First Aid for Trail and Home

Betadine or Hibitane can be used to clean wounds and punctures.
7. A good topical salve or spray will repel contaminants and bugs and initiate healing. We do not use a topical if it doesnt repel bugs and we expect it to stick to the wound or rub for at least a day.
8. Wearing disposable gloves is a good idea when cleaning wounds and applying salves not only to protect the horse from contaminants but to protect you from harmful bacteria.
9. A thermometer can be used to monitor a horses temperature but on the trail we often go by touch and pulse rates to determine a horses stress level.
10. On longer trips we take penicillin and sterile needles and know how to administer it. We choose a penicillin that also has an antiinflammatory and if possible an antihistamine.
11. Good bug dope is critical on our trips as it keeps bugs that can spread disease off our horses and out of their wounds. Bugs can also agitate horses and provoke them into doing something foolish. Our bug dope has to stick well we have no use for bug dope that is ineffective a few hours after being applied regardless of what the label says.
12. We used to carry Blood Stop Powder as it does help stop the flow of blood from wounds but some feel that the granulation causes proud flesh.