Would you know what to do if your dog started choking?

St. John Ambulance is offering a first aid course that teaches participants how to give CPR to dogs, to prepare pet owners for such a situation.

Participants are taught on a mannequin dog named Casper.

Do you know what to do if your dog starts choking? How about checking your pup’s pulse? I chatted with Heather McCarthy about a Pet First Aid course offered at Saint John Ambulance. @590VOCM @Fred_Hutton https://t.co/1Chxde2wwF pic.twitter.com/nYY6kO1Nzu

— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) November 18, 2019

Training Coordinator, Heather McCarthy says it’s actually a lot like giving a person CPR. She says the biggest difference is that you have to be more aware, as it is an animal. Most people can communicate and explain what’s going on, obviously animal cannot, so you have to be very familiar with your surroundings and your pet.

McCarthy says even though it can be your pet, lots of times they can turn around and become aggressive towards the owner when they are afraid or in fear.

She says choking is the biggest thing to look out for with dogs, but they can endure many of the same medical problems as people. McCarthy says dogs can react to the same things as humans like seizures, anaphylaxis and other medical conditions.

Other topics covered include bleeding and wounds, bone and joint injuries and poisonings.

For those interested in the course, you can call or e-mail St. John Ambulance: