Numerous studies show that people who own pets generally live longer and are more active than those who don't.

This tendency, however, cannot become a reality unless pets are properly cared for and kept safe.

One way to sustain a pet's life in an emergency is by keeping a pet first aid kit handy, especially when taking pets outdoors. With a few supplies and a little bit of training, pet owners can help keep their faithful companions around for a long time.

A complete pet first aid kit, similar to a kit for humans, can be purchased in Butler at Butler County's American Red Cross at 312 Mercer St., or at the Butler Veterinary Association at 1760 N. Main St.

The $20 kit, stored neatly in a fanny pack for convenience, has 20 medical items including gauze, an instant ice pack, eye wash, hydrogen peroxide and a styptic pen to stop bleeding.

Many kit items can be easily found in larger quantities in drug stores, but others are harder to find, said Gina Weiland, educational services director for the Butler County Chapter of the American Red Cross'.

One such item is an emergency blanket made of thermal material that reflects 90 percent of an animal's body heat. When folded, this blanket fits in the palm of your hand, but expands to 84 by 52 inches.

If pet owners do not carry a pre-assembled kit, Weiland suggests they at least keep gauze, water, tweezers and a blanket in the car when taking pets on outdoor activities.

"This by no means takes the place of a vet," Weiland said, "but it does sustain life until more advanced help can be received."

In addition to medical supplies, a list of emergency numbers should be kept handy. The list should include a veterinarian and any nearby animal hospitals. It is also important to call as far ahead as possible, so that treatment can begin sooner.

Veterinarian technician Dama Fraley of the Butler Veterinary Association agrees pet owners should only focus on sustaining life until a veterinarian can be reached.

"We don't like to have people try to treat their pets on their own," Fraley said. "They could do more damage."

To properly use the items found in pet first aid kits, the Red Cross also offers cat and dog first aid classes for $35.

These four-hour classes address how to take care of a pet in distress, including rescue breathing, caring for wounds and dealing with an animal in shock.

The classes, however, are not simply lectures. They include hands-on training with dog and cat manikins. Though the mannequins look like fluffy stuffed animals, they include synthetic breathing lungs and compression bars for CPR training.

As for the difference between cats and dogs, Weiland said most emergency care depends on the size of the animal, not necessarily the type.

Nancy Kieffer, a trainer with the Butler Dog Training Association, also advocates pet first aid.

"We stress in our dog obedience classes how important a pet first aid kit is," Kieffer said.

"Most people don't carry a first aid kit for themselves, let alone their pets, but Ican't tell you how many times I've pulled out my pet first aid kit."

Kieffer also suggests talking with your veterinarian about what to do in the case of an emergency, especially one in the middle of the night.

Both Weiland and Fraley, who have been certified in pet first aid, offer a few essential first aid tips for dealing with an injured pet in distress.

"Don't move a pet that you suspect might have internal injuries," Fraley said.

If you must move the animal to prevent further injury, she suggests using plywood or any other firm surface to transport an animal to a vet.

Both women also strongly suggest all injured pets be muzzled or contained, regardless of how friendly a pet might be.

"Some people think that their pet won't bite," Fraley said, "but any animal will bite when they are in pain."

If a muzzle is not handy, gauze can be wound around the animal's mouth to achieve the same effect.

"Also, if your pet is on any medication, be sure to have it on you and available," Fraley said.

In addition to prescription medicines, Keiffer said animals can take many over-the-counter human medicines such as Pepto-Bismol and aspirin. Like all medicines, though, they should be discussed with a veterinarian because not all human medicines, including Tylenol, can be given to animals.

Those interested in learning more about pet first aid can register for a training class, set for 6 to 10 p.m. July 19. Due to limited class size, early registration is recommended by calling 724-283-2810.

Each participant will be certified and will receive an illustrated pet first aid guide.

The American Red Cross offers the following tips for dealing with a pet in a medical emergency:• Always approach a sick or injured animal slowly and cautiously.• Watch the body expressions and sounds your pet makes to warn you. Even your own pet can be aggressive when in pain or frightened.• Do not make quick, jerky or loud movements. They might further scare your pet.• When necessary, use towels or blankets to subdue cats or small dogs.

This is a list of the items in a typical pet first aid kit:• Pair of medical gloves• Plastic dropper• Pair of tweezers• Pair of scissors• Gauze/roller bandages• Instant ice pack• Gauze pads• Emergency blanket• Hydrogen peroxide• Pen light• Styptic pencil• Eye wash• Tongue depressor• Q-tips• Anti-biotic ointment• First aid book