What should I do if my horse’s fly bites are bleeding or open?
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Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your horse’s fly bites are bleeding or have opened up, the main thing is to stop further irritation, keep the skin clean and watch for signs that it’s becoming sore or infected. Fly bites can break the skin because of scratching, rubbing or repeated biting, and there may be more than one reason the area looks worse than a simple nip.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the bites are being rubbed by a rug, headcollar, noseband, field shelter, stable wall or fencing.
2. Look closely for broken skin, bleeding, scabs, swelling, heat or discharge.
3. Note whether your horse is stamping, head tossing, tail swishing or rubbing the area more than usual.
4. Check if the reaction is limited to one area or spread across the face, belly, legs, mane or tail.
5. Consider whether flies are worse at certain times of day, in certain fields or around wet, dirty or sheltered areas.
6. See whether the skin already looks sensitive, flaky or damaged from previous irritation.
7. Watch for signs the bite is not settling, such as increasing redness, a bad smell or persistent soreness.
Common Causes
Most often, bleeding or open fly bites are caused by repeated irritation from flies plus scratching or rubbing. Some horses react more strongly than others, so a bite that would be minor on one horse can become raw on another.
Sometimes the skin has been rubbed by tack, a rug or a halter, which can make a fly bite easier to open up. Mud, sweat and dirt can also make the area more uncomfortable and slow natural settling.
Less commonly, there may be a skin infection, an allergic-type reaction or another underlying skin problem making the area more fragile. If the skin keeps worsening or spreads, it’s worth getting it checked.
What To Do
Gently clean the area if needed, using calm, sensible hygiene and avoiding anything harsh that could sting or make the skin more irritated. Pat it dry rather than rubbing.
Try to reduce access to the area if your horse is rubbing, and check rugs, tack and turnout gear for anything that may be aggravating the skin. Keep the surrounding environment as clean and comfortable as you can, especially if flies are active.
Monitor the bite over the next day or two. If it starts to look less red and less sore, that’s reassuring. If it’s getting wetter, more swollen, more painful or more widespread, it needs further attention.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the skin is deeply open, keeps bleeding, looks infected, or your horse seems very uncomfortable. You should also seek advice if the reaction is spreading quickly, there’s marked swelling, or the problem keeps returning despite sensible fly-season management.
Products That May Help
For horses that are prone to fly irritation in summer, a simple fly-season care routine may help you stay on top of grooming, turnout and skin comfort.
Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care
Related Questions
Why do some fly bites on horses get so much worse than others?
How can I help my horse in fly season without irritating the skin?
When does a skin bite need veterinary advice?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.