Let me begin by saying that I am not a Veterinary Surgeon, or Nurse, nor am I an expert in this field. What I do know from personal experience, as a dog owner and responsible pet professional, is that being able to deliver CALM, CONTROLLED AND CORRECT, canine first aid in the event of an unfortunate emergency, can be lifesaving.
My team and I have completed many online “canine first aid” courses over the years, and don’t get me wrong, some are extremely in depth, thought provoking, and helpful. However, how many of us could truly say (online course, or not), that in the event of a real emergency, we would have the confidence and knowledge to deliver potentially lifesaving treatment to our beloved companion – because that is what we are talking about here!
Would you feel confident in identifying and carrying out potentially emergency interventions for the following conditions, until Veterinary assistance was at hand?
- CPR
- Seizures
- Bleeding
- Canine shock
- Burns & scalds
- Toxic ingestion
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Heat stroke
- Choking
- Road traffic collisions
Sometimes the cause of a dog’s pain or discomfort may be much more subtle, and just like a baby or toddler, they can’t explain to you what they are feeling or where they are feeling it. Therefore, it is prudent that you are able to recognise signs and changes in behaviour.
It is also crucial that in helping a dog in pain, or in an emergency situation that you do not put yourself at risk of injury.
Be aware that intervention, even whilst trying to help, can cause dogs to instinctively defend themselves or redirect their pain, frustration, and fear onto us as humans. As a last resort it can sometimes be necessary to apply a muzzle, to avoid injury to ourselves, those around us, or indeed further injury to the dog.
Would you know how to apply an emergency muzzle without causing additional harm?
If the answer to any of the above is “no” then please consider attending one of our hosted Canine First Aid and Emergency Care courses, delivered by Jane, from Dog First Aid South Yorkshire.
We will be running a number of these throughout 2024 at locations across South Yorkshire.
Please get in touch via our website, social media channels or via phone, for further information or to join our waiting list.