Learn first aid - for your pet
By Castlegar Source
You’re out camping or hiking and your dog gets hurt – would you know what to do?
Trail St. John Ambulance (SJA) is proud to announce its inaugural Pet First Aid course, to ensure our four-legged family members are cared for in the event of an emergency.
Veteran Pet First Aid instructor Maureen Seig is travelling here from Vernon to assist Trail SJA’s own Therapy Dog Program Coordinator, Jeanne Shaw, in delivering the course.
“The first aid we teach covers a wide range of possible situations, including how to administer CPR to an animal,” Seig says. “It’s not intended to replace veterinary care, but rather to stabilize your pet until you can reach proper medical care – just like first aid for humans.”
She said there are differences though, like how to manage CPR with a muzzle instead of a mouth (using a mask, of course), and wound care when you’re also coping with a furry pelt. Seig added the class is primarily geared toward dogs and cats, with only a small amount of information pertaining to pocket pets like gerbils and hamsters.
Branch Administrator Kyra Hoggan said she thinks the addition to local St. John Ambulance offerings is a perfect fit in the Kootenays.
“People here just adore their pets, and take them everywhere – camping, boating, hiking, skiing. I know that I, for one, would have no idea what to do if my dog got hurt or had a heart attack,” she said. “I think lots of us would appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing how to handle those tough situations.
She also said the course is an ideal compliment to St John’s Therapy Dog Program, a volunteer-based program that has trained, certified dogs with certified handlers visiting hospitals and long-term care facilities, as well as helping kids with reading difficulties.
“I like the idea that these animals are doing all this important work in our community, and now we’re giving back to them by ensuring pet owners know how to keep their furry friends safe and healthy,” she said.
“St John Ambulance is the oldest humanitarian organization in human history, and I think people care that money spent with us is fed back into the community through our volunteer Brigade and Therapy Dog Program.”
She said there are still spots available in the class, which is slated for Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call 250-364-2067.
Comments