Canine First Aid Certification

All dog owners should know what to do in an emergency.

To most people, dogs are a member of the family. To others they may also be an employee, an assistant, or even a business partner. No matter the role, your dog's health and well-being are important to you. Dogs are notorious for getting into trouble, and if a serious accident results, you cannot simply call an ambulance for a pet. Becoming certified in canine first aid will teach you how to perform emergency care and stabilize your pet for a trip to the vet.

Why is Canine First Aid Different?

In some ways, canine first aid is a lot like human first aid in that bleeding must be stopped and airways must be cleared, but dogs have a very different anatomy than humans, and a formal first aid course can teach you how to adapt human lifesaving techniques to be effective on a dog. For instance, CPR is performed by placing your mouth over the entire muzzle, and using your hands to seal the sides of the mouth to prevent air from escaping.

Who Should Be Certified?

Becoming certified in canine first aid is a great idea for anyone who owns a dog. Emergencies tend to pop up when you least expect them, and it is good to be prepared. Anyone who works with dogs for a living or who takes care of dogs who belong to other people has a responsibility to their clients to know how to handle a medical emergency. For pet professionals, first aid certification also looks very good on a resume.

What is Involved in Certification?

Programs vary, but the typical class lasts about three hours and is divided in dog first aid and cat first aid. Students learn how to perform CPR, stop bleeding, check pulse and respiration, and monitor vital signs. The instructor will also go over the signs of distress, and how to tell symptoms apart to provide a starting point for the vet. For instance, a foreign body obstruction presents quite similarly to a poisoning, but the two are treated very differently.

Where Can I Get Certified?

The American Red Cross offers pet first aid certification, though class schedules may vary. Contact your local Red Cross chapter for details. There is also a company called Pet Tech that provides pet first aid certification classes throughout the United States. Online certification is available through E-Training for Dogs, where you will also learn about herbal remedies and holistic care. A Google search for "pet first aid certification" will yield many results, but be sure that whatever course you pick offers a certification, not just a diploma, especially if you are doing it for professional reasons.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost can vary greatly, depending upon the course provider. Some courses are as low as $40 as of May 2010, and others can cost over $200. Most providers will give group discounts, and some will even come to your location for large groups, and give a private class.

References

• Red Cross
• Pet Tech
• E-Training for Dogs: Canine First Aid and CPR