Prevention is always the preference. Pets have become a substantial part of our society, so it's easy to forget that our world (with all its conveniences) is a hostile environment to the average household animal. Sure, we can easily forsee that automobiles present a great danger to our beloved friends, and invest time, effort, and money in providing properly contained areas for them to roam and exercise in. But even these can hold hidden dangers. That colorful bed of Rhodendrons that the cat just ate? Watch out! It's posionous. And what about indoors? Should you be concerned that the dog consumed all of the sugar-coated Children's Tylenol™? The answer is yes. Stop by Care 4 Pets site containing information about safety and pets.

Short of collapsing dramatically in front of you, screaming and kicking, how does a pet indicate that something is not quite right? The best diagnosis of trouble is your pet's behaviour, and your perception of it. If you're greeted with a feeble tail-wag and disinterest when normally you have to run and hide from an effusive toungue-licking, exuberant welcome; you know something's up. Forget about cooking dinner, immediately check your animal physically and look around the house to see if you can establish a cause for your pet's depression. Still baffled but don't know if its life-threatening? Visit The Pet'escue Network's Emergency Medical Information which provides up to date pet care articles so you can use to help be prepared for an emergency. Read it and keep the url in your First Aid kit, along with your Vet's telephone number. Get your friend to a Vet ASAP.

And what about that dreaded time, when your pet has been injured or traumatized and the Vet's an hour away. This is usually the time that pet partnership responsiblities become very real. Don't wait till then to realize that you are not prepared to deal with the situation. In a crisis of this nature, your actions can be what decides the fate of your pet. Do have a complete home First Aid kit. For a guide to what items your kit should contain go to Healthy Pet's pet care page.

Having the First Aid kit is only part of the solution. The next step is to educate yourself in applying initial emergency care at home. Again, don't wait until the situation arises. For related articles PoochNet has compile the best articles for dog care and information on one site so information is more easily accessible.