During the wettest and muddiest periods of the year, it’s common for horses to suffer from issues like thrush in the hooves, mud fever in the pasterns, and scratches higher up on the legs. These conditions are often caused by moisture, dirt, and microorganisms that thrive in wet environments. Today, we focus on our product pH Minus – a pH-lowering spray that helps counteract these problems. We’ll go through the ingredients, how it works, and provide valuable tips on how to combine it with smart routines to keep your horse dry and protected.
The Ingredients in pH Minus – A Natural Formula for Horse Health
pH Minus is developed with carefully selected ingredients that work together to support hoof and skin health. Here’s an overview:
1Aqua (water): The base that makes the spray easy to apply and ensures even distribution.
Glycerin (plant-based, 1.5%): A humectant that keeps the skin hydrated without creating a moist environment that favors microorganisms. It helps prevent cracks in hooves and pasterns.
Panthenol (0.5%): Known for its soothing properties. It supports skin regeneration and improves hoof elasticity, which is perfect for irritations.
Zinc PCA (0.3–0.5%): Provides support against unwanted microorganisms and has a calming effect on inflamed skin.
Sodium Lactate (1.0%): Another moisturizer that contributes to pH balance and keeps the skin soft and protected.
Benzyl Alcohol and Dehydroacetic (0.9%): Natural preservatives that ensure the product’s longevity without irritating.
Lactic Acid (q.s. to pH 4.8–5.0): The key ingredient! It lowers the pH value to create an acidic environment that counteracts the growth of unwanted microorganisms in a natural way.
These ingredients are chosen to be gentle and effective, without unnecessary additives – ideal for sensitive horses.
The Effects of pH Minus – How It Protects Your Horse
pH Minus works by lowering the pH value to 4.8–5.0, creating an unfavorable environment for bacteria and fungi that cause thrush, mud fever, and scratches. The acidic environment inhibits the growth of microorganisms while the ingredients rehydrate and strengthen the skin. Unlike harsh chemicals, pH Minus supports the horse’s natural barrier, reducing the risk of infections in the frog (thrush), pastern (mud fever), and higher up on the legs (scratches). Apply the spray thinly 1–2 times daily on clean, dry areas such as under the hoof, the frog, frog grooves, or pastern – let it dry for 1–2 minutes for best effect.
Valuable Tips for Horse Owners: Counteract Thrush, Mud Fever and Scratches with Well-Thought-Out Routines
Thrush often occurs in the frog due to moisture and dirt leading to bacterial infections, while mud fever and scratches are skin inflammations that start in the pastern and can spread upward if not managed. Here are practical tips to counteract these issues by combining products like pH Minus with smart routines:
Daily Cleaning and Drying: Brush off mud and dirt from hooves and legs every day. Wash with a mild soap like propolis shampoo bar or chlorhexidine (2%), let it sit for 15 minutes, and dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Then apply pH Minus to create a protective acidic environment that counteracts microorganisms.
Create Dry Areas: During muddy periods, it’s crucial to give the horse access to dry spots. Drain pastures if possible, use dry bedding in the stall/shelter, and create protected zones with gravel and mats where the horse can stand and dry off. This reduces the moisture that causes the problems – combine with pH Minus for extra protection against infections.
Clip and Choose the Right Products: Horses with lots of hair above the hoof may need clipping to reduce moisture buildup, but keep it as protection if possible. Use pH Minus together with a greasy salve like mud fever salve to soften scabs and protect the skin. For severe cases, always consult a veterinarian.
Balanced Feeding for Strong Hooves and Skin: A balanced diet is fundamental to supporting your horse’s health from the inside. Deficiencies in minerals like zinc, biotin, and copper can weaken hooves and skin, making them more susceptible to thrush, mud fever, and scratches. Ensure your horse gets a diet that includes all necessary nutrients – supplement as needed to strengthen the immune system and promote regeneration. Our EQUNIQUE HoofBoost Mineral+ is a great choice, rich in biotin, zinc, and other minerals that specifically support hoof growth and skin health. Combine it with our Total Support for supporting the horse’s immune system for overall well-being.
Overall Health: Check the legs daily for early signs like redness or swelling. A holistic approach with good feeding, dry environments, and products like pH Minus provides a very good foundation. By combining pH Minus with these routines – such as cleaning, dry spots, and preventive products – you can effectively counteract thrush, mud fever, and scratches. It’s about creating an environment where microorganisms don’t thrive, while keeping your horse dry and clean.
Give Your Horse Good Protection
pH Minus is a simple but powerful solution to support your horse’s hoof and skin health during challenging periods.
Team EQ
