Essential First Aid Plus

01/04/2026

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.
Copied from American Association of Equine Practitioners

01/04/2026

PSA:

Winter doesn’t automatically mean tick-free. ❄️🕷️

Many ticks become active whenever temperatures rise above freezing — especially during mild winters, warm spells, or sunny days.

That means dogs can still pick up ticks on winter walks, hikes, or even in their own yards.

You don’t need to panic — just stay aware.
Quick coat checks, knowing what’s normal for your dog, and staying informed go a long way.

Prevention isn’t seasonal.
Awareness is year-round 🐾

Copied from
Canine Health Canada

01/02/2026

Haha 🤣 🤣🤣

01/01/2026

🤣🤣🤣

01/01/2026

Happy New Year !!!

12/31/2025

Mad Barn always has good information

Ensuring horses drink enough water is vital for their health. Learn about daily water needs, water needs in hot weather, signs of dehydration.

12/29/2025

A Simple Blossom That Can Give Your Dog Daily Comfort 🌼🐕

Chamomile has been used for thousands of years by ancient cultures for its soothing, healing qualities. It contains a range of natural plant compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, antianxiety, antispasmodic (muscle-relaxing), antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. 🙌

Today, modern holistic veterinarians, herbalists, and pet parents alike continue to use chamomile as a gentle, natural support for common issues in dogs, from anxiety and skin irritation to stomach upset and more. 🐶
Copied from
bark & whiskers

12/29/2025

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Canine Emergency First Aid training doesn’t eliminate mistakes.

What it DOES do is change how mistakes unfold — giving you clarity, calmness, and a plan when panic would otherwise take over.

In an emergency, people rarely rise to the occasion — they fall back on what’s familiar. This training is designed around that reality. It focuses on early recognition, clear decision-making, and knowing what to do next so fewer irreversible choices are made under stress.

This course isn’t about heroics or perfect outcomes. It’s about shortening reaction time, reducing guesswork, and helping you act with confidence instead of fear. That difference matters — for your dog, and for you.

Prepared doesn’t mean perfect. It means ready.

When you take a Canine CPR and Emergency First Aid course with us, you'll learn how to manage everything from:

-Nose to Tail Survey
-When to call the Vet
-Digestive Emergencies
-Burns, Bites & Stings
-Poison and Toxins
-Broken Limbs
-Stabilizing for transport
-Major and minor lacerations on all body parts
-CPR - teaching the most up-to-date RECOVER method
-Mouth to Nose Resuscitation
-Choking and the 3 primary methods to assist the animal
-TONS AND TONS more

All in a safe, supportive and FUN class setting. You will never be put on the spot, and there is no exam. Just dog lovers together in an open learning environment for the sake of their pets.

We asked graduates:
“Before the course, what were you most afraid of doing wrong in an emergency — and what feels different now?”

Brittany S. said "I was afraid if I had to do CPR I would forget it or push to hard and hurt my dog. The practice sessions helped so much and now I feel so much better prepared"

Jivan R. said "I was most afraid of freezing. My dog is like my child to me. But the muscle memory is there now for responding"

Alex D. said "I was most afraid of forgetting everything I learned but the take-home first aid book is awesome - I can look up anything I learned if I need it. It's so much faster than even Google and I don't have to guess if the information is accurate. Thank you"

Visit our website - courses are listed by province or territory, and classes are added weekly as our trainers book locations.

If you don't see a class in your city - reach out! If we have a place to teach and 10 or more students we will travel just about anywhere... after-all, our mission is to ensure every dog owner out there is prepared to help their pet in an emergency.

One day of your life might just mean the difference in theirs.

Copyright © 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (CIPO - CR #1026058, TM #2279323) Canine Health Canada/International (TM)- All Rights Reserved.

Member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence

IAABC approved for Continuing Education Credits

12/28/2025

Even though the topic of after-hours and emergency care is important year-round, we wanted to offer this reminder as we approach the holidays.

Though we wish our horse doctors could be there for our equine friends in any emergency, the reality is that our horses' primary veterinarian cannot be available 24/7 and still juggle the needs of their own personal lives, health and happiness.

The most significant pain point for many veterinarians is caring for their clients during regular business hours and then also being on call for emergencies after hours. For single-doctor or small practices, this traditionally has been the case most nights of the week.

However, private veterinary practices and veterinary schools have more recently focused on developing new models for emergency care which ease the strain on individual practitioners. This includes the growth of emergency cooperatives where two or more practices in a geographic area work together to share after-hours care, as well as more emergency-only practices and the use of tele-triage services to address client concerns after normal business hours.

As equine veterinarians reevaluate what after-hours care looks like for their practices, the support of their clients is critical to creating a balance that works for both parties. If your horse doctor talks with you about changes in how after-hours care is delivered, we hope you’ll welcome the adjustments. This evolution of emergency care must take place in order for equine veterinarians to avoid burnout and continue to be at their best to treat all of your equine friends.

This is why taking an equine emergency first aid course is so important!

Contact us for more information on our courses.

Information and photo credit to American Association of Equine Practitioners

12/27/2025

After the excitement of Christmas, a slow walk on Boxing Day can be exactly what your dog needs. Fresh air helps them burn off extra energy, settle their stomach after all the excitement and reset their routine.
A gentle winter walk is also good for you too, giving everyone a breather after a busy day.
Bundle up, grab a leash and enjoy the calm after the Christmas rush.

12/23/2025

The holidays are full of joy…

and they’re also one of the highest-risk times of year for pet emergencies.

Choking.

Bloat.

Chocolate.

Electrical Cords.

Foreign objects.

Emergencies don’t wait for the vet to open — and they don’t take holidays.

Pet CPR & Emergency First Aid is about knowing what to do when it matters most, so panic doesn’t take over.

While classes won’t run again until the new year, now is the perfect time to learn what’s available, ask questions, and make a plan to get trained.

❤️ Confidence doesn’t start in the classroom — it starts with awareness.

⬇️ DM me to learn more or get on my January class list or

⬇️ Book here https://form.jotform.com/240927289325262