Red Cross is Hounding the Public on Pet Safety During the Dog Days of Summer

The Muoo Muoo Dog

The American Red Cross is launching a new campaign for canines that will help pet owners keep their furry friends safe during the hottest days of summer. The Dog Days of Summer campaign promotes Red Cross pet safety trainings and programs, which are especially important as we enter the peak summer months.

The Dog Days of Summer campaign strives to teach some new tricks to dog owners and caretakers about heat safety, pet first aid and CPR, and disaster evacuation plans. The Red Cross is also encouraging dog owners to cool off during these dog days by diving into the American Red Cross Pet Photo Pool.

"The Dog Days of Summer campaign is a great way to educate the 67 million American dog owners about how to keep their furry family members safe this summer," said Elisabeth Rohm, actress and American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member.

Heat stroke or hyperthermia occur when an animal gets severely overheated and is most common in the summer months. Make sure your four-legged friends have plenty of cool water and shade during hot weather. Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked, your pet can quickly suffer heat stroke and even die.

"Summer is a crucial time for pet safety awareness. We live in North Carolina and it can get extremely hot here, so it is important that people know the proper way to care for their pets during the summer conditions," said Greg Biffle, NASCAR driver, Red Cross blood donor and American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member. "I think this Dog Days of Summer campaign that the Red Cross is supporting is incredible. I could probably use a refresher course myself in pet first aid. Please take advantage if your local chapter is offering the course."

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, one in four deceased pets could have been saved with the use of appropriate first aid procedures. American Red Cross Pet First Aid classes give pet owners the confidence and skills necessary to tend to unexpected emergencies until they can get their pet to a veterinarian. Many Red Cross chapters across the country offer classes with hands-on training in pet first aid procedures.

"When I take in an animal, it becomes an integral part of my family," said Lisa Edelstein, star of "House" and member of the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet. "That means it's incredibly important to be prepared. Learning the basics of pet first aid, being able to respond to any type of pet emergency, these things can mean the difference between life and death. A little bit of knowledge has a great deal of value. It's priceless."

A Zogby International poll found that 61 percent of pet owners will not evacuate if they cannot bring their pets with them. Other than service animals for individuals with disabilities, American Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations. The Red Cross recommends families contact family and friends and research "pet-friendly" hotels, motels and animal shelters along their evacuation routes and keep a contact list in their disaster supplies kit. If it is not safe for people to stay in an area, it is not safe for pets.

Reference guides are also available to provide quick answers to questions about caring for family dogs. The Red Cross Dog First Aid guide can teach you how to:

• Administer medications;
• Recognize an emergency;
• Perform CPR and first aid;
• Treat common problems and emergencies requiring immediate attention; and
• Stock a pet first aid kit

This guide comes with a 30-minute DVD that features step-by-step instructions on safety procedures, disaster preparedness and dealing with medical emergencies.

About The American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.

SOURCE American Red Cross