I have for the last 26 years taken CPR and First Aid Classes as part of being a Certified Group Fitness Instructor. When the subject came up to get training for Pet CPR and First Aid, it just seemed like the right thing to do as a pet business owner.
After I took the course I saw how valuable it was and felt that everyone who has a pet should want to be able to help that pet in an emergency. In that emergency situation sometimes what you do before you get to the Vet can be the difference between a favorable outcome and a tragic outcome. Along with learning about taking the pet’s vital signs, you will learn what to do if your pet is choking, bleeding protocol and CPR. You’ll also learn what not to do – such as don’t put your fingers in a conscious dog’s throat to dislodge something. You could lose a finger!
Most of the programs (if not all) will show you how to do a Snout to Tail Assessment. This is an invaluable tool. You will learn what is normal for your pet. If you do this regularly (once a month), you may be able to detect a lump or discover an area of discomfort for your pet. Our pets can’t tell us if something is wrong. This assessment is the closest thing to them telling you where it hurts.
If you are interested in taking a Pet CPR and First Aid course, you can Google for some options. Or check out the American Red Cross, Pet Tech or PetFirstAidOnline.com. Your furry pal will thank you!
