First aid kits needn't be elaborate. Here's the top ten items you'll want to keep in a sturdy box for unexpected injuries or illness. You don't need to keep a stock of injectable or oral medications. Unless you are very experienced with reading symptoms medications may mask important indicators your veterinarian will need to diagnose a problem. They are best administered only with veterinarian supervision.
1. Mercury or Digital Thermometer
A thermometer will quickly tell you if your horse has an elevated temperature--a sure sign of a health problem that needs attention. I prefer digital over mercury as I don't need my reading glasses or a watch to get an accurate reading. Some models save the last temperature taken, should you forget to write it down. A string and clip feature will help prevent the thermometer getting 'lost'.
2. Antiseptic Wound Cleaner
You’ll find antiseptic wound cleaners such as Hibitane, Betadine or Novalsan scrubs are useful for washing skin infections, cuts and punctures.
3. Cutters
A pair of sharp scissors is essential. If you have wire fences there is a chance your horse could get entangled. Keep a pair of wire or bolt cutters (Compare Prices)handy. These can also be used to remove a very loose shoe.
4. Clean Stable Wraps
Keep a clean set of leg wraps handy for emergencies. Since you want them to be clean and ready, have an extra set of stable wraps other than those you might be using for non-emergency use.
5. Gamgee, Gauze Diapers, Cottons or Other Absorbent Padding
Use for padding under leg wraps or cut up for wound dressing:
- Gamgee cloth.
- Disposable diapers (although they are not breathable).
- Gauze diapers (Compare Prices).
- Leg cottons used under stable wraps work as well. The cottons must be kept clean so seal an extra set in a zip closure bag for your first aid kit.
6. Self-sticking Bandages
What did we do before the availability of these stretchy self-sticking bandages? They seem to have so many uses around the stable. In a first aid situation use to keep a dressing in place, or help support stable wraps there are lots of different name brands such as VetWrap, Co-Flex and others.
7. Zinc Oxide Cream
I keep a big tub of this handy to soothe and protect sunburned noses, help clear up grease heel, and protect and heal minor cuts and nicks. You can find zinc oxide creams in the baby care section of your drugstore. My favorite is called Ilhes Paste, a product that is inexpensive and effective.
8. Salts
Epsom salts are great for drawing out infection. I often use good old salt water to wash out cuts and scrapes on both four legged and two legged family members.
9. Antiseptic Cream or Ointment
Nicks, cuts and scrapes can be encouraged to heal by keeping the skin moist and clean. There is a wide variety of products available. Choose all natural products or products containing various medicinal and antibiotic ingredients.
10. Books
There are lots of great veterinary first aid books on bookstore shelves. Buy one and read it before an emergency happens. Another book you’ll want is a small notebook to keep track of temperatures or write down things you want to tell the vet and may forget in your worry. Keep both books in your first aid kit with your vet’s number written on the covers. Of course, keep your veterinarian’s number near the phone as well.
