During National Pet Month, which runs from April to May each year, we promote the importance of responsible pet ownership to help people enjoy the full benefits of having a pet.
It’s a great time to celebrate the joy of owning and caring for our pets and how our companions enrich our lives.
We highly recommend looking at the official website, which offers a range of charities and fundraisers that are well worth participating in.
You can check out the website here.
At Lightning Training Solutions, we offer a range of Dog & Puppy First Aid Training Courses that anyone can enrol in (providing you’re over 18), which #NationalPetMonth encourages pet owners to take part in.
We feel it’s important to ensure that pet owners have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care and safety for their beloved pets.
But why would you want to participate in a course on Dog First Aid Course at all? Well, here are 5 great reasons why!
1. You’ll learn how to respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency situation.
2. Gain the confidence to provide life-saving assistance to your pet in case of an emergency.
3. Understand the signs of medical distress and how to recognise them in your pet.
4. Receive comprehensive knowledge and skills in administering first aid and emergency care.
5. Gain the knowledge to safely administer medications and treatments to your pet.
In addition to the benefits above, taking part in Dog First Aid Training with Lightning Training Solutions offers a way to create a safe and positive environment for your pet, as well as the ability to identify and prevent potential health risks.
Furthermore, having the skills to properly assess a pet’s condition in the event of an emergency will give you peace of mind that you are prepared to take the necessary action to protect your pet’s health.
With the right guidance and knowledge from our highly trained team of experts, you can be sure you are ready to provide the best care possible to your pet.
What Is Dog First Aid, And How Do I Enrol?
It’s estimated that there are approximately 9 million dogs living in the UK. Most of these dogs will require First Aid at least once in their lives.
As pet owners and carers, we must be prepared for accidents and be ready to provide the necessary help.
This is where a Dog First Aid Course can save lives!
Here are some key topics and the kinds of things you’ll learn on our course:
Basic Introduction To Canine First Aid
We talk you through how, why, and what Pet First Aid is and the role you can play. You’ll learn how to keep your dog safe in an emergency, pet-proofing your home to create a safe environment, and we’ll discuss how pets show signs of something wrong and how you can check on their health.
Previous learners have really enjoyed this warm but important introduction to Pet First Aid.
First Aid & Accidents
Next, we’ll dive a bit deeper into common accidents such as drowning, shock, broken bones and moving an injured pet.
This includes breathing issues and dog CPR, plus we’ll guide you through key points on how to carry out basic first aid should any of these events occur.
Medical Conditions
Like us humans, dogs are also susceptible to a range of medical emergencies! Here we cover everything from controlling bleeding to dressing and bandages, illnesses, burns and poisoning.
A popular element here is how we talk you through bites, ticks and stings, which are common occurrences that dogs often pick up on their walks.
Dog Size & Types
Dogs come in a range of sizes and breeds, and age can also play a factor in administering first aid. We round off our course by talking about young and older dogs and we explain what pet owners can do if they are frightened by fireworks.
We also discuss Pet First Aid Kits, which can be a useful addition in your home!
To enrol on one of our Dog First Aid Training Courses, please contact us here or take a look at our dedicated Canine First Aid page, which explains more about the courses we offer.
Types Of Dog First Aid Courses
We are delighted to offer a range of Dog First Aid Courses, which include the following:
Pet First Aid Awareness
Suitable for owners, £25 per person or *£250 per group. View Here
Dog/Canine First Aid
Level 2 Pet/Canine First aid, Suitable for dog walkers, etc £55 per person or *£550 a group. View Here
Security Dog First Aid
Training to meet the requirements of NASDU. £55 per person or *£550 per group. View Here
Advanced Pet First Aid
Includes blended learning via ProTrainings. £39.95+VAT, practical as above, total £94.95+VAT. View Here
Please note:
*Book a full course (12 places) and get 2 places FREE! (prices listed ‘per person’ reflect discount)
There is a maximum of 12 people for each First Aid course, except for AED courses, where the maximum is 6. However, we are always happy to accommodate any number of people your business may need to train, and prices for fewer numbers of people can be negotiated. Please contact us for details.
All prices are subject to VAT. Terms and Conditions apply.
Top 10 Tips For Dog Health & Safety
Because it’s National Pet Month, we’ve put together our top tips to keep your pet safe, whether at home, in the garden or on your daily walk.
1. Regularly check your pet for parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms and get them treated as soon as possible.
2. Make sure your pet is up to date with all their vaccinations, including rabies.
3. Give your pet a balanced diet appropriate for their age, breed and activity level.
4. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag at all times.
5. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed and their coat brushed to keep them looking and feeling their best.
6. Give your pet regular exercise and playtime, including a daily walk.
7. Protect your pet from toxic substances like antifreeze and household cleaners.
8. Create a safe space in your home for your pet to relax.
9. Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
10. Take your pet to the vet regularly for check-ups and vaccinations.
It’s also important to be aware of the dangers that may pose a danger where you live, such as busy roads, wild animals, and extreme weather.
When on your dog walks, make sure your pet is supervised when outdoors, and never leave them alone for extended periods of time.
Lastly, ensure that your pet is microchipped and registered with your local vet so that it can be easily identified and returned if they ever go missing ( it happens!)
National Pet Month 2023: Final Thoughts
National Pet Month is all about promoting responsible pet ownership, and a Dog First Aid Course provides pet owners with the information they need to properly assess and respond to a pet’s medical emergency, should one occur.
It’s really important that pet owners learn to recognise signs of distress, as well as how to use first aid supplies to stabilise a pet until professional medical care can be sought.
Taking a Dog First Aid Course is an important step for responsible pet owners and can help you prepare for any unexpected medical emergency.
If you have any questions at all regarding our courses, please feel free to get in touch.
Finally, we are at the Big Bark located at Bath & West Showground on the 22nd & 23rd of April 2023!
Please come and find us where you can learn about Dog CPR and how to respond if your dog is choking ( hands-on live demo!) – an important life-saving technique.
Come and see us – and have a go yourself!