How Much Does Deworming a Horse Cost?
Deworming a horse is a process where parasitic worms that live inside a horse are removed. Since these parasites feed on the nutrients that your horses are supposed to be getting, they make the horse feel weak and ill, and when a horse has worms, these horses will lose weight, lose their appetite and show symptoms such as vomiting. If left untreated, it may become fatal.
All horses should always be kept on a planned, managed deworming schedule to prevent these parasites from entering the horse’s system.
There are different ways to remove worms, but the most common way to remove these worms is via medication.
How much does it cost to deworm a horse?
On average, the cost of horse dewormers, such as tablets and pastes, can cost anywhere from $3 to $15 per dosage and brand. Refer to our table below to see what the most common horse dewormers will cost when purchased over the counter. The costs noted below will be for the medication only and won’t include any professional service fees.
Wormer packs, which will include a one-year supply, can cost $30 to $55.
To estimate, most horse owners pay about $30 to $75 per year to deworm their horse with medications. Experts recommend deworming at least once every three months.
The Conly Koontz Equine Hospital, located in Indiana, for example, charges $12 for each quantitative fecal egg count and $15.50 for each dewormer, essentially costing the horse owner $55 per year for all deworming sessions.
Dr. Mike on Just Answer said it would cost about $6 for a single dosage of Anthelcide or closer to $12 for a praziquantel product. A paste product, on the other hand, could cost about $5.
Brand | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Anthelcide EQ | $6 for single dose |
Bimectin | $4 for single dose |
Equimax | $13 for single dose |
Exodus | $6 for single dose |
Ivercare | $6 for single dose |
Panacur | $9 for single dose |
Quest | $12 for single dose |
Quest Plus | $12 for single dose |
Safe-Guard | $10 for 25 gm |
Strongid | $7 for single dose |
Zimectrin | $12 for single dose |
Zimectrin Gold | $12 for single dose |
What are the extra costs?
A vet that has to perform a fecal examination to evaluate if a dewormer is needed or if it is effective can cost $15 to $30, minus the veterinarian visit fee.
If you have to take your horse to a vet and/or you need a prescription-based medicine, then the costs can go up. Vet visits for most horses start at $75 and go up from there, depending on how far they have to travel and where you live.
Tips to know
Most horse dewormers can either be purchased at a local tack store, your vet or even online via a licensed medication retailer. These dewormers will be in plastic syringes for easy dosing, but they can also be purchased as granules as well, which are simply added to the food.
Parasites are the number one cause of medical colic, which in turn, can be a very high medical expense.
Depending on the brand, some may have to be taken every five weeks, while other products need to be administered every three months. Refer to the packaging to set up a managed schedule for your horse. Sticking to this strict schedule will prevent worm damage caused by the immature worms as they migrate throughout the horse’s body. Horse.com shows you how often a horse should be wormed.
1800petmeds.com says deworming is extremely important when the temperatures are warm and moist since this is the prime time when eggs can survive for months. In colder climates, most parasites will be killed by the cold, but it doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t deworm as some can linger around if the environment is right. The website also notes that no deworming product is 100 percent effective and it isn’t necessary to remove all parasite to improve your horse’s health.
Follow the dosage directions closely since underdosing may increase the survival.
Try to use a slow rotation by using one medication during the grazing season and another with different active ingredients for another season. Doing this prevents the development of resistance. If you were to stick to the same medication over time, worms may develop a resistance, making the medication ineffective.
How can I save money?
Name brands are going to cost more than the off brand. Some owners swear by certain brands and it’s always best to stick with a brand that works for your horse.
Many brands will offer multipacks, which can be up to 30 percent cheaper. If you plan on deworming every three months or so, then it may be ideal to purchase in bulk.
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