As the colder weather sets in across the state and people start spending more time indoors, RSPCA Victoria is asking people to remember their pets this winter and ensure they have basic first aid skills for pets in case of an emergency.
Pet first aid skills can mean the difference between life and death so to help pet owners learn vital first aid skills that could save an animal’s life in an emergency, RSPCA Victoria is offering Focused First Aid for Pets with tips about winter hazards and how to deal with them.
Running in a virtual format, the 1.5 hour Focused First Aid for Pets course will be held on Thursday 3 June at 7pm, focused on providing participants with important knowledge to equip them to help a pet in the case of an emergency.
The course will be led by Belinda Marchbank, Education & Learning Officer, at RSPCA Victoria, also a veterinary nurse with many years of experience. Ms Marchbank said the course provides necessary tools for all pet owners.
“Focused First Aid for Pets is a great way for pet owners to gain some really important basic pet first aid skills that will provide them with the confidence to act in the best interest of animals in the case of an emergency,” said Ms Marchbank.
There are several winter hazards that often result in an emergency visit to the veterinarian however there are ways to prepare for these hazards.
Ms Marchbank said, “With the colder weather upon us, we’ll be talking about a range of scenarios which are common in the colder months, including how to manage radiant heat burns and what to do if a pet swallows a cooked bone from the traditional winter roast.
“Knowing what to do in the case of these emergency situations, and others, will mean you will be better able to act calmly, do the best for your pet and travel safely to your vet.”
Participants will also hear about CPR, bandaging, how to monitor a pet’s vital signs and react appropriately along with the importance of pet first aid kits and how to improvise with common household items.
RSPCA Victoria’s Focused First Aid for Pets course provides basic knowledge about how to care for a pet that has been injured by a car and the steps to take when travelling to seek veterinary care.
The course includes a question and answer session to ensure participants have the opportunity to seek clarification, expert advice and will also receive a booklet of information, for future reference in the case of an emergency.
The Focused First Aid for Pets virtual course is $49.00 per participant. Online bookings are available now at rspcavictoria.weteachme.com
