Would know what to do if your dog broke his leg? If your cat couldn’t breath because something was stuck in his throat? If your pet got bitten by a snake? Would you know the signs of an allergic reaction and what to do, or what to do if your pet ingested a poison or toxic substance?
Pets can find all kinds of ways to get in trouble, and things often happen after hours, when the vet is closed. There are emergency clinics that are open all night, but do you know where the nearest one is located? In many cases time is of the essence; you are the first responder, and what you do may make the difference in whether the professionals can save your pet.
The Red Cross Pet First Aid Course is packed with useful information, some of which could make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. I have been meaning to take the course for some time, and finally did in May. It was an afternoon well spent.
The course was taught by Dani Silverman, a certified Red Cross trainer and CPR instructor. The three-hour class consists of a variety of teaching tools and techniques that together make this class a great learning experience.
Instructor presentation is an ongoing part of the class. Dani explained the material, demonstrated techniques and proper methods of doing things, answered questions and guided students in practicing what they had learned. Much of the material is presented using a very informative video that the Red Cross has created. After each section has been shown, there is a pause while the instructor goes over the material, answers any questions, and demonstrates what that segment covered.
Among the teaching tools utilized in the class is a plastic dummy dog that is much more cooperative than most real dogs would be when it came to demonstrations of the proper way to remove items blocking the throat, practicing CPR, and performing mouth-to-nose resuscitation. The instructor’s two dogs serve as teaching assistants and help students practice what they have learned.
From treating minor injuries to dealing with medical emergencies, this course offers information that all pet owners should know. Two classes are scheduled on Sunday, July 31st. The early class is from noon to 3:00PM and will be held in either in Alpharetta in a new facility that is under construction, or in Silverman’s home in Buckhead if the new facility is not ready. The second class will be held in Decatur at the Posh Pup. The cost for the class is $40 and must be paid in advance. Classes are limited to 10 participants.
Reservations for the early class can be made by calling 404-229-2244, or by sending a check to Dani Silverman, 109 Mobile Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. Reservations for the later class can be made by calling the Posh Pup at 404-378-5881.
