Working in private practice for 10 years familiarized Dr. Kathy Ling with the concerns of distressed pet owners.
Whether it was someone calling in about a cat with a bleeding paw or a dog that had just eaten some chocolate, she gave out first aid advice whenever she was on call.
“I would ask the pet owner, ‘So have you such and such a thing home with you?’ Often they didn’t. That’s when I realized the importance of (helping people) organize a first-aid kit with supplies ... It’s very important,” says the AVC community practice veterinarian.
So, when she was asked to do a presentation on the subject by AVC special events co-ordinator Janice MacWilliams, she was thrilled.
“I’m looking forward to it. Usually I work one-on-one. So it’s going to be fun working with a group,” says Ling, adding the Pet First Aid workshop will take place Jan. 31 at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Room 287 N, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
That night the first thing on the agenda is the first aid kit.
“It’s one of my biggest goals for the session — teaching pet owners how to build one. It’s important for people to know what things they need to have at home,” she says.
Several basics that should be included are gloves, scissors, bandages, tweezers and tick removal tools, as well as a muzzle, antibiotic cream, Benadryl and Aspirin.
“It’s important to know your pet’s dosage. Also, never give medications without calling (a vet) first,” says Ling.
Her second goal is to help people distinguish between first aid — situations that can be handled at home — and emergencies, which are the times to seek professional help.
“It’s important to know the difference, but if there is any doubt, call (the vet),” she says.
Besides preparing for anything that might happen, owners can become advocates for their pet by knowing the animal’s weight, vaccine history and temperature.
“The normal range for cats and dogs is 38-39.2 degrees Celsius. Just having that kind of information and not being afraid to call and ask what is and isn’t normal is the key,” she says, adding her session is part of the AVC community workshop series, which began in 2008 and includes three sessions per year.
And it’s something that the college is very proud of.
“It’s the role of AVC and what we bring to the community. Workshops like this one are just wonderful opportunities that go both ways,” says Dr. Don Reynolds, dean.
In 2011, the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education awarded AVC a silver medal for best community outreach initiative for the workshop series.
“Public education is the core mission (of the college). It’s about educating veterinary students, but it’s also about educating clients and practitioners and members of the public. That’s what we’re here for,” says Reynolds.
Ling agrees as she puts the finishing touches on everything she’d like to talk about next week.
“If time permits, we’ll discuss heat stroke and broken bones. In situations like those it’s about getting the animal stabilized and in to see a vet,” she says.
Then, if there’s a few minutes left she will touch on CPR, choking, bleeding and shock, as well as toxins.
It’s important to be concerned about dogs that have eaten chocolate because it can cause muscle tremors, seizures, coma and even death.
“But there are other things that people may not think of. Grapes, for example, can be extremely toxic to a dog . . . Poinsettias and lilies are toxic to cats. So keep these things out of reach or don’t have them at all,” she says.
And if they consume any of these things, what’s the antidote?
Three per cent hydrogen peroxide is quite effective in making dogs and cats vomit.
“That’s another big thing to have in the kit,” she says.
