assume)
Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy wheals in the skin; they may appear suddenly and resolve within hours—even before the vet arrives—so documenting with photos and a timeline helps.
Identifying Triggers
Common Culprits
- Fly/gnat bites, midges near water or at dusk
- Molds/dusts in hay, bedding, or under-cleaned stalls
- Specific feeds or treats; sudden ration changes
- New/topical products or residues left on skin
How to Pinpoint
- Patch testing and elimination diets under veterinary guidance
- Change one variable at a time; keep a log (feed, turnout, weather, products)
- Rinse off sweat/pollen after rides; launder saddle pads regularly
Clinical Signs & When to Call the Vet
- Hives/wheals, sometimes ring-shaped; localized swelling of eyelids, sheath/udder
- Itching, rubbing, hair loss; skin warmth or tenderness
- Respiratory signs (cough, nasal flare) with airborne allergies
- Emergency now: facial/airway swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse, or widespread hives with fever/lethargy
Pro Tip Grab phone photos and note feed, pasture, weather, insects, and products used in the prior 24 hours—gold for your vet.
Treatment Options (Vet-Guided)
Medical Care
- Antihistamines (for mild cases) and corticosteroids when indicated
- Immunotherapy (allergen-specific) for recurrent atopy
- Address secondary infections if skin is broken
Comfort & Skin Support
- Cool, gentle baths to remove pollen/dust; rinse thoroughly
- Apply a stay-put Liqui-Gel (e.g., RESTOREaHORSE® Liqui-Gel) or Rapid Relief Restorative Cream to protect intact, localized areas of irritation (use per label; avoid open/weeping lesions unless your vet directs)
Topicals support the skin barrier; they don’t replace veterinary diagnostics or prescription therapy when needed.
Prevention & Management
Grooming & Wash Routine
- Regular grooming to lift dust, dander, and pollen
- Wash with ShowBarn Secret® Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner; follow with Skin & Hair Enhancer or Powder Coat as protective finishers (see collection for usage)
- Launder pads/blankets; rinse sweat promptly after work
Insects & Environment
- Repel gnats/flies with Citraquin® 32oz (see collection & How-To Guide)
- Keep stalls and trailers clean with SuperClean™ Stall & Trailer Cleaner to reduce dust, dander, and residues
- Stable during peak midge hours; use fans and fly gear as needed
All products are safe when used as directed—always follow the label on drawliniment.com.
Product Integration (Safe Use)
- ShowBarn Secret® Collection — Lavender Shampoo/Conditioner, Skin & Hair Enhancer, Powder Coat for grooming barriers
- Citraquin® Environmental Defense Spray — 32oz | Full Citraquin® line
- SuperClean™ Stall & Trailer Cleaner — hygiene and dust control
- Rapid Relief Restorative Cream — barrier for intact, localized irritation; consider Liqui-Gel format where your vet approves
Allergies & Hives — FAQ
Do hives always mean a serious allergy?
Not always. Many outbreaks are transient. But recurrent or severe episodes—and any breathing issues—deserve a veterinary workup.
What’s the quickest at-home first step?
Move out of the suspected environment (e.g., dusty stall, gnat swarm), cool rinse, and call your veterinarian—especially if swelling is near eyes or airway.
Can diet changes help?
Sometimes. Work with your vet on an elimination plan and ensure consistent, high-quality forage. Introduce any new feed or supplement slowly.
Educational note: This guide is informational only and not a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance for diagnostics, medications, and product use.
