Dear Editor,

If a dog or cat were to suffer an accident, at home or while out for a walk in the city or in the countryside, would you have the confidence with your present knowledge to know how to act swiftly in order to minimize the animal’s suffering?

Would you have the skills or supplies necessary to save the animal’s life, or at least know how to make them comfortable prior to reaching a veterinarian? Would you know how to improvise if you had no supplies?

Panic can consume some of us unfamiliar with emergency procedures especially when help is nowhere close. Having the skills to act appropriately can mean the difference between life and death. Accidents are sudden by nature, and the mere shock of seeing one can immobilize the bystander, thereby wasting valuable time. 

Doggy daycares, dog walkers, cat-sitters, groomers, and others working with dogs, cats and other animals, are currently more aware of the importance of pet first aid. More of them are seeking pet first aid courses for the protection of the precious lives in their care, and often the business owners ensure that all of their employees are trained in this important skill.

These trained people may suggest to the owners to seek veterinarian help immediately, or make other suggestions, if they are concerned about other aspects of the animals’ health or well being. Early detection of disease or illness makes great economic sense too. Those who may be considering future employment in the pet care industry, or pet owners, should take the most up-to-date training available in pet first aid. Early detection may be crucial to the pets’ health and comfort.

First Aid “Fur” Pets is offering the Walks ‘N’ Wags certificate course at WAGS, Whistler, on Saturday (Oct. 13). Contact firstaidfurpets.com to register.

Heather Rankin