If your pet is unwell, then it can be useful knowing how to care for them. In the same way that we can do first aid courses to learn how to help humans in emergency situations such as if they have fainted or are choking, it is good to have the same sort of information with regards to your pets.
Many people feel that their pets are part of their family and if they were in a situation where they needed to administer first aid on the animal and could not, then it is likely that they would feel very guilty about that.
If you are a first time pet owner, then it would be a good idea to ask your vet for help. Even simple things such as administering medication to your pet, could be alien to you and if they have any basic guides covering all aspects of pet care, then these could be useful to you. They should be able to tell you any common ailments that you might might be likely to suffer from and how to treat them. They will also be able to tell you when to tell if your pet is unwell enough to warrant a visit to the vet.
It would be a good idea to have a book at home with information about basic pet care, specific to your animal. Then you could have it to hand if you were in a situation where you needed to know what to do when your pet was unwell. You may also benefit from having a pet first aid kit in the house, so that you have everything you need, just in case. If you are not sure what sorts of things to put in it, talk to your vet or find a book with details. The contents may depend on whether your pet has any specific medical conditions.
It is great to always be prepared. If your animal is taken ill out of working hours then it could take quite a long time for a vet to get there. If you can do something to help your animal in the meantime then they will be more comfortable and you will be happier. You will also always have peace of mind, knowing that you have the knowledge to help your pet should they fall ill.