When horses are in pain, owners often give them bute, which is an NSAID medication similar to ibuprofen or naproxen. Bute works well to relieve pain, but it can have some side effects when used for longer periods. So, if you have a horse who struggles with chronic pain due to arthritis or an old injury, you may prefer to use a more natural pain reliever. Here are a few natural supplements that tend to work well for horses in pain.
Frankincense
Frankincense is sometimes sold as an oral supplement to help relieve pain and inflammation in horses. It can be quite effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis in older horses. It's also a good choice for horses who struggle with pain due to heaves or other respiratory ailments because it can help open up the airways and reduce swelling in the lining of the airways. Frankincense is also thought to dull nerve pain, so it can work well for horses with neck and back problems such as kissing spine. Horse owners usually notice a reduction in pain symptoms within a few days of beginning a frankincense supplement.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw is a common anti-inflammatory supplement given to horses with back pain and arthritis pain. It is very gentle on the stomach and is often recommended when other medications and supplements have led to colic. Devil's claw can also have a calming effect on the skin. So, you may want to give it in the short term for a horse who is recovering from a painful cut, burn, or abrasion. Devil's claw is safe for most horses, but it can interact negatively with some antibiotics, so check with your vet before giving your horse this supplement in combination with an antibiotic.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice you may have in your own medicine cabinet. It is also a great natural pain reliever for both humans and horses. You can use it for arthritis pain or back pain, and people also use it for horses who struggle with gastric ulcers. It is thought to coat the stomach, relieving ulcer pain and helping the ulcers to heal. Turmeric should be fed with fat to ensure it is well absorbed. If your horse's feed is not high in fat, you can simply add a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil to their grain along with the turmeric.
Contact a local supply store to learn more about natural supplements for horses.
When my best friend needed a new home for a bird she had bought, she came to me because I didn't have any other pets. In the years since I took in what became the first of several birds, I have learned a lot about owning and caring for birds, and pets in general. I created this site to help prospective and new pet owners to understand the adventure that they are about to embark on. I hope that the information I share here will help you to feel better prepared as you start shopping for your own first pet.