Spot-on fly treatments-- are my horses just wimps?

[Texarkana]

Just curious-- does anyone else's horses react behaviorally when applying spot-on fly treatments?

You would think I was dropping caustic acid on my horses when I apply the spot-ons. They toss their heads, they stomp, they shake, they kick out, they roll and roll and roll as soon as I turn them loose. Then after a minute or two of temper tantrums, they go on their merry ways no worse for wear.

They never show any signs of skin irritation from the product. I always follow the instructions and make sure my horses are clean and free of other products before applying. I've even put a small drop on my own skin just to make sure it doesn't burn/sting/hurt... and nothing. It just feels kind of oily to me.

I'm not sure if my horses are being melodramatic about the "weird" sensation of little drops of oil on their skin or if it is truly painful/irritating.

The treatments greatly reduce the number of ticks they pick up, which is why I keep up with them. But I hate to think I'm causing my horses physical pain with my good intentions!

Anyone else go through this?

[*JumpIt*]

My mare hates the smell of it but there is no physical responce to it other than flipping of her lip. Do you horses tend to have sensitive skin or reactions to ther products?

[Texarkana]

Do you horses tend to have sensitive skin or reactions to ther products?

Not really. Both have had allergic reactions to one thing or another in the past, but neither has had any sort of apparent skin reaction from the spot-ons.

If I ever saw ANY sign of physical irritation (hives, welts, sores, hair loss, dry skin, itchy spots, anything), I'd stop using the products immediately. But I've found nothing of the sort. That's why I'm wondering if this is an, "Ick, it's oily, get it off of me!" response or if it's truly as horrible of an experience as my horses make it seem.

[Chief2]

We have been having burning issues with the dogs when using Frontline (Merial). My mother's dog went so hysterical when it was applied that he cried, spun and bit the handler. We switched to Advantix, and he now couldn't care less about it. No reaction whatsoever. Ditto for my brother's dog, who walks in circles, whines and cries whenever the Frontline is applied. My brother is switching also. Additionally, it has lost its effectiveness against ticks in our area, so there's another reason for the switch. So yes, some animals have trouble with these products. Try switching to another brand and see if that helps. Merial manufactures both Frontline and Top Spot. I can't remember who makes Advantix, but they may also have a horse Spot-on treatment as well.

[buck22]

my horses had a strong allergic reaction last year to spot on treatments - raised welt in treatment location - so I didn't apply it a second time. They are not generally thin skinned or sensitive. I personally would honor any strong reactions my horses had and not reapply, even if there is no evidence, they are reacting to something.

Or, you could test them and just fill the empty dispensers with water or mineral oil and go through the motions of application.

[Texarkana]

Or, you could test them and just fill the empty dispensers with water or mineral oil and go through the motions of application.

That is a GREAT idea!

[dixied214]

I have had the same problem as the OP my horses kicked, stomped, rolled, everything when I put it on them, they acted fine the next day but for a couple hours they seemed to be having a lot of discomfort from it, one of my friends used it and her horses reacted to it in the same manner for a month! it works really well but I won't be using it again because it's supposed to make them more comfortable without flies but if they react that way it's obviously not too comfortable to them!! =[ bummer it's a great product just something really irritates my guys.

[ThoroughbredFancy]

My horse just looks at my funny wondering what the heck I am doing then goes on his merry way.

[Texarkana]

I have had the same problem as the OP my horses kicked, stomped, rolled, everything when I put it on them, they acted fine the next day but for a couple hours they seemed to be having a lot of discomfort from it, one of my friends used it and her horses reacted to it in the same manner for a month! it works really well but I won't be using it again because it's supposed to make them more comfortable without flies but if they react that way it's obviously not too comfortable to them!! =[ bummer it's a great product just something really irritates my guys.

Holy cow! If my horses reacted for that long, I'd stop using it too. My guys just carry on for a minute or two right after I apply it and it's still wet. Then they just go back to whatever they were doing.

I'm curious to see what happens if I spot them with plain mineral oil...

[the_other_mother]

I used it for the first time last week and didnt notice them behaving abnormally but they did tense up when I applied it along their backs, as if the sensation of the tube or liquid was creeping them out. One of my horses freaks out whenever he feels water dripping or running down him (baths, rain) I think he thinks its a fly because he stomps and swishes his tail as if he's swatting flies. The body heat could probably "melt" the spot on and make it "run", maybe thats what happens.

[fourmares]

My horse does the same thing as the OP's horse. She has fly allergies, so she's getting treated, like it or not.

[Texarkana]

Last night I used an empty applicator and spotted them with plain mineral oil. The mare didn't bat an eye, the gelding threw his usual hissy fit. And here I always thought my gelding was the more stoic of the two... :lol:

I guess it is uncomfortable to some extent, at least for my girl. I'll probably stop them treatments with her. My gelding will just have to suck it up and deal for now since he's allergic to ticks and he gave himself away as a drama king anyway.

Thanks again for the idea!