April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month and is intended to promote the importance of basic pet first aid knowledge for pet owners. Knowing what to do in the initial minutes of an accident or trauma can be critical to a pet's life. Pet owners that are trained in pet first aid measures and proper life saving techniques are better prepared to handle routine and life threatening emergencies.
Many Red Cross chapters across the country offer classes with hands-on training in Pet First Aid procedures and is considered to be one of the best ways to learn pet first aid skills. Red Cross Pet First Aid classes can give pet owners the confidence and skills necessary to tend to unexpected emergencies until medical attention is available.
According to Niki Tudge, founder of the DogSmith, “First aid kits, CPR classes and emergency preparedness plans are all ways that pet owners can prepare themselves for emergencies. This is why all DogSmith dog trainers and pet care technicians are certified in first aid and we always encourage owners to create a first aid kit for their pets and keep it handy. If you are an active dog owner then keep several kits handy, one at home, one in the car and one in your sports bag. And don’t forget to include your vet’s phone number, emergency animal clinic numbers and the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center telephone number (888-426-4435) in your first aid kit.”
Tudge says, “You hope to never have to use your first aid kit, but in an emergency, having it close at hand may save your pet's life. Pet owner first aid in many cases is a first response before professional care is provided so exercise caution around ill or injured pets because pets in pain may bite. Keeping your animal and caregivers safe is a top priority. An important and useful tip is to know how to apply an emergency muzzle. The best and most comfortable way is to tie the knot underneath the muzzle then around the ears to eliminate contact with the eyes.”
For more information on Pet First Aid, visit http://www.redcross.org/ or contact your local DogSmith Certified Pet Care Expert.
The DogSmith Franchise Services Inc. is a Florida based company whose mission is to enhance the lives of pets and their owners by improving their relationship, and the quality of the life they share, through providing professional support and training to pet dog owners, supporting and assisting animal shelters and rescue organizations to minimize the number of unwanted animals and offering affordable and professional care to family pets so that pet ownership is never a burden. To learn more about The DogSmith or to become a DogSmith Dog Trainer, visit www.DogSmith.com or call 1-888-364-7648.
