WASHINGTON — They can’t聽tell us if they’re in pain. And it’s not like we can call 911 and have a paramedic show up if our pet is in distress.聽But聽a new local class is making it easier to help聽our furry friends by being prepared in the event of an emergency.
Animals lovers in聽Prince William County聽have been learning the art of CPR and other lifesaving measures for pets. Through March, the county offered classes at some of its community centers.
鈥淵ou have to prepare,鈥� Melissa Korzuch, president of the Prince William County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said in . 鈥淭here鈥檚 no ambulance that will come by and pick up your pet. So, you are the first responder.鈥�
The class uses life-like stuffed cats and dogs to聽practice giving compressions. Also, participants learn to hold their hands over the animal鈥檚 snout while breathing into the pet鈥檚 lungs.
Learning the measures could very well be just enough to keep a pet alive long enough to get him to the vet, Korzuch said.
鈥淲hat we tell people is that the number one problem when there鈥檚 an emergency with pets at home is that you panic. You don鈥檛 know what to do. This class will help you be prepared for when those things happen,鈥� Korzuch said the release.
The county plans to offer the classes — based on American Red Cross CPR instruction — again in July聽for a fee of $50, reports .
Watch a video about the classes:
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