The American Red Cross is known for helping to keep local residents and their families healthy and safe. Now with “Pet First Aid,” its guide to preventing, preparing for and responding to emergencies, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Chapter is spreading the word that it can do the same for four-legged loved ones as well
“Pet First Aid” explains emergency care procedures for cats and dogs in simple terms. Written by
Bobbie Mammato, DVM, MPH, it runs just over one hundred pages, features more than 130 illustrations and offers step-by-step directions for topics from giving medication to administering CPR and rescue breathing.
The book retails for $12.95 and is available at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Chapter or through the online store at www.redcross.org.”
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost 38 million households had a dog and a little more than 33 million had a cat in 2002. “This guide is a must-have for pet lovers—homes with pets really should not be without it,” points out Health & Safety Director, David Irwin. “We know pet owners enjoy a very special bond with their pets—they’re a part of the family. Just like with people, accidents and emergencies can happen and being prepared by knowing what to do could make a lifesaving difference.”
Guidance from “Pet First Aid” includes:
Pay attention to what is normal for your pet so you can detect signals when something is wrong.
Dogs who hang their heads out of car windows can be injured by flying debris. Keep your pet safely inside any moving vehicle and never transport your pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Keep contact information of your veterinarian, 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital, National Animal Poison Control Center and animal shelter or animal care and control agency readily available.
“This manual is another lifesaving resource that supports our mission of keeping Chattanoogans and their families healthy and safe,” said Mr. Irwin. “It’s a perfect addition to home reference libraries and makes a great gift!” For more information contact the Red Cross chapter at (423) 265-3455.