LAUF, GERMANY (dpa) – A loud bark, the screech of car tyres and a dog lies howling on the edge of the road. Would you know what to do in a canine emergency? Many Germans do, because increasingly more of them are taking first aid courses for dogs.
The health care charity ASB established dog first aid courses five years ago so that professionals would be able to help working and rescue dogs in the event of an emergency.
Now the specialist training is offered in 40 different German locations, said Peter Goldschmidt at the ASB headquarters in Cologne.
Participants range from police dog handlers, to dog sports enthusiasts, to ordinary pet owners.
Police dog handler Andreas Kress from Nuremberg took the three- hour course at the regional ASB office in Lauf, Bavaria, to be able to pass on the techniques to his colleagues. Martina Dopfer was there because she owns a dachshund and helps look after strays in her local animal protection league in Lauf, Bavaria.
First aiders cannot afford to be squeamish. To pass the course they have to demonstrate mouth-to-snout resuscitation although this life-saving intimacy is practised on dog dummies.
Participants also learn a number of tips and grips for treating the most common dog injuries. They learn how to feel for a pulse, how to apply a compression bandage to an injured paw, and how to read a dog’s state of health by examining the colour of its gums.
Horst Maul, who runs the course, recommended tying an animal’s snout shut to avoid being bitten while administering first aid.
He also points out common poison risks such as dangerous garden or house plants. “Even a large bar of chocolate can cost a small dog its life,” said Maul.
Poisoning or loss of blood can trigger shock in dogs which is just as life-threatening as in humans. With the aid of his patient golden retriever Dojan, Maul showed his trainees how to put a dog in shock in the correct position. They must be laid on their right side with jaws open and tongue out.
The course fee of about 20 dollars also includes a voucher for money off a first aid course for humans.
