Brisbane vet starts animal first aid course
How far would you go to keep your pet alive in an emergency situation?
A Brisbane veterinary clinic believes most cat and dog owners would do almost anything to ensure their companion survived, and thus launched a series of pet first aid courses at the practice.
"Certainly pet first aid courses have been done before, but there are very few being run by vets out of vet clinics," said Dr Kirsty Fridemanis, who teamed up with her friend and vet nurse Tahlia Woodlock at Toowong Family Vet.
"As we are the first port of call in veterinary emergencies, it is great to be able to inform pet owners about what they can do to make the commencement of treatment at the vet clinic more effective and successful in these situations."
The unique initiative has garnered plenty of interest too, with the first two sessions completely booked out.
"Pets are not only part of our day to day lives, but part of our family - and you do anything for family," Dr Fridemanis said.
"Knowledge is such a powerful tool – it can change lives.
"We’re enabling people to play a pivotal role in their pets’ life when it’s potentially hanging in the balance. We have no doubt in our minds about the extent that people will go to in order to save their pet's life."
Emergency treatment for animals is extremely common, especially during tick season.
"Tick and cane toad toxicity are very common in Brisbane," Dr Fridemanis explained.
"We also see a lot of cases where pets have eaten things they should not have, whether it be toxic plants in the garden, or human foods and drugs.
"Accidents causing wounds and lameness are very common, and unfortunately, cardiovascular and respiratory emergencies are (as well)."
The second pet first aid course will run tonight.
You can register your interest by calling Toowong Family Vet on 07 3613 9644.
