How to Put Together an Equine First Aid Kit

It's always best to be prepared. A first aid kit for your horse will come in handy in case of an emergency.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Horse Medications
• Thermometers For Large Animals
• Easy Boots
• Adhesive Compression Bandages
• Adhesive Elastic Bandage Tapes
• Bandage Scissors
• Bee Medications
• Gauze Pads
• Gauze Wraps
• Medications For Spider Bites
• Stethoscopes
• Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Wire cutters
• providine soap (scrub), antibiotics, wound ointment and pet ear cleaners

1. Get a bucket with a lid or other container you can seal and clearly label it "Equine First Aid" on all sides.

2. Include a 3-inch vet wrap, nonstick absorbent pads (telfa), 4-inch elastic gauze, gauze sponges, a bandaging cotton roll and cotton sheets.

3. Add elastic adhesive tape and 2- to 3-inch porous tape.

4. Keep in the kit a pair of bandage scissors for cutting gauze, as well as pliers and wire cutters for removing foreign objects and cutting away fences your horse may have gotten caught on.

5. Include providine solution, providine scrub (soap), antibiotics and wound ointment.

6. Add a stethoscope and a thermometer for large animals.

7. Throw in a plastic easy boot to protect an injured foot.

8. Include eye wash, eye ointments and anti-inflammatory medications provided by your veterinarian.

9. Add a flashlight and extra fresh batteries.

10. Add a bottle of sterile water, latex gloves and a humane twitch.

11. Keep medication for bee stings and spider bites, as prescribed by your veterinarian.

12. Include phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine, as prescribed by your veterinarian.

13. Consult a veterinarian about other specific medications you should keep in your first aid kit, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

14. Store your kit at a moderate temperature; drugs may become ineffective if they are stored at very hot or cold temperatures. Also store the kit where it is in good view and easily accessible.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the distance your horse will be traveling to emergency care if needed. The greater the distance, the better prepared you must be for your horse.

• If you are traveling to another area, call ahead to get phone numbers and addresses of local equine veterinarians.

• Consider carrying a cellular phone.

• Periodically replace any used, worn or outdated items.

• Do not use items from your emergency kit for every day use.

• After using the emergency kit, be sure to replace items.

• Prescription drugs should only be used under the guidance and instruction of a veterinarian.