Vital First Aid Supplies

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Every horse owner needs a few basic first aid essentials. These items will help you dress wounds, reduce swelling and inflammation, and more. In fact, since a horse injury can occur at any time or in any location, keep at least a basic first aid kit in your barn, truck or travel trailer, and saddle bag and make sure they are always stocked and the items that can expire are still good. Depending on your preference, pre-made first aid kits are available. Or, make your own kit with the following items:

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MAKE YOUR OWN FIRST AID KIT

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• Bandages - protect wounds, support muscles, and hold ice packs with horse leg wraps or self- adhesive

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• bandages, including CoFlex, PowerFlex, and Vetrap.

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• Blunt-Tipped Scissors - safely cut away and remove bandages and wraps.

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• Buckets - soak hooves and more with a few buckets kept specifically for first aid use.

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• Flashlight - view wounds and injuries in darkness or poor light conditions.

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• Hoof Pick - remove foreign objects from hooves and shoes.

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• Ice Packs - prevent and reduce swelling with Ice Cells.

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• Lubricant - help insert thermometers with mineral oil or Vaseline.

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• Rubbing Alcohol - quickly disinfect scissors, thermometers, and more.

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• Sterile Gauze - clean and cover minor cuts and wounds with sterile gauze or Telfa (non-stick) pads of various sizes. Use gauze rolls to hold dressings and pressure wraps in place.

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• Surgical Gloves - keep your hands clean and help prevent wound contamination.

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• Thermometer - measure your horse's temperature (normal range is 99.0°F to 101°F) with a fast and accurate digital thermometer.

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• Bolt Cutters - free your horse from fences.

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• Wound Antiseptic - prevent infections with an antiseptic powder or ointment. Some insect repellents, such as Roll-On Fly Repellent and SWAT are designed for use around wounds to help repel insects for added wound protection. We use and recommend Farnam Tri-Care which is wound ointment and fly repellant in one and is also waterproof.

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• Wound Cleaner - clean fresh wounds with a gentle, iodine solution like Povidone-10%.

Easy access to your veterinarian's and farrier's contact information is also vital. In addition, a complete record of all your horse's medications, vaccinations, and wormers is essential - especially in an emergency.

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