Pet Owners & Pet Professionals Animal First Aid Courses

18/01/2026

18/01/2026

Today Pet Owners First Aid delivered the course to Waggy Tails flyball group. Lots of laughs accompanied the learning, lovely to meet you all, well done.

15/01/2026

There is already so much drama in veterinary medicine that I’ve decided to embrace it fully.

From this day forth, routine tasks shall no longer be described plainly, but instead recorded in the style of Victorian medical drama, with appropriate gravitas, concern, and fainting-couch energy.

Welcome to observations from practice, as documented by someone who has, quite frankly, seen things. 🕯️🐾

A series? Why of course.

15/01/2026

The growing awareness of the importance of vitamin D has led many people to turn to supplements, either as tablets, capsules or in spray form. In 2026 so far, we have assisted with 59 enquiries involving vitamin D (either as a sole ingredient or part of a multivitamin).

Chronic (repeat) or exceptionally high doses of vitamin D, such as certain prescription creams, may lead to an increased frequency of drinking and urination, muscle spasms and high calcium levels, resulting in many serious issues. However, most vitamin preparations bought over the counter, do not contain sufficient vitamin D, normally labelled in International Units (IU), or micrograms (μg or mcg) even if your pet eats a large number.

A higher risk would be the newer spray preparations. If one of these bottles is chewed by a dog, there is the potential for an overdose of vitamin D; an additional problem would be xylitol exposure, the artificial sugar used in most spray supplement formulations, which is toxic to dogs.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any vitamin D preparation, call your vet with as much information as possible about the strength of vitamin D involved or product name, or alternatively call Animal PoisonLine for a risk assessment to determine whether or not your pet needs to be seen by a vet.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 020 7305 5055

14/01/2026

On the Acquisition of a Supposed Pedigree Puppy Under Curious Circumstances

“The subject was obtained from an unfamiliar party at a roadside location, selected for its convenience, the place of origin remaining entirely unseen and the maternal animal conspicuously absent.”

Despite assurances of noble lineage,
The creature’s appearance suggested a heritage of considerable imagination.

Questions were raised.
Regret arrived swiftly. 🕯️

(Resources for further reading surrounding puppy farming in comments)

14/01/2026

On the Induction of Vomiting Following the Ingestion of a Delicate Garment

“The subject was presented following the ingestion of a foreign article, described only in vague and cautious terms. Emesis was duly induced, resulting in the recovery of a thong.”

A pause followed.
“Ownership was promptly denied.”

Further reflection suggested the garment did not, in fact, belong to the person present. 🕯️



(We've all been there and asked, "Would you like them back?")

13/01/2026

The veterinary profession is very misunderstood. The Panorama program last night highlighted some aspects which people may not have been aware of but there is so much more than what was portrayed and discussed. I literally sat in tears listening to the pet owners comments.

A big part of why I have written and run the animal first aid courses is to educate owners and pet professionals on so much more than just first aid. We talk about some of the misconceptions about the veterinary profession and the realistic aspects of private health care, which is what this is, it was briefly mentioned in the documentary that there is no NHS for animals. Many people forget that we do pay for the NHS in our National Insurance contributions rather than pay at the end of the doctor or hospital appointment etc.. we have just had. We have a very poor perception of what health care costs as a result, if you are on long term medication ask when you next collect it how much the medication actually costs. Regardless of the price of the drug you pay £9.90 because you are paying for the prescription, not the medication.

Another point that was not discussed was the responsibility of the pet owner and how we can help our animals by listening and taking on board the advice given at routine veterinary appointments. One key example is when you are told your pet is over weight, trust me, I have had this conversation more times than I can remember. The owner looks at me as if I have insulted them, tells me the pet doesn't eat much and when then asked about any treats given will list all the food given outside of the pets meal times. We are not insulting you, we want to help you help your pet and hopefully avoid health issues at a later date such as costly cruciate repair surgeries or long term medication for arthritis or diabetes. It happens, I have seen it time and time again and we are the bad people because now your pet needs surgery etc and there is a cost to it.

Nothing is ever perfect and we welcome the CMA to highlight areas within the profession where we can do better including more information for pet owners with respect to the options available to them. I have always been surprised that many pet owners think they cant go to a different surgery or that they can make a complaint if they are not happy...You can and you need to! If it is a miscommunication issue (which a high majority are) then this can be addressed, if it is something more serious then it needs attention brought to it in order to deal with it effectively and stop it happening again.

After over 30 years as a veterinary nurse I am talking from my personal experience, what I have seen, what I have tried to help avoid and what has made my colleagues and myself emotional broken at times. I have story after story, some of which are just too upsetting to share or even think about.

I do my bit and will continue to do so, please do your bit. Having a pet is a luxury and it carries huge responsibility, which is yours as the pet owner. We are their everything and we must do our best for them.

13/01/2026

12/01/2026

Pet Owners First Aid offers very few online courses but one is being delivered live via Teams on Sunday 15th February.

It is exactly the same course as the classroom version just differs slightly with respect to the practical aspects, you will watch a video demonstration of CPCR rather than a live one and, obviously, you will not be able to get the hands on experience with Casper, the resuss dog.

Pet Owners First Aid course is Accredited and Certified, covers cats & dogs, it is directed at pet owners and pet professionals i.e. hydrotherapists, physiotherapists, dog groomers, dog walkers, boarders, SVNs, ACAs, VCAs and anyone working within the domestic pet industry. The course has been written and is delivered by an experienced, qualified registered Veterinary Nurse with a Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care.

The course is certified by CPD UK (offering 6 hours CPD) and accredited by AMTRA (offering 14 points) and Canine Hydrotherapy Association (refresher first aid courses offering 6 hours CPD), meets NARCH requirements.

If you would like more information to attend please get in contact via:
Phone: 07395 834735
E-mail: info@petownersfirstaid.co.uk
Website: www.petownersfirstaid.co.uk

11/01/2026

Pet Owners First Aid can travel to you to deliver a course on dates and at times that suit you!

This is often a more cost effective and convenient option for businesses and groups of people and the course can be specifically tailored to your requirements.

If you would like more information or to discuss available dates do not hesitate to get in contact, details below.

If you wanted to join an organised course do not forget the fantastic NEW YEAR OFFER on any of the courses at Gillingham Golf Club this year!

Book and pay for any of the courses before Monday 2nd February 2026 and receive a £10 discount. Quote NEW YEAR OFFER when booking.

Gillingham Golf Club 2026 Course Dates:
Wednesday 18th February
Sunday 12th April
Wednesday 13th May
Wednesday 10th June (CAT ONLY COURSE)
Wednesday 22nd July
Thursday 15th October
Wednesday 2nd December

Venue:
Gillingham Golf Club, Gillingham, Kent. ME7 2AP

The course is certified by CPD UK (offering 6 hours CPD) and accredited by AMTRA (offering 14 points) and Canine Hydrotherapy Association (refresher first aid courses offering 6 hours CPD), meets NARCH requirements.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact should you have any further questions, would like more information or wanted to book onto a course.

For more information contact:
Phone: 07395 834735
E-mail: info@petownersfirstaid.co.uk
Website: www.petownersfirstaid.co.uk

08/01/2026