RSPCA Victoria is encouraging pet owners to ensure they know how to care for their pets in an emergency by running in-person Pet First Aid courses at RSPCA Burwood East.
The next course, to be held on Saturday, April 1st, will teach participants how to observe and measure vital signs of life in their pet, bandage a bleeding wound, perform CPR and maintain safety while working with an injured animal.
RSPCA Victoria Education and Training Manager Belinda Marchbank said the course teaches necessary life-saving skills for pet owners.
"RSPCA's Pet First Aid course is a great way for pet owners to develop essential pet first aid skills. We aim to give owners the confidence to act in the animal's best interest in an emergency – particularly as the Easter holidays approach when there are likely to be small kids playing and chocolate lying around!" said Ms Marchbank.
"Participants will have the opportunity to meet and work with our experienced education staff and their animals, along with industry experts, for practical, hands-on skills development."
Ms Marchbank said there are common household scenarios that can result in an emergency vet visit, however owners can prepare themselves.
"We'll talk about a range of unfortunately common scenarios, including how to recognise signs of chocolate poisoning and what to do if your pet eats something it shouldn't, like hair ties or cooked bones.
"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."
The course also 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.
