April 01, 2024
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month is celebrated in April every year. This is a special month dedicated to raising awareness among pet parents and animal lovers about pet injuries and providing emergency care in case of injuries. Have you ever wondered what you would do if you find yourself in a situation where you are far from the nearest vet’s office and, unfortunately, your pet gets injured? It is always a good idea to see your veterinarian if your pet gets sick or injured, but in cases like the one mentioned above, you may need to give your furry friend first aid before taking it to the vet.
History Of National Pet First Aid Awareness Monthh
You never know the importance of learning pet first aid unless you are in a place far away from a vet’s clinic. You are out camping, boating, or hiking — or you happen to live on a farm or ranch, where the nearest pet clinic is miles away. These times can become really crucial, and you may need to do your best to help your sick or hurt pets, at least before proper care arrives or becomes within reach.
One of the most important things that all pet parents need to understand is that prevention is the best medicine. While you cannot monitor your pets 24/7 or prevent accidents from happening to them, you can take steps to reduce the dangers and risks your pet faces every day. The first thing you can do to prevent pet accidents is to become conscious of household items that could cause choking, injuries, sickness, or accidental poisoning to the animals. You also need to have your pet’s first-aid kit stocked and ready, just in case.
Accidents happen, and that is inevitable. But giving importance to the National Pet First Aid Awareness Month and knowing how to handle emergencies can save your pet. Thus, even if you spend most of your time at home with your pet and live near a vet, you should still always prepare for a scenario where you are required to attend to an emergency related to your pet. This small task can be what saves your pet’s life.
Resources
DOWNLOAD THE RED CROSS APP Pet First Aid app it’s easy to learn what to do if an emergency affects your pet. It provides 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 will also help owners keep their pets safe by learning 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. Recommended items include leashes, food, water, toys, medical records and an animal carrier for evacuation purposes.
Owners also have access to 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.
Basic Emergency Procedures like ‘CPR’ can save a Pet’s Life
You can save a pet’s life if you know simple emergency procedures like CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation). This can help when a pet suddenly stops breathing or falls unconscious and a vet is not accessible. It is as simple as mentioned below:
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Check the ABC:
If ABC (A-Airway, B-Breathing, and C-Circulation) of a pet is compromised and its chest is not moving, one can begin the CPR.
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Clear the airway:
If you find that a pet is not breathing, see if a foreign object has obstructed the breathing passage. Check if it has choked on a piece of plastic or something. If so, you may need to clear this very carefully.
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Rescue breathing:
Close the animal’s mouth and perform rescue breathing by directly breathing into its nose such that its chest rises. Repeat this procedure 15-20 times per minute.
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Chest compressions:
Place the heel of your hand on your pet’s heart (on the left side where the animal’s elbow meets the chest) and place the other hand over it. Now press firmly and quickly for up to 100-120 times per minute. Check for the heartbeats every two minutes. You may also alternate rescue breathing and chest compressions until the pet resumes breathing or you reach the hospital.
How To Observe National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
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Take a pet first aid course
Take a pet first aid course organized in your area. It will be available in your vet clinic, pet shop, and local humane societies.
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Make a pet first aid kit
If you don’t have a pet first aid kit it's time to get one done. check out our lists below on the essentials to include in your pet first aid kit.
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Share your story
Not many people know how to perform first aid to pets. So, if you have this experience or if you work at a pet clinic, share this information with the world via social media.
