Colleen sent this in, which fortunately has found lots of horse arthritis supplements suggestion in the comments.
At first glance you might think Colleen is joking. But I have news for you as you read on.
Remember the WD40 tip to get those ‘sticky’ plants out from your horse’s main and tail after a good ride?
Well that prompted Colleen to send this:
“Hi,
I have used “WD40” before but not on the mane and tail.
My sons horse had a touch of arthritis and by spraying the “WD40” daily on the affected joint for a week and allowing to soak in, the horse was able to compete in dressage and cross country events successfully winning many prizes.
Not bad for an arthritic horse.
Colleen”
Sounds mad, doesn’t it. But I published it because I have an arthritic hip. So a while back, I read a book on arthritis. And one of the remedies that is growing in popularity is…WD40. Crazy.
Anyhow, turns out it’s a really bad idea. Don’t do it. As you’ll read in the comments there are lots of natural horse arthritis supplements.
So how come this myth is out there? Why are people putting using it on themselves, and in Colleen’s case, their horses?
I got this in from SJ, that sheds a lot of light on horse arthritis supplements:
“It wasn’t long after WD40 hit the market that someone noticed that it seemed to relieve joint pain in hands and wrists, and then after experimentation, discovered it worked also on feet and ankles. It became an underground home remedy. Why?
Well the ingredients have always been proprietary, but someone did enough reverse engineering to discover that WD40’s magic (on things rusty and recalcitrant as well as aching joints) was due to its main ingredient, DMSO, a byproduct of the paper making industry.
So now knowledgeable people do NOT use WD40, as it also contains some stuff that ain’t so good for you. Instead, they do as I do–go to the feed supply store. DMSO is about $7 a pint. AND–it is approved for use on animals.
Any horse owner will tell you it relieves sore ankles, hocks, and whatever else horses have that gets sore. Most vets prescribe or recommend it. But it is NOT approved for human use, even though it works the same way. And that is, of course, because big business can’t patent it and make a fortune. That’s the truth behind horse arthritis supplements too.
But someone just recently did introduce a pain reliever based on DMSO. We’ll see how long before the PC police prosecute him. (I get mine at a local farm supply store–it is clearly marked, Not for Human Use!
But, when the gout gets real bad, and the cherry juice doesn’t help any more, I manage to spill some DMSO on my hurting foot and a short time later–voila! The pain is greatly reduced). So there is good reason NOT to tell people about WD40, but also good reason to tell people about DMSO.”
So there you go.
Please do leave a comment below if you have a suggestion for a horse arthritis supplements suggestion.
And don’t forget, there are hundreds more posts like this on the blog.
Best
What is WD40? I’m from South Africa so maybe it has another name here?
I’m also from South Africa and has been wondering about the same thing. Sounds like engine oil to me.
I think it is Q10 here in SA
Wouldn’t use it on my horses though
It’s different than engine oil. My mother inlaw uses it for arthritis and swellings and sprains.
May also be known as dwr or dwr50
it penetrating lubricant for rusted or stuck bolts or things of that nature
It is like a type of oil that helps with rust.
wd40 is a lubricating spray. it is like spray grease. mainly used on machines of all sorts to loosen up bolts, or grease chains.
“Toxic” is what WD40 is….just sayin’
WD40 contains Petroleum Distillates: Harmful or fatal if swallowed or if spray mist is inhaled.Skin contact: wash with soap and water.Inhalation (breathing):remove to fresh air, give artificial respiration or oxygen if needed.Contents Flammable.
I agree with you Dee WD40 is toxic.
WD40 stands for “Water displacement 40”. It’s a lubricant used to loosen rusted nuts and bolts and can be found just about everywhere here in the U.S. I don’t have any idea if it’s found in South Africa but you could check the local auto parts store or hardware store in your area.
I guess it works on old joints in people and animals too. 😀
Its called WD-40 in South Africa too.
Its an all-purpose cleaner/lubricant/moisture & rust protector.
I think Q10 and Q20 are different products with the same purpose.
Hi Maureen. WD40 is a lubricant use to free sticky parts and also a water repelant in the engineering industry. It is used on , not in engines. It is available at a any automotive outlet.
In South Africa we have a product called ” ICE MAN” available at your farm outlet that works like a charm.
I am also from South Africa and have been in the horse game for 27 years.
Regards 😛
I am from SA and wb40 readily available – in the car section.Good household oil suitable for all those creaky cupboards.
Peanut oil is probably a safer alternative to WD40. An orthopedic surgeon told me about using it for sore joints.
What is WD 40 Sorry dont know
fior those not familiar with the product here is their web site. never tried it for joints but it works great for a lot of other projects
http://www.wd40.com/
🙁 OMG I cant believe people would do this! If you want to help your horse that is getting arthritic try gluscomine and chodroitin 50/50. Yes it might cost but it works. I have cured horses ,dog and yes people usingthis along with easy exercise in the most severe cases. Come on people why would you put a poisonous substance on your body to be absorbed into the muscle .It is nothing but a slow death!! Geat real!
I totally agree with you! Glucosimine and Chondroitin are a much safer alternative and they work! Acupuncture is incredible in helping arthritis in horses too! I would avoid putting chemicles on a horse!
Add to that, pure MSM, if knocks out inflammation, and rebuilds cell tissue. It cleared up my mare’s laminitis and was comfortable in a week. It’s good for humans too. I would be afraid WD40 would cause cancers, blood cancers.
I have heard that this works as well and I have tried it because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and yes it did help quite a bit for the pain BUT I mentioned this to my doctor and my rheumatologist and both had told me to stop using it because it can cause cancer and has other hazards as well linked to it and since I am a breast cancer survivor I stoped using it. All I can say is be careful and PLEASE use caution when using this as an aide for arthritic pain or any other type of pain as well. I VOTE NO!!! Do not use it.
I agree with the toxicity. you can though use Vicks vapor rub. I know, sounds crazy but I have used it on myself. I first saw it used on an Arabian farm to sweat a cuncusion curb on a young stallion. It is messy, but sooths pain as well as subdueing congestion in the tissue . That young arab had a huge curb in March, by 4th of July weekend he went regional jr champion stallion. He also (with his brother and sister) won get of sire .
My tennis elbow ,knees and ankles love it .Just last night I used it on a severe muscle cramp.
as to yesterdays nervous horses he is right , the worst I ever had to break was a big 2yr old whose old owner never made a loud or quick move around her . Everything scared her until we desensitized her to things like jingled keys.
Thanks!!! I was really worried and i don’t think i would ever use this… but I was looking for somewhere where a professional(doctor,vet,ect) had said that it shouldn’t be used… I vote with you!
Never put anything on your skin that you wouldnt eat! The same goes for horses. Whatever is absorbed has to be processed by your inernal organs toxins and all.
WD40 is made from fish oils.
No, it’s not in fact…
WD-40’s formula is a trade secret. The product is not patented, to avoid completely disclosing its ingredients.[3][5] WD-40’s main ingredients, according to U.S. Material Safety Data Sheet information, are:
51% Stoddard solvent
25% liquefied petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant; carbon dioxide is now used instead to reduce WD-40’s considerable flammability)
15+% mineral oil (light lubricating oil)
10-% inert ingredients
Would you seriously put solvent on a horse with arthritis?
I am not sure about the wd-40 solution either…..I personally use dmso on injuries to my horse.
just remeber that DMSO’s major property is to carry anything on the skin straight into blood and tissue.small quantities w/good medications is best.
Oh my goodness…
Extract from Chemwatch Independent MSDS:
“This product contains benzene which is known to cause acute myeloid leukaemia and n-hexane which has been shown to metabolize to compounds which are neuropathic.
This product contains toluene.
This product contains ethyl benzene and naphthalene from which there is evidence of tumours in rodents
Carcinogenicity: Inhalation exposure to mice causes liver tumours, which are not considered relevant to humans.
white spirit, as CAS RN 8052-41-3”
Green Horse Recovery Oil, linimant and “Scartech” has shown exellent results.
I stand by adding celery seeds (ground) to the horse’s feed. It helps to promote all degenerative or joint diseases. Also it increases circulation and it encourages the horse to drink more water which removes toxins. Natural is always better.
Like natural remedies – what’s the dosage?
@Ray…you said “It helps to promote all degenerative or joint diseases.”. Did you really mean PREVENT (and not promote)???
WD-40 is a poison to animals (and the human animal). The person who said never put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat…is correct.
Think about the patches they have for humans now for medications, quit smoking, etc. I guess after all these centuries doctors finally figured it out about the skin.
What amounts were u using ?
Not any more it isnt
Wired Science has released most of the ingredients:
Many harmless but some not so much
http://www.wd40company.com/files/pdf/msds-wd494716385.pdf
This is their material safety sheet – 1excerpt for those of you who put it onto an animals skin…
Emergency Overview:
DANGER! Flammable aerosol. Contents under pressure. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. If swallowed, may
be aspirated and cause lung damage. May cause eye irritation. Avoid eye contact. Use with adequate
ventilation. Keep away from heat, sparks and all other sources of ignition.
Symptoms of Overexposure:
Inhalation: High concentrations may cause nasal and respiratory irritation and central nervous system effects such as headache, dizziness and nausea. Intentional abuse may be harmful or fatal.
Skin Contact: Prolonged and/or repeated contact may produce mild irritation and defatting with possible dermatitis.
Eye Contact: Contact may be irritating to eyes. May cause redness and tearing.
Ingestion: This product has low oral toxicity. Swallowing may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This product is an aspiration hazard. If swallowed, can enter the lungs and may cause chemical pneumonitis, severe lung damage and death.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Preexisting eye, skin and respiratory conditions may be aggravated by exposure. It does contain cyclohexane too and this alone…. Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; drowsiness; dermatitis; narcosis, coma
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
Seriously people all these things and anything that has anything to do with petroleum products somewhere in their makeup do the LD50 tests on animals (Lethal Dosage 50) and most are seriously toxic and easily absorbed. Using it on an animals skin is horrific! Danger to you too because of ingestion and lung damage. (Im a researcher by profession so carefully looked for info) BTW the list of ingredients from Wired Science article is here:
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/17-05/st_whatsinside
Good job, thanks for the information.
with ingredients like, these who needs disease and illness? Let alone arthritis…. pumping the body full of toxins for a quick fix – great, rather address nutrient in your horse and your own diet…
This is quite new to me, but on the looks of it i wouldn’t try this, seems to me its a flash remedy to a bigger problem, only to cause the problem to go away for a limited time.
No WD-40 for my horse!!
im not sure about the wd40 but am sure of COLLOIDAL SILVER ,horses and dogs who are sick internally or externally have been given colloidal silver and the results are amazing ,cuts,sores,stomach problems ,all kinds of things ,there are many websites with advice on how to make your own for a few pence a day
Please use great caution with colloidal silver. It is poison with inappropriate usage by an inexperienced person! Every human and every horse has a bodily system that is unique and will react differently.
COLLOIDAL SILVER What is this.Can u get it Over the counter?
WD40
stands for Water Displacement experiment # 40
The chemicals in wd40 wouldn’t be to good for the natural oil in the horses coat would they ❓ ❓ ❓
For great coat (manes and tails especially ) bath your horse with Murphy’s oil soap . It is an all natural veg oil soap.comb out snarls while lathered, then rinse it leaves them like cream rinsed,also by moistureizing the skin prevents horses from itching tails that regular soaps have dried.
I am more concerned that people are using WD40 (a metal lubricant) on horses manes and tails!
I use brand-named baby oil in a spray bottle to tease out burrs and knots in their mane, tail and feathered legs. When grooming all the time, you do not use it every day, maybe at most once a week if at all, depending on your grooming routine, and the state of your paddock re burrs.
I have to say tho – a lot of Old Timers swore by WD-40 for their horses and themselves!
Cheers, Kathy.
Wonder how it would work on split hooves.
Chet,
I hope you have a great farrier that you really trust. If the split is bad enough, ask your farrier to apply liquid resin (which hardens after molding to hoof) to fill in the crack and allow proper growth above the crack. Apply Hoof Flex or another type of absorable hoof grease at the coronet band to encourage good, solid new growth. If really & truly necessary, get the horse shod. I have been using the inexpensive Hoof Flex grease for decades with wonderful results. The key is getting the coronet band healthy. Sometimes hoof feed supplements are needed for problem hooves with problems that refuse to grow out on their own.
Lisa is right, but you may want to try Hoof Alive.After rubbing it daily on the hoof of a horse w/a severe problem my own nails got strong and flexibly resilient .Since they have the same make up I saw first hand how great it was. The horse too grew a strong healthy hoof. Just remember it is not only an exterior situation Feed well too . do some research ,you will find that some specialty feeds that seem very expensive trully aren’t as you feed so little of them.
I use hoof alive for my horses too. 🙂 It work great! 😀
For split hooves use coconut oil, or bear fat, or Lard. I’ve used lard (rendered pig fat) on my horses hooves and it works wonders. I lived in a very dry climate…cracking the dry horse hooves. I would use coconut oil now, expensive though. Wouldn’t take too much for the hooves.
Dear OlderCowGirl,
My Irish Riding teacher never had her horses shod, and she had a homemade hoof oil. I don’t shoe my horses either now 30 yrs later.
Yes you are re feeding, but I am lucky that my horses are in large paddocks, and that natural grazing combined with this hoof oil,(and sensible riding!) I have NEVER had a horse go lame, wether showing, or mustering cattle on a rocky property.
Basic recipe is
3 equal parts of Stockholm Tar, Animal fat and vegetable oil.
With change of seasons, always keep to 1 third Stockholm Tar. In hotter months have more percentage of animal fat, and less vege oil, as it will keep the hooves supple. In winter, less fat, more vege oil as it will help waterproof the hooves.
This is a cost effective and proved recipe. Let me know how you go.
PS I know there are 2 schools of thought on this, but I also oil the underside of the hoof, as well as the walls – again, never a lame horse in 30 yrs.
Chet, more than likely the split hooves come from the hooves not being balanced properly when trimmed or too long between trimmings. Good nutrition and a “GOOD” barefoot farrier can fix this, unfortunaly there are a lot of hacks out there.
I really enjoy this forum. Lots of terrfic pointers! But WD40 external usage on a horse? How profoundly wrong advice! Imagine purposely making your horse’s skin flammable and purposely introducing a toxic chemical into their very delicate system. And WHY would anyone purposely push an arthritic horse past it’s comfort level for show reasons? Maybe a horse can handle the artificial relief for show or sporting event, but I can’t imagine the suffering & inflamation the next day for that poor creature. Arthritis doesn’t GO AWAY. My goodness. REALLY? WD40? Toxic chemicals and forcing horses to perform in pain are not the best we can do for our beloved pets.
You are often right on the money Lisa, but we don’t know how severe this horses issues are . You sound young and I will tell you things like that can be like rust ,park a car or a horse and moving can become difficult if not impossible . She needs to keep him moving at a level she can keep him comfortable with. Stall rest would be a death nell to this horse.
@Linda: I agree with Lisa, because she said “purposely push an arthritic horse past it’s comfort level for show reasons”. She said PUSH PAST it’s comfort levels…and it’s insulting to judge that she’s young.
The reason that horses have arthritis is the same as humans…the have internal inflammation. All pain (except for wounds/cuts) regarding human/animal kingdom is due to inflammation. Stop the inflammation and the arthritis goes away. I’m almost 70, and I cured my arthritis several years ago by eating non-inflammatory foods such as 80% veggies, and 20% meats/proteins, and little fruit. I take supplements that reduce inflammation like Ubiquinol, and Astaxanthin, for starters. Research to find out the proper horse diet.
What did horses eat before humans came along and stuck them in grass-only pastures, or hay-only stalls. I have a friend who fed his few pet sheep too much grain…and caused foot problems. Now he believes me (I told him earlier not to over feed sheep on grain).
I’ve seen many wild horses in Eastern Oregon who had a plethora of grasses, brush, and herbs to eat.
If you feed your horse free choice hay as well as the high sugared grasses they will not bloat. Animals know what they need.
Do you know that horses don’t have gall bladders?
I am with Linda and Lisa on this for 2 different points. – An arthritic horse with a caring owner willing to keep it moving with good care, feed and maybe some supplements.
But not to compete!
And unfortunately – not all people have access to large natural well looked after pastures that some of us do.
You have to feel for the horses, and some of the few owners that feel bad about it too!
My vet recomended wd40 for my arabians “dreds”. But murphys oil sounds way better. Moka’s mane is a good 2′ past her neck and I want to keep it long and beautiful. 😀
WD40 is named so “water displacement formula number 40” it is basically fish oil with some fragrance added- hence it’s ability to displace water and it’s ability to be rapidly absorbed by the skin. Fish oil capsules will work just as well
this sounds dangerous… has anyone ever tried it and checked their horse later???? what are the ingedients??? my horse has arthritis. but i don’t know if i want to use something untested and not risk free(and yes i know in horses “risk free” isn’t really a term). any other suggestions for arthritis in horses?
WD40 works on me and I have suffered with Lupus for over 40 years. Further WD40 has been used on rabbits, dogs for earmites(don’t know about horses). If you don’t want to use this treatment on your horse, contact your vet. He will charge you a zillion dollars and you know what, your horse will still have arthritis bouts and in pain. Keep him moving and rub the affected areas to get blood into the joints.
Ruth, i have lupus also how does this product work for you, what part of your lupus does it help, do you have liver problems?
Hi love to read your tips and articals other horse owners share!!! keep em coming AL
Wow! I would think twice before putting WD40 on me or my horse. It is poison and is flameable. I take NEEM–It is from India. Great for aches, regulates blook pressure for diabetes. I have tried it for a lot of things and is great…Would probably work on a horse. My vet said things we take over the counter can be given to our animals. I have a plate in my left leg and I rub it in and the aches go away. If I get the sniffles, I take it by mouth and I am better. It is the one with triple potencey. Look on line for it.
The main ingredient in WD40 is fish oil, so it won’t hurt your horse. Also, if you Google uses for WD40, you will find lots of interesting and useful suggestions.
Natural remedies are much better for horses, and people.
I have just bought a 14mth old colt, and finding the info here is great. Although I know a lot about training, there is always room for other ideas to try, and the experience of others is valuable.
I had my last horse for 30yrs, and only now, do I feel I can love a horse again as much as I loved him. He was my best friend, and now the colt and I are becoming good friends too.
Sandy
Love to you re your passed horse .
I have worked in many horse professions, from English riding, jumping, Eventing, mustering cattle in Australia, riding unbroken horses with the Maoris in New Zealand.
Two things I have learnt ; You NEVER take one style of riding, and think it is everything you know! You can learn a lot from different disciplines and training to apply to a horse – which brings me to the next:
Every horse is different. Wether breed – do NOT assume because a horse is of a certain breed, he is that character! I have trained an ex racing Thoroughbred that my 18 MTh could be led from in 6 weeks.
I would not let my kids sit on a TB cross Australian Stock Horse (normally very good) because his personality was dangerous.
I had to be in charge over a Percheron (normally known to be quiet breed) in the Hunting Yard as I was the only one apart from his owner, that could control him.
Yes – he hunted, and hunted well!
A lot of mistakes people make, is that THIER way of Training etc. is the ONLY WAY!
For the horse’s sake, as they are all different personalities, you should train to the horse.
Some need pushing on, some need space.
Everyone, who want to be a trainer, should experience different training methods!
WD 40 conatins DMSO which was originally developed as an industrial solvent.
WD-40 is primarily fish oil and will not hurt you or your horse. My Great Grandmother used it on her arthritis forever and swore by it. My hubby is using it on his arthritic toe joint now. Everyone in Texas swears by WD-40…..it is awesome for shining up your ceramic stove top, removing paint from your skin, or where kids have sprayed paint on your new car! It will take the spray paint off and not bother the clear-coat and original paint job. Lots of good uses for WD-40! Have a great day!
Disregard my comment on the WD-40. My hubby does use and will continue to do so since it helps and it is his choice. However, maybe it’s not good to use on an animal, even if it may ease their pain. I’m sure there are more suitable treatments.
WD40 is named that because it was the 40th attempt to find a formula that worked. The WD stands for water dispersant. Has anyone considered using emu oil or arnica
for arthritis. I use them on my foot for arthritis and shoulders for frozen shoulder syndrome very effectively.
Lots of strange ideas here and it seems that the objective being considered is to get this horse to ‘push past’ his/her pain – not really a great idea!
Both dmso and emu oil are good, penetrating pain relievers but ‘natural’ as it seems even the emu oil should be used only with other substances that you would invite inside your skin barrier.
I know that t lot of humans recommend WD, because they use it themselves but my concern would be that a horse can’t protest or tell you of his pain – and will also tend to lick the place you’ve applied such an unusual remedy.
I have two words for you! – CETYL M!
Not a ‘quick cure’ but it leaves glucosamine chondroitin in the DUST!
The basic ingredient in WD40 is Fish Oil.
Here are a few things for which it can be used:
Protects silver from tarnishing. Takes stubborn price tags off new coffee mugs and glasses, also bumperstickers off without scratching. Removes road tar from cars also bug splatters.
One of the original founders of WD 40 says there isn’t anything in it that will harm you.
It does have a slightly petrolium smell to it.
<>
Oh really? And did he/she tell you this personally? Perpetuating this internet rumor is harmful, as is WD-40. It causes cancer! Do not use this on your horse, if you love him/her.
I have a new horse that bucks without any warning when going into canter, he is supper in every other way, how do I stop his bucking and stay on him ? he has no back pain and saddle fits well.
My horse is 7yrs old and was broken at 2.5 yrs.
You need to do some ‘disingage the hind quaters’ exercises, firstly on the ground then mounted 😀
Susan,
think if no idea how to stop a horse bucking – would not have any idea advanced stuff re disengaging the hindquarters”.
Susan has the right idea – but I think she means lunge/longe him from a trot to a canter, and repeat.
The other thing is that as you know he will buck, you are unconsciously putting the insecurity into him. Work him in a small paddock. When you ask him to canter, pull back into trot right away if he bucks, then trot another few minutes, then repeat. This will tire you out – but also the horse, and he will get bored with not getting a reaction out of you!
I know you may think this is helping your horse, but have you considered what chemicals your horse is absorbing thru the skin, YES, they do absorb thru the pores that/s why some products have been taken off the market and well, these combined products you use on your horse everyday are filtered by the liver among other organs. Maybe winning is important to you but maybe you should check with a vet before you use products not intended for animals or humans.
Woo laws, leave the WD-40 in the garage where it belongs. Never ever use anything toxic on or in your horse!
I work for a feed company & would not dream of using wd40 on an animal. There are plenty of naturalremedies out there that do work for joints so why not use them….o_O
I am 75, too old to learn to ride?
It’s on my bucket list.
You are never too old..find a safe horse with an experienced teacher..Happy Trails…
Hi, J.C.
My elder son, Gabriel always says “It’s NEVER too late to have a great childhood”!
He’s right! I’ve started riding again after a 30 year break.
Go for it!!!
X
I have used WD40 on badly snarled mane and tail so I do know it works for that, but as far as a horse joint ❓ Even if you did use it and the horse seemed sound, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt some ❗ Don’t think I would use it for that. Sorry.
Love WD40 … I have rescued many horses some who had braids put in tail and mane and left for years – with the use of WD40 no need to cut those knots out, just spray and work in and comb. With one horse it took two days of spraying it on and working it thru before I got all knots out. Leaves beautiful shine yet does not attract dust.
Now I have a second use for it 🙂
Thanks for all the tips.
Oh for those that don’t like folk remedies … my Doctor gives me home remedies instead of drugs .. why would I take them for myself and not my pets.
If you want to pay the drug companies for drugs, etc go for it. I would rather not. Just like the major dog food companies .. no thank you. But that is why they make different colored shirts, to each their own.
I once read a serious article about a beef farmer who fed his cattle cement. Not the mixture “concrete” but yes cement which is part of that mixture. He claimed that the cattle really gained weight fast! I guess that “at what cost” to the animal or those who would eventually consume the meat didn’t matter. I was shaking my head after reading that article and I’m still shaking it after reading the WD40 misinformation
No way I’d use a hydrocarbon derivative like WD40 in my horse.
Could be highly toxic!!
WD-40 is a type of penetrating oil. Even if used on the mane and tail, it will get on the short hairs, leach down to the roots and migrate to the skin and get into the circulatory system. Extended use will cause liver failure in horses. ❗
WD-40 IS A TOXIC SOLVENT!!! IT IS NOT MADE FROM FISH OIL!!! IT CAUSES CANCER!!!
As for the claim the “basic ingredient” in WD-40 is “fish oil,” it’s a common rumor and one that is easily propagated (because cans of WD-40 spray include no ingredients list), but a glance at the composition information included in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for WD-40 aerosol indicates the product is primarily petroleum-based, with the main ingredient being “solvent naptha, petroleum, medium aliphatic” (also known as Stoddard Solvent):
solvent naphtha petroleum, medium aliphatic, > 60%
petroleum base oil as paraffinic distillate, heavy, solvent-dewaxed (severe), 15% to 25%
corrosion inhibitor unregulated, 1% to 10%
wetting agent unregulated, 1% to 10%
fragrance unregulated, 0% to 1%
carbon dioxide, 2% to 3%
Thank you Ann MSDS sheets can be obtained for any compound used. Anything with naptha is dangerous. As a kid I ran around our farm bare foot where they dumped engine oil onto the ground to keep dust down and somewhat seal the driving area. It contains Benzene and I developed Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. I can not change the past but it is clear that using things unsafe for humans can affect, maybe not you, but certainly a growing child whose cells are susceptible to genetic changes. Read the labels and when it doubt don’t use it. Use Cowboy tail serum for detangling.
Did you people NOT READ what he said?? He said he does NOT reccomend anyone to do this that it would be bad for the horses.
Then he shouldn’t say it’s a tip..also commenting being a believer…I hear ya tho …
Oh my gosh, this site is so great. I enjoy all the information. I have 11 horses and I am 71 years old and have had horses all my life, but I am still learning about their health and treatments.
Hi Bess..I have many horses too ..also all my life..Plz do not use wd40..Just bcuz it’s online doesn’t mean info is true!!! Happy n Healthy Prayers to you all..
Aside from basic cautions against using a mixture that contains toxic solvents on anything living, remember that one of the properties of DMSO is not just its primary structure (another sulpher compound that helps joints), but it is a very powerful carrier of other compounds: chemicals that don’t pass the skin well or at all alone get carried in with DMSO. What we buy in the feed store is not approved for human use because it is not entirely purified of industrial contaminents, which do go into the horse. Only USP pure DMSO is pure medicinal grade. So whenever you do use it, make sure of cleanliness and possible contamination of the area to keep in mind that other toxic or unwanted compounds easily “catch a ride” with DMSO.
yep….I use horse remedies on myself and find them much more effective than the human products. All state “not for use on humans”….You’d be delighted how Cowboy Magic makes your hair shine too!
For a time DMSO and absorbine combined was being used by people because DMSO penetrates the tissues very quickly, but it was discovered to be bad for your liver.
DMSO we have been using for most of my life on injuries for our horses. Also my husband uses it on his sprains, he is a mountain climber and trekker. He just gets it from the farm supply. But it is important that the skin is cleansed very well because, anything on the skin is also absorbed along with the DMSO. It really works great to speed up the healing process. It is not suppose to be used on open wounds however.
Emu oil is a safe alternative for DW40 for lubricating joints topically.
Hi
If it is a human prescribed DMSO then it can be used by humans. If it is a veterinary grade it can be used on most animals. Nothing should be used on humans or animals unless it is specifically for human or animal use. They use DMSO on humans for pain, intracranial pressure for brain edema and on muscle and joint pain to help facilitate other medications to the site. It is given to horses IV for colic pain and to prevent founder. It leaves a garlic smell on their breath. You can’t miss it.
Yes, DMSO works great but please be mindful that DMSO absorbs through the skin and enters the bloodstream as well. “If” you mix a drug or any type of poisons with it that too will absorb into your bloodstream and have dire consequences or could be fatal. When using DMSO Please use with caution and be in a sterile environment. 😀 🙂 🙂 🙄
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Eases pain and takes medicine to pain I have used DMSO to take antibiotic into a deep and dirty puncture wound with success. But mainly I use it to ease joint and back pain; I often use a muscle rub or mineral ice and then the DMSO. Some people detect an odor / I don’t, but occasionally get a slight taste like oysters.
My horse, pony, and daughters have had Cowboy Magic used in their hair. MTC would be my choice for really bad dreads or burrs. Natural essential oils for calming, soothing, and other issues. I like to use as natural as possible. JMO
DMSO is the best free radical scavenger so reduces inflammation and gives the immune system a better chance to facilitate healing.
At 64 I wouldn’t be riding without it have used it since the 70’s
My cob got a nasty adder bite dmso took the oedema down in minutes I applied it repeatedly for hours and no I’ll effects.
Read the book DMSO Natures Healer by Dr Morten Walker
This sulpher compound smells like cabbage water /garlic but who cares
Glad somebody finally talked about the ingredients to WD40. It’s oil so it’s petroleum based…don’t want that on any human or animal. Maybe there is something that can be taken internally and is affordable. 🙂
Yep…Colleen I use WD4o on my self on my hand it really do hel0.it work to..
One -two tblspns of chia seeds daily is far better.
People,—Like they have shampoo and conditioner for humans they have them for horses too. (Cowboy Magic)conditioner is what I use on my horse and all you do it brush or comb and they come right out. Made just for horses… 🙂
I admit to having used DMSO on myself for injuries. Smells terribly, but works.
OMG !! Why do you have ”Natural Horse Care” written on your front page..How could you be so irresponsible suggesting WD 40..Try soaking in epsom salts ( we all ..including animals are deficient in USA).. also G and C are good so is HA is good also..Please be careful of the word of the word ‘natural’ .Just bcuz it says doesn’t always mean it’s good for you or your horse.Try to find organic non gmo solutions..many great remedies…just sayin..
it may work in the short run but you have to think of long-term health issues with your horse I wouldn’t use it on my hands I don’t think I’ll be using it for pain relief on my heart now for the tail and the main it’s silicone based that’s why it entangles knotsbut I be using great caution before using it on flesh or jointsjust because you read it on the internet doesn’t mean its okthat’s what I think Mike
basically when I have grooming problems are usually ride the horse until he is warm and I will use air conditioning for all my grooming applicationtry it itit works
Funny thing, even though vets may recommend DMSO it caused my mare to blister at her coronary band. It was applied very sparingly but the next day she had clearly blistered at the exact area where it was applied. It tore me up that she had been injured because of something I put on her. Threw the jar away immediately. Will never use on any horse of mine ever again.