A veterinary nurse is calling on walkers to consider a dog first aid course to prepare them should the worst happen on a country walk. 

Rachel Bean RVN, who wrote the iPET Network’s canine first aid qualification, has recently given training to hundreds of members of the UK’s dedicated mountain rescue teams. 

She says that knowing the first aid basics should be as much a part of setting off for a hike as wearing the right walking boots. 

Rachel, from Grotton, said: “People invest a lot of time and effort in getting the right equipment for walking, and rightly so. It is important to make sure that you are well prepared for every eventuality. 

“But I think people don’t always consider what they would do if their dog suffered a medical emergency, especially in a remote rural location. 

“First aid training isn’t expensive, but it could save your dog’s life, and will help you to think calmly and clearly in a crisis.” 

This sentiment was echoed by Alison Garnett, 65, who, thanks to dog first aid training was able to save the life of her dog Chester when he choked on a chew. 

She said: “Chester had injured himself in his panic and there was quite a lot of blood, I could feel his weight getting heavier and heavier as he started to lose consciousness.

“I kept going though, and was able to use the very tip of my finger to dislodge the treat, it just flipped out and flew across the room.

“It was at that point that I just started sobbing. 

“There I was, covered in blood, laid on the floor, and Chester just ran across the living room and finished off the treat, like nothing had happened. 

“It was surreal but I am so happy that I knew what to do.”

Former secondary school teacher Alison believes that all dog owners should take a pet first aid course, and especially pet professionals.

She said: “The training was so important because it gave me the confidence to stay calm, even in the worst possible situation. It is the best thing I ever did, and everyone who owns a dog should take a course.” 

Rachel is supporting the national Safe Pets and People campaign, which is calling for all pet professionals to have mandatory first aid qualifications, and is endorsed by the RSPCA. 

The trainer added she believes all dog owners should at least know the basics, especially if they are taking their dogs on long rural walks. 

She said: “We all love taking our canine companions on long walks, and the dogs love it too. But there are so many things that could go wrong. 

“Being prepared means you won’t panic, and can enjoy time together safe in the knowledge that you’ve got it covered.”