Class teaches first aid for pets

Several emergency procedures are taught in the new class.
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- For many people, pets are a part of the family. They love them, feed them, buy them gifts and take them to the vet.
But most don't know how to care for them in a time of crisis.
A new class offered by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross is designed to give those skills to participants.
"There's definitely a need for it," said Guido Jannetti, director of operations and instructor of the new class. "We've gotten some inquiries."
Youth groups, 4-H clubs and owners of new puppies have expressed interest, he said. Until Saturday, the chapter had to send them elsewhere to be trained.
Eight people signed up for the first class, held at the chapter's 8392 Tod Ave. location. If there continues to be interest, the course will be offered monthly, Jannetti said.
About the class
The class teaches participants to recognize a sick or injured animal, as well as how to administer first aid for pets. This includes bandaging, splinting, how to transport an injured animal to a vet and rescue breathing.
The course also covers planning for the safety of pets in the event of a disaster, such as a tornado or fire.
"Everybody tends to think of getting the family out, but to a lot of people their pets are as important," Jannetti pointed out.
Terri Hoon of Columbiana is the owner of four dogs and 10 cats and fosters animals for Angels for Animals. She signed up for the course to learn how to care for her animals in an emergency.
"If something happens then I can have them stabilized until I can get them some place for more thorough care," said Hoon.
Alison Alvino of Boardman has owned a dog for five years.
"I care about him very much, and I want to learn as much as I can in case something should ever happen," she said. "I have friends whose dogs have choked, so I thought it was better to be prepared."
The fee for the class is $32, which includes 2 1/2 hours of training, a manual and a pet first aid kit.
Supplies
Jannetti recommends that all pet owners have pet first aid supplies on hand. A kit should include basic first aid materials, such as bandages and gauze. But a pet kit, ideally, should also include peroxide for poison control, a styptic pencil to stop bleeding and a stethoscope.
"We teach them where to feel for a pulse, but it's a lot more difficult than in a human," he explained. "So if you have a stethoscope you can go right over the heart."
Also include a card with a veterinarian's phone number, medications the pet is taking, inoculations the pet has had and a picture of the animal in case he is lost, Jannetti suggested.
"There are some injuries that you won't be able to overcome," Jannetti said. But in other situations, such as choking or bleeding, knowing pet first aid, rather than needing to take the time to get to a vet, can save the life of an animal.
He does stress, however, that the course does not take the place of a veterinary visit in the event of serious injury or illness to an animal.