Red Cross offers pet first aid app
By From staff reports
Published in News on February 16, 2014 1:50 AM
A new app recently released gives iPhone and Android smart phone users instant access to expert information on how to maintain their pet's health and what to do during emergencies.
The Red Cross' new Pet First Aid App costs 99 cents and is the organization's latest app aimed at providing emergency information.
It provides lifesaving information for dog and cat owners so they can provide emergency care until veterinary assistance is available, Red Cross officials said.
"Pet owners learn how to recognize health problems and when to contact their veterinarian," said Bill Brent, CEO for the Eastern N.C. Region of the American Red Cross. "The 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."
Also, history has shown that some people do not evacuate during disasters because they did not want to leave their pets behind, Red Cross officials said.
The Pet First Aid App contains resources to help owners include pets in their emergency action plans. Pet owners may also take a Red Cross Pet First Aid course so they can practice the skills and receive feedback.
People can go to redcross.org/takeaclass for information and to register.
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:
* Create a pet profile including tag identification number, photos, list of medications and instructions.
* Use the list of early warning signs to learn when to call their veterinarian.
* Use "click-to-call" to contact their veterinarian.
* Find emergency pet care facilities or alternate veterinarians with the "animal hospital locator."
* Locate pet-friendly hotels.
* Test their knowledge with interactive quizzes and earn badges that they can share on their social networks along with their favorite picture of their pet.
The Pet First Aid App and other Red Cross apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross. org/mobileapps.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.