When Dave was around 6 months old, he began to choke on a chew (he'd tried to swallow it whole!), I panicked for a few seconds and then remembered how to help him. A few rubs and energetic taps in the right place and he was OK...phew! I was so glad I knew what to do!
Many owners, however, don't attend a canine first aid course until after they've had a problem and wished they had known what to do. My question to you now is…Why wouldn’t you want to prepare yourself for a serious situation involving your dog?
From the basics like recognising illness to bandaging and CPR, to stings and heat stroke (a topic we’re hearing a lot of with the current hot weather in the UK), Potter Paws Canine First Aid Course covers it all.
“Last year I attended your first aid course and bought a first aid bag off you that I always carry with me when I’m out with Bella. Today your advice and kit were invaluable when Bella cut one of her paw pads. Cleaned it with cooled boiled water, a cleansing wipe and sprayed first aid spray on it. Dressed and bandaged it and put one of my clean ankle socks over it. Spoke to a local vet over the phone who advised that she wouldn’t have done anything differently - to keep it dry and clean and no more swimming for the girl and to come and see her if I’m worried. Healing 10-14 days...Poor Bella, but Sam, today I just did what you taught us on the first aid course - thank you!” – Bettina
While a Canine First Aid Course does not replace qualified professional care by a local vet, there are some things you can learn to help care for your dog until they can get proper medical attention. If you know these things, you can help your vet better help your dog.
Watching or reading about canine first aid is helpful, but it’s not a replacement for physically attending a class where you can view demonstrations and participate in hands-on practice. It’s the hands-on aspect that really solidifies the techniques in your mind and enables you to go on ‘auto-pilot’ when your dog needs you most, as I had to when Dave began to choke.
When you feel comfortable and confident with performing first aid on your dog, the techniques become almost second nature and you can spring into action right away.
“I didn’t freak out as much as I possibly would have done without having attended Sam’s course when seeing the big cut she had and how much it bled.” - Bettina
Essentially, learning canine first aid not only can save your dog but it can make you feel more confident. When you’re prepared for the worst you can feel calm and capable when a situation arises. You can think more clearly, and jump into action to do the best you can. There’s less panic and less questioning yourself about what to do next.
Find out when Potter Paws next Canine First Aid course is happening at https://www.potterpaws.co.uk/pet-professionals/canine-pet-first-aid/. This 4 hour certified OFQUAL course is suitable for owners and professionals to learn how to provide emergency care to dogs. We also deliver this training to groups of professionals or employees at your own venue, get in touch to find out more.