Horse Immunity

What Causes a Weakened Immune System in Horses ?

Lyme disease, leptospirosis, piroplasmosis, stress, age, environment, and diet are all factors that can compromise a horse’s natural defenses.

Immunosuppressive Diseases

Leptospirosis, piroplasmosis, and Lyme disease are chronic conditions that weaken the horse’s immune system. These illnesses reduce the body’s ability to defend itself and can lead to long-term immune fatigue.

Stress: A Major Threat to Immunity

Chronic stress has a profound impact on horses, reducing the efficiency of immune cells and their ability to fight disease. Stress can result from environmental changes, intensive training, or poor daily routines.

As a consequence, the respiratory system, gut microbiota, and overall metabolism become more vulnerable to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, often leading to reduced vitality.

Age: A Natural Decline in Immune Response

With age, the horse’s immune system becomes less efficient, reducing its ability to defend against external threats. Aging increases vulnerability to infections and chronic diseases.

Senior horses require special care and attention to support their immune defenses and compensate for this natural decline.

Contact With Other Horses

Interaction with other horses, particularly in stables or during competitions, can weaken the immune system. Exposure to new pathogens increases the risk of disease, especially if horses are not properly acclimated to new environments.

Nutritional Deficiencies: A Serious Imbalance

An unbalanced diet lacking essential nutrients, trace elements, vitamins, and minerals can significantly weaken the horse’s immune system. Nutritional deficiencies or lack of appropriate supplementation reduce the body’s ability to fight external aggressions.

A poorly nourished horse quickly loses energy and vitality, making targeted supplementation essential to maintain immune strength.

Which Supplements Help Strengthen the Horse’s Immune System ?

To support your horse’s immune system, natural supplements from La Boutique de l’Arbalou are highly effective. Their formulations are based on phytotherapeutic ingredients known for their beneficial effects on equine immunity:

• Echinacea: stimulates white blood cell activity to help fight pathogens
• Spirulina: rich in essential nutrients that support immunity
• Propolis: helps protect against infections
• Vitamin C (Acerola): supports immune function, reduces fatigue, and protects against oxidative stress
• Vitamin E: antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals
• Selenium: supports immune function and protects cells from oxidative stress

Natural Immune Support from Arbalou Soins

Products such as Arbalou Echinacea, Arbalou Spirulina, Arbalou Herbal Immunostim, and Arbalou Activimmun are natural supplements designed to strengthen the horse’s immune defenses preventively.