PET FIRST AID AWARENESS MONTH, NTL.
Categories: Animals, Fish, Insects, Birds, Health & Family & Friends
Location: United States
Type of Event: Monthly Event
Updated: May 06, 2024
Location: United States
Type of Event: Monthly Event
Updated: May 06, 2024
About National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, sponsored by the American Red Cross, occurs each year in April. The purpose is to educate pet owners on ways to keep their pets safe and healthy during extreme weather as well as other threats to their health.
Heat stroke is one of the most common problems pets face in the warmer weather, especially if the pet is left inside of a car can. The temperature can reach 120 degrees and higher quickly.
Heat stroke signs include:
Heavy panting
Agitation
Gums turn brick red,
Fast pulse rate
Inability to get up.
When temperatures reach 105F, animals need to be cooled down. Spray them down with a hose. If your pet shows signs of heat stroke, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.
Don’t forget to include pets in planning for emergencies in your home or neighborhood:
Make plans to take your pets with you if you have to evacuate.
Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, boarding facilities will accept pets in an emergency.
Assemble an easy-to-carry kit with emergency supplies for pets: Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers, food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
Medications and copies of medical records
Current photos of the pets
Download the Red Cross Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist below.
Courses are available at many Red Cross chapters on how to care for your pet. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid Guides with DVDs that teach basic responsibilities like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to performing CPR and preparing for disasters. Visit Redcross.org/training or call 1-800 RED CROSS to see when classes are available. The Guides are available through the Red Cross Store.
Heat stroke is one of the most common problems pets face in the warmer weather, especially if the pet is left inside of a car can. The temperature can reach 120 degrees and higher quickly.
Heat stroke signs include:
Heavy panting
Agitation
Gums turn brick red,
Fast pulse rate
Inability to get up.
When temperatures reach 105F, animals need to be cooled down. Spray them down with a hose. If your pet shows signs of heat stroke, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.
Don’t forget to include pets in planning for emergencies in your home or neighborhood:
Make plans to take your pets with you if you have to evacuate.
Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, boarding facilities will accept pets in an emergency.
Assemble an easy-to-carry kit with emergency supplies for pets: Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers, food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
Medications and copies of medical records
Current photos of the pets
Download the Red Cross Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist below.
Courses are available at many Red Cross chapters on how to care for your pet. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid Guides with DVDs that teach basic responsibilities like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to performing CPR and preparing for disasters. Visit Redcross.org/training or call 1-800 RED CROSS to see when classes are available. The Guides are available through the Red Cross Store.
PROMOTIONAL DETAILS
Event Sponsor:
American Red Cross
Videos
Images
Downloads
5878_m3640126_PetSafety.pdf
