• Pet First Aid

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) one-out-of-four more pets could be saved if one basic pet first aid skill or technique was applied prior to receiving veterinary care.

So if your pet is injured, you are the paramedic until it gets to the vet. But don't panic—just prepare.

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. Below I list some key steps to care for your pet in an emergency.

1) Buy a pet first aid book. I use the Red Cross books "Dog First Aid” and “Cat First Aid," which include demonstration DVDs.

2) Many web sites address pet first aid. Peruse sites; bookmark one or two you like.

• PetEducation.com: First Aid and Emergency Care for dogs and for cats. Covers in detail situations including CPR, choking, electric shock, allergic reactions, poisoning

• Red Cross: First Aid for Animals Vital statistics, basic first aid, handling injured animals

• HealthyPet.com Basic information for common emergencies

3) Assemble a pet first aid kit or buy a kit, such as the American Red Cross Deluxe First Aid Kit for Pets or the Red Cross fanny pack.

4) Take a pet first aid course. To find a class, ask your veterinarian or local chapter of the Red Cross. ("Pet First Aid" photo taken during Red Cross class I took)

5) Program emergency phone numbers into your cell phone and print a list next to your home phone: your vet, emergency vet, ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), and Regular Poison Control (800-222-1222).

In case of emergency, know when to call your veterinarian for your dog or your cat. Print these instructions and keep them next to your emergency numbers.

If your kids are old enough, involve them. Everyone in the family should know where the first aid kit and book are kept. Be prepared: One day, you may make the difference between life and death for your pet.