The 15 Best Treatment for Rain Rot 2023 (Reviews & Guide)

Rain rot, also known as rain scald is a contagious bacterial skin disease that is commonly seen in horses, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits and other furry animals. It may look similar to fungal disease, but don’t get confused, the former is distinguished by bare spots on the skin. An obvious symptom is a crusty scab that envelopes the infected area. Eventually, as it dries, it creates a clump and peels off, thus leaves an unsightly bald mark on the parts of the neck, the head and the back. However, there is to need to worry about these things so long as you know the best treatment for rain rot. It also helps to know how it can be prevented.

Important Ways to Prevent Rain Rot

Indeed, it is always better to prevent it in advance than to cure it. There are some simple routines you can do. There are also necessary things you should provide in order to avoid rain rot and other possible infections among horses.

Grooming

According to study, mutual and regular grooming among horses demonstrates companionship; therefore, it is safe to say that they enjoy some ticklish brushing. Nevertheless, you should be aware which parts are sensitive to touch. Health-wise, it helps maintain a fine coat and skin. With daily grooming, you should also spot possible health problems before they worsen.

Additionally, sharing grooming tools with other horses may not be a very good idea since bacteria can possibly spread out. Buying some extra is quite costly but for the benefit of your animals, this shouldn’t be a big issue. Sterilizing the tools is another good (cheap) option if you are really out of budget.

Providing Shelter

When rainy season comes, providing the animals with a comfortable clean dry place would help them protect from various diseases. Rain rot is most expected when the animals are left out in the rain for a prolonged period of time. For farm animals, make sure you set up some lean-tos for them to shelter. Your barn should also be well maintained to ensure good health and safety. Furthermore, providing some waterproof blankets should keep them dry and away from containing rain rot.

Using Insect Repellants

Along with the rain are the insects. These pests sure contribute to infecting your farm animals with rain rot. With a wet environment and insect bites, they become more prone to carrying bacteria which leads to complications and other health issues.

A good solution would be using insect repellant. It does not only prevent your farm animals from having rain rot. It also safeguards them from a more fatal illness. You may feel that applying repellant to your horses’ skin is a lot of work. But you should remember that trying to cure something worst later could be more tiring and frustrating than it.

Top 15 Best Treatment for Rain Rot

Perhaps, despite some preventive measures, you still fail to fortify their immune system. Here are some products you should consider buying if you are dealing with rain rot with our farm animals. Other related products are also included.

Shapley’s Original M-T-G

The product was originally developed by a barber to cure human skin disorders. Surprisingly, it’s been proven effective for horse skin issues as well. This oil-based solution cures and revitalizes the damaged skin. In addition, it aids to grow hair back to normal.  Other dermatitis problems such as scratches, girth itch, sweet itch, dry skin, and hot spots have no escape with this treatment.

For bacterial skin problems like rain rot and even fungal related skin problems, Original M-T-G is a must try. It is also effective for dogs, cats, and livestock. For application, simply apply directly to the affected area with a good amount. It is best to apply it when the weather is cold or early in the evening to avoid sunburn.

Shapley’s Original M-T-G Plus Oil

With its protective results, this other variant of Original M-T-G has also been known by many. This oil provides relief for various kinds of skin problems. Moreover, it reinforces hair growth solution on manes and tales. It is guaranteed safe when applied on dogs, cats, small animals and livestock. Just like the original variant, M-T-G Plus yields the same great results with a refreshing twist. This one comes with a light herbal fragrance.

The application is no different with the original product. Just make sure to follow the instructions given at all times. Also, there is no need to rinse between applications.

Daily Coat Defense Preventive Powder

Coat Defense Powder is an all-natural, and beneficial solution that eliminates fungus, rain rot,  and odor. It kills fungus also bacteria and acts as a shield that repels skin as well as coat disorders.  Some of them are  Cannon Crud, Rain Rot, yeast infections, and also insect-related skin sensitivities.

It dries sweat, cleans dirt, and leaves your horse glowing. That means, foul odor problem can be easily dissipated. Bacteria and insect penetration can be greatly lessened. Most importantly, your horse can enjoy a comfy and fresh feeling. It’s a good alternative for soap. Other barnyards can also enjoy the same benefits. You can also try it to yourself. It’s safe.

Coat Defense Trouble Spot Paste Drying

As the name implies, Coat Defense Trouble Spot is a topical treatment that works best on the affected area. It combats summer sores, mud fever, scratches, sweet itch, rain rot, girth rot, proud flesh, girth galls and insect bite allergies. The paste reinforces the skin as well as coat with a non-moisture environment. Then, it amplifies healing. Its thick consistency allows to form a protective barrier from moisture and destructive elements.

Coat Defense features non-toxic ingredients:  arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, baking soda, cornstarch, witch hazel, oil or peppermint and hemp seed oil. It’s guaranteed talc-free and, it contains no harsh and destructive chemicals.

Trouble Spot Drying Paste Coat Defense

A similar treatment to the dried paste for horses, this also works well with mild to severe skin conditions. It is proven to quickly heal scratches, rain and girth rot, insect bites, sunscald and other skin-related problems. The ingredients are proprietary blend of sodium bicarbonate, Maranta Arudinacea powder, Bentonite Clay, Zea Mays (corn starch), Peppermint Oil, Hempseed Oil and Witch Hazel.

For application on heavily inflamed area, clean and dry it but do not pick off the scab. Just allow it to fall off naturally. Make sure to apply it on the skin and let it dry until the paste becomes white. Leave if it for two days. If it’s not completely healed, do the same steps.

Coat Defense (Grooming Powder and Dry Shampoo)

Here is another product from Coat defense. Coat Defense Grooming and Dry Shampoo is used to terminate rain rot, fungus, bad odor and bacteria. It also helps in drying the horses’ sweat and cleaning the dirt around their bodies. This dry formula is imbued with less mess talc-free powder and is 100% non-toxic.

Just like the Daily Coat defense preventive powder, it also treats moisture related skin problems. This works fast and you can easily see the result in just one application. When applying it, there aren’t any necessary things to use. No Gloves? No worries, it is completely harmless.

Equiderma (Skin Lotion for Horses)

Equiderma Skin Lotion is an effective formula that works on rain rot, scratches, Mallenders, mane and tail itching, sweet itch, and summer sores. It also works on dandruff, cannon bone, ear and face crud, midline belly scabbing, hair loss, ringworm and many other fungal and bacterial skin infections.

It gives a quick and painless result. For rain rot concern, a proper application will ensure a fast recovery of at least three days. It smells great, too. The fragrance from the essential oil of lavender plant treats your horse with aromatherapy. For preventive measures against diseases, it is best used before winter or when spring begins.

Equiderma Mane, Tail, & Coat Conditioner with Neem & Aloe

Equiderma Neem & Aloe – Mane – Tail – Coat Conditioner is scientifically formulated with Castor Oil, Jojoba, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Neem Leaf and Neem Seed Oil. These are essential to help fortify, sooth, soften and revitalize your lovely pet’s skin, mane, tail coat. Surely your pet will look sleek and vibrant all day.

This naturally hydrating conditioner aids in maintaining a healthier, more glowing skin, thus dryness, itching and flaking are easily eliminated.  Dermatitis like rain rot, mane and tail itching, are also some of the many it can cure. Simply apply and massage it into the horse’s mane and tail, soak for at least 5 minutes and rinse.

No Thrush First Ever Dry Formula

No Thrush is a safe, non-caustic, all-natural formula that works well on scratches, mud fever and rain rot. Thrush is definitely a tough and invasive bacterium, but with Thrush formula, this bacterium has no escape. While this treatment helps kill all the bad bacteria, it also makes sure to regenerate the damaged tissue.

To achieve the best result, you need to use a brush or pick to clean the hoof and set dry before dusting off. Make sure to apply it thoroughly between crevices and hoofs. And do it once a day for 1 week. If you want to prevent hoof rot, you can apply it every 7-10 days.

Eqyss Micro-Te k Equine Spray

A non-steroidal treatment, Eqyss Micro-Tek Equine Spray spontaneously soothes upon application. This spray medication is practical for various kinds of skin irritations. Once applied, you will see an immediate result. The biting, itching, scratching and rubbing, irritated skin or itch due to sweat or summer will gradually decrease. It will continue until the affected areas fully heal.

It is important to note that this is possible to apply even on the genital section. And it won’t irritate nor worsen the infection. It is safe, effective, and good for all kinds of horses. It is made of high-quality ingredients and is Ph-balanced formulated.

Corona Ointment for Horses

A leading horse wound care ointment, Corona does what it advertises. Thus, it is considered as one of the best treatments for rain rot and other skin diseases.  This ointment has been proven effective in promoting natural healing for dermatitis and wounds. It also heals burns, chapping, sores, dry skin, and minor cuts. It comes with lanolin-based formula that provides soothing reaction on the infected skin.

There is no need to worry on the cracking and drying of skin as these are gently prevented. Moist, dirt and insects can be very troublesome for your horse dermatitis condition.  But thanks to this miraculous ointment, these intrusive elements can be easily fended off.

Vetericyn Plus (Antimicrobial Wound and Skin Care)

Vetericyn Plus is a pain-free solution that thoroughly cleanses and heals wounds and other skin-related ailments like rope burn and saddle wounds. It also helps in relieving irritated or itchy skin caused by diseases or bacteria. This veterinary-recommended solution for barnyard animals and pets has all the good qualities. When applied, it does not sting or burn, does not stain garments, and does maintain a clean wound. Basically, it’s safe to use even if accidentally ingested because it is non-cytotoxic.

Also, it has no antibiotics or steroids so there is no need to worry about negative reactions. The product is manufactured in an FDA-registered facility and bottled under strict supervisions and international standards in the USA.

Happy Horse (Chlorhexidine Shampoo)

Happy Horse Chlorhexidine Shampoo is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial shampoo. It is medicated and contains 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate which is effective enough to stop unwanted growth of microorganisms and bacteria.  Skin related problems like rain rot, rain scald and others are also treated. With regular use, expect your horse to transform beautifully with healthy skin and shiny coat.  Other animals like foals, dogs, and cats can benefit from the said shampoo, too.

This mega sized 320z bottle Chlorhexidine shampoo gives twice the result of other medicated shampoo with the same price. Surely, your grooming activity won’t fall short of satisfaction.

Duvet Pierce’s Nu-Stock Ointment (For all Animals)

This non- toxic ointment contains no steroids. It terminates mites on contact, stops itching in a flash, promotes hair growth and regrows hair on old wounds.  For dogs and small animals, it treats red mange, ringworm, ear mites, hot spots and scabies. For farm animals like horses, it can cure cuts, bruises, burns, rain rot and other skin problems.

This product has been tested and proven effective for over 50 years now. And it can help in healing wounds and skin irritation fast. Before applying it on the affected skin, make sure you shake the formulation well. Also, don’t forget to cleanse the area before you apply it.

Purishield Wound Spray

A proudly made product by Purifect Technology, Purishield Wound Spray is a first aid treatment and veterinarian recommended. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, non-stinging and non-staining. This is used on horses and livestock. It is also used on dogs and cats with wounds, scratches, saddle sores, girth galls, burns and other skin disorders.

This deep-penetrating formula works in cleansing and easing the pain or itchiness of the inflamed area. Purishield Wound Spray does three amazing things. First, it supports naturally occurring immune response and normal tissue regeneration. Second, it protects skin from germs, dirt, debris, water insects and other unwanted elements. Lastly, it does not damage, live, healthy or broken tissue.

Conclusion

There is no question that the biggest concern in raising horses as livestock or pets is health. Having a deeper understanding of animal welfare should greatly help us in reducing our stress and worries with these recurring challenges. Going beyond and providing some extra care wouldn’t really hurt. Nonetheless; we can’t expect these animals to be in great condition always.

We’ve got some good solutions still and with the available treatments we have in the market, they should suffice. Looking for a veterinary recommended formula is your best option though. Rain rot is just one of the many problems you may encounter. Let’s get these adorable horses out of misery. We love them, don’t we?