The Canadian Red Cross offers an online First Aid for Dogs and Cats course designed to teach participants how to respond to common emergencies involving pets. The course covers essential skills such as pet CPR, first aid techniques, and emergency preparedness, aiming to equip pet owners and enthusiasts with the confidence to handle various situations. 

Step 1 – Course Enrollment:

• Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 13 years old.
• Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.

Step 2 – Online Learning:

• Format: Self-directed online learning.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

The course is divided into five modules, each focusing on different aspects of pet first aid. At the end of each module, you'll find a short knowledge check. These aren't tests or evaluations - just a way to review your understanding. You can always go back and revisit the material if needed!

• Module 1: Knowing What's Normal

  • Recognizing normal vital signs in pets.
  • Checking breathing rates, heart rate, and mucous membranes.
    
    

• Module 2: Breathing and Cardiac Emergencies

  • Assessing airways, breathing, and circulation.
  • Performing CPR on cats and dogs.
  • Addressing choking incidents.
    
    

• Module 3: Wounds and Bleeding

  • Identifying different types of wounds.
  • Managing bleeding and dressing wounds.
    
    

• Module 4: Seizures

  • Understanding causes and signs of seizures.
  • Providing care during and after a seizure.
    
    

• Module 5: Preventative Care, Health, and Well-being

  • Implementing preventive measures for pet health.
  • Preparing for emergencies.

Each module includes a short knowledge check to reinforce learning.

Step 3 – Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which can be a valuable addition to a resume.