Pets Prepared: Simple First Aid Skills & Tips to Save Your Pet's Life

Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and fire -- natural disasters hit without warning. September is National Preparedness Month, and being prepared is the best way to avoid tragedy. Though most homes are equipped with some sort of first aid kit, not every home has one for their pets. 

If you consider your pets part of your family, use the following tips and advice to be pet-prepared for emergencies. It just takes a few minutes to make plans that may save your pal's life.

Planning Ahead
Knowing what to do when disaster strikes may be half the battle. Have a plan and all the necessary information on hand so that you don't waste time scrambling for them during an emergency.

Keep emergency contact information on hand. This should include the phone numbers and locations of your normal veterinarian, closest 24-hour emergency veterinarian, and your local animal services agency. 

During disasters, animal services assist the public with their pets. These services can include emergency evacuation assistance and temporary housing. Animal services are usually public agencies.

Long Beach Animal Control services Cerritos, Belmont Shore, and Naples, in addition to several other cities. LA County: Downey Animal Care Center services Artesia and several other cities and areas.

Basic Pet Emergency Kits
Human Band-Aids and pain killers that are found in every day first aid kits are not useful nor safe for your cat or dog. Make your furry friend their own kit by using the following guidelines to assemble a basic kit.

• Pet wrap can be used with gauze to create bandages for your pet. It is self adhesive and won't be compromised by your pet's hair.

• A week's supply of food and water will be necessary for your pet's survival. Keep the food in air-tight containers and don't forget the bowls. 

• If your pet is on any medication, keep an emergency supply in your kit. You may also want to ask your veterinarian if you should keep any antibiotics on hand just in case.

• Pack a spare litter box and a small bag of litter for cats. If you have a dog, keep extra potty bags in your kit.

• Beds, blankets, and towels can help your pet feel at home after an emergency. Have some packed and ready to go. 

• Have a spare leash in your kit for your dog. If you have cats, be sure to have enough carriers for your kitties. In emergency situations, pillowcases can be used in lieu of a plastic carrier. 

For a more comprehensive kit, refer to the American Red Cross' pet first aid manuals. 

American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR
The Red Cross offers a wide variety of classes and kits to help people prepare for disasters. Take advantage of their expertise and materials for purchase, as they may help your pet's in their time of need.

The Red Cross offers Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid manuals that can help teach you pet first aid, CPR, and how to treat common problems. They also offer a comprehensive list of what to include in a pet safety kit. 

The American Red Cross also has Pet First Aid/CPR classes to give pet owners the skills they need to tend to their pets during emergencies before they can get to a veterinarian. These classes are offered year-round, but the Red Cross is hosting a special class at Santa Monica College on Sept. 20 from 5pm to 7pm in honor of National Preparedness Month. 

This unique event will be hosted by spcaLA Director of Veterinary Medicine, author and celebrity spokesperson Dr. Karen "Doc" Halligan. This in-depth overview can help you prepare your family and pets for a major disaster.