Book Review
Pet First Aid - For Kids!
by Craig Jones of Rescue Critters®, LLC
Publisher: Rescue Critters, LLC
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 99-96184

This booklet covers the basics for kids to recognize pet health problems and how to respond to basic emergency situations. The bright colors and fun graphics entice younger viewers -- and, as I found out, even children much younger than the recommended eight years of age! (Eight years of age is, of course, more appropriate for actually learning what is in the booklet.)

Kids will learn how to approach an injured pet and reminded to call for adult assistance, if possible. Safety above all else is stressed repeatedly. Emergency/first aid ABC's -- checking the Airway, Breathing, Circulation -- are discussed, as well as why these are so important. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for large, medium, and small dogs and cats is demonstrated (text and drawings), too. Kids are encouraged to practice these safety and emergency procedures on a pet mannequin (made by Rescue Critters®) or a stuffed pet toy. Kids can also learn how to construct a basic first aid kit at home.

First aid topics covered include: allergic reactions, back injuries, bleeding, fractures, cuts/scrapes, heatstroke, frostbite, poisoning, seizures, and shock. This book is designed to help kids understand what is an emergency, do what they can for the pet (safety for humans and the pet above all else), and collect any info or evidence to aid the vet in diagnosis and treatment. For example, the poisoning section offers good advice on how to "treat" -- check the ABC's, check for shock, and get to the veterinarian's office as soon as possible. Further instructions list putting gloves on, collecting any of the suspected toxin or vomitus, bringing the poison along to the vet, and taking notes on signs seen, pet's weight, how much they may have eaten. This information is very valuable to the veterinary staff upon arrival.

Throughout the book, key words are highlighted in different colors. Readers can look up these keywords in the glossary in the back. There are also some coloring pages near the end of the book for kids to have fun and personalize.

This booklet is not a replacement for a first aid class, and the opening disclaimer statement recommends that readers take a first aid class from a certified instructor in addition to the learning opportunity provided in the booklet.

One minor thing I noticed when reading the book is that I got confused a few times looking for specific information -- a table of contents and consistent headings on the top of each page would have helped navigation in this regard. Overall, I think that this is a valuable addition to a child's library, particularly those children who love animals or want to grow up and be a vet someday! Adults can learn from this booklet, too.

The book can be purchased at the Rescue Critters® web site. The site is a great resource for animal emergency and first aid information. The animal mannequins have an interesting story of their own -- teaching vet students, Search and Rescue organizations, Animal Control organizations, and Police K-9 Units. They even have mannequins to learn specialized skills, such as urinary catheterization, thoracocentesis, venipuncture, intubation, and more.

• Related Reading:
  Emergency! Are you prepared?
  Emergencies happen to the best of us. Being prepared can make all of the difference and just may save your pet's life.
  
  
• Disaster Preparation for Your Cats
  Disaster: We don't want it, we don't expect it, but when it arrives, we need to be prepared, particularly for our cats, who look to us for protection.
  
  
• Emergency kit for Cats
  An emergency kit is a "must-have" to stabilize your cat before taking her to the veterinarian, or in case of a disaster.

• Disaster Preparation for Your Cats
  Disaster: We don't want it, we don't expect it, but when it arrives, we need to be prepared, particularly for our cats, who look to us for protection.
  
  
• Emergency Kit for Cats
  An emergency kit is a "must-have" to stabilize your cat before taking her to the veterinarian, or in case of a disaster.
  
  
• Disaster and Emergency Planning for Animals
  Many helpful links to ensure that you and your pets are prepared for disaster and emergency situations.
  
  
• Disaster Preparedness for Animals
  Be prepared if an emergency forces you to you evacuate. These simple tips
  will help you and your pets get ready before disaster strikes.
  
  
• Animal First Aid Kits
  Make A First Aid Kit for Your Animal Companions.
  
  
• A First Aid Kit For Your Aquarium
  
  
• Saltwater Fish Diseases Index
  Links to information on keeping your fish healthy
  
  
• Rescue Critters® - Learn animal CPR and first aid on these "mannequins" (maybe that should be petikins).These mannequins were made for the specific purpose of training people life saving techniques and veterinary procedures for animals. They meet the criteria to Refine, Reduce, and Replace animals in veterinary instruction and training.
  
  
• Assembling a First Aid Kit for Dogs - List of supplies, from Pet Warehouse
  
  
• First Aid for Horses - From America's Quarter Horse
  
  
• First Aid for Your Horse - Tips include learning what is normal for your horse so you will be better prepared in an emergency.
  

This is an excellent 4-part series on canine first aid for a variety of situations and conditions:

• First Aid for Dogs: Abrasions and Lacerations - by Lucy L. Pinston DVM
• First Aid for Dogs: Eye Injuries - by Lucy L. Pinston DVM
• First Aid for Dogs: Hot and Cold Weather - by Lucy L. Pinston DVM
• First Aid for Dogs: Serious Traumatic Injuries - by Lucy L. Pinston DVM - How to make a first aid kit for dogs is included in this article.

Read Craig Jones' opinions about emergency veterinary web advice in the Viewer Viewpoint.

Thanks for visiting!

Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.

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