Here are our top 10 equine first aid kit essentials! This list is a great jumping point for building your kit. Let us know in the comments what some of your essentials are!
1. Thermometer
When your horse appears ill, taking their temperature should be priority number one. Digital thermometers are super handy for a quick reading. Be sure to keep a good grip while you wait. If you lose the thermometer, you will need to go in after it. š
2. Vaseline
Vaseline is necessary for your thermometer to allow for comfortable and easy insertion. It also makes for a great skin protectant and moisturizer on smaller wounds.
3. Feminine Pads/Diapers
When gauze pads are unavailable, feminine pads and diapers make great absorbent bandages. They can also be used to wrap hooves and even be made into makeshift ice packs in a pinch!
4. Hoof Pick
Examining an injured hoof is much easier when it is clean.
5. Vet Wrap
Vet wrap is great for attaching bandages, holding ice packs in place, and more! Not to mention, it comes in tons of fun colors to help make the fact that your horse injured themselves just a little bit better.
6. Bandage Scissors
Vet wrap and other bandage material can be a little finicky to cut. Avoid the headache and invest in a quality pair of bandage scissors.
7. Towels
Towels are handy for drying freshly washed wound sites or for cleaning up bodily fluids. Make sure you have a basket or tub handy to contain all the ones that get dirty!
8. Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves help keep the injury site and your hands clean. The last thing we want is to introduce more bacteria that could lead to an infection.
9. Antibiotic Ointment
Find an antibiotic ointment that is easy to apply and fairly universal in its use. Hopefully, it’ll be the most frequently used item in your equine first aid kit. You know, since horses are constantly scraping themselves on something?
10. Iodine/Betadine Solution (not the scrub)
To help sanitize and clean up wound sites, be sure to have some iodine/betadine solution on hand. If you are purchasing betadine, be sure not to purchase the surgical scrub as this product is design to suds up for prepping surgery sites. Regular betadine works well for disinfecting wounds.
Thank you so much for reading about our top 10 essentials for your equine first aid kit. Let me know if anything in this post surprised you! Iād love to hear from you.
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