The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets) by Amy D. Shojai

The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets) by Amy D. Shojai
Price: $7.99
Updated on 5-23-2012.

Product Description
I have had a wonderful dog for six years and have learned a lot along the way. I have learned more from this book than I learned in those six years. This book is so important for all pet owners. We need to be prepared to help our pets when they get minor illnesses or have serious medical problems. The book has more than 150 health care topics listed alphabetically. The book is quite easy to read, and by simply turning to a page you will know whether or not you need to call the vet immediately, later, or not at all. The list of components necessary for a good first aid kit is helpful as well. Also, the book gives a chart of human medicines that can and cannot be used for dogs and cats along with correct dosage. Even if you do not plan on reading the book all the way through, purchase it and tuck it away on a shelf, because you never know when you may need it!

Amazon.com Review

It's every pet owner's nightmare: suddenly your four-legged friend isn't breathing. What to do? There is no 911 for pets, so it's up to you to save a life. The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats is a straightforward guide that covers both major problems--CPR, heat stroke, and strangulation--and minor ones, such as swollen tails, ingrown nails, and flea allergies. Beginning with simple tests and explanations of general care issues like dehydration examinations and triage, this guide then moves on to an alphabetical listing of every possible situation, from arrow wounds to worms.

The individual sections are good for both general reading and instant assistance. Each one starts with a notice of when to call the vet--immediately, the same day, or as needed. It also lists what items from your pet's medicine chest will be needed, which may include anything from corn syrup to towels and panty hose. The information that follows this simple checklist is divided into "do this now," "special situations," "follow-up care," and "the best approach." Whenever necessary, simple sketches are included to help show proper technique, such as fashioning an instant muzzle from a pair of nylons, or how to cover a dog's head in case of an ear-flap injury. Relying frequently on common household items like antihistamines, turkey basters, Gatorade, and plastic wrap, this guide assumes most of us won't have special medical training or supplies and focuses on very specific and simple methods of helping your pet achieve the best possible care. Even more importantly, many suggestions are included on prevention of accidents--isn't it easier to get that window screen repaired than to rush your kitty to the vet after a bad fall?--Jill Lightner