Why Colloidal Silver belongs in your equine first aid kit
The phrase “healthy as a horse” is a little ironic to those of us in the equestrian world. After all, they spook at the silliest things and often end up with cuts when frolicking out in the pasture.
Thankfully, modern veterinary medicine has given us many ways to deliver first aid to our horses—including Silver Wound Spray. We will look at different options and the pros and cons of each.
What is it and how it works
Silver Wound Spray is made up of colloidal silver mixed with demineralized water and can be an aerosol or a gel. It is safe to apply to horses and can be applied on the skin and even on the sole/hoof of a horse.
Colloidal silver has been touted as an antibacterial topical wound dressing as well as an antifungal and antiviral. The spray is applied directly to the skin of the horse (or over the scrape/wound) and creates a barrier preventing bacteria and other nasty things from getting into the wound.
Important: Never inject colloidal silver or use it on a horse with liver problems.
Why consider using silver wound spray?
Silver wound spray has a variety of applications for first aid:
- Scrapes/cuts from pasture play
- Abscesses in the hoof
- Hard to wrap areas of the horse
| Wound Spray | Price Point | Key Features |
| Neogen Ideal Animal Health Alushield Aerosol Bandage | 2 carrots |
|
| Absorbine Silver Honey Hot Spot & Wound Care Spray Gel | 2 carrots |
|
| Fauna Care Silver Spray
| 3 carrots |
|
| Trace Minerals Pet Colloidal Silver Spray | 2 carrots |
|
$5-15, 1 Carrot, $15-25 2 Carrots$5-15, 1 Carrot, $15-25, 2 Carrots, $25+, 3 carrots
Silver Wound Spray Products for Horses
Neogen Ideal Alushield Aerosol Bandage (2.6oz)
When I think of silver spray, Alushield is what comes to mind. It is definitely a classic—and for a very good reason!
Click to see it at Amazon
- Easily washes off with soap and water
- Easy to apply with spray nozzle
- Won’t drip with body heat/sweat
- Keeps the flies off!
CONS:
- Expensive when compared by the ounce to other products
- Spray too long, it will drip
- It will stain when wet/stain skin
- Nozzle can clog but is easily cleaned
Absorbine Silver Honey Hot Spot & Wound Care Spray Gel 8oz
This is a relatively new product line with the addition of antibacterial Manuka honey! It also comes in a gel.
Click to see it at Amazon
- Spray gel covers larger area than regular gel
- Combo of Manuka Honey + Silver eliminates 99.9% of germs
- More affordable when compared ounce by ounce
CONS:
- Spray will run a little more than the gel
- Not ideal where it can be licked
Fauna Care Silver Spray 2 oz
This fragrance-free silver spray has a unique combination of zinc and silver for extra wound care.
Click to see it at Amazon
- Deodorizes and relieves pain
- Because it is alcohol-free, it won’t sting on application
CONS:
- Does not dry instantly, so it can drip
- The most expensive product when compared $ by ounce
Trace Minerals TMpet Colloidal Silver Spray 4oz
This product is technically for dogs and cats but can be used on horses. If you have barn cats, this may be the best option for you.
Click to see it at Amazon
- FDA inspected with 30mg of pure colloidal silver
- Can help with inflammation
- Easy to spray/apply
CONS:
- Technically, not for horses.
- A lower amount of colloidal silver/parts per million than others
Parting Thoughts
Having some version of silver wound spray in your equine first-aid kit is definitely worthwhile! Though they all have their pros and cons, choose the product that is right for your budget and your needs.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- 5 Simple Tips to Help An Abused Horse
- Equine End-of-Life: What Happens When Horses Die
- How to Adopt a Wild Donkey: A Helpful Beginner’s Guide
- Dangerous Horse: The Result of Being Abused
- Why horses are dangerous (but worth the risk!)
- 3 Fear-Free Secrets to Gain Your Horse’s Trust & Respect
- Bonding 101: How to Make the Most of Your Horse Time
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