Unleashed!
April Is Pet First Aid Awareness Month
Pet owners can brush up on tips from the American Red Cross to keep their pets safe and healthy as we head into spring and summer.
If you've ever had to deal with a first aid emergency for a family member or friend, you know how nerve-racking and tense the situation can be. Our pets are just as much at risk, and knowing what to do when a first aid emergency strikes can make the difference between life and death. Years ago, when Flip was just a young pup, I took the American Red Cross Pet First Aid class and bought the paperback handbook. I'll admit the class and book terrified me! It described in detail all the terrible mishaps that could possibly befall my beloved pet: from lacerations, to choking, electrocution, bee stings, to bone injuries and frostbite. And yes, I learned how to give my dog CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and rescue breathing! They actually …
Liz "Iditarod's Littlest Musher" Parrish
8:46 pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Great overview Heidi, but especially this time of year, heat stress is a real possibility. In working with my urban mushing (dogsledding on wheels) students, I instruct them to make sure to hydrate their dogs ahead of exercise -- just like a human athlete. Basically we offer what's called "baited water", which is water that is flavored with something yummy (like a tiny bit of cat food) or a few … more ›