Routine Medical Care for Horses

Just like other pets, horses need to be regularly examined by a vet and given a wellness exam, vaccinations, and other care. Horses also need to have regular checkups to make sure that their teeth and hooves are in good condition.

Horses require a lot more maintenance than other pets. Here’s a brief overview of the routine medical care that your horse needs:

Wellness exams 

Most vets recommend that you have your horse seen by its regular vet twice a year for a wellness exam. During the wellness exam the vet can give vaccinations, check the overall health of your horse, and perform routine tests to make sure that your horse is healthy. Some people think that having a wellness exam twice a year isn’t necessary but your horse does need at least one wellness exam per year.

Getting regular wellness exams is also a good way to develop a relationship with your vet. Chances are very high that your horse will get sick at some point and need emergency care and having a good relationship with your horse’s vet is the best way to make sure that the horse will get the high quality care it needs when it gets sick.

Vaccinations

Yearly vaccinations are required for horses just like a rabies vaccination is required for dogs and cats. There are other required vaccinations too, but what vaccinations are required will depend on where you live. Your vet and the other horse owners at the stable where you keep your horse can give you more details on what vaccinations are required for horses in your area.

Dental care 

A horse’s teeth must be floated and trimmed twice a year. If the horse’s teeth aren’t properly cared for then the horse might not be able to grind its food properly and can become malnourished. Dental care for horses is not optional.

Deworming 

Horses have parasites. That’s just one of things that you accept when you own a horse. No matter how hard you try you will never be able to get rid of all of the parasites because there are many different kinds of parasites that live on horses. Getting your horse dewormed every eight to twelve weeks will help keep the parasite problem in control.

Hoof care 

Horses need regular hoof trims and shoe fittings. Expect to have a blacksmith come out every six to eight weeks to trim your horse’s hooves and re-shoe the horse if necessary. Hoof care is essential to the health of your horse so even if you’re tempted to have hoof care done only every eight to twelve weeks to save money, don’t do it.