This condition is due to hypersensitivity to insect bites, causing extreme itching. It is usually worse during the humid summer months, but may affect some horses or dogs all year long. Itching is usually intense and can cause the animal to scratch constantly causing mild to severe hair loss and open sores. The skin eventually may become thickened and wrinkled.

The following is a list of the many alternative treatments that will help to control the dreaded "itch".

External treatment - 

DR CHETS SKINCARE TREATMENTS – Firstly apply Dermal spray externally on affected areas twice daily for 2 to 3 days in a row. Apply the herbal oil blend to areas that have broken skin or hair loss, hot spots, etc twice daily gently massaging into skin.

Shampoo the animal on day 3 or 4 by mixing the shampoo in a bucket of warm water – use approx 10ml for average dog, more for horses. Lather up animal well all over. Rinse off after leaving on for at least 5 to 10 minutes and then re-apply a small amount of shampoo, if desired.

Use the dermal spray daily or weekly depending on need to give continued protection from insect invasion.

If itching is still prominent – continue the treatment as described above until relief is obtained.

Internal Treatment~
Internal treatment is also highly recommended for long term relief of Qld itch.

DRIED HERBAL BLEND – This is a blend of dried herbs to be fed to horses daily in the feed to strengthen resistance and assist skin health.

HOMEOPATHICS and FLOWER ESSENCES - There are various homeopathic and flower remedies, which have successfully been used to assist with this condition, depending on the individual animal. Contact the clinic for details.

Qld itch or Summer itch is one of the most distressing conditions that affects horses and dogs in the sub tropical and tropical climates. It can be very frustrating, especially when you can have two or more horses sharing a paddock and only some will have Qld itch, while others are not affected. With constant rubbing and scratching on everything from fence posts, trees or anything within reach. 

Supplement the horses diet with EQUIMIN Nutritional supplement powder or Natrakelp (liquid seaweed), pure apple cider vinegar and ensure adequate copper levels (Rosehips are a natural source of copper without the risk of toxicity).

HERBS such as rosehips, chamomile, garlic & nettle can be extremely beneficial and when used in conjunction with external treatment and will igreatly improve the condition and help the horse to ovedrcome the problem. A specific blend can be made up - 1kg $35.00

HOMEOPATHY works on relieving the severity of the itch and reducing the reaction to insect bites. These drops are given orally.

FLOWER ESSENCES can also be beneficial, especially when combined with other treatments.

For specific treatment recommendations to suit your horse, contact us for details.