While April is known for its showers that bring May flowers, it is also National Pet First Aid Awareness Month (NPFAAM) and the American Red Cross in Greater New York encourages pet owners to take a first aid class for the good of their furry friends.
“Administering basic pet first aid techniques can be the difference between life and death when a cat or dog is in need of emergency care,” said Brian Moreland, Red Cross Pet First Aid instructor. “Many of us realize the critical nature of human life-saving techniques, and we just need to be reminded that the same is true for our pets.”
In the first aid class, pet owners will learn how to recognize and respond to life-threatening conditions. The class will teach you how to:
• Know when to call for an emergency assistance for an injured animal
• Determine what is “normal” for your cat or dog
• Identify signals of breathing emergencies – including choking – and provide care for the symptoms you find
• Recognize and provide care for signs of cardiac arrest
• Control life-threatening bleeding
• Recognize and care for signs of sudden illness, including poisoning, seizures, and heat and cold emergencies
• Move an injured pet
• Put together a “pet friendly” first aid kit
Students will work hands-on with “people-friendly” cat and dog manikins and will receive a Pet First Aid Attendance Certificate and a complimentary Red Cross Pet First Aid guide upon completion of the class. The cost is $80.
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid Kit is also available for purchase at a special price of only $15.99, in honor of NPFAAM. The kit has everything an owner needs to help a pet during an emergency, from responding to open wounds to caring for injured bones on cuddly companions.
For more information on class registration, the pet first aid kit, or other services, visit www.nyredcross.org.
