| This last weekend I had the privilege to take a | | | | try to get away. In the process, they may strike |
| 4-hour First Aid for Pets class that led to | | | | out at you in vengeance. When this happens, look |
| certification. I did not even know that these | | | | out! They can dig their claws into your legs as |
| classes existed until about a week ago when I | | | | they 'climb' up your body to get to your head |
| was researching vet schools on the internet. The | | | | where they will scratch and scratch and scratch. |
| class was offered on the UC Davis campus by a | | | | We had the opportunity to watch a video flick of |
| seasoned first aid instructor who is also a | | | | this happening. It was truly a sight to see! |
| professional deeply involved in Emergency | | | | 4. Pet first aid instructors have pet dummies that |
| Disaster Preparedness. | | | | can be used to simulate CPR. The best part about |
| Here are some interesting facts I learned from | | | | this is that after you have blown two quick |
| the first aid for pets class: | | | | breaths into the dog or cat's nostrils and done 15 |
| 1. In California, dogs are considered personal | | | | compressions over the animal's heart for a few |
| property. Cats are not. Thus, if you come across | | | | repetitions, the instructor asks you to check the |
| a hurt dog and its owner says you cannot | | | | animal dummy for a heart beat. If you |
| administer first aid, you cannot legally touch the | | | | administered CPR correctly, you will feel the |
| animal. | | | | animal's pulse. |
| 2. Pets are similar to humans in that they can | | | | 5. One of the first things to do to an animal |
| receive CPR. Many of the same steps in human | | | | before treating it is muzzle it. If someone |
| CPR are used in pet CPR. For example, Look! | | | | complains about how this is not important |
| Listen! Feel for a pulse! Look for breathing! | | | | because their dog is a good dog, tell them that |
| However, it is different in some ways. Animals | | | | you are muzzling the animal because you want |
| can bite when they are in pain or are being | | | | the dog to stay a good dog. He'll stay a good dog |
| moved towards a position that produces pain. | | | | if he doesn't bite anyone. |
| Cats scratch and bite, and their claws can act | | | | 6. Veterinarians use a type of tape that is similar |
| independently of each other! For this reason, | | | | to Velcro to hold the two sides of gauze or |
| safety first is always the most important concern | | | | bandages together for wound closure. |
| when administering first aid to a pet. | | | | There are a lot more facts that you can learn in |
| 3. Cats are particularly dangerous. When trapped | | | | pet first aid courses. Find out about the first aid |
| by you, such as in your arms, they can jump to | | | | for pets classes in your area. |