First Aid for Fido from the American Red Cross

Free event helps dog lovers meet health and safety needs of four-legged loved ones


BOCA RATON, Fla. (May 5, 2009) — For nearly 40 years, the Count & Countess de Hoernle Service Center of the American Red Cross has been keeping residents in southern Palm Beach County and their families safe, but this Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the organization’s focus will be the four-legged, furry friends in the community. The Red Cross has partnered with several area vendors to host its first-ever Doggie Paw-ty, a free event for pet owners and their pups, that will provide information on how to keep dogs healthy, how to prepare for a pet-related emergency, and how to recognize and respond to a medical emergency until veterinary care is available. At the Doggie Paw-ty, the organization will premiere a Dog CPR/First Aid DVD and will have a Dog First Aid guide available for purchase.

There are 44 million dog owners in the U.S. “The Dog First Aid guide is a must-have for pet lovers—homes with dogs really should not go without it,” points out Red Cross CEO Larry Casey. “We know pet owners enjoy a very special bond with their pets—they’re part of the family. Just like with people, accidents and emergencies can happen and being prepared by knowing what to do could make a lifesaving difference,” continues Casey. The Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the Red Cross also offers a Pet First Aid course, a two and a half-hour session that provides hands-on training.

Guidance from “Dog First Aid” includes:

  • The best way to recognize and respond to an emergency is to know what is normal for your dog and know how to recognize an emergency.
  • To determine dehydration, pull up the skin at the back of your dog’s neck; it should spring back to the normal position immediately.
  • It is crucial to keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date. Puppies require a serious of inoculations. Take your adult dog to the veterinarian at least yearly.

“This manual is another lifesaving resource that supports our mission of keeping local residents and their families healthy and safe,” added Casey. “It’s a perfect addition to home reference libraries and makes a great Mother’s Day gift!” Local vendors who will participate in the Doggie Paw-ty include Pet Smart of Delray Beach, Beast to Beauty of Boca Raton, Tweedle Pet Products of Delray Beach, Club Bow Wow of Boca Raton, Critter Sitter of Boca Raton, TLC Animal Hospital, Tri-County Humane Society, and Bow Wow, Meow & More of Boca Raton. For more information on the Red Cross’ Pet First Aid programs or to RSVP, please call (561) 994-2060.

 

 

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About the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross:

For over 90 years, the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross which includes Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties, has provided relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, taught lifesaving skills, and supported military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time and money to perform its humanitarian mission. To learn more about the work of the Red Cross in the local community, or to make a donation, please call 561-833-7711 or visit www.redcross-pbc.org.