Equine Health Maintenance
Routine health maintenance consists of proper nutrition (good quality grass hay/pasture and a complete pelleted feed), exercise, proper grooming (routine hoof care), housing (adequate pasture and area to get out of the elements) and veterinary care.
A Zonkey, combination of a donkey and a zebra
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Routine veterinary care consists of vaccinations, parasite control and dental care. Foals born to mares that are properly vaccinated should have their first vaccination between the ages of 4-6 months, depending on the time of year, then boostered one month later. Adult horses should be vaccinated a minimum of twice a year and coggins are required by law every year. Some horses may need to be vaccinated up to 4 times a year based on travel and use. Horses also need to be on a routine parasite/deworming program every 4-6 weeks. It is recommended to routinely check a fecal sample every year to evaluate the parasite protocol.
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Dr. Lane Breaux doing a teeth float on a horse
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Horse teeth will continue to grow throughout their lives. Routine teeth trimming or floating is required to keep the teeth from developing sharp points. Adult horses should have their teeth checked at least once a year and some older horses need their teeth floated twice a year.
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