Be Ready With Pet First Aid
March 23, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Pets
It’s difficult enough to recognize and prepare for human emergencies, but pet mishaps and sudden pet illnesses may also creep up on you. To help you prepare, the American Red Cross offers Pet First Aid classes at select chapters.
Separate class are taught for Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid. The classes teach you how to give medication, recognize an emergency, perform first aid and CPR and stock a first aid kit. The class also covers how to treat common problems and emergencies requiring immediate attention. Check with your local chapter for classes.
The Red Cross reminds you to keep the phone number, address and directions to an after-hours veterinary clinic on hand. If you find yourself making the trip, call ahead to let them know you’re on the way.
If you prefer to learn on your own, the Red Cross offers a couple of great resources:
• Be Red Cross Ready Safety Series Vol. 2: Dog First Aid
• Be Red Cross Ready Safety Series Vol. 3: Cat First Aid
The first aid books are on sale right now for around $15. Plus, they come with DVDs.
Have you ever had a pet emergency that required after-hours veterinary attention?
(Image via stock.xchng)
About 8 months ago my dog was attacked by javelinas (kinda like wild boars) and was severely injured. The closest after hours vet. service is 2 hours away so I had no choice but to grab my first aid box for her and got to work on steaming the blood and keeping her comfortable until the morning. I was really glad to have that first aid box.
Kisha, sounds like a horrible ordeal for your poor dog! I’m glad you had the first aid and everything turned out ok.