Pet First Aid Training by Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care

24/10/2025

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Meet Crespo!😍

Crespo is a three year old Labrador. He belongs to Emily, one of our Information Scientists.
This picture shows Crespo receiving treatment at the vet after he snaffled a sandwich containing raisins from a picnic bench at a cafe! The vet safely induced vomiting before giving further treatment.

Crespo would like to remind you all that vomiting should only be induced under veterinary supervision. It is not safe for owners to attempt to make their pets vomit at home.
Induction of vomiting is not always necessary and may be dangerous, especially using household items.

📞If you are concerned your pet has ingested a harmful substance, call the Animal PoisonLine for advice on 01202 509000. Vets should call the VPIS member's line on 020 7305 5055 📞

05/10/2025

I was out on a shoot day with my dogs when all of a sudden comes a shout, "There's something wrong with Red*"
I go over and find the Labrador standing rigidly, awake but unaware of his surroundings, and chomping his jaw.
He'd been walking to heel off lead, but had worked hard in hedge on the previous drive.
What would you do?

I checked him over and couldn't find and injuries... my best guess was a mild seizure caused by hypoglycemia. He gradually became aware of me and ate some energy bar (glucose on his gums would have been the best first treatment). I put my jumper on him and after 10 minutes or so he was able to walk back to the vehicles. He went home for a restful afternoon.
It is VITAL to carry a basic first aid kit and some snacks when working dogs and to do a First Aid Course with veterinary professional.
Two days later and I've been in Hampshire teaching First Aid!

*The story is true, the name is changed.

01/10/2025

Sticks aren't safe toys...

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26/09/2025

Last year, I did a human First Aid at Work course. I got a certificate. Do you know what I didn't do? Set myself up teaching human first aid! But this is what is happening in the dog world.
A level 3 dog first aid course makes you a useful person to have about when a dog gets injured. It does not make you a qualified dog first aid instructor!
Choose a veterinary professional who bandages on a daily basis and had done some CPR for real.
And speak to your insurers... my courses have been accepted by them because I am an actual vet!

20/09/2025

Why does every Tom, Dick, and Harry want to teach dog first aid? Honestly, if the tutor isn't a vet or RVN who actually uses these skills on a regular basis, I'm not sure what the point is. "I did a course so now I'm qualified to teach you" doesn't work for me. "Oh, but we've paid a fortune to be CPD certified by someone who knows nothing about veterinary medicine."
Ask them if they've done CPR on a real dog, ask them if they have managed to stop an arterial bleed with a bandage, ask them if they've battled to save a hyperthermic Bulldog...
I guess some knowledge is better than none, but how can you teach something you've never actually done?!
Reminder that I offer First Aid courses and that all my videos are available in a Facebook group. CPR just needs an update after my RECOVER certification.

12/09/2025

How good is your CPR?

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08/09/2025

How dangerous is it for dogs to eat acorns?
Frequently fatal?
Totally safe?
Somewhere in between?

Most dogs will have no ill effects from eating a few acorns. Some will get vomiting or diarrhoea. Acorns can obstruct the gut if swallowed whole.

Contact your vet if your pet eats something they shouldn't or call Animal Poison Line.

05/09/2025

Watch out for wasps.
Autumn wasps switch from collecting insects to feed their grubs to having no job and slurping up sugary snacks. This makes them more likely to be in the places pets and people are, and more aggressive.
If your pet is stung, don't panic. Get them away from any wasps, apply ice to the sting if available. You can give an antihistamine that has been recommended by your vet.
Contact your vet if your pet receives multiple stings or shows signs of breathing problems.

17/08/2025

Well... what a pickle!

01/07/2025

Ice for dogs... good or bad?