Brown horse with a white marking on its forehead, standing in a grassy field with another horse nearby.

Dewormers

Parasitic infections are an unavoidable reality for horses, but they can be easily managed with regular deworming care.

Three horses standing in a sunny paddock, one brown, one gray, and one dark brown.

Deworming: What to Know

Horses can become infected with internal parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, small strongyles and other parasites. While this is an unavoidable and natural occurrence, parasites can be easily managed through administration of dewormers.

Learn More About Deworming

Thin, malnourished horse grazing in a pasture with a barn in the background, highlighting parasite infestation impacts.

Recognize the Signs

Horses naturally tolerate a small number of parasites, and it’s impossible for horses to be completely parasite-free. Uncontrolled parasitic infections can result in clinical issues, especially in foals, yearlings, older, pregnant and immunocompromised horses.

Signs of Parasite Complications

Weight loss
Diarrhea
Colic
Poor growth
Coarse and dull coats
Potbellies
Excessive tail scratching

If you observe any of these clinical signs, consult with your veterinarian for additional testing and deworming protocol recommendations.

Partner With Your Veterinarian

Protecting your horse from internal parasites can be a complex task. Work with your veterinarian to conduct a fecal egg count by counting eggs per gram of feces. This will determine the frequency needed to deworm your horse. By working with your veterinarian, you can deworm more strategically.

Learn More About Strategic Deworming

Close-up of a brown horse wearing a leather halter with a nameplate, grazing on green grass.

Stay One Step Ahead of Parasites With Proper Management

To combat parasites, prioritize pasture management to ensure your horse is safely grazing.

Remove manure daily from stalls and run-ins, and weekly from paddocks
Be sure pastures and paddocks are well-drained and not overpopulated
Compost manure rather than spreading it on fields where horses graze
Use a feeder for hay and grain
Keep water troughs and feed bins clean

While parasite infections are a common occurrence in horses, you can control them through regular deworming. To choose the right dewormer for your horse, consider:

Your veterinarian’s recommendation
Age of the horse
Time of year

Choose the Right Dewormer for You

Related Products

Give Your Horse a Broad-Spectrum Advantage

ZIMECTERIN^® Gold (ivermectin 1.55% / praziquantel 7.75%) Paste controls 47 species and stages of parasites, including tapeworms.¹

Learn About ZIMECTERIN GOLD Paste

A Dewormer That May Be Used in Horses of All Ages

ZIMECTERIN^® (ivermectin paste) 1.87% is an effective dewormer with broad-spectrum control from internal parasites, and is safe for every horse.

Learn about ZIMECTERIN Paste

ZIMECTERIN GOLD IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: ZIMECTERIN GOLD has not been tested in foals younger than 2 months of age, mares at or near the time of breeding, pregnant or lactating mares, and breeding stallions. There have been rare reports of swelling and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue following administration of ZIMECTERIN GOLD. This product should not be used in other animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result. Not for use in humans. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.

ZIMECTERIN IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Do not use in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result. Ivermectin and excreted ivermectin residues may adversely affect aquatic organisms. Do not contaminate ground or surface water. Dispose of the syringe in an approved landfill or by incineration. For more information, click here to see full prescribing information.

Choosing the Right Dewormer

You have options when it comes to a horse dewormer paste. Talk to your veterinarian to decide if ZIMECTERIN or ZIMECTERIN GOLD is right for your horse.