Hey everyone! April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and as someone who teaches pet first aid, I want to talk about why it’s SO important for every pet parent to know a little bit about it. Knowing some basics can really make a huge difference!
Think of it like this: if your dog or cat suddenly got hurt, would you know what to do? Would you know how to recognize a true emergency? That’s what pet first aid is about. It’s about being prepared to recognize the signs and get your pet to professional veterinary help as quickly as possible.
Why Does This Matter?
Just as we face unexpected health issues, our pets are also vulnerable to sudden accidents and illnesses. In 2024, veterinary emergency clinics frequently treated pets for critical conditions such as severe vomiting and diarrhea, respiratory distress, uncontrolled bleeding, urinary tract complications, seizures, mobility problems, and abdominal swelling.
These things can happen fast, and every second counts.
Recognizing and Responding to Emergencies:
It’s vital to recognize when your pet is in a true emergency. Pet first aid training teaches you how to recognize critical signs, assess your pet’s condition, and take appropriate steps to stabilize them until you can reach a veterinarian. These skills are crucial for providing immediate support and potentially saving your pet’s life. A pet first aid class will equip you with the knowledge to assess vital signs, understand the urgency of different situations, and perform basic stabilization techniques. However, remember that pet first aid is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. It’s a bridge to get your pet the expert help they need as quickly and safely as possible
What You Should Learn in a Pet First Aid Class:
At the minimum, a student should walk away from a class with the knowledge of handling injured/ill pets; muzzling/restraint techniques; CPR/rescue breathing techniques; treating bleeding & wounds; dealing with bloat, vomiting, seizures and choking; handling heat stroke and hypothermia; burns and broken bones; poisoning and head to tail wellness check.
An interactive program will give you the skills and confidence you need to act quickly and calmly when your pet is having a medical emergency; recognize vital signs and understand what’s normal for your pet; identify common pet emergencies; learn safe handling and transportation techniques; gain confidence in handling stressful situations; and most importantly, understand the importance of immediate veterinary care.
Gain Confidence: Pet First Aid Training Matters
Empower yourself with the skills to confidently handle pet emergencies. Consider enrolling in our in-person pet first aid course to gain practical experience and knowledge. Contact us to learn more about upcoming classes.
Here’s what one of our students, Hilary C., had to say:
“I recently took the Pet First Aid & CPR course, and I can’t recommend it enough! It was incredibly helpful and informative—I learned so much about how to care for pets in emergencies. The skills I gained from this course give me the confidence to help not only our own pets but also the cats we foster through our rescue. The hands-on approach made it easy to grasp the techniques, and I feel much more prepared for any situation that might arise. Kelly, our instructor, was fantastic! She was patient, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone felt comfortable with the material. If you have pets, I highly encourage you to take this course. It’s invaluable, and you’ll be so glad you did!”
Remember, this information is for educational purposes regarding the importance of first aid training. I recommend keeping your vet’s information, the closest vet’s information (to your home), emergency or urgent care and Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) in your contacts. Always call your vet immediately if you’re worried about your pet. They’re the experts!
Local Emergency and Urgent Vet Clinics
6347 West 119th Street
Overland Park, KS, 66210
(913) 395-9532
11950 W 110th St,
Overland Park, KS 66210
(913) 642-9563
Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty
5914 Johnson Dr,
Mission, KS 66202
(913) 722-5566
Overland Park Veterinary Emergency and Specialty
8301 W 163rd St,
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 361-3800
AcuteVet – Veterinary Urgent Care Clinic of Overland Park
10750 El Monte St Ste 300,
Overland Park, KS 66211
(913) 359-6023
Overland Park Urgent Vet Clinic
13713 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 348-7070
