[QHDragon]

My mare has terrible dandruff right now! She has to be blanketed constantly because she doesn't grow a winter coat, and I am sure that that isn't helping any. Any suggestions for how to treat this?

 

[IceCreamsAndPonies]

You should be able to find a good wash and that should do the trick. That worked really well for me, I hope it helps.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I dont know how to fix it but my yearling has the same problem, only on one spot of his neck and in his mane. It looks gross but my farrier said its harmless. He suggested bathing him but we dont have a wash stall or heated water at my barn

 

[QHDragon]

Yeah its way too cold to bathe here right now. Looking for a non-wash solution, if there is such a thing.

 

[IrishRider]

I have heard that tea-tree oil helps but I have not tried it yet.

 

[horsgal]

Yeah it's really cold here too, I've been wondering how to get it out for I don't know how long now. My mare has a black mane so it shows up really well, but thats the only place shes got it. It make her look very dirty!

 

[Mustangg]

I bathe, but if it is too cold you could try getting a bucket of warm water and a rug?

 

[sillybunny11486]

Unless you mare is itching her coat off because its irritating her you should really be worrying about it now. Its mostly cosmetic. How about brushing her more to get it out?

 

[Hali]

I agree with sillybunny. Give her a good curry to get rid of scurff and to get some circulation to her skin.

I'd also consider feeding her some flax seed oil. It's rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and will enhance her coat and skin.

 

[catandminot]

First of all, what are you feeding her? Diet is extremely important in making sure that your horse is even able to produce the oils in her coat to prevent the dandruff. For example, my Percheron/ Thoroughbred cross who has issues with dry skin/ dandruff, is on 3 1/2 cups of Enrich 32 (ration balancer pellets), 2 flakes of fescue hay at night (don't know the lbs), and pasture of mostly bermuda and fescue during the day. I used to feed her flax seed- which boosted the oils in her coat, but my feed store hasn't carried it for a while now.

I would definitely avoid bathing, since it will only strip the oils from her skin. What you need to do (after balancing her diet) is brush her at least everyday. Try to focus on currying, since it will break up the dandruff, increase circulation, and increase the skin's oil production.

Good luck!

 

[QHDragon]

I have found a solution. I started giving her coocoa (sp?) soy oil and her dandruff has cleared up almost in a week. Her coat is so soft and shiny its amazing.