When your horse gets a cut or scrape, what’s the first thing you reach for? Choosing the right ointment can feel like a guessing game. You want your horse to heal fast and stay comfortable, but the sheer number of products on the shelf can be overwhelming. Should you pick the one that smells herbal, or the one the vet recommended last year?
Dealing with a wound is stressful for any horse owner. You worry about infection, slow healing, and whether you are actually helping your equine friend. Many products promise miracles but deliver little, leaving you frustrated and your horse vulnerable.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great horse wound ointment. You will learn to spot the ingredients that truly work, understand when to use different types of treatments, and feel confident applying the best care every time. Keep reading to become an expert in equine wound care and ensure your horse gets the best healing support.
Top Ointment For Horse Wounds Recommendations
- POWERFUL: Made in USA with natural ingredients that work
- VETERINARY-TESTED & RAPID RESULTS: Begins working immediately to start healing faster
- pH BALANCED: Won’t disrupt skin’s natural microbiome, promotes healing, and is antibiotic-free
- LONG-LASTING: Thick ointment spreads easily to cover the affected area while providing treatment area moisturization
- TREATS: Wounds, rashes, cuts, scratches, surgical sites, burns, sweet itch, rain rot, bug bites, abrasions, sores, and other skin conditions and irritations
- The thick lanolin based formula helps soothe irritated skin and prevents drying and cracking
- Award winning formula Voted by the Horse Journal as their horse wound care treatment of choice
- The thick ointment stays in place and provides continuous wound protection and creates an excellent barrier against insects, moisture, and dirt
- Corona can be safely applied with no gloves
- Corona Ointment can be used on Dogs & Cats too!
- Ointment Is A Antiseptic, Pain Reliever and Fly Barrier, All In One
- Formula Allows Your Horse To Heal Properly While Easing His Discomfort
- For Use On Cuts, Scrapes, Scratches, Bites, Rope Burns, Abrasions and Skin Irritations
- Ointment Creates A Barrier Against Flies, Germs and Water
- Easy-to-use Tube That Keeps Product Clean, Free Of Dirt
- Acts like a poultice for horses, but Coat Defense wound care for horses paste can be used on broken skin & helps with insect bites, scratches, wounds, proud flesh, and summer sores treatment.
- Itch horse care caused by insect bites, sweet itch, inflammation and cellulitis.
- Unlike most wound repair ointment products, our horse drying paste is not wet and does not promote proud flesh.
- Our horse wound care paste creates a barrier between insects and horses’ skin.
- Coat Defense for Horses alleviates summer sores by drawing moisture larvae need to survive.
- Package length: 8.89 cm
- Package width: 9.144 cm
- Package height: 10.414 cm
- Product Type: SPORTING GOODS
- PROMOTES EQUINE HORSE HEALTH: Provides quick and easy relief for Galled Shoulders, Necks, Backs, Scratches, Cuts, Mud Scalds, Hobble Chafes and Minor Wounds and Sores. Will not blister.
- STAYS WHERE YOU PUT IT: Bickmore’s Gall Salve formula has been developed from many years of equine experience. It is important that our product stays on your horse for an extended period of time in order to work its magic and heal your horse quickly and efficiently.
- WILL NOT MELT OR RUB OFF WORKING HORSES: This product is formulated to work great even on hot summer days when your horse is hard at work. Many other horse care products simply melt away rendering them useless under any kind of heat exposure.
- GOES ON DRY WITH NO GREASY RESIDUE: Gall Salve is easy to apply and goes on your horse with ease leaving behind no trace of sticky residue.
- MADE IN THE USA: All of Bickmore’s products are made entirely in the United States. We take pride in our manufacturing process as well as our customer service.
- POWERFUL: Made in USA with natural ingredients that work
- RAPID: Begins working immediately to start healing faster
- pH BALANCED: Won’t disrupt skin’s natural microbiome, promotes healing, and is antibiotic-free
- TOUCH-FREE: Spray gel offers hands-free application to large areas or affected areas too sensitive to touch
- TREATS: Wounds, rashes, cuts, scratches, surgical sites, burns, sweet itch, rain rot, bug bites, abrasions, sores, and other skin conditions and irritations
- EFFECTIVE AGAINST BACTERIAL INFECTIONS Most Common in Skin Lesions of Horses, Cattle and Dogs
- CONTROLS SECONDARY INFECTIONS
- FOR USE ON SURFACE WOUNDS, MINOR CUTS, Skin abrasions, Harness Galls and Saddle Sores
- QUICK DRYING, DEEP PENETRATING Antiseptic Spray
- NOT EASILY RUBBED OR WASHED OFF and covers injury
The Essential Buying Guide for Horse Wound Ointments
Caring for a horse means being ready for minor scrapes and cuts. A good wound ointment can speed healing and keep infections away. This guide helps you choose the best product for your horse’s first aid kit.
Key Features to Look For
When buying an ointment, look for features that offer the best protection and healing power. These features make a big difference in recovery time.
Infection Fighting Power
- Antiseptic Agents: The ointment must contain ingredients that kill harmful germs. Look for ingredients like chlorhexidine or iodine derivatives. These actively fight bacteria.
- Broad Spectrum: The best ointments work against many types of bacteria and fungi. This offers wider protection.
Healing Acceleration
- Moisturizing Base: Wounds heal best in a moist environment, not a dry scab. Look for lanolin, mineral oil, or natural waxes that keep the area hydrated.
- Skin Soothing Ingredients: Ingredients like aloe vera or Vitamin E help calm irritated skin around the wound.
Ease of Use
- Easy Application: The ointment should spread easily without pulling on the hair or the sensitive wound bed.
- Stays in Place: It needs to stick to the wound long enough to work, even if the horse moves around.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The materials inside the jar determine how well the ointment performs. Always check the label before you buy.
Active Healing Agents
These ingredients do the heavy lifting in the healing process.
- Antibiotics (Topical): Some ointments include mild topical antibiotics to prevent infection in deeper cuts. Use these only as directed.
- Natural Healing Oils: Certain essential oils or natural compounds can promote cell growth.
Protective Barrier Materials
These create a shield over the injury.
- Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): This creates an excellent moisture barrier. It keeps dirt out and moisture in.
- Lanolin: This natural wool wax closely mimics the oils in horse skin, making it highly compatible and moisturizing.
Factors That Influence Quality
Not all ointments are created equal. Some factors greatly improve a product, while others reduce its effectiveness.
What Improves Quality?
- Sterility: High-quality ointments are manufactured under sterile conditions. This means they introduce fewer new germs to the wound.
- pH Balance: A product that matches the natural pH of healthy equine skin supports faster healing.
- Non-Irritating Formula: The best ointments do not sting or burn when applied to broken skin.
What Reduces Quality?
- Heavy Fragrances or Dyes: These additives often irritate sensitive skin. They do not help healing.
- Thick, Waxy Formulas: If the ointment is too hard, you must rub it in vigorously. This rough application can damage fragile new tissue.
- Contamination: If the product has been left open or stored improperly, its effectiveness is greatly reduced.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the ointment. Different situations require different products.
Common Use Cases
- Minor Scrapes and Abrasions: For simple surface injuries, a basic antiseptic cream works well.
- Flesh Wounds or Lacerations: Deeper cuts need a thicker ointment that provides a strong protective seal against dirt and flies.
- Hoof and Heel Issues: Some ointments are specially formulated to treat cracked heels or minor hoof wall damage, often containing ingredients that repel moisture.
Application Tips
Most ointments require you to clean the wound first. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water or a saline solution. Then, apply a thin, even layer of the ointment. Cover it with a sterile bandage if necessary, especially for wounds that might get dirty quickly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Horse Wound Ointments
Q: How often should I apply the ointment?
A: Generally, you should reapply the ointment once or twice a day, or every time you clean the wound during dressing changes.
Q: Can I use human antibiotic ointment on my horse?
A: Some mild human ointments are safe, but it is always better to use products specifically made for horses. Horse skin chemistry is different.
Q: Will this ointment stop flies from bothering the wound?
A: Many horse ointments contain ingredients that naturally repel insects, which is a big benefit.
Q: Should I use ointment on a very deep cut?
A: Deep cuts often require veterinary attention first. After initial cleaning by a vet, ointment can help keep the area moist for healing.
Q: Does the ointment prevent scarring?
A: While no product stops all scarring, keeping the wound moist and clean significantly reduces the chance of thick, unsightly scars.
Q: What if the horse rubs the ointment off?
A: If the horse rubs the area, you may need to use a protective wrap or bandage over the ointment until the wound starts to close.
Q: How long does the ointment usually last in the barn?
A: Most quality ointments have a shelf life of two to three years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Q: Can I use this on rain rot or scratches?
A: Some specialized ointments treat these specific skin conditions, but you must check the label. General wound ointments might not have the right ingredients for fungal issues.
Q: Does the ointment need to be sterile when I buy it?
A: The product should be manufactured sterile. Once you open it, you must keep your hands and application tools clean to prevent contamination.
Q: When should I stop using the ointment?
A: Stop using the ointment once the wound has fully closed over with new skin and there is no more drainage.