Having a dog can bring joy to the whole family, but being a pet owner also comes with responsibility, and sometimes emergencies happen.
Graham Hulse, owner of Dog Training 101, runs puppy schools and manners and obedience classes at Bounty Boulevard State School in North Lakes and first aid courses in Lawnton.
“Knowing what to do can be the difference between life or death,” Graham said.
According to Graham, one surprising area many owners overlook is how dogs regulate their body temperature.
“Dogs don’t sweat like humans; they pant,” he said. “As the dog exercises, they burn energy and build heat; that heat leaves via panting.”
He said this is a reason why it is important for pet owners to be aware of other methods to help their dogs cool down, like air conditioning and cool water, rather than fans. In Queensland’s warmer months, heat stress can escalate quickly, especially after walks or active play.
Another issue some pet owners might face is the risk of poison from cane toads in the backyard.
“Due to its corrosive and irritant nature, the toad’s venom will cause profuse salivation soon after your pet bites it,” Graham said.
“Pets affected by the irritant venom will paw their mouth due to the pain. If you see your pet drooling and distressed but haven’t seen it attack a toad, look at its gums. If they are red and inflamed, toad poisoning is likely.
“Use a jet of water from a hose to remove the toxin. The water jet should be directed forward out of your pet’s mouth, not down into its throat, before taking your pet to the vet.”
Prompt action and veterinary attention are critical in suspected poisoning cases.
Prevention through Training: Manners, Obedience, and First Aid
While knowing first aid is essential, Graham said that prevention from injury is just as important, and training plays a key role in ensuring your dog doesn’t injure itself or others.
Dog Training 101’s Manners and Obedience classes run for eight weeks and are open to dogs over 16 weeks of age. Sessions are held weekly at Bounty Boulevard State School in a contained environment where dogs and owners can learn together.
“We use a variety of methods that are designed to not instill fear in the dog, but instead build the relationship between pet and owner,” Graham said.
Level 1 first aid courses will also be held at Shop 6/18 Paisley Drive, Lawnton, on Saturday, 18 April and Saturday, 25 April. For more information and a full list of courses, visit here or find DogTraining101 on Facebook.
Read more stories from The North Lakes Guide print magazine here:
- In the North Lakes Loop: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review: Wrong Turns
- Movie Review: The Deb
- Eco Eve: Living a More Environmentally Friendly Life!
- Organic Gardening in April
- Ancient Egypt Comes Alive In Virtual Reality Experience
- The Australian Butterfly Ray (Gymnura australis)
- Act 1 Theatre Presents Trio of One-Act Plays
- Anzac Day – Lest We Forget
- Genesis Students Bring High School Musical Back to the Stage
- No Graves but the Sea
- Hypnosis Show Promises Laughter and Amazement
- A Community On Two Wheels
- Get Hooked With Moreton Youth Week Fishing Competition
- Top Spots for Kids to Play These School Holidays
- Moreton Bay PrideFest Returns to Pine Rivers Park
- Celebrate Queensland Youth Week
- Sultana Lemon Delicious
- Sarah Bailey Clicks With Crime Fiction Fans
- School Holiday Fun
- Self-expression Through Street Art
