Ticks on horses – every horse owner’s nightmare

Recognizing a tick on a horse

Ticks are classified as ectoparasites and can cause infectious skin diseases. To reproduce, they need the blood of vertebrates. In this region, around 20 tick species live, with the most common representatives being hard ticks, such as the Common Wood Tick.

A tick is only a few millimeters in size and can therefore be easily overlooked in the dense fur of a horse. However, while feeding on blood, they grow, and female ticks in particular can become up to three centimeters in size. This makes them easier to notice after their meal – for example, as a bump in the fur.

Lumps or swelling under the skin are also signs that your horse has been bitten by a tick. But by this stage, the parasite has already moved on.

Are ticks dangerous for horses?

A tick bite – commonly referred to as a "tick sting" – can be quite problematic for horses. When feeding on blood, ticks secrete saliva, which also introduces germs and pathogens into the wound.

The good thing: Ticks need a few hours to crawl around on the horse before they find a suitable spot to bite. They look for an area where the skin is thin and soft, such as on the head, neck, and chest of the horse. Skin folds and the legs can also be of interest to ticks.

It is therefore worth checking your horse for ticks after every outing in the paddock or on a ride. Germs do not enter the wound immediately, but only after a few hours, during which time the tick is already feeding.

These diseases can occur:

• Itching and swelling
• Inflammations
• Lyme disease
• Anaplasmosis
• TBE

Where do ticks lurk?

Ticks primarily lurk outdoors in the summer. Not on trees, but in the grass and bushes. There, they wait for a mouse, hedgehog, or deer, as these are their preferred host animals. However, they also do not shy away from other warm-blooded animals such as horses or even humans.

The parasites prefer it warm and moist. For this reason, they are particularly active in the warm months and especially after rainy days. In contrast, when it’s cold, they retreat under leaves or the snow cover.

Since horses and riders spend a lot of time outdoors—in pastures, on trail rides—you should always be aware of ticks.

Tick bites on horses – what happens

The tick has found the ideal place to feed. Now it uses its mouthparts to cut into the skin and inserts its proboscis into the wound. Depending on the species of tick, it either attaches itself with barbs on its proboscis or uses a glue-like substance.

Now the tick begins to suck blood, cell, and lymph fluid. Meanwhile, it secretes a substance that works as follows:

• numbing,
• anti-inflammatory and
• anticoagulant.

During the meal, undigested blood residues from the tick's intestine are transferred into the wound. This is how pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and other parasites are transmitted to your horse. However, the risk of infection only occurs after about three hours.

Je länger die Zecke Blut saugt, desto wahrscheinlicher ist eine Ansteckung.

Male ticks differ from females in their feeding habits. The former only consume what they need to survive, while the females feed on a host for up to several weeks because they need the blood for egg production.

Zecken beim Pferd richtig entfernen

To remove the pest, you will need tick tweezers.

Step 1: Part your horse's fur.

Step 2: Position the tweezer as close to the skin as possible. This prevents the head from getting stuck, which could lead to inflammation.

Step 3: Gently twist the tick out. The direction doesn't matter.

Step 4: Destroy the tick. Drowning or crushing it with your finger will not be sufficient, as these creatures are very resilient. High-proof alcohol, fire, or a hard object for crushing are good options.

These ticks infest horses.

Horses are most commonly infested by the common wood tick. But you should also be aware of the Hyalomma tick.

The common wood tick

This tick species is the most widespread in Europe. It is slightly larger than the Brown Dog Tick and transmits pathogens of Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and anaplasmosis. The Common Wood Tick prefers moist environments and is considered a true survivalist. It can go up to two years between blood meals. However, it is not picky about its meal. Whether small mammals, birds, lizards, or medium to large mammals— it will feed on anything, including horse blood. However, it is more commonly found on dogs and cats.

The Hyalomma tick

This tick can be recognized by its patterned legs. It is also up to three times larger than native species. It originates from the tropics and was likely introduced by travelers with pets or migratory birds. Reports of findings have been made since 2018. Therefore, it is assumed that these animals can overwinter in Germany. They have already been noticed on horses in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.

Another characteristic is its method of hunting. It is considered an active hunter, as it does not wait in the grass for a host to come. It has eyes and can see up to ten meters away. It can track its prey for several hundred meters. And horses are particularly favored, so as a horse owner, you should be attentive to this type of tick.

The Hyalomma tick can transmit viruses that cause Crimean-Congo fever. However, this has not yet been detected in Germany.

Diseases in horses following a tick bite

In addition to unpleasant itching or minor swelling, tick bites can also lead to serious illnesses. The wound can become infected by germs, or dangerous pathogens can cause problems for your horse.

Lyme disease

This disease is caused by bacterial pathogens. Most horses have antibodies against it, yet in some cases, a tick bite can trigger the illness. The danger of Lyme disease lies in the nonspecific symptoms, which can also be attributed to many other causes of illness.

Possible symptoms of Lyme disease:

• Skin changes at the injection site
• Movement disorders
• Stiffness and lameness of the limbs
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue and decreased performance
• Inflammation around the eyes
• Fever
• Heart problems

If Lyme disease is detected early, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Anaplasmosis

Another infectious disease that can be transmitted by ticks is anaplasmosis. The symptoms are somewhat similar to Lyme disease, so it should be clearly determined which disease it is. The bacteria of anaplasmosis multiply in the white blood cells, which weakens the horse’s immune defense.

Possible symptoms of anaplasmosis:

• high fever
• Impairments of the musculoskeletal system
• Bleeding in the mucous membranes
• Loss of appetite
• Apathy
• Damage to the central nervous system
• Weakening of the immune system

If the veterinarian diagnoses anaplasmosis early, it can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

TBE (tick-borne encephalitis)

You may be more familiar with this disease in humans, but it can also be transmitted by ticks to animals such as horses. Veterinarians have already detected TBE antiviruses in horse blood. However, this indicates a past infection. Unfortunately, the acute symptoms of TBE often cannot be clearly identified.

Possible symptoms of TBE:

• Disturbed general condition
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Trembling
• Nervousness
• Fever
• Teeth grinding
• Increased pulse rate
• Cramps
• Ataxia
• Epileptic seizures

TBE is rare in horses, but when it occurs, it often has a severe course and can be fatal. It can be detected through laboratory testing.

Since TBE is regionally confined, the pathogen is not present in many areas, but is more common in the affected regions.

Call the vet after a tick bite: yes or no?

As a general rule: Have your horse examined by a veterinarian as soon as you suspect an infection. If the animal shows one or more of the listed symptoms, do not wait to see if they disappear on their own. A timely diagnosis can save your loyal friend's life!

Once you have removed a tick, take note of the species. This will help you identify which pathogens may be involved. Also, keep a close eye on your pet and check the bite site regularly. This will allow you to notice even the smallest changes.

If you want to protect your horse in advance, ask your veterinarian about a vaccine. For example, there is an immunization against Lyme disease.

Preventing ticks in horses and natural coat care

Are you looking for a chemical-free tick prevention for your horse? Nature has provided us with some remedies that ticks dislike. These include, for example, coconut oil, rockrose, black seed oil, and other essential oils.

Watch for allergies in your horse and it’s best to discuss prevention with your veterinarian.

Our tip: Regular grooming makes it harder for ticks to attach themselves. Additionally, you'll quickly notice if one has chosen your horse as a meal.

„Fur keeper“

The “Fellhüter” by Feele is perfect in summer. It not only helps with high insect exposure, but also cares for the sensitive skin and coat areas of your horse.

The natural ingredients such as rosewood oil, coconut palm extract, or grapefruit oil are carefully coordinated and also leave a pleasant and long-lasting scent.

„Magic fog“

Apply “Zaubernebel” directly to your horse’s coat. Focusing especially on the head and fetlock areas is effective. On the head, you should first apply the product to your hands and then gently rub it onto the horse’s head. The care product also works preventively on your riding clothes.

FAQs about ticks in horses