Be ready for livestock emergencies with a well-stocked first aid kit. Whether you raise goats, chickens, horses, or even just have pets, this guide shows you exactly what to include, how to store it, and where to keep it for quick access.
Why you should have a livestock first aid kit
No matter what kind of livestock you have - even if your livestock is just a flock of chickens or a beloved cat or dog - it's a good idea to be prepared for emergencies.
Having a well-stocked livestock first aid kit on hand is the best way to be prepared. The question isn't "will my animal hurt itself?" but "when will my animal get hurt?"
Even if you must rush your animal to the vet, knowing how to render first aid on the way just makes sense.
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How to choose a container for your first aid kit
Let's take a look at my own first aid kit as an example.
I keep my first-aid supplies in a plastic file box that is kept near the back door. I wanted a container with a handle for easy portability, and this box has worked well.
I do wish the lid were a bit more secure though. I have to be sure to close it well so the top doesn't come off when I pick it up. As long as I'm careful, it's ok. And that is my only complaint, otherwise I'm happy with my choice.
The file box I use isn't available any more unfortunately, but this one from Bankers Box is very similar.
Or, if you need more room in your first aid kit, you might want one of these larger file boxes. I've used this one for (believe it or not) files, and I did stuff it so full of papers that eventually the handle broke. I had five good years of service from it though and I recommend it as long as you don't let it become too heavy.
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My first aid kit is focused mainly on goats, although I can use these supplies - and I have! - on any of our animals when needed.
First-aid kit "tour"
Let's start our "tour" at the bottom of the box. You can see that I used a long strip of cardboard inside the container to separate the contents into two sections.
I didn't measure the height of the cardboard or cut it - it was a long piece that I had on hand, already scored and folded, and it just fit perfectly. Serendipity!
If you want to cut cardboard to fit your kit, measure the height of the bottles you'll keep inside and plan accordingly.
One side of the container holds bottles of oral preparations, including a bottle of Nutri-Drench for goats, Pepto-Bismol for goats with tummy troubles, and two bottles of Bloat Release.
The other side is for topical things. There are several rolls of Vet Wrap, a spray bottle of iodine, wound spray, and a quart-size zippered bag containing other items including betadine wipes, bandages and even Band-Aids for people. (I often need one when I'm outside. Apparently I'm a bit of a klutz.)
I didn't plan it this way, but the height of the cardboard left a space on top of the bottles that's about three inches deep.
I found a shallow box that fit on top of the cardboard but still allowed the lid to close. I use this as a tray for small items.
The cardboard divider underneath keeps the tray on top where it belongs, keeps it level, and keeps the bottles below from being smashed. I couldn't have planned this any better.
Wondering what equipment you need to keep goats?
Here are my 10 must-have basic items for goats.
In the tray on top I keep a stethoscope for listening to rumen sounds, a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, a measuring tape to estimate a goat's weight, an assortment of syringes and extra needles, and the little tube of antibiotic eye ointment that I sometimes need for kittens with eye infections.
I have a few sandwich-size bags on top that hold smaller items: a roll of gauze, bandage tape and scissors, needles. The drench syringe also goes on top of the tray, to use when administering liquids to goats, such as vitamins, Nutri-Drench, and medications.
Along the sides of the container, between the cardboard divider and the plastic side of the box, I store several printed pages of information.
There's a goat weight chart to convert inches to pounds for an estimated weight, a diagram of where to give shots, vital statistics for goats and for horses, and dosage amounts for dewormers and medications. I've added links to this information in the list below so you can print them off too if you wish.
On the other side of the box, also between the cardboard and the plastic side, are some large 4x4" individually wrapped gauze pads.
Grab and go portability
This first aid kit is super portable and I can literally grab it and go to diagnosis and give immediate wound care. It has everything I need for assessment and first aid care for goats, horses, dogs and cats. And chickens too, I suppose.
While this first-aid kit contains the "first aid" type of supplies that might be needed immediately and on the spot, I keep most bottles of medications on a shelf in the house, out of reach of our little people. Keeping them inside a cupboard keeps the liquids and gels away from light.
Medications that must be kept cold are in the refrigerator in a plastic storage basket from the dollar store, so I can grab the basket and have everything I need. No more hunting through the back of the refrigerator shelves for a forgotten bottle.
Items for your first-aid kit
Of course, everyone will have different items in their first aid kits, but these are the basic items that I keep on hand all the time. Having a dedicated first aid container keeps these items together so I always know where they are.
These are the basics I keep in my kit:
- NutriDrench for nutritional support
- Pepto Bismol (yes, for the goats)
- Bloat Release
- ProBios powder or ProBios gel
- Slippery elm powder to treat diarrhea
- Vet Wrap
- Iodine spray
- Wound spray
- Betadine wipes
- Bandages and Band-aids
- Stethoscope to listen for rumen noises (this is a new addition and it's been wonderful!)
- Digital thermometer
- Hand sanitizer
- Goat weight tape
- Antibiotic eye ointment
- Gauze, bandage tape and scissors, needles
- 4"x4" gauze pads
- A drench syringe
What I love about this first-aid kit
I love the portability of this kit. I like being able to divide things up inside with those cardboard dividers, so I know where everything is.
The size of the container is deep enough to hold the bottles and keep them upright, and just the right size to store the 8.5x11" papers along the side. And I like having the "tray" on top so that small items aren't lost inside the larger container.
The kit is light enough that our young granddaughter was able to run in the house and carry it out to me when we had a dog emergency. The handle is invaluable for portability.
In other words, having a livestock first-aid kit ready and waiting works just right for us. Perhaps it will for you too.
Printable information for your first-aid kit
If you'd like to include the printable information in your first-aid kit too, you can follow these links to their authors' websites and print them.
Goat weight chart
Diagram of where to give shots
Dosage for many common medications
Vital statistics for goats and for horses
Readers often ask me for an easy way to print some of my posts for their goat binder or homesteading notebook. You asked, I listened!
With fewer, smaller images and no ads, the printable is designed to be printer-friendly, to be kept in your goat binder or homesteading notebook. For even more economy, set your printer to “black and white” to save on color ink.
You'll find the 8-page printable in my Etsy shop. It also includes a printable checklist so you'll be able to keep track of what you have on hand and what you need to buy.
Want more?
You'll find all of my goat articles here.
Related posts:
Supplies You Need for Your Goats10 Must-Have Items for Goats
The Best Goat Breed for Your Homestead's Needs
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Kathi Rodgers is the gardener and writer behind Oak Hill Homestead (est. 2006) and the host of HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast. With over 30 years of gardening experience in a variety of climates and soils, she helps new and aspiring gardeners grow healthy, organic food right in their own backyards.
A passionate advocate for simple, self-reliant living, Kathi is the author of multiple ebooks, a published magazine contributor, and shares practical advice with readers who want real-life solutions they can trust.
Kathi lives in Oklahoma, where she grows more cherry tomatoes than she can count and keeps a watchful eye on tornado season. A proud grandma and great-grandma, she believes that wisdom - like a bountiful garden harvest - should be shared.
