"I quickly knew to calm down the owner, and I told everyone that I knew dog first aid."
I was out on my usual lunch hour walk yesterday with Theo, who I dogsit. We were on our usual route, when all of a sudden, I heard this incredibly horrific yelping. As I got closer, I could see a car stopped and a dog squirming on the ground; people were gathering everywhere. I tied up Theo and bolted to the scene.
The owner came crying to me saying that the dog bolted out of the house, ran across the street to see someone they knew, and was hit by a car. I quickly knew to calm down the owner, and I told everyone that I knew canine first aid. I assessed that it was safe for me to approach the dog and saw that the dog had a non aggressive demenour. I looked to see where the main injury was and in this case it was the right leg and paw, which seemed to be broken or dislocated. As traffic was forming, we got the dog safely off the road.
Then my training really kicked in. I didnt have a first aid kit on me, (I shoulda bought one!) so I asked for a magazine and a piece of cloth and was able to apply a splint on the injured leg. Oh, man, during the whole thing, I really had to be on my heels, cause the owner was so sad and so upset; I knew I had to keep her occupied, so I had her helping me all the time. I grabbed her hand, placed it on the splint and said "here, make sure the splint stays on and doesn't move around!"
A neighbour volunteered to use his car, and while we waited, I was purposely checking the dog's pulse. At the time, I didnt have a watch and my adrenaline was running so high, it was hard to concentrate on the pulse. But it didnt really matter, what mattered was that it showed the people around that everything was ok, and to have confidence that the dog was in good hands. And because waiting is such agony during times of distress, checking the pulse occupied us as well. I was also able to say to the distraught owner that "your dog's going to be fine, he has a "healthy pulse".
At that point the dog had calmed and was not squirming as much too. I made sure to have him covered and I told the owner to keep him warm so he doesnt go into shock. When the car came, someone was like "lets pick him up", but he was a bigger dog, a red-coloured, long-haired retriever, so I was like "no, someone get me a sheet"; someone passed me a jacket and we were able to slide it underneath and use it as a stretcher. The funny thing is that when we picked him up with the makeshift stretcher, I could hear someone say, "wow, that's a good idea." Finally, the owner got in the car next to him, and I told her how to communicate to the dog that everything was ok.
After they left, I went back to get Theo, who was patiently waiting for me, and he looked at me like "what was that all about?" haha. What a lunch hour!
So yeah, the course definitely paid for itself, and I am going to get a first aid kit right away.
Ps. I still can't believe how this happened after I took the course just a month ago. Feel free to use this on your website, or tell people about it in future classes.
Thankfully yours,
Alex Kwan
The owner came crying to me saying that the dog bolted out of the house, ran across the street to see someone they knew, and was hit by a car. I quickly knew to calm down the owner, and I told everyone that I knew canine first aid. I assessed that it was safe for me to approach the dog and saw that the dog had a non aggressive demenour. I looked to see where the main injury was and in this case it was the right leg and paw, which seemed to be broken or dislocated. As traffic was forming, we got the dog safely off the road.
Then my training really kicked in. I didnt have a first aid kit on me, (I shoulda bought one!) so I asked for a magazine and a piece of cloth and was able to apply a splint on the injured leg. Oh, man, during the whole thing, I really had to be on my heels, cause the owner was so sad and so upset; I knew I had to keep her occupied, so I had her helping me all the time. I grabbed her hand, placed it on the splint and said "here, make sure the splint stays on and doesn't move around!"
A neighbour volunteered to use his car, and while we waited, I was purposely checking the dog's pulse. At the time, I didnt have a watch and my adrenaline was running so high, it was hard to concentrate on the pulse. But it didnt really matter, what mattered was that it showed the people around that everything was ok, and to have confidence that the dog was in good hands. And because waiting is such agony during times of distress, checking the pulse occupied us as well. I was also able to say to the distraught owner that "your dog's going to be fine, he has a "healthy pulse".
At that point the dog had calmed and was not squirming as much too. I made sure to have him covered and I told the owner to keep him warm so he doesnt go into shock. When the car came, someone was like "lets pick him up", but he was a bigger dog, a red-coloured, long-haired retriever, so I was like "no, someone get me a sheet"; someone passed me a jacket and we were able to slide it underneath and use it as a stretcher. The funny thing is that when we picked him up with the makeshift stretcher, I could hear someone say, "wow, that's a good idea." Finally, the owner got in the car next to him, and I told her how to communicate to the dog that everything was ok.
After they left, I went back to get Theo, who was patiently waiting for me, and he looked at me like "what was that all about?" haha. What a lunch hour!
So yeah, the course definitely paid for itself, and I am going to get a first aid kit right away.
Ps. I still can't believe how this happened after I took the course just a month ago. Feel free to use this on your website, or tell people about it in future classes.
Thankfully yours,
Alex Kwan
"I was able to accurately describe what happened to their veterinarian"
Thankfully myself and all our dog daycare staff have taken the Dogsafe Canine First Aid course. We never want to have to use these skills but they are essential to learn in the event of an emergency. This was proven to me last Friday when I had to apply what I had learned.
After a busy day, all was quiet in the daycare when one of our regular dogs began having a seizure.
He lost all ability to get up, his hind legs were cycling, his mouth was fully clenched, his eyes were unfocused and all facial muscles were taught. With my canine first aid training in mind, I removed the other dogs from the room and then could only watch as his seizure continued knowing that I had to wait for it to run its course. When the seizure was over, he was shaking and drooling uncontrollably. At this time I reassured him and checked his vitals, but the lack of colour in his gums was very troublesome as well as the heavy drooling.
After contacting the owner, I promptly drove him home, and was then able to accurately describe what happened over the phone to their veterinarian.
Thanks again for the Dogsafe Canine First Aid training.
Kate Morris, former owner
A Spot For Spot Dog Daycare
After a busy day, all was quiet in the daycare when one of our regular dogs began having a seizure.
He lost all ability to get up, his hind legs were cycling, his mouth was fully clenched, his eyes were unfocused and all facial muscles were taught. With my canine first aid training in mind, I removed the other dogs from the room and then could only watch as his seizure continued knowing that I had to wait for it to run its course. When the seizure was over, he was shaking and drooling uncontrollably. At this time I reassured him and checked his vitals, but the lack of colour in his gums was very troublesome as well as the heavy drooling.
After contacting the owner, I promptly drove him home, and was then able to accurately describe what happened over the phone to their veterinarian.
Thanks again for the Dogsafe Canine First Aid training.
Kate Morris, former owner
A Spot For Spot Dog Daycare
"I was really surprised at how calm I was"
I wanted to let you know that I had my first rescue experience already!
I was driving down the highway and noticed some cars pulled over near a dog laying on the road. I pulled over (a little less safely then I will in the future- whoops. I had tunnel vision for a second!) and ran toward them with my first aid kit in tow shouting, "I know canine first aid! is the dog still alive?" They said he wasn't but I still checked out his vitals, etc. and yes, he was already dead.
I was able to reassure the people at the scene and I took the dog's body to the SPCA where I traced his licence number and I contacted his owner. She told me he escapes often and had jumped out a window that morning. I talked with her for a bit and I am sending her his collar and tag for her to keep.
Even though the story didn't end the way I would've wanted it, I was so thankful to have had the DOGSAFE training. I felt confident and knowledgable in this emergency situation. I was really surprised at how calm I was and how I was ready to perform the ABC's without worry or a second thought. I loved taking the DOGSAFE course and thanks to the training, I feel ready to take on any emergency that may come in the future.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Erin Doan
I was driving down the highway and noticed some cars pulled over near a dog laying on the road. I pulled over (a little less safely then I will in the future- whoops. I had tunnel vision for a second!) and ran toward them with my first aid kit in tow shouting, "I know canine first aid! is the dog still alive?" They said he wasn't but I still checked out his vitals, etc. and yes, he was already dead.
I was able to reassure the people at the scene and I took the dog's body to the SPCA where I traced his licence number and I contacted his owner. She told me he escapes often and had jumped out a window that morning. I talked with her for a bit and I am sending her his collar and tag for her to keep.
Even though the story didn't end the way I would've wanted it, I was so thankful to have had the DOGSAFE training. I felt confident and knowledgable in this emergency situation. I was really surprised at how calm I was and how I was ready to perform the ABC's without worry or a second thought. I loved taking the DOGSAFE course and thanks to the training, I feel ready to take on any emergency that may come in the future.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Erin Doan
"because of my Dogsafe training, I was able to calm the people and take control of the situation"
I wanted to share an incident that happened to me last Friday requiring my canine first aid skills.
Two dogs got out of their yard and were running on Fraser Highway, an extremely busy street in Surrey, BC. A speeding car hit both dogs (the young female driver was texting while driving). I arrived on the scene to find two people bent down on the highway trying to tend to the situation.
One dog was hit in the back end and limped off dragging her hind quarters behind her. The other was lying on the road with severe head trauma. I grabbed my first aid kit and a towel plus a collapsable traffic cone I had in my car, and ran to the scene --after all, I am a Dogsafe grad and trained in canine first aid!
Unfortunately, I arrived too late for the one dog, but because of my Dogsafe canine first aid skills, I was able to calm the people around me and take control of the situation. I got the dog off the street, and called animal control and the police. Thanks for the contact lists. I was amazed how calm I was in this tragic situation.
I went in search of the other dog, with a man who was first on the scene. He found the other dog huddled under a stack of old wood. I instructed him how to approach the dog for his own safety until I got there (thank god for the walkie talkies I had in my car). The dog had an injured hip and leg, a low pulse and was going into shock. I was able to stabilize the dog, splint her leg and back end and remove her from her "safe place" using my jacket as a stretcher.
It was bitter sweet, as one dog lost his life, but the other dog is going to make it. The owner was very grateful (we found him by knocking on doors in the neighbourhood) that his dogs were well cared for in such a tragic situation.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you do.
Kim Howcroft
Commander K9
Two dogs got out of their yard and were running on Fraser Highway, an extremely busy street in Surrey, BC. A speeding car hit both dogs (the young female driver was texting while driving). I arrived on the scene to find two people bent down on the highway trying to tend to the situation.
One dog was hit in the back end and limped off dragging her hind quarters behind her. The other was lying on the road with severe head trauma. I grabbed my first aid kit and a towel plus a collapsable traffic cone I had in my car, and ran to the scene --after all, I am a Dogsafe grad and trained in canine first aid!
Unfortunately, I arrived too late for the one dog, but because of my Dogsafe canine first aid skills, I was able to calm the people around me and take control of the situation. I got the dog off the street, and called animal control and the police. Thanks for the contact lists. I was amazed how calm I was in this tragic situation.
I went in search of the other dog, with a man who was first on the scene. He found the other dog huddled under a stack of old wood. I instructed him how to approach the dog for his own safety until I got there (thank god for the walkie talkies I had in my car). The dog had an injured hip and leg, a low pulse and was going into shock. I was able to stabilize the dog, splint her leg and back end and remove her from her "safe place" using my jacket as a stretcher.
It was bitter sweet, as one dog lost his life, but the other dog is going to make it. The owner was very grateful (we found him by knocking on doors in the neighbourhood) that his dogs were well cared for in such a tragic situation.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you do.
Kim Howcroft
Commander K9
Dogs lives are too short. Their only fault really.
- Agnes Sligh Turnball
"Only 3 nights after taking the Dogsafe course, we awoke to find our dog, Imly, violently shaking ..."
Hi Michelle, just wanted to let you know that the Dogsafe Canine First Aid knowledge came in handy recently. Only 3 nights after the course, my husband and I awoke to our dog Imly (who is only 1 1/2) violently shaking in her crate. She was foaming at the mouth, her eyes were unfocused and she was unaware of her surroundings. As you can probably guess, she was having a seizure. I panicked (something we were taught not to do!) but it was midnight and I had been woken out of a sound sleep to see my baby in a seizure.
After she finished, I came to my senses a bit and tried to remain calm and reassure her. She was temporarily blinded and growled a little at us in her confusion. She eventually came out of it and because she had thrown up some plant material earlier in the day and had heavy salivation...I assumed it was toxic plant material that had caused her seizure. We took her to emergency, they ran some tests which turned out to be ok. The next morning she had another seizure (in my husband's car) so he sped her to the vet. More tests were done and they seemed to be pointing in the direction of Epilepsy as the kidney and liver screenings came out normal and healthy and showed no toxicity. She stayed in the hospital that day and had no seizures so we took her home that night.
Again, that night we were awoken to another seizure but this time...I was more calm and remembered what I had learned in the class. I removed all stimuli, and waited until the seizure was over...this time we timed it as we had valium in case the seizure went over 5 minutes. It lasted 2 1/2 minutes (thankfully) and after it was over, I calmed Imly and held her until she started to fall asleep in my arms.
Of course, the next morning we went back to the vet and were given a prescription as she was now in a dangerous zone having cluster seizures. The potassium bromide is working and Imly is doing well. We're also giving her homeopathic meds for the side effects of the potassium bromide.
Anyhow, very long story to say thank you, Michelle....the Dogsafe course helped to prepare me for something I would otherwise been unequipped to deal with.
Sheryl Rhodes
After she finished, I came to my senses a bit and tried to remain calm and reassure her. She was temporarily blinded and growled a little at us in her confusion. She eventually came out of it and because she had thrown up some plant material earlier in the day and had heavy salivation...I assumed it was toxic plant material that had caused her seizure. We took her to emergency, they ran some tests which turned out to be ok. The next morning she had another seizure (in my husband's car) so he sped her to the vet. More tests were done and they seemed to be pointing in the direction of Epilepsy as the kidney and liver screenings came out normal and healthy and showed no toxicity. She stayed in the hospital that day and had no seizures so we took her home that night.
Again, that night we were awoken to another seizure but this time...I was more calm and remembered what I had learned in the class. I removed all stimuli, and waited until the seizure was over...this time we timed it as we had valium in case the seizure went over 5 minutes. It lasted 2 1/2 minutes (thankfully) and after it was over, I calmed Imly and held her until she started to fall asleep in my arms.
Of course, the next morning we went back to the vet and were given a prescription as she was now in a dangerous zone having cluster seizures. The potassium bromide is working and Imly is doing well. We're also giving her homeopathic meds for the side effects of the potassium bromide.
Anyhow, very long story to say thank you, Michelle....the Dogsafe course helped to prepare me for something I would otherwise been unequipped to deal with.
Sheryl Rhodes
"we used a jacket as a stretcher and carried Tanner for the 10 minute walk to the car..."
I had to use my Dogsafe canine first aid skills again yesterday! I was at the dog park when, I heard an awful squealing and whining. One dog, Tanner, a very sweet american cocker spaniel who is a regular in our dog walking group was bitten by a strange dog. Tanner had a bad puncture wound in his thigh. The other dog, a staffy, was okay.
With the help of my friend Mike, one of the dog park regulars, we used a jacket as a strecher and carried Tanner for the 10 minute walk to the parking lot. The wound wasn't that bad, so the owner drove Tanner to her veterinarian which was not too far away.
Tanner has a badly brusied flank and a deep puncture wound, but will recover.
I hope things don't come in threes, but if it does, I will be prepared!
Kim Howcroft
Commander K9
With the help of my friend Mike, one of the dog park regulars, we used a jacket as a strecher and carried Tanner for the 10 minute walk to the parking lot. The wound wasn't that bad, so the owner drove Tanner to her veterinarian which was not too far away.
Tanner has a badly brusied flank and a deep puncture wound, but will recover.
I hope things don't come in threes, but if it does, I will be prepared!
Kim Howcroft
Commander K9
"I put my Dogsafe skills to use for the first time when our puppy, Riley, was choking on a piece of stick ..."
Yesterday, I put my Dogsafe skills to use for the first time.
Our doberman puppy, Riley, was choking on a piece of stick and was showing all the signs that we learned about in the course; especially pawing at the mouth, rubbing his face on the ground, choking and gagging in total distress! I tried a few abdominal thrusts as we were taught, but it didn't dislodge. Jim ran to get the car to take him to the vet but in the meantime I did a few more abdominal thrusts and out it popped!
I'm so very grateful that I took the Dogsafe course and I knew what to do. I cannot thank you enough!! Unfortunately, it may not be the last time I use these skills as he picks everything up in his mouth but at least I feel confident that I can help him right away if it happens again.
Sue Sator
Our doberman puppy, Riley, was choking on a piece of stick and was showing all the signs that we learned about in the course; especially pawing at the mouth, rubbing his face on the ground, choking and gagging in total distress! I tried a few abdominal thrusts as we were taught, but it didn't dislodge. Jim ran to get the car to take him to the vet but in the meantime I did a few more abdominal thrusts and out it popped!
I'm so very grateful that I took the Dogsafe course and I knew what to do. I cannot thank you enough!! Unfortunately, it may not be the last time I use these skills as he picks everything up in his mouth but at least I feel confident that I can help him right away if it happens again.
Sue Sator
"I used my Dogsafe training today when a dog stuck its tongue out just as the groomer's scissors snipped ..."
I used my canine first aid training today when a dog in grooming stuck its tongue out just as the groomer's scissors snipped and he got a cut on his tongue. Now I know we didn't cover tongue bleeding specifically, but for reference, they bleed A LOT! The groomer came and got me and I thought about what we learned in the course and immediately applied gauze to control the bleeding. Then I held the dog, petted her and made sure that she was breathing okay and wasn't choking on blood or the bandage.
The dog's owner arrived to take her to the vet. The bleeding had stopped and the vet said that there was nothing more to do, that it was all good, the bleeding had stopped and just to keep an eye on it.
So THANK YOU for your first aid course and for giving me the ability to help this little toy poodle in a time of need. I truly believe the Dogsafe course helped me know what to do in that situation. Thank you!
Chanone Sanders, Owner
Canine Harmony Dog Training Academy
The dog's owner arrived to take her to the vet. The bleeding had stopped and the vet said that there was nothing more to do, that it was all good, the bleeding had stopped and just to keep an eye on it.
So THANK YOU for your first aid course and for giving me the ability to help this little toy poodle in a time of need. I truly believe the Dogsafe course helped me know what to do in that situation. Thank you!
Chanone Sanders, Owner
Canine Harmony Dog Training Academy
"Last week, our dog was in grave shape and had it not been for the teachings of your first aid course, we may not have recognized the signs and urgency of his deterioration ... "
Last week our little guy, Tiger, was in grave shape and had it not been for the teachings of your first aid course, we may not have recognized the signs and urgency of his deterioration.
We noticed his pace was slower, he'd turned away his food, and his skin didn't have the same elasticity to it. So on friday morning we rushed him to the doctor, where he was immediately rushed to Canada West Veterinary Specialists & Critical Care Hospital.
The initial consultation was very bleak, leaving Andrew and I completely heart-broken and preparing for the worst. Tiger was diagnosed with an advanced diabetes called DKA, pancreatus, a 95% possibility of Cushings disease, and a monster sized cyst on his neck. However, being the little scrapper that he is, Tiger has begun an awesome road to recovery and we got to bring him home yesterday!
His DKA is being controlled and his pancreatus and cyst are being treated. We go back in 2 weeks to test and confirm Cushings, which we will tackle at that point.
We've attached a picture of our little guy for you to see just how precious he is. All of our Biggest Thank You's to you for teaching us so much! Feel free to use our story. If we can play a part in potentially saving another family from experiencing what we have, (emotionally, mentally and financially...it's been the most exhausting 5 days ever) we would be delighted. Use our real names, pictures, whatever you like...we fully believe that what you and your class taught us played a MAJOR part in saving Tiger's life.
Again, thank you!
Andrew J. Marles and Tamara G. Wiebe
We noticed his pace was slower, he'd turned away his food, and his skin didn't have the same elasticity to it. So on friday morning we rushed him to the doctor, where he was immediately rushed to Canada West Veterinary Specialists & Critical Care Hospital.
The initial consultation was very bleak, leaving Andrew and I completely heart-broken and preparing for the worst. Tiger was diagnosed with an advanced diabetes called DKA, pancreatus, a 95% possibility of Cushings disease, and a monster sized cyst on his neck. However, being the little scrapper that he is, Tiger has begun an awesome road to recovery and we got to bring him home yesterday!
His DKA is being controlled and his pancreatus and cyst are being treated. We go back in 2 weeks to test and confirm Cushings, which we will tackle at that point.
We've attached a picture of our little guy for you to see just how precious he is. All of our Biggest Thank You's to you for teaching us so much! Feel free to use our story. If we can play a part in potentially saving another family from experiencing what we have, (emotionally, mentally and financially...it's been the most exhausting 5 days ever) we would be delighted. Use our real names, pictures, whatever you like...we fully believe that what you and your class taught us played a MAJOR part in saving Tiger's life.
Again, thank you!
Andrew J. Marles and Tamara G. Wiebe
"With no veterinarian on the island and knowing I had taken the Dogsafe course, he asked me to look at it ..."
One of the reasons for taking the Dogsafe Canine First Aid course was to be prepared in case of an emergency when we are at our beach house on an island in Washington State.
Sure enough, this past weekend, our neighbour's Havanese had a door slammed against his back leg. The owner was in great distress and was convinced the leg was broken. With no vet on the island and knowing I had taken the Dogsafe course, he asked me to look at it.
Although it had been several months since I'd taken the course, I was surprised how much clicked in, starting with taking a deep breath myself. Although the dog was trembling and held his leg up he was also quite relaxed about being gently examined and didn't appear to be in any real pain. I reviewed the section on bone and join injuries in the Dogsafe course manual (I'm so glad to have a second copy for the island!) and decided to apply an ice pack as a first step.
Happy outcome. Within 20 minutes, this little guy was up and about as if nothing had happened. A minor incident to be sure, but it makes me feel more confident about staying calm and remembering the Dogsafe lessons should a more serious situation occur.
And you'll be pleased to know, that when my neighbour was finally able to reach his vet, the veterinarian said I had done everything right and commented how amazing it was that such a canine first aid course existed. So kudos to the Dogsafe course!
Mary Lou Gazeley
Sure enough, this past weekend, our neighbour's Havanese had a door slammed against his back leg. The owner was in great distress and was convinced the leg was broken. With no vet on the island and knowing I had taken the Dogsafe course, he asked me to look at it.
Although it had been several months since I'd taken the course, I was surprised how much clicked in, starting with taking a deep breath myself. Although the dog was trembling and held his leg up he was also quite relaxed about being gently examined and didn't appear to be in any real pain. I reviewed the section on bone and join injuries in the Dogsafe course manual (I'm so glad to have a second copy for the island!) and decided to apply an ice pack as a first step.
Happy outcome. Within 20 minutes, this little guy was up and about as if nothing had happened. A minor incident to be sure, but it makes me feel more confident about staying calm and remembering the Dogsafe lessons should a more serious situation occur.
And you'll be pleased to know, that when my neighbour was finally able to reach his vet, the veterinarian said I had done everything right and commented how amazing it was that such a canine first aid course existed. So kudos to the Dogsafe course!
Mary Lou Gazeley
"He swallowed the whole glove, I couldn't believe what had just happened..."
I wanted to share an experience that I had today. I have a young, very energetic labradoodle that I walk every single day. He is always so full of energy and very curious about everything.
Today during our hike, I took off my rubber gloves (which I wear whenever I go hiking) so I could drink my bottled water. This ever curious dog grabbed one of the gloves and started chewing on it. He was moving so fast that I did not have a chance to get a hold of him. He was running away from me and chewing on the glove at the same time. Finally, he swallowed the whole glove. I could not believe what just happened!
And the very first thing that came to my mind was that I should induce vomiting, which I learned from my recent Dogsafe course.
The dog wasn't showing any signs of immediate discomfort and was active and playful as if nothing had happened, however, I knew I wanted to get that glove out of him. I keep a watchful eye on all my dogs and I am thankful that I actually witnessed his swallowing the glove; otherwise it would've taken a lot longer for anyone to notice any discomfort and of course the consequence could've been far greater, such as an intestinal obstruction.
I immediately phoned the emergency animal hospital and described the situation, including the size of the glove, to the vet and he also suggested that I try to induce vomiting first. So I headed back to my car and got a hold of my supplies. I gave this dog the appropriate dose of hydrogen peroxide, and it started working within 10 minutes. He threw up and there was the glove he devoured!! I had never been so happy to see dog vomit.
The dog was perfectly fine after the vomiting and I am extremely thankful.
Anyway, thank you again for creating the life-saving Dogsafe courses and I'm very proud of myself for what I did today. Thank you!!!!
PS. I would like to thank my dog-walking colleague, Laura Smith (another Dogsafe graduate). Since I had some multi-tasking to do, I called her for her assistance with making some phone calls and other tasks. I also believe that her help kept me calm. I think I would've panicked more if I had had to make all the phone calls myself and be put on hold.
Jenny Wu
Bone to Be Wild Dog Adventures
Today during our hike, I took off my rubber gloves (which I wear whenever I go hiking) so I could drink my bottled water. This ever curious dog grabbed one of the gloves and started chewing on it. He was moving so fast that I did not have a chance to get a hold of him. He was running away from me and chewing on the glove at the same time. Finally, he swallowed the whole glove. I could not believe what just happened!
And the very first thing that came to my mind was that I should induce vomiting, which I learned from my recent Dogsafe course.
The dog wasn't showing any signs of immediate discomfort and was active and playful as if nothing had happened, however, I knew I wanted to get that glove out of him. I keep a watchful eye on all my dogs and I am thankful that I actually witnessed his swallowing the glove; otherwise it would've taken a lot longer for anyone to notice any discomfort and of course the consequence could've been far greater, such as an intestinal obstruction.
I immediately phoned the emergency animal hospital and described the situation, including the size of the glove, to the vet and he also suggested that I try to induce vomiting first. So I headed back to my car and got a hold of my supplies. I gave this dog the appropriate dose of hydrogen peroxide, and it started working within 10 minutes. He threw up and there was the glove he devoured!! I had never been so happy to see dog vomit.
The dog was perfectly fine after the vomiting and I am extremely thankful.
Anyway, thank you again for creating the life-saving Dogsafe courses and I'm very proud of myself for what I did today. Thank you!!!!
PS. I would like to thank my dog-walking colleague, Laura Smith (another Dogsafe graduate). Since I had some multi-tasking to do, I called her for her assistance with making some phone calls and other tasks. I also believe that her help kept me calm. I think I would've panicked more if I had had to make all the phone calls myself and be put on hold.
Jenny Wu
Bone to Be Wild Dog Adventures
"I have already (unfortunately) used the Dogsafe information and first aid kit on my dog when she scraped 3 of 4 paws..."
I wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I have already (unfortunately) used the valuable Dogsafe information and my Dogsafe first aid kit on one of my French Bulldogs.
Polar scraped 3 of her 4 paws by running around way too much and way too hard in a tennis court. By the time I realized she was hurt, she looked like she had dipped her paws in red paint!
I managed to stop the bleeding with direct pressure and clean her up using the medicated swabs in my Dogsafe kit. One of her paw pads was also cut and needed a full bandage to keep the wound clean.
The Dogsafe course manual was an excellent reference for me and I was spared a trip to the vet. I’m confident Polar will be just fine. She hasn’t been able to get the bandage off and her paw is looking better. I think by tomorrow she’ll be fine to go outside without it.
I feel really good that I was able to take care of her myself. My husband and kids were impressed too!
Thank-you so much for offering the Dogsafe courses to the public.
PS. She is very funny because whenever I look directly at her she walks on 3 legs and holds up the bandaged paw to show me, however when I’m not looking right at her, she is fine. Silly dog!
Nadia Darkazanli
Polar scraped 3 of her 4 paws by running around way too much and way too hard in a tennis court. By the time I realized she was hurt, she looked like she had dipped her paws in red paint!
I managed to stop the bleeding with direct pressure and clean her up using the medicated swabs in my Dogsafe kit. One of her paw pads was also cut and needed a full bandage to keep the wound clean.
The Dogsafe course manual was an excellent reference for me and I was spared a trip to the vet. I’m confident Polar will be just fine. She hasn’t been able to get the bandage off and her paw is looking better. I think by tomorrow she’ll be fine to go outside without it.
I feel really good that I was able to take care of her myself. My husband and kids were impressed too!
Thank-you so much for offering the Dogsafe courses to the public.
PS. She is very funny because whenever I look directly at her she walks on 3 legs and holds up the bandaged paw to show me, however when I’m not looking right at her, she is fine. Silly dog!
Nadia Darkazanli
"I used my Dogsafe course manual today when Benek came into the house, shook and there was blood everywhere ..."
I took your course last summer since I do lots of backcountry camping/hiking with my Akbash dog, Benek.
Thankfully nothing major has happened, but today I used my Dogsafe canine first aid skills, albeit it was a minor thing compared to the big injuries on your "real stories" webpage.
Benek came into the house today, shook and there was blood everywhere. I ushered him outside, had a look and saw he had a cut on the inside flap of his ear. He must have snagged it on something and it was just dripping blood! I went inside to get a cloth, a bowl of water and my canine first aid supplies. Man, do ears ever bleed alot! He looked like he killed something with blood all over his head, neck, shoulder and his feet looked like they were dipped in blood. I found the slash and pulled out the bandages realising that a floppy ear is NOT easy to deal with. I thought I had to be approaching it wrong and went running around the house trying to find my Dogsafe course manual. (NOTE to self, KEEP DOGSAFE FIRST AID BOOK IN AN OBVIOUS PLACE!). Anyway, my memory was correct and I was doing it right. Attempt #1 failed since he shook the bandage off but bandaging attempt #2 worked and he is at my feet where I can keep my eye on him.
The best bandage to use probably would have been that self-stick red bandages you sell. I recently bought a 4x4 camper and there was some similar bandages the camper first aid kit. And speaking of having two first aid kits, it may be wise to have a second first aid manual as well (for my camper)... can I buy an extra?
Martine Dubuc
Thankfully nothing major has happened, but today I used my Dogsafe canine first aid skills, albeit it was a minor thing compared to the big injuries on your "real stories" webpage.
Benek came into the house today, shook and there was blood everywhere. I ushered him outside, had a look and saw he had a cut on the inside flap of his ear. He must have snagged it on something and it was just dripping blood! I went inside to get a cloth, a bowl of water and my canine first aid supplies. Man, do ears ever bleed alot! He looked like he killed something with blood all over his head, neck, shoulder and his feet looked like they were dipped in blood. I found the slash and pulled out the bandages realising that a floppy ear is NOT easy to deal with. I thought I had to be approaching it wrong and went running around the house trying to find my Dogsafe course manual. (NOTE to self, KEEP DOGSAFE FIRST AID BOOK IN AN OBVIOUS PLACE!). Anyway, my memory was correct and I was doing it right. Attempt #1 failed since he shook the bandage off but bandaging attempt #2 worked and he is at my feet where I can keep my eye on him.
The best bandage to use probably would have been that self-stick red bandages you sell. I recently bought a 4x4 camper and there was some similar bandages the camper first aid kit. And speaking of having two first aid kits, it may be wise to have a second first aid manual as well (for my camper)... can I buy an extra?
Martine Dubuc
"Dave was hiking off leash with our dogs when he heard a crack of glass, he knew in his gut that something had happened..."
Dogsafe helped us this week. Dave took Muriel and Murphy Brown hiking up Grouse Mountain. They were off leash up there and he felt safe in the environment. Then – he heard a crack of glass. He knew in his gut it was Muriel and he knew something happened.
Sure enough, a broken beer bottle was in the middle of the trail and Muriel’s back pad on her right hind foot was sliced open.
He immediately bandaged it up and returned home. At home, Dave was then able to clean the wound thoroughly and bandage her paw with supplies from our Dogsafe canine first aid kit we bought from you. Muriel was a little upset so we used the "canine calming signals" we discussed in class.
We are monitoring the wound closely and keeping it clean and freshly dressed.
Thank you Michelle!
PS. Everyone I talk to with dogs I recommend that they take the Dogsafe courses.
David & Christine Campbell
Sure enough, a broken beer bottle was in the middle of the trail and Muriel’s back pad on her right hind foot was sliced open.
He immediately bandaged it up and returned home. At home, Dave was then able to clean the wound thoroughly and bandage her paw with supplies from our Dogsafe canine first aid kit we bought from you. Muriel was a little upset so we used the "canine calming signals" we discussed in class.
We are monitoring the wound closely and keeping it clean and freshly dressed.
Thank you Michelle!
PS. Everyone I talk to with dogs I recommend that they take the Dogsafe courses.
David & Christine Campbell
"I never thought that I would actually be able to practice my skills if an emergency came up ..."
I wanted to thank you for the Dogsafe course and share a story. When I took your course I thought it would be great information to further my education, never thinking that I would actually be able to practise it if an emergency came up.
Several weeks ago, while walking my dog, I came across a fellow dog owner who's dog had stepped on a piece of glass. The dog was bleeding profusely and I immediately grabbed my first aid kit, bandaged the wound and helped the woman carry her dog to the car.
It turned out that the dog had two severed tendons and the vet said I had been of great service and helped stop a lot of the blood loss.
Every time I see that dog's owner, she thanks me and in turn, I want to thank you!! The Dogsafe course probably helps save so many lives every day and I am so glad I took the course.
Heather Patton,
Jack's Pack Dog Training
Several weeks ago, while walking my dog, I came across a fellow dog owner who's dog had stepped on a piece of glass. The dog was bleeding profusely and I immediately grabbed my first aid kit, bandaged the wound and helped the woman carry her dog to the car.
It turned out that the dog had two severed tendons and the vet said I had been of great service and helped stop a lot of the blood loss.
Every time I see that dog's owner, she thanks me and in turn, I want to thank you!! The Dogsafe course probably helps save so many lives every day and I am so glad I took the course.
Heather Patton,
Jack's Pack Dog Training
"This evening I put my new knowledge to use and I was so very glad that it was fresh in my mind ..."
I attended the Dogsafe canine first aid Part 2 (with dogs)workshop in Victoria on Sunday with my dog Harley. I really enjoyed the course and the chance to actually do hands-on things that we learned about in the spring in the Dogsafe canine first aid Part 1 course. The second class gave me a lot more confidence than just reading it in the book, and it was great experience. This evening I had an opportunity to put my new knowledge to use and I was so very glad that it was fresh in my mind.
We have a new little Long Hair Chihuahua puppy, Dudley, who is just 12 weeks old (yes, we are crazy, we have three of them.) Dudley eats every meal as if he is never going to be fed again and gobbles down his food just as fast as he can. Tonight, all three dogs were in the kitchen eating dinner and I left to go into the living room to put a log on the fire. When I returned a moment later, Dudley was lying on the floor with his little body bucking and his legs scrabbling in the air. I initially thought that he was having a seizure, but then realized that he was choking.
I immediately grabbed him up by the back of his thighs and gave him a quick abdominal thrust (two fingers only – I had just practiced on the weekend!). Half his dinner shot out, and he immediately pounced on it to gobble it back down (you gotta love dogs!). Anyways, he seems completely fine and none the worse for wear.
I am so very happy that I was right there to help him and that thanks to the Dogsafe course I knew exactly what to do. The timing could not have been better.
So many thanks from both Dudley and me!
Lisa Durkin
We have a new little Long Hair Chihuahua puppy, Dudley, who is just 12 weeks old (yes, we are crazy, we have three of them.) Dudley eats every meal as if he is never going to be fed again and gobbles down his food just as fast as he can. Tonight, all three dogs were in the kitchen eating dinner and I left to go into the living room to put a log on the fire. When I returned a moment later, Dudley was lying on the floor with his little body bucking and his legs scrabbling in the air. I initially thought that he was having a seizure, but then realized that he was choking.
I immediately grabbed him up by the back of his thighs and gave him a quick abdominal thrust (two fingers only – I had just practiced on the weekend!). Half his dinner shot out, and he immediately pounced on it to gobble it back down (you gotta love dogs!). Anyways, he seems completely fine and none the worse for wear.
I am so very happy that I was right there to help him and that thanks to the Dogsafe course I knew exactly what to do. The timing could not have been better.
So many thanks from both Dudley and me!
Lisa Durkin
"I put my Dogsafe skills to work this morning when she got a piece of a stick stuck in her throat ..."
I put my Dogsafe canine first aid skills to work this morning with Oli. I think I'm still getting over it, but she seems fine!
She got a piece of a stick stuck in her throat this morning. She was outside and I had gone in to grab something and when I came back out she was rubbing her face with her paws and I knew IMMEDIATELY what was going on.
I approached her and put my fingers down her throat and felt wood, not too far down. I did start to panic (as you mentioned was normal in class!) as she was in distress and my first reaction was to head for my vet. Pajama clad, I tried to make it out to the car and quickly realized I wouldn't be able to drive with Oli in the car like that, and I also felt like time was of essence.
I got calmer, and then knelt down in the drive way and got a hold of her. I guess the piece came loose from her throat and then got stuck tight in the roof of her mouth. I used my keys (as gently as possible while still being quick) to get it out. After that, I swept her throat with my fingers, as far down as I could go, and didn't feel anything else.
After that I watched her for a bit, then gave her a small amount of kibble to make sure she could swallow fine, and she could. So....it felt good to know what to do, and I would have gone for the gravity or abdominal thrusts if I had to.
It was scary, and I felt fumbly, but I did know what I needed to do, and I am very grateful for that. So, thank you, once again, for the fantastic work you do for our canine community.
Jill Johnston
She got a piece of a stick stuck in her throat this morning. She was outside and I had gone in to grab something and when I came back out she was rubbing her face with her paws and I knew IMMEDIATELY what was going on.
I approached her and put my fingers down her throat and felt wood, not too far down. I did start to panic (as you mentioned was normal in class!) as she was in distress and my first reaction was to head for my vet. Pajama clad, I tried to make it out to the car and quickly realized I wouldn't be able to drive with Oli in the car like that, and I also felt like time was of essence.
I got calmer, and then knelt down in the drive way and got a hold of her. I guess the piece came loose from her throat and then got stuck tight in the roof of her mouth. I used my keys (as gently as possible while still being quick) to get it out. After that, I swept her throat with my fingers, as far down as I could go, and didn't feel anything else.
After that I watched her for a bit, then gave her a small amount of kibble to make sure she could swallow fine, and she could. So....it felt good to know what to do, and I would have gone for the gravity or abdominal thrusts if I had to.
It was scary, and I felt fumbly, but I did know what I needed to do, and I am very grateful for that. So, thank you, once again, for the fantastic work you do for our canine community.
Jill Johnston