Last year I became certified in pet CPR and first aid. I am one handy woman to have around in a crisis with your pet, that’s for sure! Pet CPR is pretty similar to human CPR, but it’s extremely helpful to take a class on it. It’s also nice to have the credentials to back up your skills. Anyone can become certified in pet CPR and I highly recommend it.
I took a 3 hour in-person class on pet CPR and first aid through an independent LLC, who is commissioned through the American Safety and Health Institute. Through the website you can find a local training center or instructor, so you too can become certified!
Examples of important crisis situations I learned to deal with:
- loss of breath and consciousness
- burns
- minor to severe wounds
- broken bones
- bullets or arrows lodged into an animal
- head, neck and back injuries
- allergic reactions
Needless to say, I feel very confident in my ability to save the life of one of my animals, or someone else’s in a crisis situation. I’ve even been stopped by a random person in a need of assistance with their dog at a park, and I was able to help out immediately!
In the meantime, do you have a pet first aid kit handy?! You will want to put one together in case of emergencies. Items to include are:
- gauze pads
- medical/adhesive tape
- latex gloves
- a towel/blanket
- Q-tips or cotton balls
- Benadryl (for immediate allergic reactions)
- anti-septic wipes
- tweezers
- saline solution
These are some basic essentials for a first aid kit. There are several other items you can include. View a complete list here.
Have you ever had to perform CPR on an animal or human? What was your experience? Also, do you have a first aid kit handy? I have about 5 around my house alone just in case!
Kobe and the City says
That’s so awesome! Good for you!
Amanda says
Thank you!!!
Pawesome Cats says
We’ve been looking into a first aid course too – but it’s hard to find one that will also demonstrate first aid techniques on cats, everything is very dog-centric (probably because they’re less likely to hiss and scratch, MOL).
Amanda says
The course I took covered cats as well 🙂 Which was very important to me since I have 2 cats!
FiveSibesMom says
Congratulations! Pet First Aid is so important. I have been certified and thankfully only had to do it to human and canine mannequins, and not real folks. It’s a wonderful thing to be trained in. We do have a first aid kit, and as one of my Huskies is an epileptic, there are things in the kit specific to him, as well as general items. It is a very large kit that includes a portable one that can go on the road as well. Great post!
Amanda says
I sure hope I never have to use it either, especially on my fur kids! It’s fantastic that you have a specific kit for your Husky. That could be life saving!
Amy Shojai, CABC says
Congratulations! One of my friends teaches and certifies folks in pet first aid.
Amanda says
That’s excellent!!!
The Swiss Cats says
How smart and useful ! Mum wants now to see if something like that exists in Switzerland ! Purrs
Amy says
Congrats! I’m thinking of getting certified too – it just makes sense.
Michelle Wolff says
So cool! I didn’t even know this existed thanks for writing about it!
Amanda says
Isn’t it awesome?! I didn’t know it existed either until last year!
Jean Dion says
Thanks for the first-aid tips! Looks like I need to stock up on some safety essentials….
Marie says
Wonderful! I have also completed pet cpr/first aid training. As a pet sitter/dog walker is is important to be prepared for any emergency.
Amanda says
It’s a great skill to have as a sitter/walker, that’s for sure!
Jessica Shipman | Beagles and Bargains says
I need to find a class like this! It is something I always worry about, so it makes sense to get certified!
Amanda says
You can also try and look up small businesses/companies in your area who you can get certified through, as opposed to having to go to training facility. That’s what I did! Many people who train human CPR, also train pet CPR.
Sadie says
This is a great reminder – I keep ‘meaning to’ do this course. Thank you!
Carol Bryant says
Soooooo important to have this and I am taking a first aid class post BlogPaws. I have had in person training but I want to keep atop the game and know what to do in an emergency.
Amanda says
Absolutely. I feel much more comfortable knowing exactly what to do now!
Jen Gabbard says
Because of my job I’m certified in CPR for humans; yet not on pets – go figure. I need to take a pet CPR class for sure. And while I don’t have 5 first aid kits I do have a couple in my home, just in case. Luckily I haven’t had to perform CPR but it’s always a great skill to have.
Amanda says
I’m overdoing it with 5 first aid kits…LOL! Luckily pet CPR is pretty similar to humans, so I am confident in your ability to save an animal’s life if you’re trained on humans!
Fur Everywhere says
The Red Cross offers pet CPR and first aid classes in my area for cats, and I’ve been wanting to take one for a long time!
Jillian Cameron says
I would love to take a class like this. Thanks for the tips!
Rachel Sheppard says
Having a Pet First Aid Kit handy is very important!