April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month and the American Red Cross has an app and online class to help pet owners know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available.
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.
You can also register and access the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course here and go through the content at your own pace. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the course and you can stop and pick up where you left off if you need to take a break at some point.
The interactive course includes:
How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so owners can notice if there are any irregularities
Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure.
Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being.