By Guest Blogger, Lisa Faust, Master PetTech Instructor
They are members of our family, our best friends, and lifelong companions. You would do anything to help them. Do you have the information and skills to keep pace with their needs?
Case in point: would you know what to do when your pet needs you most?
Younger dogs are curious, active and quick, all the while doing some pretty silly things like swallowing a pair of your knee high stockings. Would you know what to do? Or the car is leaking anti-freeze and your dog runs in the garage and rapidly laps up the spill. Now what?
What about emergency pet care, are you prepared? Allow me to share an experience I recently had as a 10-year professional pet sitter. I share this personal story as it could have just as easily happened on your watch as a pet parent.
“The loud jarring screech from young dog Lucky was like he was being struck or attacked by another dog or a wild animal. I was just leaving that afternoon from a regular pet care visit. His squeal caused me to quickly re-enter the house. Looking out the back door, I saw him dangling from the fence-gate, upside down, his back left leg wedged tightly in the fence.
I instinctively knew, because of my first aid training, that any pet that is in pain or going to be moved into pain can and will bite. I hurriedly grabbed a leather lead from the tabletop; I used it as a temporary muzzle. I proceeded to free his leg from the fence. I was still bitten, ever so lightly.
At first he was hobbling, after a few minutes he put full weight on his leg. I was reassured when he reached over and licked my hand and arm; as if to say, hey that was a close call, you saved my life!
I did a snout to tail assessment to make sure that he had no tender spots or that he responded anywhere with discomfort. All seemed well.
When the vet checked him a few hours later he said, “There was no permanent damage due to his young age and mainly the quick reaction of getting him freed from the fence.” (Quote from a Denver Vet)
To know if you are prepared to provide the best day-to-day health care or emergency care for your dog or cat, ask yourself several questions:
- Do you have a Starter First Aid Kit for your pet along with a muzzle for YOUR safety?
- What about your Senior Pet-izen™, elder pets require a different level of care; do you know those signs, symptoms and risk factors?
- What about on-going dental care for your pets, things you do regularly to avoid expensive dental surgeries and tooth loss. Just like us, if the mouth is not cleaned up regularly, gum disease and tooth loss occur. Periodontal disease causes more problems than tooth pain. Four-leggeds with unchecked gum infection may be at a higher threat for heart, kidney, and liver disease.
Pets improve our quality of life. It is our belief that as we surely advance our own lives that equal or better care be given our pets. Superior wellbeing and prevention matters; the components of quality nutrition, a strong immune system and exercise are basic. As your awareness grows are you building a higher standard of care for your four-leggeds?
I am Lisa Faust. I am a Master Instructor and I teach an incredible Pet First Aid Education Class that is both fun and valuable. I promise you will love it.
At the end of the day your pet greets you with unconditional love, forgiveness and loyalty.
Learn to do “a snout to tail assessment” on your pet weekly, and be prepared for emergencies. All you need to know can be learned in our 8-hour Pet First Aid Certificate Course, Saturday, April 11 or Sunday, April 12 at Cold Nose Companions Training Center. Join us!