As the Winter season is here, the American Red Cross, Western Los Angeles Chapter, encourages everyone to follow these simple steps to keep your pets safe when temperatures drop.
They recommend putting together a special Winter first aid kit to have on hand. It should include the following:
• Non-adhesive gauze and bandage tape for treating wounds, because accidents can happen.
• Muzzle for when you are giving aid because even the calmest pet can jump, or be unpredictable during an emergency.
• Emergency contact list that includes contact information for animal poison control or your local emergency animal hospital in case they accidentally eat harmful foods.
When visiting colder climates, these would be good to have on hand:
• Petroleum jelly helps protect their paws from the salt that is thrown on the ground to melt the ice and from ice melt.
• A thermal blanket to warm them up after they’ve been outside in the cold for too long.
• Thermometer to use for monitoring symptoms of hypothermia.
While you’re building a pet first aid kit, don’t forget to build one for your family, too! By taking these steps, you can help avoid Winter hazards for you and your loved ones. Make sure you keep a first aid kit in your car for you and your pet, as accidents can happen anywhere.
Download the free Pet First Aid app by searching Red Cross in app stores. For more information on Winter pet safety or building your family’s first aid kit, visit redcross.org
Info provided by Angel Sauceda, Regional Communications Director
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