Helps Dog and Cat Owners Provide Emergency Care until Vet Assistance is Available<\/p>\n
(Jan. 2014) Pets are an important part of many families, and a new Red Cross Pet First Aid App puts lifesaving information right in the hands of dog and cat owners so they can provide emergency care until veterinary assistance is available.<\/p>\n
The 99-cent Pet First Aid app gives iPhone and Android smart phone users instant access to expert information so they learn how to maintain their pet\u2019s health and what to do during emergencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Pet First Aid App provides step-by-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations, including how to treat wounds, control bleeding, and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies,\u201d said Rosie Taravella, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Central New York Region. \u201cPets are parts of our families, and we want you to be prepared if your pet needs emergency care that could save its life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additional topics include burns, car accidents, falls and what to do for cold- and heat-related emergencies. Other features in the app allow pet owners to:<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Create a pet profile: tag identification number, photos, list of medications and instructions.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Use the list of early warning signs to learn when to call their veterinarian.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Use \u201cclick-to-call\u201d to contact their veterinarian.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Find emergency pet care facilities or alternate veterinarians with the \u201canimal hospital locator.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Locate pet-friendly hotels.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Test their knowledge with interactive quizzes and earn badges that they can share on their social networks along with their favorite picture of their pet.<\/p>\n
History shows that people have not evacuated during disasters because they did not want to leave their pets behind. The Red Cross app contains resources to help owners include pets in their emergency plans.<\/p>\n