American Red Cross Announces New Cat & Dog First Aid Online Course by Donna John

For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has been training people to perform first aid skills so they could save the lives of others. Now, the organization announces the release of its new Cat and Dog First Aid online course so that owners will know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available.

"It's so important for people to know what to do if a person is experiencing a life-threatening emergency," said Deborah C. Mandell, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and professor at Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. "Now, the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course provides owners, pet-sitters and dog walkers with an easy and convenient way to learn life-saving skills for their pets."

People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at RedCross.org and go through the content at their own pace. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the course. Participants can stop and pick up where they left off if Fluffy needs a treat or it's time to take Fido out to the dog park. The interactive course includes:

• How to determine a pet's normal vital signs so that owners can notice if there are any irregularities.
• Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound or is having a seizure.
• Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet's well-being.

The app can be downloaded for free in mobile app stores or by texting "GETPET" to 90999. American Pet Nutrition is a proud sponsor of the Pet First Aid App.