Treatment and Causes of Rain Rot in Horses, Dogs, and Cats

• I run my hands along each leg, paying particular attention to the ankles, joints, and underarms.
• If your animal has a tail that lays against the skin, be sure to check there as well.
• Be sure to check the face, neck, and under the chin.
• Floppy ears on dogs can also be a common location.
• When you find rain rot, it will feel like a scab. This scab should be removed because scabs prevent healing. The bacteria that cause this skin infection are anaerobic (they do not like oxygen), so they form scabs for protection.

Preventing Rain Rot

It is extremely difficult to prevent the spread of rain rot unless it is caught very early.

• If your animal has this condition or has had it in the recent past, do not share items that come into contact with the infected skin.
• For horses, this means brushes, leg wraps, saddle pads, girths, breast collars, or anything else that can come into contact with the skin of other horses.
• Wash all fabric items with hot water.
• Neoprene can be cleaned with a dilute solution of chlorine.
• As a general rule, each of my horses has his/her own set of brushes, saddle pads, girths, and breast collars. This helps prevent the spread of disease.
• In inclement weather, keep horses in barns, away from mud, ensure their bedding is always dry, and fill in muddy holes near gates.
• Each dog should also have its own collar, bedding, kennel, etc.
• In addition, good nutrition helps support a healthy immune system. Consult a nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure your animal is getting what he needs.
• Finally, it is possible to transfer rain rot to your own skin and, therefore, to your other pets. Be careful and wash your hands thoroughly after treatment.