Wound Care & Disinfection: First aid for minor injuries in horses

Wound Care & Disinfection: well prepared

A scratch from the fence, a graze from playing in the field or a small rub: with the right wound care & disinfection you can treat superficial injuries cleanly. In our range you will find wound sprays with silver or zinc oxide, blue spray, iodine scrub for cleaning the skin, soothing gels and ointments, and a disinfectant spray for the stable and equipment.

First aid for small wounds

First clean the wound gently with plain water and remove any coarse dirt. An iodine scrub is suitable for cleaning the skin around the wound. A spray can then cover the area and protect it from dirt. Ointments and gels with propolis or silver are popular for caring for superficial patches of skin. Keep the area clean and check it every day.

When the vet needs to come

Deep, gaping or heavily bleeding wounds, injuries near joints and tendons, puncture wounds and eye injuries need a vet straight away. The same applies if your horse is lame or the wound becomes hot and swollen. Until then, do not put anything into deep wounds, so your vet can assess them properly. A disinfectant spray for the stable and equipment helps you keep grooming kit and buckets clean.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need to call the vet about a wound?
Always when the wound goes deeper than the skin, bleeds heavily, gapes or is close to a joint. Puncture wounds often look harmless but can go deep. If in doubt, it is better to call once too often.

Does my horse need to be vaccinated against tetanus?
Yes, horses are very susceptible to tetanus, and even small wounds can be the way in. Check the vaccination record in your horse's passport and ask your vet whether a booster is needed after an injury.

Blue spray, silver spray or zinc spray, which should I use when?
All three are often used for superficial grazes and skin areas and form a protective layer on the skin. Which one suits depends on the location and type of injury. If in doubt, ask your vet, and for competition horses also check the rules of your governing body.