Sweet Itch Rugs

Which sweet itch rug is suitable for my horse?

Sweet itch rugs consist of a mesh fabric like a classic fly rug, but the mesh of sweet itch rugs is much finer. In addition, the sweet itch rug has a belly flap, which also protects the hairless vertebrae on the belly flap from insects. A neck piece protects the crest of the neck from irritation, which is a focal point for sweet itch horses and is often chafed and affected.
But not all sweet itch rugs are the same. Not all sweet itch rug designs, for example, have a full belly bib including a cover between the front legs. Instead, those styles are very generously cut and are held in place by belly straps. Some styles are equipped with genital protection, which is a great advantage for horses that react to insect bites with swelling in these hairless areas.
When buying a sweet itch rug, consider how it can be put on the horse. Sweet itch rugs with an integrated neck piece and belly bib are usually pulled over the horse's head like a jumper and then pulled back. Some horses find this way of putting it on okay. Other horses, as escape animals, are suspicious of this procedure, no matter how often you practise it. Therefore, for these horses, it is better to choose a rug that is put on and fastened like an ordinary fly rug. Experience shows, however, that horses quickly get used to slipping through the neck part of the sweet itch rug because they notice that it gives them relief.
In our online shop you will find different types of sweet itch rugs from Felix Bühler and THERMO MASTER. You can choose between sweet itch rugs with an integrated or removable neck section, with or without genital protection. For horses that should not or cannot be completely covered, a sweet itch mesh walker is suitable, which covers the neck, the upper back line and the tail, but otherwise leaves plenty of freedom of movement. Our range for sweet itch horses is completed with fly masks and care products for sweet itch horses.

How should a sweet itch rug fit?

A sweet itch rug sometimes stays on the horse for 24 hours, as flies and black flies swarm out until late in the evening. Therefore, the sweet itch rug must fit perfectly. If it sits crooked or tightens during movement, it cannot fulfil its full protective function. On the other hand, it can cause chafing, especially at the withers, which must be avoided at all costs. This is because wounds mean new entry points for bacteria and other germs.
The neck section of the sweet itch rug should be long enough to cover the entire neck, even when the horse lowers its head to graze. Ideally, the edge of the neck should be elasticated or can be attached to the head collar to prevent insects from crawling under the rug.
If the sweet itch rug has a belly flap, this should overlap generously on both sides.
For the best fit of the sweet itch rug, you should measure the horse correctly beforehand. The build of the horse also plays an important role. To determine the correct measurements, use a soft tape measure and measure horizontally from the centre of the chest to the end of the rump. Based on the measurement result, you can compare the appropriate rug size with the measurement tables that are provided with the respective product. There you will also find helpful service videos that explain how to take measurements.

What does a sweet itch sufferer need in addition to a sweet itch rug?

The best and most comprehensive protection to alleviate the symptoms of sweet itch, but also to prevent an outbreak, is provided by sweet itch rugs in combination with fly repellents. Sweet itch rugs shield the horse over a large area and also protect hairless areas such as the belly or genital area. A fly mask completes the all-round protection.
In addition, you can use care products for sweet itch sufferers that treat severely irritated or chafed areas, which are usually the dock and crest of the neck. When treating sweet itch horses, it is important to use the care products regularly. The reason is that it is not a medicine or anti-allergic, but an externally applied care product that keeps the skin moist and supple, reduces dandruff, relieves severe itching and subsequently inhibits chafing. You should also stick with one product or product line over a longer period of time to ensure the best possible effect.
In addition, always seek the advice of your veterinarian!
In times of particularly high insect numbers, it is best to leave the horse in the stable or adjust the turnout to the insect activity. Especially in the evening hours, most swarms are on the move. At certain times or in humid regions, black flies, mosquitoes and horseflies can also swarm during the day. In this case, it is advisable to stable the horse all day.
In some cases sweet itch can also be caused by feed. For example, in imported horses such as Icelandic horses. These horses are not accustomed to the feed composition and nutrients of our latitudes. If the animals are not gently adjusted to the feed, the intestinal bacteria will overreact and the gastrointestinal flora will become imbalanced. And many intrinsic problems become visible externally, i.e. on the skin and in the coat. In addition to detoxification, a gentle and cautious change in feed should be started. Herbs, zinc cures and feed oils that support the skin and liver are recommended. In addition to linseed oil and milk thistle oil, you can also buy supplements for horses with sweet itch in our shop that specifically support the horse's skin and detoxification metabolism.
How to care for and keep a horse with sweet itch can be found in our guide to sweet itch.