April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Did you know that April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month? This is a great time to remind ourselves of the importance of keeping our furry family members safe and how we can be better prepared for a pet accident/emergency. 

What to put in a first aid kit for your pet

With all that fur you might be wondering what to put in your pet's first aid kit since a band aid just won't work. Here are a few things you might want to consider:

• Scissors with blunt end
• Disposable gloves
• Cotton balls/swabs
• Tweezers
• Gauze pads
• Adhesive medical tape/vet wrap
• Styptic powder
• Single-use ice pack
• Towels
• Saline solution
• Antibiotic ointment

And don't forget to check the expiration date on supplies annually.

For more ideas on what to include and how to put together a first aid kit for your pet check out this resource from the ASPCA.

Hands on preparation

Knowing how to perform basic pet first aid can be crucial to helping save your pet's life. You may also want to consider attending a hands-on pet first aid and cpr training. You can always check your local shelter or humane society as they will sometimes offer these types of trainings. The American red Cross also offers pet first aid and car classes.

Prevention

And, finally, the best way to prepare for an accident or emergency is to practice preventative measures. For example, if your dog loves to swim, especially in open water, have them wear a dog life vest to help them stay afloat. Other preventative measures include regular veterinary check ups and preparing a go-bag for your pet in case of a natural disaster and you need to evacuate.