by Ginger Kazay

Created on: September 08, 2009

A sunburn on a horse can be as mild as a bright pink nose to a serious condition that can cover the horse in open sores and result in a painful death. Immediate treatment can prevent the more severe results from occurring.

Many people do not realize that any horse can suffer from sunburn. They may assume that sunburn only affects horses that are a light color or think that only "pink" areas like the muzzle will get a sunburn. Actually, horses that have never had a problem with the sun before can become photosensitive due to a change in pasturage. Some plants, if consumed while grazing, can cause even darker colored horses to develop a sunburn.

Home remedies for sunburn are varied and depend on the size of the affected area. A sunburned muzzle can be treated more easily that a back or side.

Small areas are easily treated with Vitamin E oil, tea tree oil, or jojoba oil. Just apply directly to the affected area. These are greasy and messy to apply; but, effective.

Aloe vera can also be applied by either mashing the raw plant pulp and applying it to the sunburned area or by buying a bottle of aloe vera gel and saving yourself some time and mess.

1% hydrocortizone cream can also be used on swollen, tender horseflesh and will bring fast relief. A nonprescription formula, called T-ZoN Equine Dermal Cream, combines 1% hydrocortizone with aloe vera, tea tree oil, and jojoba oil in a non-sticky easy to apply formula.

For large areas, a couple of gallons of fresh brewed tea can be liberally applied after it has cooled to lukewarm. Another home remedy for large areas, is 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts water. Once again, apply liberally. You can even soak cloth or sheets in either preparation and lay them over the affected areas. This keeps the liquid in contact with the skin, protects from further sun exposure, and cools the horse while it slowly dries.

If there is blistering or there are open sores, make sure the horse has plenty of extra water to prevent dehydration.

If there are any signs of infection or if the horse becomes weak or goes off his feed; call the local veterinarian immediately. There are some conditions that are too severe for home remedies.

Last, the best home remedy for a sunburn is - prevention. Summer blankets, fly sheets, hood and mask, access to shaded areas, all help prevent sunburn. Staying alert for the first signs of sunburn when a horse has had a change of pasturage, location, or diet can keep a horse that suddenly becomes photosensitive from getting a severe sunburn. You can even use zinc oxide and other sunscreens on sensitive areas of your horse; but, make sure they are fragrance free and hypoallergenic because an allergic reaction to them can actually make your horse more sensitive to the sun instead of protecting them.

Remember, a pain-free horse is a happy horse; and, sunburns hurt them just as much as they hurt us people.

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