Noni gave us quite a scare the other day. She started choking on her food. Kevin yelled for me from the kitchen and I came running, because he knew that I know pet CPR. Thankfully, even before I could begin, she stopped choking and went back to eating her food like nothing had happened.
The look of utter helplessness on Kevin’s face made me turn around and go directly for my book shelf to look for a book I have titled The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats. I opened it up to the section on choking and placed it in his hands so he could read it.
I also found detailed steps, with illustrations, to save a choking cat and save a choking dog online.
Thankfully, Noni suffered absolutely no ill effects, and meal times since then have been uneventful, but if it should happen again in the future, both he and I will know what to do.
In addition to having that excellent pet first aid book on hand, I will be signing us both up for Pet CPR classes. I have certification, but it needs renewing, and taking the class together ensures we both have a partner we can rely on.
To learn more about taking Pet CPR classes in your area check out The American Red Cross website for a class near you. Also, The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats is a great book to keep on hand at home. In addition to step-by-step instructions to help your furbaby in case any illness or mishaps happen, it also includes a checklist for pet first aid kit and resources to further your education in pet first aid. If you have pets, it’s an invaluable book to have!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This scares me to death. I definitely need to learn pet CPR.
Jamie – My goal wasn’t to scare you, but I am pleased that you are determined to learn Pet CPR. It’s becoming an increasingly easy skill to learn, as more and more classes are popping up all over the country. I hope more pet parents will have your determination! It can literally save their pets lives one day.
Thanks for this post!
Kenric – You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it useful (or motivating).
This blog is for people like me. I am also a new mom. My boy is 9 months. I am a SAHM and run a first aid business in Ottawa, Canada. We recently had to put our dog down and are looking to get another soon. First aid training for anyone/anything is a great skill to have. I have actually thought about teaching pet first aid classes in addition to human classes but I was not sure there is was large enough market for it. You have made me reconsider.
I never came across an experience where I needed it but I would like to learn CPR for pets as well. It wouldn’t hurt to be skilled in that area.