Play it safe
P.E.I. Dog Expo demonstrates that basic first aid training can save a pet’s life
SUMMERSIDE – When basic first aid training springs to mind, not many people think of pets.
But animals have accidents just as much as humans, and outside normal veterinary hours acquiring knowledge to take control of a bad situation could potentially save a life.
Jennifer Blackman of the Wag Canine Recreation Centre demonstrated how to correctly prevent bleeding on a "dummy dog" at the recent P.E.I. Dog Expo held in Summerside’s Silver Fox Entertainment Centre.
“I did a demonstration on applying a bandage because it’s difficult to show more complex skills that include checking vital signs, illness or chocking. I don’t want someone to not catch all the information and then put the animal’s life in danger,” said Blackman, representing Walks N’ Wags pet first aid.
“I had 10 children volunteer, and we all had stuffed-dogs to work with. I taught them how to do a mouth tie, which is an improvised muzzle for safety because with a human you can ask them to sit still, but with a pet, there is an element of danger,” she said at the event presented by Lady Slipper Kennel Club.
“We looked at how to apply a bandage to an ear because even a small cut can bleed profusely on a pet, and then they shake their head, so bleeding needs to be addressed. Blood loss can cause shock, so you need to control bleeding immediately, and then seek veterinary help.”
Blackman started teaching first aid after a regular walk with her dog 20 years ago.
“The very first accident I had with my dog back then was a cut on her paw. I didn’t know anything back then and I wasn’t prepared with a first aid kit for pets. It was a 20-minute walk from home, the dog was 60 pounds and I couldn’t carry her. Now, I have a first aid kit for my French bulldog wherever we go.”
While first aid was being demonstrated, a dog that visits patients in hospitals, palliative care, nursing homes and youth and adults to bring calmness and joy, made a popular return.
“Elegant Anne is a therapy dog and loves being around people. At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, Anne took part in a pilot project with outpatients. The organizer said the stress in the room plummeted when the patients saw Anne,” said Andy Wedge, the owner of the dog.
“Dogs are like people, they all have their own personalities, but Anne is dependent on people for love. Dogs are almost like children, but in the end, they are all little snuggle bugs that love attention. Three of my dogs’ sleep in the bed and like to take up a lot more space than they should,” he laughed.