April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month! We know, it’s horrible to think of your furry best friend being hurt or injured. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. Being prepared in advance can make a huge difference in an emergency, and can even save your pet’s life. A local Crown Point, IN vet offers some tips on pet first aid below.
Apps
If you have a smartphone, download a few pet first aid apps. The Red Cross has a good one. It’s available on the App Store here or on Google Play here . Or, just text “GETPET” to 90999.
First Aid Kit
If you don’t have a pet first aid kit, we recommend making one as soon as possible. It’s much better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it! You can start with a regular first aid kit for people. Then, add some pet-specific items, such as non-stick gauze, a muzzle, styptic powder, a thermal blanket, rubbing alcohol, blunt-end scissors, and tweezers. Put the kit in or near your pet’s carrier, and keep it in a spot that’s easy to access.
Take A Class
If you have the time, consider taking a pet first aid class. You never know when you may need to put that knowledge to the test!
Contact Information
Store your vet’s number to your phone contacts, along with the number and address of the nearest 24/7 emergency clinic. Our number is 219-942-0909. You may also want to save the number for the Pet Poison Helpline, which is 800-213-6680. (Charges may apply.)
Brochure
Print or download a few pet first aid brochures. Keep them in or near the first aid kit, or in an easy to access spot, like on the fridge.
Smart Home
Smart home devices can also be a source of information in an emergency. However, the point of first aid is not to replace emergency veterinary care. It’s simply to stabilize your pet enough to safely transport them. You will need to call your vet for specific instructions and to tell them you’re coming in, so they can be ready. It could get confusing talking on the phone with Alexa talking in the background. That said, if you have one of these devices, keep it in mind.
Please contact us, your local Crown Point, IN vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!
