Pet Parents Prepare

Tips to Help Prevent and Manage Accidents

You're probably prepared to handle everyday emergencies that may arise with your family and children, but what about your pets? April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and Banfield, The Pet Hospital, which has more than 450 hospitals across the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico, would like to prepare pet parents to prevent and manage any unforeseen accidents. Warmer weather signals the beginning of spring cleaning, gardening, barbecues and campfires – all fun family occasions that might pose a threat to pets.

Keeping a pet first aid kit alongside your family's kit is a smart way to prepare, and your neighborhood Banfield doctor can tell you what basic supplies every pet first aid kit should have. Here are more tips to prepare if your pet is accidentally harmed by any common springtime health hazards:

Banfield's medical record database shows hundreds of dog and cat injuries associated with campfires and barbeques. Here's what to do if your pet is accidentally burned:

For small first degree burns (red skin, but no deep tissue damage) cool the area with water and monitor for blisters. If the burned area is large or if blisters develop, have your pet seen by your veterinarian immediately, as more aggressive treatment may be needed.

Want to see more?

• A Walk in the Park: Teach Your Child About Animal Behavior to Prevent Dog Bites
• Getting Fit with Furry Friends: How the Family Pet Can Get Your Kids in Shape
• Pets as Presents: Planning Makes All the Difference
• Talk about it!