We have been receiving more and more email enquires for courses with the emphasis on our cancellation policy. This started to lead us to ask the questions why this was of an interest all of a sudden.

The answer? Well it seems that people have been booking on courses with other training providers and Organisations and they seem to have minimum number of participants before they will go ahead with the course (Usually between 8 - 12 people) but they take the booking and course fees in full and many have cancelled the course with as little notice as the night before.

This is unfortunate for the people who book on a course as often they may be travelling quite a distance to attend and made family arrangements for child and/or animal care while they attend. Since we began as a full time training provider we have never cancelled a course even when a short stay in hospital interupted a weekend of training I had scheduled, one of our other Instructors stepped in and ran the weekend for me with no inconvinience to the students.

This has led us to place our course guarantee on the courses pages which goes as follows:

Our Course Guarantee to You

Unlike other course providers who cancel their courses at the last minute due to insufficient numbers (Usually 12 people), if we have a course scheduled it will run even if it's one to one so you can book with us knowing only acts of Natural Disater will prevent us from running your course on your chosen date.

Mike
www.mjfirstaidsupplies.co.uk
www.canine-rehabilitation.co.uk

The question of Snake bites to Dogs often comes up on our Canine First Responder Courses so we have researched the subject and posted the following article.

How harmful are adders? The adder is the only British venomous snake, a fact which has earned it a dubious public image. Bites from adders are very rare, and the vast majority occur when a snake is picked up. Most reactions to adder bites are mild, but any bite should be regarded as potentially serious and immediate medical advice should be sought. In the last century, 12 human deaths in Britain have been attributed to adder bites (this compares with several deaths every year due to insect stings).

Bites to cats and dogs do occur, but rarely prove fatal. Vets and doctors in areas where adders occur are aware of the treatment required in handling bite cases, and effective treatment is now well understood.

www.mjfirstaidtraining.co.uk
www.mjfirstaidsupplies.co.uk
www.caninefirstresponder.co.uk

This time of year with the cold weather questions often arise about the effects on dogs. Although Frost bite is rare in the UK with dogs it can happen. Common sense has to prevail and we must keep an eye on the length of time our dogs spend out in the snow and ice.

Frost bite is the forming of ice crystals in the skin cells and tissues .Frost bite typically affects the extremities such as the feet, tail, ears and nose. If your dog is paying undue attention to his feet, tail, ears or nose in the cold weather snaps then get him checked over by the vet. If you suspect frost bite then immediate first aid treatment is to keep them warm. Do not be tempted to apply heat packs or hot water bottles to the affected area. Warm them gently by rubbing with a clean dry towel and seek veterinary advice.

Interestingly, Northern breeds like the Eskimo dog, Siberian Husky, Malamute, etc, have a natural defence against frost bite to the paws and have a reduction valve in their circulatory system at the joint of the paw and lower leg. This valve send just enough blood flow through the paw but redirects the rest back in to the circulatory system to aid in the prevention of frost bite.

Another potential risk is Hypothermia and again common sense plays a part of not letting the dog spend too much time outdoors. If your dog displays signs of Hperthermia such as uncordinated movement, confusion, shivering, then please call for veterinary advice and again we warm them gently by wrapping them in a clean dry blanket. Do not be tempted to warm to quickly with heat packs, hot water bottles or in front of the fire.

Mike and the Team
www.mjfirstaidtraining.co.uk
www.mjfirstaidsupplies.co.uk