Need to know what to do if your pet had an accident? Try a pet first aid course

VERNON – If you've ever wondered what to do if your pet got into an accident, one Coldstream business is offering a course in pet first aid.

The Crate Escape Dog Adventures is running the Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid course Feb. 24, teaching pet owners everything from how to deal with choking hazards to CPR.

The Crate Escape Dog Adventures owner Vanessa Robert said the majority of pet owners have no idea what to do in an emergency if their pet gets injured. Robert said the course is no substitute for veterinary medicine but it's something people can do with sick and injured pets prior to getting medical attention. And as there's no animal equivalent of 911, having pet first aid skills can make all the difference.

The course is focussed on first aid for cats and dogs and Robert said participants learn a variety of skills.

"We cover head to toe assessments, how to transfer injured animals, bandaging, bone wounds, eye and ear wounds, choking skills, artificial respiration and CPR."

The first aid course is much the same with animals as it would be with humans with some differences – CPR is conducted through the nose and not the mouth.

Crate Escape Dog Adventures is running the pet first aid course Feb. 24. It costs $162.75, with a maximum class size of 16 people.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.