The 10 Best Horse Wormers

Reviews

Panacur Equine Paste Horse Dewormer

The gel-based Panacur Equine Paste Horse Dewormer treats bloodworms, pinworms, and roundworms. The product contains a syringe for simple feeding, and the apple-cinnamon-flavored paste makes it more appetizing to the animal. Numerous horses appreciate the flavor and eagerly anticipate receiving dewormer.

The oral dewormer is safe for use on horses of all ages and sizes, including pregnant mares and foals, as well as malnourished horses and tiny breeds. Panacur is a well-respected horse wormer brand that has been used effectively by horse owners for years.

Pros

• Paste gel is straightforward to administer
• The apple-cinnamon taste is wonderful.
• Appropriate for all ages and sizes.
• Bloodworm, pinworm, and roundworm control.

Cons

• Ineffective versus tapeworm

 

Farnam Ivercare Horse Dewormer

Farnam Ivercare Horse Dewormer is a paste worming gel containing 91 mcg of ivermectin, which is sufficient to treat up to a 1,500-pound horse. This not only indicates that the product is suitable for horses of all sizes, but it also makes it the most cost-effective horse wormer available.

The syringe’s easy-grip handle and markings in 250-pound increments make it simple to calculate the correct dosage for your horse. The locking mechanism also guarantees that you supply the correct amount. The apple-flavored horse dewormer is simple to give and easy to convince your horse to consume.

It is a broad-spectrum wormer, which implies that it is effective against a range of parasites as opposed to just one or two.

Pros

• Cheap
• Easily administered
• Palatable taste

Cons

• Does not target certain parasites

 

Bimeda Equimax Horse Wormer

Ivermectin and praziquantel are combined in Bimeda Equimax Horse Wormer to combat a variety of parasites, including tapeworms, roundworms, and bots. The paste’s rapid dissolution and apple taste make it easy to administer to most horses.

The weight indication on the syringe makes administering the wormer even less difficult. Some wormers have markings for the amount of liquid to administer, however marking according to the horse’s weight eliminates a step and prevents mistakes during administration.

Each syringe carries enough medication for a horse up to 1,320 pounds, which should be plenty for all except the largest animals. It may be offered to horses of all ages and life stages, including pregnant mares, breeding stallions, and newborn foals.

This is a three-pack, so you will receive three easy-to-use syringes and medication, and the mix of chemicals makes it effective against a wide variety of parasites. Despite this, it remains more expensive than its competitors.

Pros

• 3 syringes
• Contains ivermectin and praziquantel
• Most horses prefer apple flavor
• Simple administration syringe

Cons

• Expensive

 

Durvet Ivermectin Paste Dewormer

The box of six Durvet Ivermectin Paste Dewormers contains a single 0.21-ounce dosage of apple-flavored ivermectin paste dewormer. Ivermectin is used to treat dermatitis, strongyles, pinworms, stomach worms, and threadworms. It is not regarded as an effective treatment for tapeworm.

Owners should target the specific parasites from which their horse suffers or is expected to suffer and should base a parasite management program on horse weight, the local environment, and the weather. This regimen will manage the worms and parasites that may be harming your horse more effectively.

The apple-flavored paste-gel is packaged in an easily given syringe with a weight gradient down the barrel.

Several orders have been filled with items that have a “best before” date within the next few months. As a result, you may not be able to keep the remaining packets properly for future use. However, the six-pack is advantageous if you are treating numerous horses.

Pros

• Six-pack of syringes
• Ivermectin is effective against a wide variety of worms.
• Easy administer syringe
• Apple taste

Cons

• No treatment for tapeworm
• Limited shelf life

 

Merial Zimecterin Gold Dewormer

The single syringe of Merial Zimecterin Gold Dewormer contains 1.55 percent ivermectin and 7.75 percent praziquantel. This combination of medications renders the wormer effective against a wider variety of parasites than the majority of competing solutions. The wormer can still be administered to foals older than two months, as well as mares and breeding stallions.

It treats tapeworms, something that ivermectin alone cannot accomplish, and a single dose can treat a horse weighing up to 1,250 pounds. The syringe has dose markings based on the horse’s weight, which is more convenient than having to calculate it yourself. However, given the simplicity of the syringe, this may only be successful for horses who are willing to have wormer injected into their mouths.

Additionally, the flavor is rather simple, and some horses will prefer apple-flavored alternatives.

Pros

• Addresses 61 species of parasites and worms.
• Contains ivermectin and praziquantel

Cons

• No simple administration syringe
• Bland flavor

 

Durvet Duramectin Equine Wormer

The six-pack of doramectin paste that comprises Durvet Duramectin Equine Wormer has the same active component as ivermectin pastes. It is affordable compared to other rivals when purchased in packs of six, but the flavor is basic rather than the apple flavor that horses like.

Also, despite the fact that ivermectin paste treats a wide range of worms and parasites, it is not known to be effective against tapeworms, thus you will need an extra solution if you need to eliminate this parasite.

Pros

• Multipacks are cheap
• Appropriate for gestating mares and breeding stallions

Cons

• Ineffective versus tapeworm
• Plain taste

 

Intervet Safeguard Horse Dewormer

Intervet Safeguard Horse Dewormer is a 10% fenbendazole wormer that comes in a syringe for simple administration and is available in a variety of paste strengths. The paste may be applied to all horse breeds and sizes. It may be administered to mares as well as underweight and elderly horses.

It can also be administered to dairy cattle. It is effective against a variety of parasites and worms, including strongyles and pinworms, but not tapeworms. To eliminate all forms of parasites, you will need one extra wormer.

The apple cinnamon paste gel is more appetizing than basic tastes, which, in conjunction with the syringe, makes it a pretty simple wormer to administer to a horse.

Pros

• Can be administered to pregnant mares and stud stallions
• The flavor of apple cinnamon is acceptable.

Cons

• Does not combat tapeworms

 

Pfizer Equimax Horse Wormer

Pfizer Equimax Horse Wormer is composed of 1.87 percent ivermectin and 14.03 percent praziquantel. This enables the wormer to combat ascarids and strongyles in addition to tapeworms and bots. It has been particularly efficient against the most prevalent kind of tapeworm, perfoliata. Equimax maintains a 100% effectiveness rate against this specific parasite.

It is safe for foals as young as four weeks of age and may be administered to elderly and underweight horses. It is also safe to provide to pregnant and breastfeeding mares and breeding stallions.

One syringe of the paste gel is sufficient for a horse weighing up to 1,320 pounds. However, the wormer is more costly than others and does not have apple-cinnamon flavoring, so many horses will reject it.

Pros

• Contains ivermectin and praziquantel
• Combats tapeworm

Cons

• Bit expensive
• Plain flavor not appetizing

Buyer's Guide

Worms and intestinal parasites are the most prevalent illnesses affecting horses. They can cause weight loss and colic, reduced development in foals, and respiratory issues. Worm control is therefore an essential aspect of horse ownership.

There is also a great deal of uncertainty and several fallacies around this topic. This article provides information on horse worms, how to pick the best wormer, and what qualities to look for.

How can horses become infected?

Normal for horses is the presence of parasites. During grazing, they can be taken up from the excrement of other horses and transmitted from one horse to the next. Therefore, horses that spend time with other horses or graze in pastures containing other horses are more likely to develop one of the several forms of horse worms and parasites that exist.

Because a pasture can remain contaminated for an extended amount of time, pasture cleanliness is one of the most crucial parts of a worm management program.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of worm or parasite, the intensity, and other variables, the symptoms might vary. In general, though, you should search for the following signs and, if any are present, do a worming test.

Worm symptoms to watch out for:

• Colic
• Diarrhea
• ruined coat
• Lethargy
• loss of hunger
• Loss of physical condition
• Weight reduction

Testing

If your horse exhibits indications of worms, a fecal egg count in conjunction with a blood test is the best way to establish their presence. This combination indicates not only if a horse has worms, but also the type of parasite and the degree of the infection.

The best methods for worm testing include:

• A fecal egg count is a measurement of the number of eggs present in the feces of your horse. It is measured in eggs per gram, or EPG, and reflects the number of worms in your horse’s stomach.
• A blood test analyzes the presence and concentration of certain substances in the blood. These compounds are released by parasites and indicate the presence of worms.
• There is also specific testing for tapeworms. These include an easy-to-administer saliva test, which is preferable to a blood test. They may be performed in the stable by you, making them less expensive and more convenient.

How to Control Vermin

Whether the presence of worms is determined by a fecal egg count, a blood test, or your personal diagnosis, certain activities can help remove the parasites and prevent their return next year.

The top methods for managing worms include:

• Testing — You should constantly be on the lookout for worm signs, and if any are present, you should do testing to determine their presence. Egg counts can be performed every 12 weeks, with an overall testing program consisting of tests every 2 weeks on average.
• Pasture Management – Parasites, eggs, and larvae can live for months in excrement and pastures. In reality, larvae pupate in the soil for approximately one month before emerging as adults, and grazing horses may readily consume these larvae. To avoid the spread of parasites in this manner, droppings should be removed at least twice or thrice per week, and ideally daily. To decrease the danger of contamination, limit the number of horses per acre to a maximum of two and rotate pastures and paddocks throughout the year.
• Scheduled Deworming – Incorporate regular deworming into your routine. Veterinarians advocate deworming every two months and propose rotating the dewormer used since parasites can develop resistance to particular medications and chemical components. Rotation prevents parasites from developing resistance, so each application will continue to be effective.

When Should My Horse Be Wormed?

Although parasites are quite frequent in horses, it is believed that only around one in five must be dewormed due to worm infestation. Therefore, testing is equally as crucial as real worming.

Examine your horse every two months. If the test is positive, a suitable dewormer should be administered.

Generally, foals can be dewormed as early as 4 weeks of age, while some medications do not advocate usage until 8 weeks. Ensure that the product you select is appropriate for the life stage of your horse, especially if you have a pregnant or nursing mare, an elderly or underweight horse, or a breeding stallion.

Common Worms and Parasites of Horses

The most prevalent types of horse parasites are:

• Ascarids – Large roundworms are most commonly seen in younger horses, and as your horse matures, he will gain immunity. They produce a clog in the horse’s digestive tract, which can result in poor health and diarrhea. As the ascarid grows in the horse’s lungs, it can potentially cause respiratory and breathing issues. Ivermectin is the most effective anthelmintic against this parasite.
• Bots – These do not often cause severe sickness, but they are discovered on the summer coat, in the stomach after grooming, and expelled in the winter.
• Redworms — Redworms are a serious problem as they reside in cysts over the winter and can cause harm to the stomach lining when they emerge in the spring. These are a leading cause of colic in horses, and numerous wormers have been shown to be effective against them. In addition to ivermectin, fenbendazole and moxidectin are regarded as effective wormers.
• Strongyles — Strongyles are present year-round and can cause artery wall damage, leading to blood clots and tissue death. Moxidectin and fenbendazole are known to cure encysted strongyles successfully.
• Tapeworms are abundant in the fall and may be diagnosed with a blood test, despite the fact that they can be difficult to find. At proper doses, praziquantel and moxidectin can be used to treat tapeworm.

Conclusion

Regular testing can be performed to confirm the existence of parasites, eggs, and larvae in horses and identify their species. Once you have determined the sort of worms that are present, you may select the most effective wormer to eliminate any current infestations. In addition to regular testing and worming, excellent pasture management offers the best chance of keeping a horse free of parasites.

You should select a wormer or combination of wormers based on the type of worms your horse is infected with. Utilize our evaluations to discover which wormer is best for you.

Panacur Equine Paste Horse Dewormer treats most parasites with the exception of tapeworm, is fairly priced and simple to give, and is thus our pick for the finest horse wormer on the market. Farnam Ivercare Horse Dewormer is less expensive, has an enticing apple flavor, and contains ivermectin, an effective treatment for a wide range of worms.

In the end, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) appreciate that you picked our website among dozens of others to read reviews of the best horse wormers. Hopefully, this article has assisted you in selecting the most suitable product.