Greetings!

In Mexico, we have a saying, "hombre prevenido vale por dos." Roughly translated, it means "a human who prevents things is worth double." To me, that's what Pet First Aid Month is all about. With a basic knowledge of first aid, you can take on an assertive state and prevent further injury. You can double your value to your dog!

Even if you're not sure what to do in a situation, you can assist by remaining calm. Avoid panic and fear. If a dog is ill or injured, I go into a paramedic state of mind. Paramedics are trained to maintain calm in the face of high stress. By maintaining a level head, these courageous men and women can reassure their patients. You may not know how to sew a dog up, but anyone can help keep people and canines calm in an emergency situation.

Learning about first aid and safety concerns in your area can make you even more valuable in a crisis. When I first came to California, I was scared of rattlesnakes, because I was unfamiliar with them. I made a point of learning about the effects of snake bites on dogs and discovered that a bite did not necessarily mean instantaneous death, as I had previously thought. One day, while in the mountain with my pack, this information came in handy. When a member of my pack was bitten by a baby rattlesnake, knowing that I had time to find help allowed me to remain calm about the situation. I also knew not to try the old wives' tale of sucking the venom out of the bite. Instead, we headed back to the car and got that dog to the doctor where he was treated. He's still doing well today.

If I had panicked, the situation could have been much worse. Learning the basics of first aid can make a big difference in saving a dog's life, and having that knowledge can also help you remain level-headed. Take some time this month to learn something new about your dog's health.

Stay calm and assertive!

Cesar Millan

For more information, please visit:
Canine First Aid Guide