SIGN UP NOW FOR ANIMAL FIRST AID CLASS.

Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer

VALENCIA - When your dog's bark says more ``I'm hurt'' than ``beware,'' it's good to know what to do.

Web sites give elementary instruction, but hands-on training might help pet owners keep their cool when Fido gets into more trouble than he can handle.

The American Red Cross has just the class for dog and cat lovers, ``First Aid for Pets.'' The class, which costs $10 and includes an instruction book co-written by the ASPCA and the Red Cross, is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 31 in the local Red Cross service center, 23142 1/2 Valencia Blvd.

To register for the training session - humans only - call [phone]. All class demonstrations will be conducted on animal dummies.

``We have offered the class periodically for four years,'' said Diane Hill, whose 6-year-old Scottish terrier named McTavish serves as a Red Cross ambassador. ``Everybody loves their pets. To some people, pets are their children.''

Participants in the class will learn how to approach a sick or injured animal, administer medications, recognize an emergency, perform CPR and first aid, treat common problems and emergencies requiring immediate attention and what to stock in a first-aid kit for pets.

``I think it's wonderful if people learn basic first aid for their animals,'' said Newhall veterinarian Tracy McFarland. ``Even (for) something as simple as putting pressure on a bleeding wound or (giving) CPR. We must be very careful to remember that cats and dogs are not small people; it's important that we don't give them human medications. I'm sure they will cover that in class.''

Emergency evacuation plans also will be discussed. Pets need their own disaster supply kits, which should be kept near the family's for quick response.

The kit should include medications and medical records, sturdy leashes and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that animals don't escape; current photos of the pet in case it gets lost; food, potable water, bowls and information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of their veterinarian in case pet animals must be sent to foster homes. In event of disaster, animals are not allowed in Red Cross shelters.