First Aid For Dogs Course

Lesson 1 • Safe Handling and Restraint Techniques

Introduces low-stress restraint methods that protect both dog and responder during assessment. Proper restraint is a prerequisite for every hands-on skill in the course.

Lesson 2 • The First-Aider's Role and Limits

Defines first aid scope versus veterinary care and establishes legal and ethical boundaries. Sets the mindset for safe, responsible intervention throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Building a Canine First Aid Kit

Identifies essential supplies, their purposes, and proper storage conditions. Prepares students to assemble and maintain a ready-to-use kit for home or professional settings.

Lesson 4 • Assessing Normal Vital Signs

Teaches measurement of resting heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and capillary refill time. Establishes normal baselines used to detect emergencies in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Triage Principles for Multiple Dogs

Applies triage logic when more than one dog requires care simultaneously. Prioritisation skills ensure the most critical patients receive attention first.

Lesson 2 • Level of Consciousness Assessment

Introduces the AVPU scale adapted for dogs to gauge neurological status quickly. Consciousness level guides triage decisions and flags head or spinal injuries.

Lesson 3 • Evaluating the Emergency Scene

Teaches hazard identification, bystander management, and safe approach to an injured dog. Scene safety must be confirmed before any patient contact.

Lesson 4 • The Primary Survey: ABC Framework

Applies the Airway, Breathing, Circulation framework to rapid life-threat detection. This structured sequence drives all emergency decisions covered in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 1 • Ongoing Airway Monitoring

Establishes protocols for continuous airway reassessment during transport or while awaiting veterinary care. Prevents undetected deterioration after initial stabilisation.

Lesson 2 • Recognising Airway Obstruction

Identifies signs of partial and complete airway blockage through observation and auscultation. Early recognition prevents progression to respiratory arrest.

Lesson 3 • Performing Rescue Breathing

Teaches mouth-to-snout ventilation with correct tidal volume and rate for dogs of varying sizes. Proper technique prevents gastric inflation and lung injury.

Lesson 1 • Integrating Compressions and Ventilations

Combines chest compressions with rescue breaths using the correct ratio for single and two-rescuer scenarios. Coordinated delivery optimises oxygen delivery during CPR.

Lesson 2 • CPR in Challenging Conditions

Addresses CPR delivery in field settings with limited space, equipment, or assistance. Prepares students for real-world scenarios beyond controlled practice environments.

Lesson 3 • Chest Compression Technique by Breed

Adapts hand placement, compression depth, and rate to barrel-chested, deep-chested, and small breeds. Correct technique maximises cardiac output without causing rib fractures.

Lesson 4 • Recognising Cardiac Arrest

Identifies the clinical signs of cardiac arrest distinct from unconsciousness or respiratory distress. Accurate recognition triggers immediate CPR and prevents delayed response.

Lesson 1 • Wound Cleaning and Irrigation

Covers safe irrigation solutions, debris removal, and antiseptic application appropriate for dogs. Proper cleaning reduces infection risk before professional closure.

Lesson 2 • Direct Pressure and Haemorrhage Control

Applies direct pressure, pressure bandages, and tourniquet use to control severe bleeding. Haemorrhage control is the highest priority after airway and breathing are secured.

Lesson 3 • Bandaging Techniques for Common Sites

Teaches Robert Jones, figure-eight, and body wrap bandages for paws, limbs, and torso. Correct bandaging protects wounds and prevents swelling without restricting circulation.

Lesson 4 • Special Wound Scenarios

Addresses impaled objects, evisceration, degloving, and bite wounds requiring specific management protocols. These scenarios demand modified techniques to avoid worsening injury.

Lesson 1 • Recognising Fractures and Dislocations

Identifies clinical signs of open and closed fractures and joint dislocations through observation and gentle palpation. Accurate identification prevents harmful manipulation.

Lesson 2 • Safe Transport of Injured Dogs

Teaches stretcher construction, log-roll technique, and vehicle loading for dogs with musculoskeletal injuries. Correct transport technique preserves first aid gains made on scene.

Lesson 3 • Splinting and Immobilisation Techniques

Applies rigid and soft splints to stabilise limb fractures using improvised and commercial materials. Immobilisation reduces pain and prevents neurovascular compromise during transport.

Lesson 1 • Seizure First Aid

Covers safe management of active seizures, post-ictal care, and status epilepticus recognition. Correct response prevents injury and informs veterinary diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Recognising and Managing Shock

Identifies hypovolaemic, distributive, and obstructive shock through clinical signs and vital sign changes. Early recognition and positioning significantly improve survival outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Bloat, Choking, and Anaphylaxis

Covers gastric dilatation-volvulus, foreign body choking, and allergic anaphylaxis as distinct life-threatening emergencies. Each condition requires a specific and immediate first aid response.

Lesson 4 • Common Canine Toxins and Poisoning Response

Identifies frequently encountered toxins including foods, plants, and household chemicals harmful to dogs. First aid focuses on stabilisation and information gathering, not home decontamination.

Lesson 1 • Competency Assessment and Certification

Outlines the practical and written assessment criteria used to verify course competency. Clear standards help students prepare and understand what mastery looks like.

Lesson 2 • Medical Emergency Scenario Practice

Presents seizure, heatstroke, poisoning, and cardiac arrest scenarios requiring rapid differential recognition. Students apply Chapter 7 knowledge in dynamic, time-sensitive simulations.

Lesson 3 • Trauma Scenario Practice

Simulates road traffic accidents, fall injuries, and bite wounds requiring combined wound, fracture, and shock management. Students integrate skills from Chapters 5 and 6 under time pressure.

Lesson 4 • Structured Debriefing and Reflection

Uses a plus-delta debriefing model to identify strengths and improvement areas after each scenario. Reflective practice accelerates skill consolidation and error correction.