What should I check if fly bites seem to be getting infected on my horse?
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If fly bites on your horse seem to be getting infected, the main things to check are whether the skin is getting more red, warm, swollen, wet or painful, and whether flies, rubbing or scratching are making it worse. It could be simple irritation, but it might also be a bite reaction or a skin infection that needs closer attention.
Things To Check
1. Look at the area closely for broken skin, scabs, discharge, crusting or a bad smell.
2. Feel around the bites for heat, swelling, tenderness or a firmer lump under the skin.
3. Check whether the horse is rubbing, stamping, biting at the area or reacting when you touch it.
4. Note whether the bites are in a place that gets a lot of fly exposure, such as the face, belly, sheath, udder, legs or tail area.
5. Think about whether mud, sweat, wet bedding or dirty tack is keeping the skin damp or irritated.
6. Check whether the horse has a temperature, seems off colour, or is less willing to eat or move normally.
7. Compare the area with older bite marks if you can, to see if it is spreading, thickening or changing colour.
Common Causes
The most common reason is simple fly bite irritation, where the skin stays sore because the horse keeps rubbing or scratching it. Sometimes the skin becomes broken and a minor surface infection can develop. In other cases, the horse may be having a stronger allergic-type reaction to fly bites, which can look more inflamed than a normal bite. Less commonly, there may be another skin problem underneath, such as rain scald, mud-related irritation or a deeper skin infection.
What To Do
Gently clean the area if it is dirty, then keep it as dry and clean as you can without overdoing washing. Try to reduce fly pressure by changing turnout times if possible, using rugs, masks or fly sheets as needed, and removing standing water or other fly breeding spots nearby. If the horse is rubbing the area, check for anything in the environment or tack that might be adding to the irritation. Keep a note of how the skin changes over 24 to 48 hours, especially if the area becomes more swollen, wet or sore.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the area is getting worse quickly, if there is obvious swelling, heat, discharge or increasing pain, or if the horse seems unwell. You should also get advice if the skin keeps breaking down, the horse develops a fever, or the bite area is not improving with sensible basic care.
Products That May Help
For horses that are sensitive to flies or summer irritation, a sensible fly-season routine can be useful as part of day-to-day management, especially when you’re trying to keep the skin clean and reduce repeated rubbing.
Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care
Related Questions
How can I tell if a fly bite on my horse is infected?
Why does my horse keep rubbing fly bites open?
When should I call the vet about a sore fly bite?
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.