Best known for saving lives and helping in disasters, the American Red Cross has launched an app and its Cat and Dog First Aid online course so that pet parents will know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available.
The change of seasons often brings a threat of violent weather and other hazards. Preparing your pet for a disaster just became simpler with what might be the very best pet preparedness app available. Along with knowledge from the Red Cross free online First Aid course, the app is quickly becoming the go-to source for pet parents everywhere.
“It’s so important for people to know what to do if a person is experiencing a life-threatening emergency,” said Deborah C. Mandell, VMD, DACVECC, of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. “Now, the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course provides owners, pet-sitters and dog walkers with an easy and convenient way to learn life-saving skills for their pets.”
Pet parents can access the course on a desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at their own pace. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the course. Participants can stop and pick up where they left off if Fluffy needs a treat or it’s time to take Fido out to the dog park.
The interactive course includes: How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so that 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; and information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being.
Download the pet first aid app
The Red Cross Pet First Aid App complements the course by providing cat and dog owners with instant access to expert advice, an animal hospital locator, pet-friendly hotels, content on how to include pets in family emergency preparedness plans and more.
The app can be downloaded for free in mobile app stores or by texting ‘GETPET’ to 90999.