Pet Safety & Pet First Aid

Written by: Morgan Terry, volunteer

Although Summer is over, residents can still expect the heat to linger around a little longer. That’s why it’s important to be aware of how to keep pets safe as seasons and temperatures change. One way everyone can do this is by taking the new online Red Cross training class for Cat and Dog First Aid. This class gives owners the ability to identify and respond to a variety of pet emergencies until professional assistance is available. Owners will learn how to revive a cat or dog that is not breathing, tend to wounds, check vital signs and maintain health before, during and after emergency situations.

The Red Cross also encourages owners to keep in mind a few helpful tips:

• Never leaves pets in a car on a hot day, not even for just a moment. Even temperatures of only 70 degrees can be dangerous for pets inside a car for only a few minutes.
• Keep an eye on pets around large bodies of water and pools, just like you would a child.
• Know the less obvious signs of illness, such as lack of energy, weakness, agitation or excessive sleeping.
• Always keep your pets on a leash, especially near busy streets and crowded areas.

My friend Andy of Silver Spring, MD keeps his dogs Scrappy and Celeste safe by making sure they have plenty of water when playing outside and keeping an eye on them in potentially dangerous environments, such as a lake or a rocky area.

Get Started!

• Prepare your Pets for Emergencies
• Register for Cat & Dog First Aid
• Download Pet First Aid App