Tips For Pet First Aid

Your pet is an integral and important part of your family, and just like any other family member your pet can become ill or injured. Do you know how you would care for your pet in an emergency? The American Red Cross offers some tips for those pet owners who have the desire to learn.

• Always approach a sick or injured animal slowly and cautiously.
• Watch the body expressions and sounds your pet makes to warn you. Even your own pet can be aggressive when in pain or frightened.
• Do not make quick, jerky, or loud movements. They might further scare your pet.
• When necessary, use towels or blankets to subdue cats or small dogs.
• Keep the phone number and address of your veterinarian in a convenient location.
• Have the phone number and address of an after-hours veterinary clinic on hand and keep directions to that clinic in the same place. Whenever possible, call ahead to let them know you will be coming.
• Pay attention to what is normal for your pet so you can detect signals when something is wrong.