Fall Deworming and Vaccinating Your Horse with Calvenza: Essential Tips from Dixie Vet Clinic
As the seasons change in St. George, Utah, horse owners need to prioritize the health and well-being of their equine companions. Fall is a critical time to focus on both deworming and vaccinating, setting your horse up for a healthy and productive winter. At Dixie Vet Clinic, we recommend a comprehensive fall wellness plan, including vaccinations with Calvenza and strategic deworming to protect your horse from potential health risks.
As the weather cools and pasture conditions change, parasites and viruses can become a bigger threat. Deworming and vaccinating are essential to minimize the risks of disease and ensure your horse is in peak condition.
Deworming: Controlling Parasites
Horses naturally pick up internal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and bots from grazing. In the fall, parasite levels tend to peak, making deworming particularly important.
Fall Deworming Tips:
- Fecal Egg Count: Before deworming, consider having a fecal egg count done by your vet. This test identifies the type and level of parasitic infection, allowing for a targeted deworming approach.
- Rotating Dewormers: Use a dewormer appropriate for the parasites identified. In the fall, many vets recommend using a product that targets encysted small strongyles, bots, and tapeworms, which can thrive in colder months.
- Custom Deworming Plan: Not all horses require the same deworming schedule. Age, grazing habits, and previous parasite loads should influence your horse’s deworming regimen.
Vaccinating with Calvenza: Guarding Against Respiratory Illness
Respiratory infections can become more prevalent in the fall as horses transition to indoor living or come into contact with new horses at events or shows. One of the most effective ways to prevent respiratory diseases, such as equine influenza and equine herpesvirus (EHV-1 and EHV-4), is by vaccinating with Calvenza.
Why Calvenza? Calvenza is a versatile vaccine that helps protect against both equine influenza and herpesvirus, which are common threats in fall and winter. These viruses can lead to serious respiratory illnesses, hindering your horse’s performance and potentially causing long-term health issues.
Vaccination Tips:
- Timing: Administer the Calvenza vaccine in the fall before your horse is exposed to new environments, such as stables or events where they may encounter other horses.
- Booster Shots: If your horse is frequently exposed to new horses or travels often, they may require booster shots for enhanced protection.
- Annual Check-Up: Fall is an ideal time to schedule an overall wellness exam. A full check-up, combined with vaccinations and deworming, ensures your horse is ready for the months ahead.
Setting Your Horse Up for Winter Success
Fall preparation is about more than immediate health—it’s about building resilience for the colder months. A properly dewormed and vaccinated horse is better equipped to handle the stress of winter and maintain peak condition.
At Dixie Vet Clinic, we’re here to help you develop a customized fall health plan for your horse. Whether it’s identifying the right dewormer, scheduling vaccinations like Calvenza, or offering routine health checks, our expert team is dedicated to keeping your horses healthy year-round.
Contact us today to schedule your horse’s fall wellness appointment and ensure they’re prepared for a healthy winter!
For more horse health tips, follow our blog or visit us at Dixie Vet Clinic in St. George, Utah!