What is the difference between a wound cleanser, an antimicrobial spray, and an ointment for horses?
A wound cleanser is used first to flush away dirt and debris and prepare the area for treatment. An antimicrobial spray is easy to apply and covers uneven areas quickly, which makes daily care more comfortable on sensitive spots. Ointments provide longer contact and a protective moisture barrier, which can be helpful on small abrasions (scrapes) or irritated skin, but follow the label and avoid heavy layers that trap dirt.
When should I treat a minor wound at home versus calling my veterinarian?
Many small scrapes that stop bleeding quickly can be managed at home with gentle cleaning and an equine wound care product. Contact your veterinarian for persistent bleeding or deep, large, or heavily contaminated wounds, or if you notice increasing swelling, heat, discharge, or odor. You should also reach out if a wound seems slow to improve after a few days since more serious or slow-healing wounds need to be checked by a professional.