FRESNO — With pets being valued members of the family, it is more important than ever that families are trained in pet first aid. The American Red Cross offers an online training and app to get owners up to speed.
The Cat and Dog First Aid online course and Pet First Aid App are available for pet owners, pet-sitters and dog walkers to take to help provide emergency care until veterinary help is available.
“Pet lovers will learn what to do if their cat or dog is choking, has a wound or needs CPR,” said Russ Huge, Interim Executive Director of the Central Valley chapter. “They will also learn how to include their pet in their family’s emergency preparedness plans.”
Take the course:
People can access the course on their desktop or tablet here and go through the content at their own pace. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the course. The interactive course includes:
- How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so that owners can notice if there are any irregularities;
- Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is bleeding, having a seizure or is suffering from heatstroke; and
- Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being.
Download the app:
The free Pet First Aid App provides instant access to expert guidance on how to maintain your pet’s health, what to do in emergencies, and how to include pets in your emergency preparedness plans.
The app helps owners learn what emergency supplies to have, when they should contact their veterinarian, and where to find a pet care facility or pet-friendly hotel. Users learn how to assemble a pet first aid kit and an emergency kit.
Step-by-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations including how to treat wounds, control bleeding, and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies are included.
The Pet First Aid App can be downloaded by texting ‘GETPET’ to 90999, by going to redcross.org/apps, or by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in app stores.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
For more information, please visit redcross.org/centralcalifornia or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit them on Instagram at @RedCrossCentralCA.
