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Q3) Can I use 'human' medications on my horse?
There are some medications that are sold "over the counter" and
available for use without a prescription. Most of the
"medications" you can use on your horse are not the type of medicine
that your vet would administer; they are the types of remedies that relieve
the symptoms of an illness or injury. You would never give your horse
a medication that was prescribed for someone else - either horse
or human.
For example, if your horse is coughing and the vet says it is probably rhino
or the flu, you wouldn't give your horse a cough suppressant - unless your vet
tells you to.
The cough acts as reflex to clear out the mucus from your horse's respiratory
tract. A build up of mucus could contribute to an infection - which could
become a major issue.
The well-stocked first-aid kit should contain some of these items which can
be used on horses as well as humans:
-"triple antibiotic" first aid salve;
-aspirin paste, gel or tablets to be crushed and mixed with something like
applesauce or baby food desert custard;
-irrigating eye wash;
-povidone iodine solution;
-hydrogen peroxide;
-rubbing alcohol;
-epsom salts;
-nitrofurazone first aid salve;
-Betadine ointment;
-cortisone ointment;
-10% benzoyl peroxide acne cleanser.
Always consult your vet before you give anything to your horse if you
are not sure about its appropriateness. Your vet can recommend items that
you can obtain at your human pharmacy that are safe to use on your horse.
There are many books on the subject of health care and first aid. Some
of the best we have found are Hands- On Horse Care
(from the folks at Horse & Rider magazine) and
Dr. Kellon's Guide to First Aid for Horses.
In addition to the list below, you can find more in the
Veterinary Care section of the online
catalog.
Other valuable resources include:
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