K9 First Aid Canada

01/06/2025

MDR1 gene mutation is often associated with dogs that have the merling colourations in their breeds - collies, heelers, catahoulas etc - be aware of the possible sensitivities they may be at risk to

12/29/2024

Worried your dog might have cancer? Here are 🐾 Signs and Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs 🐶

As pet owners, it's vital to keep an eye on our animals for any unusual changes. Here are some common signs that may indicate cancer in dogs:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid or significant weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.
2. Lumps or Bumps: New growths or changes in existing lumps—always get them checked to see if they are cancerous - or interfering with normal function.
3. Chronic Coughing or Difficult Breathing: Persistent coughing or labored breathing can be concerning.
4. Changes in Appetite: Sudden loss of appetite or reluctance to eat.
5. Excessive Lethargy: Lack of energy or a noticeable decrease in activity levels.
6. Difficulty Walking or Abnormal Posture: Limping, difficulty standing, or unusual movements.
7. Vomiting or Diarrhea: Frequent vomiting or changes in stool consistency.
8. Changes in Bathroom Habits: Increased urination or difficulty urinating.
9. Bad Breath or Oral Issues: Foul-smelling breath, difficulty eating, or bleeding gums.

💔 If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation. Early detection can make a significant difference! Even if cancer isn't the diagnosis, any of those changes in your dog can be from a medical condition.

12/15/2024

And that’s a wrap on 2024! Just arrived home from a terrific day in Lloydminster, Alberta with staff from Flatlands Kennels Boarding & Training & The Pet Pad! Canine Emergency First Aid & CPR certification so your pets are in great hands!
Canine Health Canada

12/14/2024

Oh we get to teach in some fun spaces! This one has a dock diving tank!! 🐾

12/14/2024

On the road to my last clinic of 2024! It’s been fun - busy - rewarding! Privileged to get to work with so many pet owners this year!! I’m happy tired & looking forward to some rest at the ranch this holiday season before we hit the road for 2025! Can’t thank my hosts enough for their awesomeness! Need a refresher, one on one for pet professionals needing first aid & cpr certification - or winter activity for your club dm to see what dates are still available in the new year Canine Health Canada

12/11/2024

A medical episode can happen anywhere at anytime for us, and we have had many requests for a "How to" guide on assisting us, and other handlers.

If you encounter a Service Dog handler experiencing a medical episode, your actions should focus on supporting the handler while respecting the Service Dog’s role. Here's how to proceed:

1. Remain Calm and Assess the Situation
Observe from a safe distance. Look for signs that the Service Dog is working, such as:

• Laying on or against the handler (often to provide grounding or comfort).
• Pawing, nosetapping or licking the handler.
• Attempting to direct attention to the handler.

2. Allow the Service Dog to Perform Its Job

• Do not interfere with the dog: Service Dogs are specifically trained to assist during medical episodes, such as grounding the handler, retrieving items or medication, or helping stabilize them or alerting to changes in body chemistry
• Look for signs on the Service Dog such as "Medical information enclosed" or "Don't contact 911 unless injured" & adjust your care appropriately
• Do not separate the dog from the handler for ANY REASON

3. Approach Respectfully and Ask Permission

• If the handler is conscious:
• Approach slowly and ask, “Do you need help?”
• Be specific: “Would you like me to call an ambulance?” or “Is there someone I can contact for you?”
• Follow their instructions if they can respond.

4. If the Handler is Unresponsive

• If the handler cannot respond:
• Look for visible injuries, bleeding /trauma ect
• Look for signs on the dog that they may not need EMS

IF NO SIGNS ARE VISIBLE THAT THE HANDLER DOES NOT WANT EMS OR YOU ARE UNSURE

• Call emergency services immediately. Inform them that the individual has a Service Dog.
• Make it clear to responders that the dog is a trained Service Dog and needs to remain with the handler

5. Keep the Area Safe

• Create a perimeter around the handler and dog and give us space.
• Politely direct bystanders to give space and avoid interacting with the dog.

6. Do Not Touch or Distract the Dog

• Avoid petting, calling, or redirecting the Service Dog. Their actions, such as laying on the handler or staying alert nearby, are deliberate and essential to their task.
• Respect the dog’s focus as it may be detecting subtle changes in the handler's condition.

7. When Emergency Responders Arrive

• Inform responders of the handler’s condition
• Inform EMS of anything you have seen that could assist them in caring for us
• Request that the dog accompany the handler if transport is needed. Separation can cause unnecessary stress and confusion for both.

8. After the Episode

• If the handler regains consciousness, confirm if they are okay and whether they need further assistance.
• Respect their privacy and dignity.

Important Notes

• Do not panic. Remaining calm will help everyone involved.
• The Service Dog’s behavior, such as laying on the handler or tapping or pawing at the handler, is purposeful and part of their training.
• Always prioritize the handler’s safety while respecting the bond and teamwork between them and their Service Dog.

By following these steps, you can provide assistance without disrupting the Service Dog’s critical role.

12/06/2024

In this season of giving - I went through the hundreds of students I was privliged to work with this year and have identified ways to make an impact this holiday season for a small handful. I do not expect a thank you - but I do hope that if you are one of these recipents - that you can find a way to pay it forward to another pet owner you know who may be grateful for even a gift card for their vets, a bag of their feed, some cozy mitts for those chilly walks or even offerring to stop in and check feed/water for a neighbour's pets so they don't miss a family supper this holiday season. Canine Health Canada

11/11/2024

11/04/2024

Why take our canine first aid course? Besides the obvious (that you’re a responsible pet owner who knows how important this knowledge is)
✅ We have the top canine first aid instructors and the most comprehensive program available
✅ We cover prevention - like knowing which household plants are toxic to your dog and what people medicines they can NEVER have
✅ We talk about nutrition and exercise and dental care
✅ We teach you about digestive emergencies and how to deal with them
✅ You get to practice making your own Elizabethan collar and emergency muzzle
✅ We teach you how to handle the scary stuff, like your dogs heart stops, they have something lodged in their throat and can’t breathe, they've gotten into poison, or have had a terrible accident and needs to be stabilized for safe transport to the Vet.
✅ You will learn and practice - so when an emergency happens muscle memory kicks in and you’ll be able to help your dog in their moment of need.
✅ We do everything with your safety in mind.
✅ You take home a 130 page health and first aid quick reference manual.
✅ You earn your paper certificate as well as your wallet CPR card - so you can help any dog in distress!!
✅ We do fun things like run contests for canine fun packs and k9 costume contests!
✅ We have courses for kids, too!
Contact us for online options, or to host one at your place - we can work in living rooms or boarding kennels, barns or doggie daycares, pet stores or rescues - we will go anywhere and you can feel confident that we will have all our medical equipment sanitized, our trainers are insured, and you will learn something new - guaranteed!

Could you confidently help your dog in a health emergency? We offer the most comprehensive course in North America - find one in your area today!

11/03/2024

dog owners and pet professionals - we will be heading to town for 2 separate days of canine first aid training & pet CPR - shoot me a dm for registration info!

Flatlands Kennels Boarding & Training is hosting Canine Health Canada December 14 & 15, 2024 with two options to enroll in a 1 Day Canine Emergency First Aid & CPR Clinic for pet owners of all ages and experience in Lloydminster. $159 + GST (family discounts may apply) - service dogs welcome of course - but we train on life size mannequins so you won’t need to bring your pets. All participants will get lots of hands on experience in different scenarios, canine CPR certification & a take home reference manual. dm for info or call (306) 221-1299

You can find my form "K9 Health Canada Registration - In Person" at: https://form.jotform.com/EquiHCPlus/CanineLive

10/26/2024

It's contest time!!! We are putting together our 2025 wall calendar and we want you all to have a chance to make your pup famous!!

1. Find your favorite high-resolution photo of your dog(s). 🐾
2. Enter by sharing your photo in comments below👇
3. Share this post with your friends so they can enter or VOTE for your photo through LIKES and LOVES on your photo!👍❤️
4. The 12 photos with the highest number of votes will be featured in our 2025 calendar and every winner will have a calendar and travel K9 first aid kit sent to them!
5. Voting closes Nov 10!!

!👏 $5 from every calendar and first aid kit ordered will be donated to the Animal Food Bank - pre-order yours today!!

https://form.jotform.com/CanineEquineFeline/canine-2025-calendar-order-form

**low resolution photos cannot be used for printing, even with the highest votes so please ensure you submit clear, high quality photos

10/22/2024

One of many topics covered hands-on in a 1 day clinic - next session coming up in Lloydminster - or book a date and host anywhere in Saskatchewan and I bring everything to you! I bring experience and certification in animal first aid, insured training eligible for CE credits for Vet Tech and IAABC - Saskatoon based instructor who loves to travel and meet other dog people 🐾

Today is , a reminder that knowing how to save a life—especially our furry friends—can make all the difference. While having to administer CPR to your pet can be terrifying, being prepared can help you act calmly and confidently in an emergency.

Stay Calm:
1️⃣ Breathe: Take a few deep breaths to steady yourself. Focus on the feeling of the air filling your lungs.
2️⃣ Delegate: If there are bystanders, assign them tasks like finding the nearest emergency vet.
3️⃣ Focus: Keep your mind clear. Concentrate on the steps ahead and stay in the moment.

When to Start CPR:
🐾 Your pet isn’t responding
🐾 Your pet isn’t breathing
🐾 You can’t feel a heartbeat or pulse

How to Perform CPR:
Compressions:
❤️ Position your pet on their side.
❤️ Deliver 120 compressions per minute (2 per second).
❤️ For every 30 compressions, give 2 breaths.

Breaths:
❤️ Close your pet’s mouth and seal it with your fingers.
❤️ Cover their nose with your mouth and give 2 breaths—enough to make their chest rise.
❤️ Check for a heartbeat after 2 minutes. If there’s no pulse, continue.

When to Stop CPR:
🐾 Your pet starts breathing and responding
🐾 You reach the vet clinic and they take over
🐾 You can’t continue physically
🐾 Your pet starts breathing but is still unconscious

Recovery Position:
Place your pet’s head to the side, slightly tilting down (unless there’s head trauma).

Compression Techniques:
🐶 Medium to Large Dogs: Compress one third of the chest depth.
🐱 Small Dogs/Cats: Use your thumb and fingers for compression, or compress directly over the heart.

Stay prepared and know that you can make a difference in your pet's life! ❤️

10/13/2024

Happy thanksgiving!!! We are thankful for all the doggos in the world and the people who love and care for them.

10/11/2024

Who else is preferring the company of their dogs after a long work week? 🐾