When should I call the vet if my horse has open sores from rubbing? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse has open sores from rubbing, it’s sensible to call the vet if the skin looks infected, the sores are getting worse, or your horse seems very uncomfortable. Mild rubbing can happen with sweet itch and other fly-season irritation, but open skin can quickly become sore and may need proper advice on managing it safely.

There can be several reasons for rubbing, including sweet itch, fly bites, skin sensitivity, or irritation from tack, rugs, or grooming. You can often check the problem at home first, but it’s important not to assume it’s only one cause.

Things To Check

1. Check where the rubbing is happening, such as the mane, tail, dock, withers, face, or belly, as the pattern can give you clues.

2. Look closely for broken skin, scabs, swelling, heat, discharge, or any bad smell from the area.

3. Note whether your horse is rubbing more at certain times, such as after turnout, in the early evening, or after being brought in.

4. Check for signs of fly pressure, including stamping, tail swishing, head shaking, or restless behaviour.

5. Think about anything new, such as a different rug, shampoo, grooming product, saddle pad, or turnout routine.

6. Make sure the sore area is not being made worse by mud, sweat, damp bedding, or constant friction from equipment.

7. Watch whether your horse is eating, moving, and behaving normally, or whether they seem dull, painful, or reluctant to be handled.

Common Causes

Sweet itch is a common cause in fly season, especially if the horse is rubbing the mane, tail, or dock. Fly bites and general irritation can make the skin feel intensely itchy and lead to broken skin if the rubbing continues.

Other common causes include minor skin irritation from sweat, mud, grooming, rugs, or tack rubbing in one spot. Sometimes the skin starts off mildly irritated and then becomes sore because the horse keeps scratching it.

Less commonly, open sores can be linked with a skin infection or another underlying skin problem. That’s one reason it’s worth getting advice if the area is not improving or is looking more inflamed.

What To Do

Keep the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can without making it more irritated. Avoid harsh scrubbing and be gentle when handling sore skin.

Try to reduce rubbing triggers by checking rugs, grooming habits, turnout timing, and fly exposure. If the horse seems to rub mainly at dusk or after turnout, that pattern is useful to note for your vet.

Do not keep applying random creams or washes to open skin unless you know they’re suitable. If the sores are small and your horse is otherwise well, monitor them closely and make a note if they spread, ooze, or become more painful.

If sweet itch is a recurring issue, it can help to review your horse’s summer routine so you can spot patterns early and reduce repeated flare-ups.

When To Contact A Vet

Call your vet if the sores are spreading, bleeding repeatedly, producing discharge, or looking swollen and hot. Also get advice if your horse seems very distressed, the rubbing is severe, or the skin is not settling with sensible home care.

You should also speak to a vet if your horse is dull, painful, off their feed, or the sores are deep, large, or near the eyes or other sensitive areas.

Products That May Help

During fly season, a consistent routine can make day-to-day management easier, especially if your horse is prone to rubbing and skin irritation. A focused summer care collection may help support that routine alongside your usual hygiene and turnout management.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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