PORTLAND — Pets are family, and they need emergency plans too. In recognition of Pet First Aid Awareness Month this April, the American Red Cross is helping empower pet owners with practical tips and tools to prepare for four-legged emergencies, including the Pet First Aid App, Pet First Aid online course and guidance on assembling a pet first aid kit.
The Red Cross Pet First Aid App puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step guidance, it walks pet owners through common pet emergencies, from car accidents and drowning, to allergic reactions, bleeding, breathing problems, burns, choking, electric shocks, heat stroke, hypothermia, poisoning and more. The app also includes information on emergency supplies, when to contact a veterinarian and how to locate pet care facilities or pet-friendly hotels. The Pet First Aid App is available by texting GETPET to 90999, visiting redcross.org/apps or searching for American Red Cross in app stores.
“Accidents and health emergencies for our furry friends can happen anytime and knowing how to respond can make a crucial difference in your pet’s recovery — or even survival,” said Steve Thomas, executive director, Red Cross Southern Maine Chapter. “Many people are familiar with first aid for humans, but understanding first aid for pets is equally important. In fact, it’s a crucial skill for every pet owner.”
Take the Cat and Dog First Aid Online Course
The American Red Cross also offers an online Cat and Dog First Aid course teaches the basics of pet first aid in about 30 minutes. The course covers how to check a pet’s vital signs and what to do if an animal is choking, wounded, having a seizure or needs CPR.
It also includes preventive care and general pet health tips, helping owners recognize signs of illness and know when a pet may need immediate veterinary care. More information is available at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid. The cost of the course is $25.
Build a pet first aid kit
Every pet owner should have some basic first aid supplies on hand. Creating a pet first aid kit is essential because it’s impossible to predict pet distress, and responding quickly may mean the difference between a minor issue and a life-threatening situation. A pet first aid kit can make those first few minutes easier to manage and give owners the tools they need while seeking veterinary care. The Red Cross Pet First Aid App includes guidance on assembling both a pet first aid kit and a larger emergency kit. This information can be found on the app under the “Prepare” tab and “Disasters & Emergencies.”
A basic kit should include gloves, gauze, an elastic bandage, a clean cloth, nail clippers, rectal thermometer, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in a pet appropriate dose, sterile saline eye wash, styptic powder (stops bleeding from broken nails), sterile, water-based lubricant (to keep fur away from a wound you are treating), a flashlight and emergency contact numbers for a veterinarian and an after-hours animal hospital. Leashes, carriers, food, water, medications and identification photos should also be kept together in a place that is easy to reach. A muzzle or soft cloth should also be included, as even gentle pets may bite when frightened or in pain.
A pet first aid kit should be kept in a convenient location, and everyone in the household should know where it is. A smaller kit can also be packed for travel, hiking or camping.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
