First Aid for Dogs

First Aid for Dogs Empowering, inspiring and fun dog first aid courses for dog owners and canine professionals to keep our four legged friends safe in medical emergencies.
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As a dog lover, dog owner or dog professional learn basic life saving and first aid techniques, such as CPR, choking and poisoning in our 3 hour dog first aid course. Our dog first aid courses are run by qualified pet first aid instructors who are also registered nurses with specialist training in teaching CPR and first aid. All instructors have always lived with canine friends. This advice is not a substitute for a proper consultation with a vet and is only intended as a guide. Please contact your local veterinary practice for advice or treatment immediately if you are worried about your pet’s health - even if they are closed, they will always have an out of hours service available.

Health checks are your first line of defence. Regular, simple checks help you catch problems early – before they become ...
06/02/2026

Health checks are your first line of defence. Regular, simple checks help you catch problems early – before they become emergencies.

A good health check takes just a few minutes and can reveal a lot about your dog's wellbeing.

What to check:
- Gums: Should be pink, not pale or white
- Eyes: Clear, bright, no discharge or redness
- Ears: Clean, no odour or excessive wax
- Skin: No lumps, bumps, or bald patches
- Paws: No cuts, swelling, or overgrown nails
- Breathing: Steady, not laboured
- Pulse: Regular and strong
- Abdomen: Not bloated or tender
- Behaviour: Alert, responsive, normal eating/drinking

Why this matters:
- Early detection prevents emergencies
- You know your dog's normal baseline
- Changes are easier to spot
- Vets appreciate detailed observations
- You build confidence in assessing your dog

Our First Aid for Dogs course teaches proper health check techniques, what's normal and what's not, and how to communicate findings to your vet.

These skills are invaluable for professionals and owners alike.

Learn the skills: www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk

Confidence is everything when you're working with dogs. Whether you're a professional or an owner, that moment when you ...
06/02/2026

Confidence is everything when you're working with dogs. Whether you're a professional or an owner, that moment when you know what to do – that changes everything.

Many of our students tell us the same thing: before the course, they felt helpless. What if something happened? What would they do? The anxiety was real.

After the course? They feel prepared. Not panicked. Ready.

That's the power of proper training. You learn the skills, you practice on a manikin, you ask questions, and suddenly you know. Your hands remember. Your mind is calm. You can act.

Our First Aid for Dogs course isn't about becoming a vet. It's about becoming the person who knows what to do in an emergency. The person your dog needs you to be.

Whether you're a dog sitter, groomer, walker, trainer, or owner – confidence matters. It shows in how you handle situations. It builds trust with the dogs you work with. It saves lives.

Ready to feel that confidence?

Visit www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk to book your course today.

Eyes, ears, and mouths are delicate – and injuries here need quick, careful action.Eye injuries:- Foreign objects (grass...
04/02/2026

Eyes, ears, and mouths are delicate – and injuries here need quick, careful action.

Eye injuries:
- Foreign objects (grass, debris)
- Scratches or ulcers
- Swelling or discharge
- Squinting or keeping eye closed

What to do: Rinse gently with cool water or saline. Don't rub. Get to the vet quickly – eye injuries can worsen fast.

Ear injuries:
- Head shaking or scratching
- Discharge or odour
- Swelling
- Bleeding from the ear

What to do: Don't put anything in the ear. Clean the outer ear gently if needed. See the vet – ear issues often need professional care.

Mouth injuries:
- Broken teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating
- Bad breath or swelling

What to do: Offer soft food. Avoid chewing toys. See the vet – dental issues can become serious infections.

The common theme? When it comes to eyes, ears, and mouths, professional assessment matters. But knowing what to do in the first moments helps prevent complications.

Our course covers these delicate areas and how to provide first aid without causing more harm.

Learn what matters: www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk

A seizure is terrifying to watch. Your dog's body goes rigid, they lose consciousness, they might thrash or paddle. Your...
02/02/2026

A seizure is terrifying to watch. Your dog's body goes rigid, they lose consciousness, they might thrash or paddle. Your instinct is to panic – but your dog needs you to stay calm.

Seizures can happen for many reasons: epilepsy, toxins, low blood sugar, head trauma, or underlying illness. Some dogs have them once; others have them regularly.

What happens during a seizure:
• Loss of consciousness
• Rigid or paddling limbs
• Drooling, jaw clenching
• Loss of bladder/bowel control
• Duration: usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes (feels longer)

What you should do:
• Stay calm – your dog can't hear you but will sense your panic
• Move furniture away so they don't injure themselves
• Don't put your hands in their mouth
• Time the seizure
• Keep them warm
• Call the vet immediately after

What you shouldn't do:
• Don't restrain them
• Don't try to give water or food
• Don't panic (I know, easier said than done)

Knowing what to expect and how to respond makes you infinitely more helpful to your dog.

Our course covers seizure management, when to seek emergency care, and how to support a dog with epilepsy.

Be prepared: www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk

Shock is one of the most dangerous emergencies – and it's silent. Your dog might seem okay on the outside while their bo...
31/01/2026

Shock is one of the most dangerous emergencies – and it's silent. Your dog might seem okay on the outside while their body is shutting down on the inside.

Shock happens after trauma: accidents, severe bleeding, poisoning, or extreme stress. It's a cascade of physical changes that can be fatal if you don't recognise it and act.

What does shock look like?
- Pale or white gums
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Cold ears and extremities
- Weakness or collapse
- Glazed or unfocused eyes
- Anxiety or restlessness

The critical thing: a dog can look relatively normal and still be in shock. That's why professionals need to know the signs.

If you suspect shock:
- Keep your dog warm (use blankets, your body heat)
- Keep them still and calm
- Get to the vet immediately
- Don't give food or water

Recognising shock early and keeping your dog stable while you get help could be lifesaving.

This is exactly what our course teaches – the signs that matter and what to do.

Be prepared: www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk

One-on-one attention. Real hands-on practice. Genuine confidence.Our face-to-face Dog First Aid course gives you somethi...
31/01/2026

One-on-one attention. Real hands-on practice. Genuine confidence.

Our face-to-face Dog First Aid course gives you something online simply can't – direct feedback from an experienced instructor who's there to support you every step of the way.

You'll learn:
• Dog CPR and rescue breathing
• Choking and airway management
• Wound care and bandaging
• Recognising emergencies
• Practical assessment with real feedback

This isn't about ticking boxes. It's about building real confidence so you know exactly what to do if an emergency happens.

📍 Angmering, West Sussex
📅 14th February
💷 Only £55
⏰ 3 hours hands-on

Spaces are limited. Booking is essential.

👉 BOOK NOW: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/groups/fafdcourses

Protect the dogs you love. 💚This Valentine's Day, give yourself the gift of confidence and knowledge with our hands-on D...
30/01/2026

Protect the dogs you love. 💚

This Valentine's Day, give yourself the gift of confidence and knowledge with our hands-on Dog First Aid course.

What you'll learn:
✓ Real-world CPR techniques
✓ How to handle choking emergencies
✓ Proper wound care & bandaging
✓ Recognising signs of illness
✓ Emergency response protocols
✓ Practical, proven methods

This isn't just theory – it's hands-on, practical training led by an experienced instructor who genuinely cares about your success and your dog's safety.

📍 Angmering, West Sussex
📅 14th February 2026
💷 £55 per person
⏰ 3 hours (includes practical assessment)

Ideal for: dog owners, professionals, sitters, groomers, walkers, and anyone who wants to be ready.

Spaces are limited. Booking is essential.

👉 BOOK YOUR SPOT: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/groups/fafdcourses

Shock is one of the most dangerous emergencies – and it's silent. Your dog might seem okay on the outside while their bo...
30/01/2026

Shock is one of the most dangerous emergencies – and it's silent. Your dog might seem okay on the outside while their body is shutting down on the inside.

Shock happens after trauma: accidents, severe bleeding, poisoning, or extreme stress. It's a cascade of physical changes that can be fatal if you don't recognise it and act.

What does shock look like?
• Pale or white gums
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Cold ears and extremities
• Weakness or collapse
• Glazed or unfocused eyes
• Anxiety or restlessness

The critical thing: a dog can look relatively normal and still be in shock. That's why professionals need to know the signs.

If you suspect shock:
• Keep your dog warm (use blankets, your body heat)
• Keep them still and calm
• Get to the vet immediately
• Don't give food or water

Recognising shock early and keeping your dog stable while you get help could be lifesaving.

This is exactly what our course teaches – the signs that matter and what to do.

Be prepared: www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk

CPR for dogs isn't as complicated as you might think – and it could bring your dog back.If your dog stops breathing or t...
29/01/2026

CPR for dogs isn't as complicated as you might think – and it could bring your dog back.

If your dog stops breathing or their heart stops, CPR buys time. Every second counts, and knowing the technique could mean the difference between life and death.

The good news? CPR for dogs is actually simpler than human CPR, and it's a skill you can absolutely learn and retain.

In our hands-on training, you'll:
- Practice on a dog manikin so you feel confident, not panicked
- Learn the correct chest compression technique
- Understand when to start CPR and when to stop
- Know how to combine CPR with getting emergency vet care
- Build the muscle memory so your hands know what to do

Many professionals tell us that learning CPR was the most empowering part of the course. It transforms you from feeling helpless to feeling capable.

Whether you're a dog walker, sitter, groomer, trainer, or owner, this skill is worth having.

Ready to learn? Visit www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk

A car accident with your dog is every owner's nightmare. But panic won't help – knowing what to do in the first few minu...
28/01/2026

A car accident with your dog is every owner's nightmare. But panic won't help – knowing what to do in the first few minutes absolutely will.

If your dog is hit by a car or involved in an accident, your immediate actions could prevent shock, reduce bleeding, and keep them stable until the vet can help.

The critical first steps:
- Keep yourself safe first (you can't help if you're hurt)
- Check for obvious injuries and bleeding
- Watch for signs of shock (pale gums, rapid breathing, weakness)
- Keep your dog warm and still
- Get to the vet immediately – even if they seem okay

Internal injuries aren't always visible. A dog might seem fine after an accident but be bleeding internally. That's why professional assessment matters.

Our course covers trauma response, recognising shock, controlling bleeding, and what to prioritise when everything feels urgent.

If you work with dogs or own one, this training could literally save a life.

Learn the skills that matter: www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk

28/01/2026

Feeling calm in dog emergencies matters. 🐾

Just finished our online Dog First Aid course? You’re not alone. Emma told us she feels so much more confident walking her pup now, knowing what to do if the unexpected happens.

Want that peace of mind? Join our CPD-accredited online course for just £29.99. Sign up today at www.firstaidfordogs.co.uk.

Address

First Aid For Dogs HQ, High Street
Angmering
BN164AG

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