Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by Georgie Smith
Few people that have no dealings with horses know that horses can get sunburned just like humans. The sunburn on the horse is tremendously sore and painful. From the burning rays of the scorching sun, your horse is at risk for more than just pain.
Skin damage on horses can quickly lead to neoplasia as well as stress and dehydration from the pain and heat a sunburn causes. Most adults do their best to protect both themselves and their children from the receiving end of a painful sunburn and various affiliated health concerns.
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However, many leave it up to the horse to find shading to protect itself and not lend a hand. Thanks to modern science and horse lovers, there are now many products available that treat and prevent sunburn for horses.
Common sense and sunscreen-type product tactics such as stabling your horses throughout the hottest times of the day helps ensure the horse’s safety. Make sure your horse has plenty of shade area to get to and shaded living environment.
Also, supplying the horse with the protective wear that is available now, such as visors, hats, and fly screens is a bonus. Each will reduce the level of discomfort that hits hard with the summer sun.
Sunburn Leads to Dangerous Issues in Horses
Sunburn in horses, or, Erythema Solare, is one of the most under-diagnosed medical issues with horses. The reason why is because most merely chalk it up as a farm-life summertime nuisance that is unavoidable.
Also, just as humans, if your horse does not have the proper sun protection for damaging UV rays, they too can suffer from more than just the discomfort. The following is a list of ailments that can happen if your horse has no protection:
- Skin damage
- Scarring
- Malignant skin cancer
- Excruciating discomfort and pain
With Summer Comes Insects
As if the risk of a nasty sunburn is not enough, there is more good news about summertime. With summer comes what everyone dreads – the biting and irritation of insects. When you add a bite to cracked, dry skin that comes with a sunburn, your horse will suffer.
With these bites, not only will your horse suffer, but it also leaves the opportunity for infection to set in. You may even begin to notice patches of missing hair, inflammation, pinkness or redness, and often seeping water blisters.
If your horse is a show horse, these conditions can result in scarring which will weaken the value and appearance of a show horse. As you can see, using high-quality sunscreen is well worth the time and money.
This article is going to help you choose one of the best-selling sunscreens available on Amazon. What we do is research several products, compare them, then select the top five to present to consumers. We make shopping easier for you. We don’t pick a favorite; we give the facts.
The 5 Best Sunscreens For Horses To Keep A Sunburn At Bay:
Lillidale Sunblock 4 Horses
First on the list is this Lillidale Sunblock 4 horses. It is a mineral powder made from natural ingredients that defends the horse by blocking all UVB and UVA rays. The product last at least 24 hours and is simple to apply with the provided sponge.
Thanks to the non-irritant, natural formula, the Lillidale sunblock produces a smooth coating that is nearly impossible to rub off. This sunblock is safe to apply to all areas that may be susceptible to sunburn. That includes areas that may already have damage due to the sun.
You will appreciate that the formula is non-sticky and does not attract dust or dirt. Not only is it waterproof, but it is also easy on the wallet as well. Do you like the sounds of this sunblock? If so, be sure to check out more by clicking here to go to the product’s main page. There are more details, pictures, and the way to order.
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The Blissful Horses Summer Care Butter All-Natural Sun Support for Your Horse
Pale or White horses are a sunburn waiting to happen. Even if your horse has large areas of white, i.e., stockings, blaze, or pinto coloring, it needs protection. Just as it is with light or fair-haired humans, horses with light coloring also need protection from harmful sun rays.
The Blissful Horse Summer Care Butter handcrafted in the US takes pride in all the right natural ingredients such as these:
- Castor Oil
- Shea Butter
- Olive Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Red Raspberry Seed Oil
- Zinc Oxide
- Almond Oil
- Argan Oil
- Neem Oil
- Cedarwood
- Ylang Ylang
- A sample of Essential Oils
- Lavender
There is so much more to this product other than the details above. Do you and your horse a favor and click here to find out more. The sunblock is effective, long-lasting, and affordable.
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Equiderma Zinc Oxide Paste for Horses, 16 Ounces Each
Next is a product that has one purpose, protecting skin from harsh elements. The Epuiderma Zinc Oxide Paste for Horses is more than a blocker; it is a healer and protector. The ingredients in the paste create a healthy situation and healing.
If your horse has damage from sunburn, zinc oxide is the perfect remedy. You can use the paste for first-aid when treatment is necessary of pastern dermatitis. You also can treat skin conditions that are the result of sunburn or sunlight hypersensitivity.
Once you apply the paste, it is there to stay and gives 100 percent sunblock protection that remains on even in rain or sweat.
You will want to go to the product page to find out more about this item by clicking here. You can also place a safe and secure order with Amazon.
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Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets
Next is the 4 oz. bottle of the product, Epi-pen Sun Protector Spray for Pets. This maker is one step ahead of the others because it is the only FDA-compliant sunblock for pets-including horses. Horses are not the only animals that need sunscreen; dogs do as well. This particular spray is not cat friendly.
The container has a “bag-on-valve” design to make spraying convenient at all angles for merely applying. To apply the protectant on your horse, be sure to cover the muzzle, forehead, ears, chin groove to prevent burning and swelling. Here are the unique features of the Epi-Pen Sun Protector:
- Quick and safe dry formulation
- Protects from UVB/UVA rays
- Non-oily and non-greasy solution
- Ultra-sweet and water resistant
- Vanilla fragrance
- Bag on the valve spray can
- Skin and coat conditioner
For the best sunblock for both your horse and your dog, the EPI-Pet sunblock should be close at all times during the summer heat. Click here to read plenty more details and place your order today.
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Horse Skin Treatment Cream
While this last item does not carry a label as a sunblock for horses, it is a product that is just as important. As you apply the sunscreen you choose for your horse, you will need a high-quality skin treatment cream.
As you know, It only takes just a few minutes of being in the scorching sun to realize you are burning. Now, imagine your horse being unable to let anyone know part of it is getting too much exposure. That is where this skin treatment cream is necessary.
When you see areas that are brittle and dry due to sunburn, apply this skin treatment cream to both block and heal. The cream has both organic and natural ingredients, including these:
- Olive and Heep Seed Oils
- Aloe Vera
- Coconut
- Manuka Honey
- Shea Butter
- Amino Acids and Vitamins A, B, C, E
- Blue Green Algae
Also incorporated into the cream is natural Antiviral, Antibacterial, and Anti-Inflammatory ingredients, making it the perfect healing power any horse needs. Be sure to read more about the importance of having a high-quality treatment cream always on hand here.
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Symptoms of Sunburn in a Horse
Horses are not precisely like humans when it comes to knowing they suffer from sunburn. The burn is not always as apparent with horses as it is with humans. You need to know the signs and symptoms to look for to be able to apply the proper treatment, these are:
- Redness or bright pink skin
- Dry, cracked areas
- Patches of missing hair
- Puffy-look or Inflammation
- Skin blisters that are weeping or unbroken
- Shy when bridling and difficult to saddle
FAQs:
Q: How simple is it to diagnose a sunburn on a horse?
A: Due to the horse’s behavioral change and obvious symptoms, you are usually able to diagnose the problem quickly.
Q: Is there a product I can use to soften the burnt skin?
A: Many people rely on Desitin, a baby diaper rash medicine that works just fine
Conclusion
Most people reading this at one time in their have suffered from sunburn. It’s painful, discomforting, and difficult for horses as well. Take the time to invest in a high-quality sunblock for your horse to prevent painful burns that can easily turn into something deadly.
Thank you for reading our article. We would love to hear some feedback from you by posting us a comment below. While you are here, help us spread the word by clicking “like and share”.
