Animal emergency clinics are available around the clock and on holidays and are happy to answer questions.

james s. wood / arizona daily star 2001

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Today's pets are well-loved and have become treasured members of the family.

Families are extremely committed to keeping these beloved companions safe and happy, which is why I was not surprised when I saw that a local veterinarian was offering a free pet first-aid class to the public.

Pets, like people, have a much greater chance of surviving a life-threatening emergency if the proper first aid is administered right away. Emergency situations are frightening for everyone, but are especially difficult if a loved family member is involved. Being prepared for a pet emergency will increase your chances of responding calmly and quickly and could save your pet's life.

For example, what if you're away at work and your house catches on fire?

Even the smartest pet can't dial 911 so, "it's a good idea to pick up several stickers from your veterinarian or local fire department to place on your windows in case of a fire, letting the firefighters know to rescue your dog or cat as well," advises veterinarian Keven Gulikers, an internal medicine specialist in Mesa.

Learning basic pet first aid is one more way to help ensure that your pet will be a part of your family for many years to come. So just how do you perform first aid on a pet?

Here are tips to help you get started with your pet first-aid education:

● Traumatic injuries — Always approach an injured pet carefully, as animals in pain may reflexively bite or scratch. Keep your pet restrained and warm by wrapping a large towel around it. For dogs, use a muzzle if available or make a muzzle out of nylons, a large sock or a leash to prevent bites.

● Bleeding — Have someone help restrain your pet and/or apply a muzzle. Apply direct, firm pressure to bleeding wounds. A bandage may not apply enough pressure to stop the bleeding alone, especially if a blood vessel was injured, but might help decrease the amount of blood lost.

● Poisoning — Do not induce vomiting unless your veterinarian recommends it. If you know what toxin your pet ingested, bring the toxin along with the container with you to the pet hospital to help the veterinarian determine treatment. If your animal ingested a human medication, always bring in the pill vial that contains the name of the medication and the strength. Keep the number of your local veterinary emergency clinic and human poison center near your phone. While many human poison centers are happy to answer questions about pets, one of the best resources is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (www.aspca.org/apcc).

● Preventive care — Preventive care goes beyond treating illness and avoids problems before they happen. Always have your pet vaccinated against life-threatening diseases. Use parasite control for internal parasites (worms) and external parasites (fleas and ticks) year-round. Keep your dog on a leash around busy streets, as many hit-by-car accidents occur when dogs see something across the street and dart across unexpectedly. Never leave your pet in a car on even a moderately sunny day, as cars can become ovens in minutes, leading quickly to deadly heat stroke.

● Seek proper medical attention — Get proper medical attention by seeking veterinary care immediately in all emergency situations. Keep a list of emergency numbers on hand, such as your veterinarian and the closest 24-hour emergency care hospital. Giving your pet professional care right away could save its life.

Columbus, Ohio, veterinarian Jennifer Jellison recommends having the following items in your pet first aid kit at home:

● Boards or blankets to use as a stretcher.

● Leash, rope or soft cloth to use as a muzzle.

● Nonstick bandages (Ace bandages, vet-wrap, etc.).

● 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a turkey baster (to induce vomiting).

● Towels or cloth to control bleeding.

● Gauze and bandage material for wrapping wounds.

● Adhesive medical tape (though duct tape can work during emergencies).

● Saline eye flush.

● Tweezers or hemostats.

● Clean latex gloves.

● Styptic powder to stop bleeding (flour or cornstarch can be used in an emergency).

● Bottle of water (to help cool down in event of heatstroke).

"Remember that animal emergency clinics are available around the clock and on holidays and are happy to answer questions. Always call before giving your pet any over-the-counter medication," says Beth Davidow, a veterinarian at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services in Seattle.

For more information, talk to your veterinarian, or to find a specialist in your area, consult the Web sites of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (www.acvim.org) and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (www.acvecc.org).