Animal

We’ve seen first hand how seasonal changes — especially the transition into warm, wet weather — significantly increase the risk of skin disorders in horses. Whether your horse is in daily work, turned out on pasture, or stabled part-time, this time of year presents ideal conditions for microbial overgrowth, inflammation, and damage to the skin barrier. But early prevention, coupled with the right topical support, can make all the difference. Let’s explore the most common skin conditions treated during this time of year, why they occur, and how you can protect your horse before problems take hold. 🌧️ Why Summer Skin Problems Spike 🌧️ When heat meets moisture, you create a skin environment that is: Warm (ideal for fungal and bacterial growth) Humid (reduces evaporation, keeping skin wet longer) Often dirty or contaminated (especially in muddy paddocks or from sweaty tack) These conditions weaken the natural acid mantle of the horse’s skin — a thin protective film that defends against pathogens and helps maintain hydration. Once this is compromised, horses become vulnerable to irritation, infection, and inflammation. ⚠️ The Big Three: Conditions to Watch Closely 🔸 1. Mud Fever (Pastern Dermatitis) This is not just a mud problem — it's a complex, often painful skin reaction driven by bacterial invasion, typically Dermatophilus congolensis and Staphylococcus species. Common Signs: Crusty, scabby lesions on the lower legs (especially the pastern and fetlock) Sensitivity to touch, heat, and swelling Lameness in more advanced cases Contributing Factors: Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy ground Poor drainage in paddocks or turnout fields Feathered breeds (cobs, draft horses) with heavier leg hair trapping moisture Tip: The key is to clean the area without over-stripping the skin’s natural defences, followed by a topical barrier and antimicrobial treatment. 🔸 2. Fungal Irritations (Ringworm, Yeast, and Mould Overgrowth) Fungi thrive in moist, dark, poorly ventilated areas — such as under girths, rugs, or manes. While ringworm (a contagious fungal infection) is often seen in younger or stressed horses, other fungal overgrowths such as Malassezia or Candida can also emerge in warm, damp skin folds. Common Signs: Circular patches of hair loss Flaky skin with or without itching Poor coat condition and persistent rubbing Tip: Treating the infection is only part of the equation — reducing moisture, sweat, and heat retention is essential for recovery and prevention. 🔸 3. Barrier Breakdown and Friction Sores When the skin is constantly wet or softened, it becomes more susceptible to: Friction from tack, leading to girth galls or saddle sores Reaction to rugs, especially in sensitive-skinned breeds Allergens or irritants, such as plant resins or bedding dust Common Signs: Raw, hairless patches Mild swelling or redness that worsens after riding Delayed healing even with minor cuts or grazes Tip: Regularly assess skin integrity, especially in areas where equipment contacts the skin. Look for early signs of maceration (whitening or sogginess) which can precede more serious irritation. 🐴 Your Wet-Weather Essentials:  To effectively prevent and manage these conditions, we consistently recommend products that: Cleanse without disrupting the microbiome Soothe inflammation and restore skin balance Provide a natural, breathable protective barrier ✅ Botanica Cleansing Wash This herbal blend is gentle yet effective at lifting away: Mud and dirt Bacterial contaminants Sweat and sebaceous build-up It’s particularly useful post-turnout or post-exercise, especially when skin is already under stress. Unlike harsh detergents, this wash supports the skin’s native flora while promoting cleanliness. ✅ Botanica Anti Itch Cream 550ml Formulated with healing botanicals and soothing agents, this cream addresses: Redness and sensitivity Mild microbial overgrowth Broken or healing skin Found especially useful in cases of pastern dermatitis, under-rug scalding, and post-fungal treatment where skin needs support to regenerate. 🔬 Why Botanica Works:  Natural antimicrobial herbs provide gentle yet potent protection Non-steroidal and free from irritants — ideal for sensitive horses Proven in both preventative care and recovery protocols Used together, these products form a comprehensive defence system — cleansing away contaminants and helping to rebuild the skin’s natural strength and resilience.   Prevention is easier than treatment. Your horse’s skin health is worth the investment. 👉 [Shop Now – Offer Ends Soon]

  3 WEEKS TREATMENT - ONE YEAR OF PROTECTION     1.    Dilute Cleansing Wash with warm water about 20:1 (Feel free to make it a bit stronger if you like)   2.    Clean the infected area thoroughly removing dry and dead skin   3.    After cleaning the affected area with the Botanica Cleansing Wash leave for five to ten minutes as the wash itself is a medication                 (Do not rinse the Cleansing Wash off).   4.    Apply the Anti-Itch cream to the affected area massaging well in. (Repeat the application of the Anti-Itch cream after five minutes)   The animal should be treated once a day for the first five days. (Always wash first, then apply the cream.)   5.    The second week the Botanica Anti-Itch treatment is applied every second day.   6.    There should be no need for any rugs or covers as the Anti-Itch Cream and Cleansing Wash are natural insect repellents.   7.    If the animal is already itching, the Botanica treatment will give instant relief and stop any itching immediately.   8.     Repeat the treatment again for one week in mid to late July as August is a bogey month for Sweet-Itch.                          

The Natural Approach to Dog Grooming: Keeping Your Pet’s Skin & Coat Healthy with Botanica All-Natural Herbal Range As pet owners, we all want the best for our dogs—whether it’s their diet, exercise, or grooming routine. Keeping your dog’s skin and coat in top condition is not just about looking good; it’s essential for their overall health and well-being. At Botanica International, we believe in a natural approach to grooming, using the power of herbal ingredients to soothe, protect, and nourish your dog’s skin and fur.   Why Natural Grooming Matters Many conventional grooming products contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin. Dogs with allergies, dry patches, or skin conditions may suffer from unnecessary discomfort when exposed to these additives. Our range of natural grooming products is designed to provide gentle yet effective care, helping to maintain healthy skin without compromising on results.   The Botanica Difference: Herbal Solutions for Dogs Our specially formulated Botanica All-Natural Herbal range harnesses the benefits of Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender, Cedarwood, Comfrey, and Neem Oil—each ingredient chosen for its unique ability to calm irritation, promote healing without any scarring, and enhance coat condition. Botanica Small Animal Herbal Cream: Ideal for dogs with dry or irritated skin, this cream provides deep hydration and supports skin repair. Simply massage into problem areas to soothe discomfort and promote healing. Botanica Cleansing Wash: A gentle yet powerful wash that helps remove dirt, bacteria, and build-up while being kind to the skin. It’s perfect for dogs prone to hot spots, itchy skin, or minor wounds. Simply dilute, apply, and let it soak. Botanica 6-in-1 Spray: This multifunctional product conditions, detangles, adds shine, reduces dandruff, and soothes flaky skin—all while leaving a refreshing natural scent. A must-have for long-haired breeds or those prone to knots and matting.   How to Incorporate Botanica into Your Grooming Routine Step 1: Botanica Cleansing Wash Start with a Wash: Use the Botanica Cleansing Wash to remove dirt and refresh the skin, do not rinse as the Botanica Cleansing wash has many beneficial effects.   Step 2: Botanica Small Animal Cream Condition and Soothe: If your dog has sensitive areas, apply Botanica Small Animal Cream  to nourish and protect the skin, massage into affected area for maximum results.    Step 3: Botanica 6 in 1 Grooming Spray Keep the Coat Shiny & Healthy by spraying Botanica 6-in-1 Grooming Spray onto the coat before brushing to detangle, reduce static, and enhance overall shine.   Check for Skin Issues Regularly: Regular grooming is the best time to check for lumps, bumps, or signs of irritation. Using natural products helps to keep skin issues at bay.   Give Your Dog the Best with Botanica Botanica International is committed to providing cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and all-natural solutions that truly work. Whether your dog is an active adventurer or a pampered lap dog, our herbal products offer gentle, effective care for every coat type. Try the Botanica Small Animal Care Range today and experience the natural difference in your dog’s grooming routine!