Pet First Aid Awareness Month: Red Cross shares tips to prepare for warm-weather emergencies

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and with warmer weather drawing more people outside with their pets, the American Red Cross says it’s a good time to get ready for the unexpected.

Pet emergencies increase in the spring and summer months as pets are outside and exposed to more potential hazards.

Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager with the American Red Cross Northern New England, says that’s why it helps to think ahead.

“When the weather gets warmer, we’re often outside with our pets more often, and you often encounter more emergencies that are related to outdoor activities, things like drowning, or heat stroke, or other accidents that may involve vehicles, things like that, so it’s important to be aware of what you might need to do in that case of an emergency because you are likely the first person to respond if your pet needs help,” said Dowling.

One easy step: keep a pet first aid kit handy with basics like gauze, an elastic bandage, and eye saline rinse, plus know your vet’s number and where the closest emergency clinic is.

The Red Cross also has a Pet App, a Pet First Aid course, and additional tips for building a pet first aid kit to help owners feel more prepared.

For more information on these resources, visit the following: Red Cross Pet App, Red Cross Pet First Aid Course.