What should I check if my horse has dandruff and itching? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse has dandruff and itching, the most useful first step is to check the skin and coat closely for irritation, parasites, dryness, or something in the environment that may be setting it off. It could be as simple as a change in coat condition, but dandruff and itching can also happen with flies, rubbing, sweat, mud, lice, mites, or a skin sensitivity.

It’s worth looking carefully before assuming it’s just a dry coat, because the best next step depends on what else you can see.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the itchiness happens after turnout, after grooming, after exercise, or at a certain time of day.

2. Look closely for red skin, scabs, broken hair, bald patches, thickened skin, heat, swelling, or discharge.

3. Part the coat and check for lice, nits, tiny moving specks, or signs of mites around the mane, tail, face, belly, and under the jaw.

4. Feel for areas of rubbing, especially the mane, tail head, dock, withers, chest, girth area, and under rugs or tack.

5. Check whether the coat is very dry, greasy, dirty, or flaky, and whether recent grooming products, washes, or rug changes could be relevant.

6. Think about fly season, midges, wet bedding, muddy turnout, and any recent changes in stable routine or grazing.

7. Look at the mane and tail for hair loss, broken hairs, or self-trauma from rubbing and stamping.

8. Note whether any other horses on the yard have similar signs, as that can sometimes point towards a contagious or environmental issue.

Common Causes

The most common causes are dry skin, coat changes, poor coat condition, or irritation from grooming, sweat, mud, rugs, or tack. These can all leave the skin looking flaky and make a horse rub.

Flies and midges are another common cause, especially in warmer months. Some horses react strongly to insect bites and will itch, rub, stamp, or swish their tail.

Parasites such as lice or mites can also cause dandruff-like flaking and persistent itchiness. Skin infections, allergies, and less commonly hormonal or other underlying health issues can also play a part.

What To Do

Start by keeping a simple record of where the itching is, when it happens, and what the skin looks like. A few photos can be helpful if the problem changes over time.

Keep the coat clean and dry as far as practical, and remove mud, sweat, or tack residue promptly. If the skin is already irritated, avoid over-washing or using strongly scented products, as these can sometimes make things worse.

Check rugs, grooming kit, and stable bedding for anything that could be causing rubbing or irritation. If flies or midges seem to be involved, focus on sensible summer management and reducing exposure where you can.

If you see signs of parasites, spreading hair loss, broken skin, or the problem keeps coming back, it’s sensible to get a vet’s advice so the cause can be identified properly.

Products That May Help

A gentle washing and coat-care routine can be useful when you’re dealing with a flaky coat or mild skin irritation, especially if you need to keep the skin clean without overdoing it.

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