Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Fumipets
8 Best Horse Wormers: Safeguarding Your Equine Companion’s Health
Maintaining the health and well-being of your horse is a top priority for any equestrian enthusiast. One crucial aspect of equine care is managing and preventing internal parasites, commonly known as worms. These parasites can pose a significant threat to your horse’s health if left unchecked. Fortunately, a variety of horse wormers are available to help you protect your beloved equine friend.
In this article, we will explore the world of horse wormers, discussing the best options to keep your horse healthy and free from internal parasites.
Best Horse Wormers
Horse worms cannot be avoided; they can only be treated with horse wormers, thus regular deworming is required. According to current thinking, it is difficult to completely eradicate all parasites, so you should focus on the ones that are most common and likely to affect your horse and use appropriate horse wormers.
Additionally, every horse is unique and has various needs. The most crucial elements that will decide whether you should deworm your horse every 12 months or every two years, for example, are whether or not your horse lives with others and the climate. The best dewormer for you will be chosen based on these disadvantages.
The majority of wormers are administered to horses by syringing or spraying a gel or liquid into their mouths. If your horse rejects this kind of oral medication, you may also provide pills and certain powdered medications. A dewormer should often be administered straight, rather than being combined with food or drink, to make sure the horse receives the whole amount and none is missed.
Finding the ideal product for your horse may be challenging since there are so many alternatives available from a wide range of reputable manufacturers. To assist, we have put together a buying guide and evaluations of the top eight horse wormers.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| Image | Product | Details | ||
BEST OVERALL |
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Panacur Equine Paste Horse Dewormer | Easy to administer Flavor is palatable Suitable for all ages and sizes | Check Price |
BEST VALUE |
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Farnam Ivercare Horse Dewormer | Cheap Easy to administer Appealing flavor | Check Price |
PREMIUM CHOICE |
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Bimeda Equimax Horse Wormer | Three syringes Most horses like apple flavor Easy application syringe | Check Price |
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Durvet Ivermectin Paste Dewormer | Pack of 6 syringes Apple flavor Ivermectin treats a good range of worms | Check Price | |
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Merial Zimecterin Gold Dewormer | Deals with 61 types of parasites and worms Contains ivermectin and praziquantel | Check Price |
The 8 Best Horse Wormers – Reviews 2020
1. Panacur Equine Paste Horse Dewormer – Best Overall
A gel called Panacur Equine Paste Horse Dewormer kills roundworms, pinworms, and bloodworms. The paste in the product has an apple-cinnamon fragrance that makes it more appealing to the animal, and it comes with a syringe for simple feeding. Many horses like the taste and are eager to have their dewormer.
Any size and age of horse may take the oral dewormer, and it is even regarded as safe for use on pregnant mares and foals, as well as malnourished horses and tiny types. For decades, families of horse owners have used Panacur, a reputable brand of horse wormer.
Advantages
- Paste gel is easy to administer
- Apple-cinnamon flavor is palatable
- Suitable for all ages and sizes
- Controls bloodworms, pinworms, and roundworms
Disadvantages
- Not effective against tapeworm
2. Farnam Ivercare Horse Dewormer – Best Value
The Farnam Ivercare Horse Dewormer is a paste worming gel, and each package contains 91 mcg of ivermectin, which is sufficient to treat horses weighing up to 1,500 pounds. This not only demonstrates the product’s suitability for horses of all sizes but also when combined with the price, makes it the best horse wormer available.
The syringe features an easy-grip handle and is labelled in increments of 250 pounds, making it simple to figure out how much to give your horse. Additionally, the locking mechanism makes sure that you donate the proper amount. The apple-flavored horse dewormer is simple to use and is well accepted by your horse.
Because it is a broad-spectrum wormer, it fights a wide range of parasites rather than focusing on just one or two.
Advantages
- Cheap
- Easy to administer
- Appealing flavor
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t target specific parasites
3. Bimeda Equimax Horse Wormer – Premium Choice
Ivermectin and praziquantel, which together combat a variety of parasites including tapeworms, roundworms, and bots, are the main ingredients of Bimeda Equimax Horse Wormer. The apple-flavored paste dissolves fast, making it simple to give to the majority of horses. The weight labelling on the syringe makes administering the wormer much simpler. Some wormers include markings for the quantity of liquid, however marking based on the horse’s weight eliminates a step and guarantees accuracy when administering the medication.
There should be enough for all but the biggest horses in each syringe, which can hold enough for a horse weighing up to 1,320 pounds. It may be given to pregnant mares, breeding stallions, and young foals. It is safe for horses of all ages and life stages.
Due to the mix of pharmaceuticals in this triple pack, it is effective against a variety of parasites. You get three of the simple application syringes and medication. Despite all, it is still more costly than its rivals.
Advantages
- 3 syringes
- Contains ivermectin and praziquantel
- Most horses like apple flavor
- Easy application syringe
Disadvantages
- Expensive
4. Durvet Ivermectin Paste Dewormer
Each of the six dewormers in the Durvet Ivermectin Paste Dewormer pack contains a single 0. 21-ounce dosage of the apple-flavored ivermectin paste dewormer. Strongyles, pinworms, stomach worms, threadworms, and dermatitis are the conditions that the ivermectin component treats. It is not considered to be useful against tapeworms. The exact parasites that a horse has or is expected to have should be the focus of the owner’s parasite management plan, which should also take into account the horse’s weight, the surrounding environment, and the weather. The worms and bots that might be attacking your horse will be more under control with this regimen.
The apple-flavored paste-gel comes in an accessible syringe with weight gradation along the syringe.
Some orders have been completed with goods whose “best before” dates are just a few months away. As a result, you may not be able to store the remaining packets securely for use in the future. However, the six-pack is useful if you are treating many horses.
Advantages
- Pack of 6 syringes
- Ivermectin treats a good range of worms
- Easy administer syringe
- Apple flavor
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t treat tapeworm
- Short shelf life
5. Merial Zimecterin Gold Dewormer
Ivermectin 1. 55 percent and praziquantel 7. 75 percent are both included in a single syringe in the Merial Zimecterin Gold Dewormer. Because of the mix of medications, the wormer is more successful than most other medicines against a wider variety of parasites. The wormer may still be administered to mares, breeding stallions, and foals that are at least two months old.
It can treat tapeworms, which ivermectin by itself cannot, and one dosage can treat a horse weighing up to 1,250 pounds. It is simpler to use the dose markings on the syringe, which are based on the horse’s weight than to figure it out on your own. The syringe, however, is rather rudimentary, so this may only work on horses who are content to have wormer syringed into their mouths.
Additionally, it has a somewhat bland taste, and some horses may prefer the apple flavor found in substitutes.
Advantages
- Deals with 61 types of parasites and worms
- Contains ivermectin and praziquantel
Disadvantages
- No easy application syringe
- Bland flavor
6. Durvet Duramectin Equine Wormer
The six-pack of doramectin paste that makes up Durvet Duramectin Equine Wormer has the same active component as paste forms of ivermectin. When purchased in packs of six, it is less costly than the majority of its rivals, but it has a basic taste rather than the apple flavor that tends to be more well-liked by horses.
Additionally, while ivermectin paste does cure a wide range of worms and parasites, it is not known to be a successful therapy for tapeworm, so if you want to get rid of that specific parasite, you will need to use a different medication.
Advantages
- Cheap in multipacks
- Suitable for pregnant mares and breeding stallions
Disadvantages
- Not effective against tapeworm
- Plain flavor
7. Intervet Safeguard Horse Dewormer
A 10 percent fenbendazole wormer with a selection of paste strengths, Intervet Safeguard Horse Dewormer comes in a syringe for simple administration. Every breed and size of horse may be used with the paste. Mares, older and underweight horses, as well as mares, may all benefit from it.
Even dairy animals may be treated with it. Although it doesn’t work on tapeworms, it is effective against a wide variety of parasites and worms, including strongyles and pinworms. To combat all parasite species, you will also need a wormer.
It is easier to administer the apple cinnamon paste gel wormer to a horse since it tastes better than basic flavors and comes with a syringe.
Advantages
- Can be used on pregnant mares and breeding stallions
- Apple cinnamon flavor is palatable
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t fight tapeworm
8. Pfizer Equimax Horse Wormer
1. 87 percent ivermectin and 14. 03 percent praziquantel are both ingredients in Pfizer Equimax Horse Wormer. Due to this combination, the wormer will battle both tapeworms and bots as well as ascarids and strongyles. The most typical kind of tapeworm, perfoliata, has shown to be particularly resistant to it. Against this specific parasite, Equimax has a 100% effectiveness rate.
It may be used on aged and underweight horses and is safe for foals as young as four weeks old. Additionally, it is safe to offer to breeding stallions and pregnant and nursing mares.
One syringe of paste gel is sufficient to treat a horse weighing up to 1,320 pounds. The wormer is more costly than some of the alternatives and does not have an apple-cinnamon taste, so many horses will reject it.
Advantages
- Contains ivermectin and praziquantel
- Fights tapeworm
Disadvantages
- Bit pricey
- Plain flavor not palatable
Buyer’s Guide
The most prevalent ailments that affect horses are worms and intestinal parasites. They may manifest as colic, weight loss, reduced development in foals, and even breathing issues. Consequently, controlling worms is a crucial aspect of horse ownership.
Additionally, there is a great deal of misunderstanding and several falsehoods in this field. You can discover information about horse worms, how to pick the best wormer, and what characteristics to look for in this guide.
How Do Horses Get Worms?
Horses often get worms. During grazing, they may be picked up from the droppings of other horses and transferred from one horse to the next. As a result, horses who interact with people often or that graze in pastures where other horses are present are more likely to get one of the many different kinds of horse worms and parasites that exist.
Because a pasture may harbor an infection for a long time, pasture cleanliness is one of the most crucial components of a worm control strategy.
Symptoms
The kind of worm or parasite, its intensity, and other circumstances may all affect the symptoms. However, in general, you should watch out for the symptoms listed below and have a worming test done if any are present.
Symptoms of worms to look out for:
• Colic
• Diarrhea
• Damaged coat
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of condition
• Weight loss
Testing
The most accurate way to identify whether your horse has worms is to do a blood test and a fecal egg count. This combination identifies the specific kind of parasite and the degree of infection in addition to determining if a horse has worms.
The best ways to test for worms include:
• A fecal egg count, which counts the amount of eggs in your horse’s feces, is one of the finest techniques to check for worms.
A blood test establishes the presence of and evaluates the levels of certain substances in the blood, expressing the results as eggs per gram (EPG) and the number of worms in your horse’s stomach.
• There are specific tests for tapeworms as well, and these chemicals, which are released by parasites, are a certain indication of the presence of worms. One of them is a straightforward saliva test, which is carried out more quickly than a blood test. They are less expensive and more practical since you can carry them out in the stable.
How to Manage Worms
If your horse has been diagnosed with worms—whether it’s via a fecal egg count, blood test, or your own assessment—there are steps you can take to get rid of the parasites and stop them from reappearing the following year.
The best methods for managing worms include:
The best methods for managing worms include: Egg counts may be performed every 12 weeks, and a general testing schedule often includes tests every 2 weeks.
• Pasture management: Eggs, larvae, and parasites may live for months in excrement in paddocks. In fact, the larvae may readily be consumed by grazing horses since they pupate in the soil for almost a month before ever becoming adults. Clear up droppings at least twice or three times each week, but preferably every day, to help stop parasites from spreading in this manner. To reduce the possibility of contamination, limit the number of horses you maintain per acre to two at most. You should also spread out the grazing on the pasture by rotating the fields and paddocks throughout the year.
• Regular deworming should be included in your routine. Veterinarians advise deworming every two months and rotating the dewormer used since parasites may become resistant to certain medications and their constituents. Rotation ensures that the parasites won’t develop a resistance to the treatments, keeping each one effective.
When to Worm My Horse?
Although parasites are relatively prevalent in horses, only around one in five are thought to be wormed and need deworming. As a result, testing is just as crucial as worming itself.
Every two months, test your horse. Use the proper dewormer if the result is positive.
Although some medications advise usage only from the age of 8 weeks, foals may often be dewormed as early as 4 weeks of age. Make sure the product you choose is appropriate for the horse’s life stage, particularly if you own a mare who is pregnant or nursing, an older or underweight horse, or a stallion that is used for breeding.
Common Horse Worms and Parasites
Horse worms may take the following main forms:
• Ascarids – Large roundworms are most often detected in young horses, but as your horse gets older, it will get immune to them. They obstruct the horse’s digestive tract, which may result in diarrhea and bad health. The ascarid may also result in respiratory and breathing issues since it develops in the horse’s lungs. For this parasite, ivermectin is regarded as the most efficient form of wormer.
• Bots – These are present on the summer coat, discovered in the stomach during grooming, and ejected in the winter. Typically, they do not cause major sickness.
• Redworms – Redworms are a rising threat that should be taken seriously because they may harm the stomach lining when they emerge from their winter cyst homes in the spring. These are a significant contributor to colic in horses, and numerous kinds of wormers have shown promise in treating them. Fenbendazole and moxetectin are considered suitable wormers in addition to ivermectin.
• Strongyles – Strongyles are year-round pests that may harm artery walls, causing blood clots and tissue death. It is well known that moxidectin and fenbendazole may cure encysted strongyles successfully.
• Tapeworms – Although they might be hard to find, tapeworms are widespread in the fall and can be detected by a blood test. Tapeworms may be treated with praziquantel and moxidectin when taken in the proper quantities.
Conclusion
Horses may be regularly tested to determine the presence and kind of parasites, eggs, and larvae. The best wormer to kill current infections may be selected after the kind of worms present have been recognized. The greatest chance of keeping a horse worm-free is by routine testing, worming, and excellent pasture management.
Horse worms may be treated with a variety of medications, so you should choose one (or a combination of medications) based on the kind of worms your horse has. Use our reviews to decide which wormer is best for you.
Our pick for the finest horse wormer on the market is Panacur Equine Paste Horse Dewormer, which will cure most parasites except for tapeworm, is inexpensive, and is simple to use. Farnam Ivercare Horse Dewormer is more affordable, has a tasty apple taste, and includes ivermectin, a potent remedy for a wide range of worms.
Questions & Answers: Best Horse Wormers
What are horse wormers, and why are they essential?
Horse wormers, also known as dewormers or anthelmintics, are medications designed to eliminate internal parasites, including worms, from a horse’s digestive tract. They are essential because internal parasites can cause various health issues and discomfort in horses if not effectively managed.
How often should I deworm my horse?
The frequency of deworming your horse depends on various factors, including the horse’s age, living conditions, and exposure to other horses. Generally, horses should be dewormed every 6-8 weeks, but it’s best to consult with your veterinarian for a personalized deworming schedule.
What types of horse wormers are available?
There are several types of horse wormers, including paste dewormers, gel dewormers, pellet dewormers, and injectable dewormers. Each type has its advantages, and the choice depends on your horse’s preferences and your administration method.
Are there different types of worms that affect horses?
Yes, there are various types of internal parasites that can affect horses, including strongyles, roundworms, tapeworms, and more. Different dewormers target specific types of worms, so it’s essential to identify the specific parasites affecting your horse before selecting a deworming product.
How can I ensure the effectiveness of horse wormers?
To ensure the effectiveness of horse wormers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully regarding dosage and administration. It’s also crucial to practice good pasture management, such as rotating pastures and maintaining a clean environment, to minimize the risk of reinfection. Regular fecal testing can help assess the effectiveness of your deworming program. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance on the best approach for your horse’s unique needs.
