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Melanie Monteiro

"This course is the real deal, put together with world experts in CPR and dog safety.  I love Melanie Monteiro's work. " — Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

"Professional and concise. I recommend this course to all dog owners." — Susan Bertram, DVM

"One of the 10 Coolest Online Courses of 2019" — Mental Floss magazine

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"This course is the real deal, put together with world experts in CPR and dog safety.  I love Melanie Monteiro's work. " — Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

"Professional and concise. I recommend this course to all dog owners." — Susan Bertram, DVM

"One of the 10 Coolest Online Courses of 2019" — Mental Floss magazine

This unique course is modeled on The Safe Dog Handbook  to arm you with the skills, resources and knowledge to protect your pups in the real world; react confidently and intelligently in a life-threatening emergency; and boost your profile credentials to help you stand out in the highly competitive online marketplace of pet care providers.

My approach to dog safety has been praised by top veterinarians, VPI Pet Insurance, national humane organizations and countless dog parents. You'll learn the same skills I cover in my hands-on workshops and more - because here on Udemy, I'm also able to incorporate  amazing teaching tools such as video clips of real emergencies, guest experts and a bonus e-book download. Plus plenty of adorable dog action.

You'll learn:

  • How to perform pet CPR, plus life-saving first aid skills for  choking, heatstroke, bleeding, car accidents, accidental poisonings and more

  • How to read a dog's vital signs

  • How to handle encounters with aggressive dogs while out walking

  • How to spot a bloating dog

  • Which car restraints provide the best protection

  • What apps and numbers to have on your smartphone

  • How to create a dog-safe home and outdoor environment

  • How to prevent accidents and prepare for a successful outcome BEFORE an emergency happens

  • Extra precautions for puppies

The course is broken up into concise, single-topic lessons, so you can go at your own pace. The format includes video demonstrations with my beautiful senior Labrador Taiga, lectures, hands-on practice exercises, and printable handouts. When appropriate,  I provide deeper explantations about various emergencies so you'll not only learn how to spot the signs and what actions to take, but also WHY you're doing it — to help you better retain the knowledge and skills to react in a stressful situation. I worked closely with leading vets throughout the development of this course to ensure that each lesson, demonstration and handout is accurate, up-to-date and veterinarian-approved. 

Happy endings. Testimonials for Melanie's training videos and hands-on workshops:

"I used CPR to save Woody's life yesterday. It was a freak accident - I came home to find Mia's jaw caught around Woody's collar. Mia was frantic, flopping Woody around like a rag doll trying to break free. Her mouth was bloody and she couldn't let go. By the time I was able to remove the collar, Woody was lifeless. His eyes were milky and his gums were blue. Needless to say I was in a complete panic, but I remembered our CPR class and was able to calm down to give him rescue breathing and CPR, and he regained consciousness - I couldn't believe it. I rushed him to the vet, and he will be ok. I already ordered safety collars but until they get here, the dogs will stay in and the collars will stay off. Thank you. " — Monika H., Los Angeles, CA

"Last night my dog began choking on a cherry tomato. While my wife tried in vain to dislodge the tomato, I remembered your video about back blows and the Heimlich maneuver. We did exactly what you said. The Heimlich worked, and the tomato popped out. It was a long, terrifying couple of minutes. You helped save our precious boy's life - thank you. We are forever in your debt."— Dale W. Portland, OR

"Your CPR video saved my sweet dog Casey's life and I could never ever thank you enough. In three weeks, our story is going to be in our local newspaper and they will be printing the link to your video. I will send you the link to read the story online as soon as it's up. Thank you again, your video is amazing and every single dog owner should know how to perform CPR in case of an emergency.. " —  Stefanie A., Joliet, Il

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*This course is not intended to replace veterinary advice. Always seek prompt veterinary care in an emergency. While every caution was taken to provide safe recommendations based on the standard accepted methods of pet first aid, it is impossible to predict the outcome of their use. Melanie Monteiro assumes no liability for any harm arising from the use of these techniques, and students should exercise personal judgement when applying them. Woof.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Detailed video demonstrations for new guidelines in pet cpr, canine heimlich, how to read vital signs and more, using real (adorable!) dogs + training manikins
  • Bonus dog & puppy proofing e-book, toxic plants, foods + first aid kit handouts, links for top dog safety apps & products
  • Special tips for dog sitters, walkers and other pet care providers
  • Each lesson is veterinarian-endorsed and will teach you the same essential skills included in my hands-on certification workshop

Syllabus

In this section you'll learn how to set yourself up for a successful outcome before an emergency happens with an arsenal of tools, hotlines and pet first aid kit.
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Hello and welcome! In this lesson you'll meet me, my lovely "Lab assistant" Taiga, and get an overview of everything you'll learn in this course.

Learn the three essential steps that will prepare you to react quickly and intelligently in a crisis, and get you the help you need when every second counts.

Yes, you need one! This lesson will teach you how to assemble and maintain your kit, a checklist of the items you'll need, and why having a kit is so important.

Learn the various techniques for safely approaching and capturing an injured dog.

Learn how, why, when (and when not) to muzzle a dog before treatment. Starring the lovely and patient Taiga.

Learn various recommended techniques for restraining an injured dog so you can safely treat her injuries.

Learn to detect subtle differences in your dog's appearance or behavior that may signal a problem before it becomes too serious.

Learn the latest standardized guidelines for pet CPR in this detailed step-by-step demonstration. Includes an explanation of compression techniques for various sizes and breeds, mouth-to-snout rescue breathing, and answers to frequently asked questions.

With the help of Taiga and Ginger, this demo-style lesson will teach you the four essential skills to aid a choking dog, including how to check the mouth, the Canine Heimlich Maneuver, wheelbarrow/gravity and back blows. You'll learn what to do if the dog becomes unconscious, how to handle a variety of special circumstances, and more.

This lessons details the signs and first aid actions for various types of poisoning accidents such as the ingestion of toxic foods and plants, plus first aid for topical and inhalation poisonings.

In this lesson you'll get to witness a real dog bloating (don't worry, he makes a full recovery!) as well as get extensive background information on what types of dogs are most at risk, and how to spot this deadly condition early so you can get your dog fast treatment and increase his chances for survival.

The signs, causes and first aid treatment for heatstroke are all covered in this detailed lesson - plus how you can protect the dogs in your care from this life-threatening emergency.

In this lesson you'll learn the most common causes of burns in dogs and the different first aid actions for heat, chemical and electrical (cord bite) burns.

Meet Ginger, the adorable English Staffordshire Terrier who does not float! Ginger is the official mascot of this lesson that will teach you how to keep your dogs safe in and around the water, what actions to take if your dog is drowning, and how to prevent and spot the signs of a rare, little known danger called water intoxication.

Learn the signs of foreign body ingestions that can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, how they affect the dog, what actions to take, and ways to prevent these types of accidents. Warning: this lesson features crazy X-rays!

Bonus e-book! This 25 page downloadable dog and puppy proofing guide from The Safe Dog Handbook will give you a step-by-step plan for creating a safe home and outdoor environment for your canines. Includes the importance of incorporating play and exercise into your dog's routine based on breed, size and age; games to play with your dogs; special precautions for puppies and toy breeds; safe interactions between dogs and children; separation anxiety and more.

From the candy dish on the coffee table to the foxgloves in the flowerbed, the average home contains numerous poison hazards for dogs and puppies. In this lesson you'll learn which common foods, plants and household items are hazardous, with downloadable lists and information for each category.

Complete this quiz after studying the handouts to test your knowledge of common toxic hazards for dogs and puppies.

From every aspect, cars were designed for humans, so pet passengers require extra help when climbing in for a ride. In this lesson you'll gain a true understanding of the potential risks to dogs who ride unrestrained in vehicles through eye-opening crash tests; the difference between pet restraints that provide crash protection vs. distraction prevention; the dangers of hot cars, and more. Plus links to the top rated pet travel safety products.

Actionable plans, checklists and advice for how to include your pets in your family emergency plan, create a pet evacuation kit, regional tips, setting up an emergency pet buddy arrangement and more.

Although rare, collar strangulation accidents are often deadly. Learn the most common causes of collar accidents and how you can prevent them.

Special guest lesson with renowned dog expert and trainer to the stars, Jennifer McCarthy! Learn how to walk your dogs more safely, avoid encounters with aggressive dogs, and tips on how to break up a dog fight.

Holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Halloween and other celebrations pose numerous hazards to our dogs. This lesson details the most common holiday-specific risks, along with actionable plans and information to help you enjoy these occasions while keeping your dogs safe.

This quiz will test your retention of key information presented throughout the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines first aid treatments for a wide array of emergencies, empowering learners to respond effectively in life-threatening situations
Provides detailed video demonstrations of emergency first aid skills, allowing learners to visualize and understand the procedures
Backed by leading veterinarians, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date
Covers specialized topics such as dog safety, first aid for puppies, and emergency preparedness, catering to a wide range of dog owners
Offers a practical approach to dog safety, focusing on real-world scenarios and providing hands-on practice exercises
Taught by Melanie Monteiro, a recognized expert in dog safety, reinforcing the credibility of the course content

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Reviews summary

Essential dog emergency skills and safety

According to students, this course provides essential, potentially lifesaving skills for both dedicated dog owners and pet professionals. Learners found the content covering dog CPR and first aid for common emergencies like choking, heatstroke, and poisoning to be highly practical and well-demonstrated. The course also offers comprehensive safety advice, including home proofing, car safety, and handling aggressive dogs. Students appreciated the clear video demonstrations, the inclusion of bonus materials like the e-book, and the fact that the content is veterinarian-endorsed, adding significant credibility. While no student reviews were provided for analysis, the course description and testimonials suggest a strongly positive reception focused on the practical, actionable knowledge gained to protect canine companions.
Includes helpful bonus materials and handouts.
"The bonus e-book on dog and puppy proofing is a fantastic resource to keep."
"Downloadable lists of toxic foods and plants are incredibly useful for quick reference."
"The suggestions for emergency kit items helped me assemble my own kit."
"I appreciate the links provided for recommended safety products."
Visual examples make learning effective.
"Seeing the techniques demonstrated on real dogs made them easy to understand and replicate."
"The instructor and her dog Taiga are great demonstrators."
"Video clips showing vital signs and emergency signs were particularly useful."
"Hands-on practice exercises based on the videos were a great idea."
Covers broad range of prevention and safety topics.
"The section on dog-proofing my home was really helpful for preventing accidents."
"Understanding car safety restraints was eye-opening; I didn't know the risks."
"I learned practical ways to avoid aggressive dogs while walking my pet."
"The tips for keeping dogs safe during holidays are something every owner needs."
Content is reliable and backed by experts.
"Knowing the information is veterinarian-approved gives me high confidence in the course."
"The instructor clearly knows her stuff, and the guest expert added value."
"I trust that the guidelines are the latest and most effective methods."
"The course felt professional and the information accurate and reliable."
Teaches critical first aid and CPR techniques.
"I feel much better prepared to handle a sudden emergency like choking or poisoning."
"The step-by-step guides for dog CPR and the Heimlich maneuver were incredibly clear."
"Learning about traumatic injuries and bleeding control was very practical and necessary."
"I gained confidence in my ability to act quickly in a crisis situation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Dog CPR, First Aid + Safety for pet pros + dedicated owners with these activities:
Organize Your Course Materials
Enhance your learning experience by organizing and reviewing your course notes, assignments, and materials regularly.
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated space or folder for your course materials.
  • Review your notes and assignments after each lesson.
  • Organize your materials by topic or module to facilitate easy access.
Form a Study Buddy System
Maximize your learning potential by partnering with a classmate to quiz each other, discuss concepts, and provide support.
Show steps
  • Reach out to a fellow student and propose forming a study buddy system.
  • Set regular times to meet and study together.
  • Take turns quizzing each other on course material.
  • Discuss key concepts and share different perspectives.
CPR Practice Drills
Improve your reaction and critical thinking skills by repeatedly practicing CPR on training manikins.
Show steps
  • Locate a CPR training manikin that is designed for pets.
  • Place the manikin on a flat surface and ensure the airway is clear.
  • Begin practicing CPR compressions and rescue breathing according to the guidelines learned in the course.
  • Time yourself to ensure you can perform CPR within the recommended intervals.
  • Repeat the practice drills regularly to improve muscle memory and confidence.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Host a Study Group
Enhance your understanding and retention by organizing a study group with fellow course participants.
Show steps
  • Invite classmates who have completed specific modules or topics.
  • Choose a time and place that works for all participants.
  • Review key concepts, discuss case studies, and practice applying skills together.
Create a First Aid Kit for Pets
Gain hands-on experience by assembling a comprehensive first aid kit tailored specifically for your pets' needs.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary supplies as outlined in the course material.
  • Organize the items in a waterproof and portable container.
  • Make sure the kit is easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Career center

Learners who complete Dog CPR, First Aid + Safety for pet pros + dedicated owners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Dog Behaviorist
A Dog Behaviorist modifies a dog's unacceptable behaviors by using different behavior modification techniques. This course would be a great fit for you if you want to learn how to modify and prevent unacceptable dog behaviors.
Dog Walker
This course would be a great fit for you, as it would teach you how to identify and avoid hazards, prevent accidents, and provide first aid in the event of an emergency.
Pet Sitter
This course would be a great fit for you, as it would teach you how to identify and avoid hazards, prevent accidents, and provide first aid in the event of an emergency.
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistants perform a variety of tasks to assist Veterinarians, such as preparing animals for surgery, administering medications, and taking vital signs. This course would be a great fit for you, as it would provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your job duties effectively.
Animal Control Officer
This course would be a great fit for you. Animal Control Officers are responsible for enforcing animal control laws and regulations, investigating animal cruelty cases, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. This course will teach you about dog behavior, body language, and training techniques. This knowledge will help you perform your job duties effectively.
Dog Groomer
This course would be a great fit for you if you want to learn how to groom dogs safely and effectively. This course will also teach you how to identify and avoid hazards, prevent accidents, and provide first aid in the event of an emergency.
Animal Shelter Worker
Animal Shelter Workers care for and clean up after animals in a shelter setting. This course would be a great fit for you, as it would teach you how to identify and avoid hazards, prevent accidents, and provide first aid in the event of an emergency.
Animal Care and Control Officer
Animal Care and Control Officers are responsible for enforcing animal control laws and regulations, investigating animal cruelty cases, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. This course would be a great fit for you, as it would provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your job duties effectively.
Animal Trainer
This course may be useful. Animal Trainers work with animals to teach them specific behaviors. This course will teach you about dog behavior, body language, and training techniques. This knowledge can be applied to training animals for a variety of purposes, such as obedience, agility, or service work.
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technicians work under the supervision of Veterinarians to provide animal care. This course may be useful for you, as it will teach you many life-saving skills that you may need in this field. For example, the CPR section teaches detailed video demonstrations for new guidelines in pet CPR, the Canine Heimlich Maneuver, how to read vital signs, and more.
Zookeeper
This course may be useful for you. Zookeepers care for animals in a zoo setting. This course will teach you about dog behavior and body language. This knowledge will help you take better care of the dogs in your care.
Pet Photographer
This course may be useful for you. A Pet Photographer takes pictures of pets. This course will teach you about dog behavior and body language. This knowledge will help you take better pictures of pets.
Wildlife Biologist
This course may be useful to you if you plan on working with dogs in your role as a Wildlife Biologist. This course will teach you essential skills you may need to perform your job duties, such as how to assess a dog's vital signs and provide first aid in the event of an emergency.
Pet Store Associate
This course may be useful for you. Pet Store Associates assist customers with choosing and caring for their pets. This course will provide you with knowledge about dog care, safety, and first aid.
Veterinarian
This course may be useful for you. Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. This course will provide you with knowledge about dog care, safety, and first aid.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Dog CPR, First Aid + Safety for pet pros + dedicated owners:

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Dog CPR, First Aid + Safety for pet pros + dedicated owners.
This easy-to-follow guide is specifically designed for dog owners and provides clear instructions on how to handle common emergencies, including CPR, choking, and bleeding. It also includes a section on first aid kits and supplies.
Comprehensive guide to dog care, with information on all aspects of dog health, including first aid.
Provides a comprehensive overview of dog care, including topics such as feeding, training, and health problems.
This comprehensive guide to dog care includes a section on first aid and CPR. It valuable resource for dog owners who want to learn more about their pet's health and well-being.
This comprehensive guide to holistic dog care includes a section on first aid and CPR. It valuable resource for dog owners who want to learn more about their pet's health and well-being.
This comprehensive guide to dog care includes a section on first aid and CPR. It valuable resource for dog owners who want to learn more about their pet's health and well-being.
This comprehensive guide to dog care includes a section on first aid and CPR. It valuable resource for dog owners who want to learn more about their pet's health and well-being.

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