How to Save a Life: Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Pet First Aid Awareness Month provides an opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness for pets. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied before receiving emergency veterinary care.

Besides calling their veterinarian or an emergency clinic, pet owners may not be prepared to handle a medical emergency. But, the following tips may be beneficial and can even help save a pet's life.

Buy Multiple Pet First-Aid Kits

Pet parents should consider purchasing two pet first-aid kits--one for the home and one for the road. These should include important medical documents, such as medical records, allergies, and microchip information. These records are especially important in the event that a pet owner would need to take their pet to a different vet while traveling or to an emergency clinic outside their regular vet's business hours. The American Veterinary Medical Association has recommended a list of supplies that should be included in every pet first aid kit.

Consider Pet Insurance

Pet insurance provides owners with an opportunity to be prepared in the event their pet experiences a medical emergency. Pet insurance can be beneficial for anyone. There are a number of resources that pet parents can use that will help compare the cost of insurance with the typical cost of a vet emergency. Creating a pet emergency fund is another possibility if pet owners aren't sure about pet insurance.

First Aid Workshops

While many Humane Societies offer pet first-aid workshops, you may be able to find a local class or training session at a vet's office or training facility. 

Educate Pet Sitters

Make sure that pet sitters have all the necessary information they need to deal with a pet emergency. If the pet sitter has a dog or cat, they may already be more aware of questions to ask, such as "Where's the nearest emergency vet clinic?" Giving pet sitters a list of important numbers could also save a life. Pet Sitters International provides useful information for frequent pet sitters on how to manage an emergency medical issue.

There are many ways to ensure that you know what to do in an emergency and are prepared for the unexpected. Help prepare for any kind of pet emergency by sharing these tips.