CPR FOR DOGS!
Being equipped with the skills to resuscitate a person is one thing. Having the ability to do the same for our faithful pets, is a whole new ballgame altogether.
Being equipped with the skills to resuscitate a person is one thing. Having the ability to do the same for our faithful pets, is a whole new ballgame altogether.
As a certified Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator (CPR and AED) instructor for humans, I have always been curious about how lifesaving works for our furry companions. Couple this curiosity with a few health scares from my very own fur baby, it did not take me long to decide on signing up for the PetSaver CPR, First Aid & Care programme.
As confidence and steadiness are important factors when handling pets in dire situations, we had to demonstrate the techniques learnt in front of the whole class.
All’s Well That End’s Well
After the many rounds of practice, it was time for us to figure out to do in different scenarios eg: when faced with a situation at home, or the dog park.
From Choking Management, Blood Loss Protocols, Shock Management, and even Seizures, we not only got to learn and practice how and what we should do, but also what we should NOT do, one of them being not putting our fingers or hands into our pet’s mouth and trying to hold them.
Even if your pet is the sweetest, most gentle creature you have ever known in your life, their teeth and claws can still hurt you during such times of discomfort. The programme ended off with a short question and answer session. Any doubts or unclarified queries were carefully and rectified by Ralph. We were also advised and taught how to prepare a simple First Aid Kit for our pets for emergencies.
While it was only within a day, all of us came out of the course feeling more enabled to help our animal friends when they are in need. A certificate of completion was awarded to each of us at the end of the course, which also bestowed upon us a two-year license to carry out the lifesaving methods we have learnt on our furry friends when the situation calls for it.