The Canine First Aid Company has joined forces with award-winning Scampers in Cambridgeshire to hold its first training course in a pet shop. The event will take place on April 3.

The family-run business, which originated with human first aid training, has had such a huge demand for canine first aid (first aid for dogs) that director Melanie Whitten decided to utilise her love of dogs and vast experience to train thelive-saving skills.

“The skills we use in human first aid are not too different from the skills we use on dogs - still centred around Health and Safety, Primary Surveys, CPR, Recovery Position, Bleeds, Drowning, Shock, Poisons, and Heatstroke," said Melanie.

"We can now help and support our canine friends in the event of a situation arising.  We can be the bridge/chain of survival whilst awaiting professional medical help from vets.

"There are a few differences which we have to make when treating our dogs – no mouth to mouth but mouth to snout, where to find a pulse, utilising whatever is available to ensure human safety by making a muzzle.

"Our courses include handouts, candidate packs and shock blankets as well as a Certificate of Successful Completion, as well as practical sessions on mouth to snout on canine manikins, bandaging and muzzling. Our training sessions are fun even though we are dealing with a serious subject.”

The Canine First Aid Company is taking its training nationwide to offer guidance to canine orientated businesses, pet shops and individuals who want to know how to save a dog’s life.  

"We are working with Scampers to spread the word and get the unique courses available to as many businesses and individuals as possible," added Melanie.

"Piers and Michelle at Scampers know first-hand how important these skills are and have had to use lifesaving skills on their dogs, including CPR which kept their pet alive. They are well aware of the importance of these valuable skills."

The Canine First Aid Training Course is being held at Scampers on April 3 between 10am and 3pm. To find out more information email melanie@caninefirstaidcompany.co.uk