Dog First Aid West Berkshire and Hampshire

01/05/2026

Welcome to May and the warmer months ahead ☀️

A timely reminder that it doesn’t need to be that hot for a dog to develop heatstroke.

Dogs are far more susceptible to heat than we are. They don’t sweat like humans, they rely on panting to cool down, and their fur coat (yes, even short-haired breeds) can make it harder for them to regulate their temperature.

Heatstroke can happen during walks, play, travel, or even just resting in a warm or poorly ventilated space.

Know the signs:
• excessive panting
• drooling or vomiting
• red gums
• restlessness or lethargy
• weakness or collapse

If you’re concerned, act fast.
Cool first, transport second — and call your vet as soon as possible.

A bit of awareness now can make all the difference over the coming months 🐾

29/04/2026

Great to be in Shedfield, Hampshire on Saturday with Raw Pet Food Pantry to deliver the dog first aid course.

Such a good group to work with — engaged, curious, and up for getting stuck into the practical side of things.

Always nice to get feedback like this afterwards too 😊

Thanks for having me.

29/04/2026

With the warmer days we’ve had recently, staying hydrated becomes even more important – for us and for our dogs too 🚰💧

Water plays a huge role in keeping your dog healthy, but not all dogs are great at drinking regularly. And when intake drops, dehydration can creep in quickly.

If your dog isn’t drinking much, it’s worth paying attention and encouraging good habits where you can.

Signs of dehydration to look out for:
💧 Sunken eyes
💧 Dry gums
💧 Lethargy
💧 Weakness
💧 Collapse
💧 Loss of skin elasticity

Simple ways to help keep them hydrated:
💧 Keep water bowls clean and topped up
💧 Make sure water is always fresh
💧 Add a little water to their food
💧 Try frozen treats like dog-safe ice lollies
💧 A splash of (dog-safe) bone broth can encourage drinking

If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t wait – speak to your vet. Dehydration can become serious quickly.

An easy one to overlook, but a simple habit that helps keep your dog safe, especially in warmer weather ☀️🐾

26/04/2026

A good demo of one of the skills you’ll get to practice on a Dog First Aid course (and what a good girl too ☺️)

26/04/2026

April is Dog First Aid Awareness Month, and today we’re talking about something we all hope never happens but it’s important to know what to do if it does.

If your dog is involved in a road traffic accident:

🚗 Make the scene safe first
Check for traffic and any danger before you go to your dog. If it’s safe, carefully move them out of harm’s way — supporting their body and being mindful of possible back or neck injuries.

🩺 Check their condition (ABC)
Airway. Breathing. Circulation.
Look for signs like heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or unconsciousness.

⚠️ Be aware of fear and pain
Even the gentlest dog may bite if they’re hurt. Use a makeshift muzzle if needed — but never if they’re struggling to breathe, choking, or have facial injuries.

📞 Call your vet immediately
Let them know you’re on your way so they’re ready to help.

🚙 Transport safely
Keep your dog as still and secure as possible. Use a carrier, blanket, or support to avoid further injury.

🧣 Keep them warm
Shock is a real risk — use a blanket (foil blankets are ideal if you have one).

It’s a lot to take in, but knowing these steps can make all the difference in those first critical moments.

22/04/2026

When your dog understands the assignment…🤫🐶

Would your dog pass the “whisper bark” test?

22/04/2026

Grass seeds might look small, but in the wrong place they can cause serious problems 🌾

If your dog’s been running through long grass, it’s worth giving them a quick check afterwards — especially between toes, under armpits, around ears and near the eyes.

Their pointed shape means they can work their way through the skin and travel, leading to infections or painful abscesses if left.

🔸 Signs to look out for:
• Head shaking
• Excessive licking or chewing (especially paws)
• Limping
• Red or sore eyes
• Sneezing or sudden nasal irritation
• Swelling (often between toes)
• Low energy

Grass seeds can lodge in ears, eyes, paws or even the nose, and the earlier they’re spotted, the better.

If you notice anything unusual or think one may be stuck, it’s always best to get it checked by your vet.

A quick check after walks can save a lot of discomfort later 🐾

19/04/2026

April is Dog First Aid Awareness Month and today, we’re drawing attention to something we all hope never happens — a dog attack.

If it does, knowing what to do can make all the difference.

🐕 ✋In the moment, try to stay calm. Panicking can escalate things for both dogs. Avoid stepping in to separate them yourself, as this can lead to serious injuries for you and may make things worse for your dog. Instead, try to distract from a distance if you can.

🚑 Afterwards, always get your dog checked by a vet Bite wounds can be much more serious than they first appear, especially due to damage under the skin and the risk of infection. If your dog has been injured, you should also report it to the police by calling 101, and report it to your council dog warden.

⚠️It’s also worth knowing the early signs that a dog is feeling uncomfortable or anxious. Many dogs will show subtle signals before things escalate, and spotting these early can help you step in and avoid a situation developing.

🚩 Know the early warning signs
✋Stay calm and de-escalate
🚑 Seek immediate veterinary attention
☎️Call 101 to report the attack if a dog has been injured

17/04/2026

April is Dog First Aid Awareness Month, and with most dog emergencies happening at home, we’re sharing simple ways to help reduce everyday risks in your house.

One to check today — your bins 🗑️

Most of us know not to feed dogs toxic human foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins or onions, but it’s easy to forget about what’s thrown away.

Bins can contain all sorts of hazards, including poisonous food scraps, cooked bones (which can splinter and cause choking or internal injury), and mouldy food, which can make dogs unwell.

Make sure your bins are secure and out of reach, or kept behind closed doors.

15/04/2026

Did you know around 7 in 10 dog emergencies happen at home?

That’s why throughout Dog First Aid Awareness Month we’re sharing simple tips to help reduce everyday risks around the house. Here’s today’s…

🧸Tidy away toys and other items that could be swallowed or chewed🪀

Dogs explore with their mouths, and things like socks, shoes, children’s toys (Lego pieces are notorious culprits!) or broken dog toys can easily be chewed apart or swallowed. This can lead to choking or serious internal blockages, often requiring emergency vet treatment.

A quick floor check before you leave the house or go to bed can make all the difference.

Small habit, big impact when it comes to keeping your dog safe at home 🏡 🔐

15/04/2026

Looking forward to teaching this next Saturday 25th April in Shedfield, near Southampton, hosted by the team at Raw Pet Food Pantry. It’s a great opportunity to learn or refresh your dog first aid skills, and leave with a CPD accredited certificate that lasts for 3 years. Last few tickets left so if you’re in or near Southampton, get booking https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984299388888?aff=oddtdtcreator

🚨 DOG FIRST AID TRAINING 🚨

Would you know what to do in an emergency?

Join us at our Shedfield store on Saturday 25th April 2026 for a 4-hour, hands-on Dog First Aid course where you’ll learn practical, life-saving skills every dog owner should have. 🐾

From CPR and choking to bloat, burns, bleeding and heatstroke — this session gives you the confidence to act quickly and calmly when it matters most.

✔️ 4 hour course
✔️ Hands-on practical learning
✔️ Refreshments provided
✔️ Limited to just 25 spaces

This is one of those skills you hope you never need… but you’ll be so grateful to have.

Spaces will fill quickly — secure yours via the link in our bio. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984299388888?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/04/2026

April is Dog First Aid Awareness Month ❤️‍🩹

All the week, I’ll be sharing simple tips to help keep your dog safe at home, which is where most dog emergencies actually happen 🏡 🚨

Tip No.1 : Keep medications and cleaning products in a secure cupboard ⚠️💊

Dogs don’t know what’s dangerous, and even small amounts can cause serious harm if ingested.

Always store medicines and cleaning products well out of reach, ideally in a closed cupboard. Be extra mindful of medicines or cleaning products left on worktops, bedside tables or in bags — these are easy for dogs to get into. It’s often the everyday things left within reach that cause the problem so get into the habit of always putting potentially hazardous things away or out of reach of curious mouths and paws.

Dog safety starts at home 🏡