I took the American Red Cross’ Cat and Dog First Aid Online Course. Here is what I think about it.

Professionals, Education, Health & Medical /

Embarking on my journey toward a career in animal welfare, I recently invested 35 minutes in the American Red Cross’ online course focused on Cat and Dog First Aid. This program not only provides valuable insights into pet emergency care but also awards a completion certificate, making it a noteworthy addition to my professional portfolio. In this blog post, I’ll share the key takeaways I gained from completing this course.

The American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid Online Course certificate given after passing the final assessment.

Course Format

Accessible at your convenience through the Red Cross Learning Center post-payment (I personally paid US$25 + tax), the Cat and Dog First Aid Course unfolds across 45 slides, divided into seven sections. Let’s delve into the details of each of these seven sections.

  1. Introduction
  2. Know What’s Normal: Learn the fundamental techniques to check your pet’s vital signs in order to identify any abnormalities
  3. Breathing and Cardiac Emergencies: From checking airways to performing CPR to aiding a choking pet
  4. Wounds and Bleeding: Understand how to address wounds effectively and control bleeding
  5. Seizures: Learn to identify the signs of a seizure and create a safe environment for your pet during such episodes
  6. Preventive Care, Health and Well-Being: Understand how to keep your pet healthy
  7. Assessment. 

The course integrates several non-graded knowledge checks at various points, offering opportunities for reinforcement. The final assessment comprises 10 straightforward multiple-choice questions. If you’ve experienced online learning at work, you’ll find the course format to be familiar.

Here Are My Key Learning: 

  • Establish and log the baseline for your pet’s vital signs, including breathing rate, capillary refill, dehydration, temperature, heart rate and pulse, and mucous membrane. This baseline serves as a crucial reference point to identify abnormalities even before an emergency arises.
  • In breathing or cardiac emergencies, prioritize checking the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation) before initiating CPR. Tailor CPR techniques based on your dog’s size and breed.
  • Address bleeding by applying direct pressure—it’s the safest method to halt bleeding. In most cases, seeking veterinary assistance is advisable.
  • During a seizure, create a safe space for your pet; refrain from attempting to hold their tongue, as they will not swallow it.
  • Build an emergency supplies kit to ensure you’re well-equipped to handle unforeseen situations. Preparedness can make a significant difference in the outcome of an emergency. 

My Evaluation

The Cat and Dog First Aid Online Course by the American Red Cross offers a fundamental introduction to pet emergency care, designed to be accessible even for individuals with minimal scientific background. The course’s online, on-demand structure allows for universal access, providing the convenience to acquire essential credentials regardless of geographical constraints.

Highlights: 

  • Accessibility and Flexibility: The course’s online format, accessible anytime and anywhere, breaks down barriers to learning, granting me the flexibility to obtain the necessary certification without physical presence in the US.
  • Companion App Utility: A complimentary companion app supplements the course content, offering a comprehensive repository of information. This app, containing equal or more data than the course itself, proves valuable in emergency situations, becoming my go-to resource.

Drawbacks: 

  • Visual Presentation Shortcomings: Regrettably, the course lacks visual impact. The absence of high-quality images, videos, and reliance on text suggests a hurried compilation, possibly in response to the sudden shift to online learning during the global pandemic. (the first review of the course was written in 2020)
The look-and-feel of the course: graphics are small, and no videos are embedded.
  • Online Format Doesn’t Cut It: The absence of hands-on experiences makes it challenging to accurately assess aspects like pulse counting or determine the appropriate pressure for CPR. This limitation raises questions about the efficacy of online delivery for first aid education.
  • Lack of Insights: Geared towards absolute beginners, this course provides a basic overview but focuses on a limited scope of emergency situations. Notably, topics such as diarrhea and vomiting are omitted, resulting in a lack of comprehensive insights throughout the course.

Overall 

While the Cat and Dog First Aid Online Course comes at a modest cost, the sole tangible gain, apart from the complimentary Red Cross Pet First Aid app, is the certificate. If you’re seeking a credential for LinkedIn or resume enhancement, it could be a reasonable investment. However, for those primarily interested in acquiring pet first aid knowledge, I’d suggest opting for the free app, which offers comparable or superior information without the additional expense.

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