Is Your Pet Protected? National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
April 05, 2012 • Health & Wellness
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals, is raising awareness about the importance of pet safety and encouraging pet parents to create first aid kits in order to be prepared for pet emergencies.
In honor of Pet First Aid Awareness month this April, NAPPS is urging pet parents to organize a first aid kit and establish a safety plan for handling pet-related accidents and emergencies. Pet parents are also encouraged to create a check list to help their children, in the event that they are dealing with a pet accident on their own. Preparing your family to respond to pet emergencies will help reduce panic and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
“Pet parents can reduce the impact and severity of an accident by equipping their homes and cars with proper first aid and emergency kits for their pets,” said John D’Ariano, President of NAPPS. “Pet first aid kits should be easily accessible at all times and restocked with supplies regularly.”
NAPPS encourages pet parents to be proactive and emphasizes building a first aid kit with the following items, as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):
- Phone numbers for your veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinic, Animal Poison Control Center (there may be a fee for this call)
- Gauze for wrapping wounds
- Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth to control bleeding or protect wounds
- Adhesive tape for bandages for securing gauze wrap
- Milk of magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting
- Digital fever thermometer to check temperature
- Eye dropper to give oral treatments or flush wound
- Muzzle to cover your pet’s head, only if he or she is not vomiting
- Leash to transport your pet if he or she can walk without further injury
NAPPS reminds pet parents that accidents can occur at the most unlikely times. An ordinary walk in the park can result in an allergic reaction to a bee sting and even the most playful pet interactions can quickly turn unfriendly or dangerous. The best way for pet parents to determine if a pet is suffering from an injury or needs medical attention is to evaluate and observe its behavior. When in doubt, pet parents are urged to contact their veterinarian for an expert opinion.
Pets that have been injured often need special attention and monitoring to ensure a speedy recovery. Professional pet sitters are able to provide the additional care your pet needs, allowing you the flexibility to return to your regular routine.
NAPPS encourages pet parents to contact their local American Red Cross chapter and enroll in a pet first aid course. For additional safety tips, visit www.petsitters.org.
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