All those who have been to CPR classes will know the basics to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. You start by checking if the patients airway is clear, then you check the patients breathing, then you check for heartbeat and if, during this process, the patient suddenly awakens, ensure that you are not bitten.

For quite a while now the American Red Cross and other organizations have been training people in performing CPR for pets through classes which include all the nuances of first aid for pets inclusive of mouth-to-snout resuscitation. That’s correct, mouth-to-snout.

This technique is very similar to the conventional mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for humans. The main difference is that the person while performing this will close the mouth of the dog and provide breaths into the nose of the dog. Though this sounds humorous and to some even unpleasant, knowing the mouth-to-snout resuscitation technique can even save your pets life if it ever came to that.

The Scoop is a popular website that reports news on dogs (you know what the theory is -’dog bites man’ is no news but ‘man bites dog’ definitely is). In March 2002, they came out with a story about a man in Walla Walla who saved a dog from death by performing the mouth-to-snout resuscitation. The dog had accidentally choked and had it not been for the Good Samaritan, who had received training in this process, the dog would have surely died. The Associated Veterinary Clinic of Walla Walla then treated the revived dog and released it.

Mouth to snout is not the only procedure that can be performed on dogs. In case of emergencies where the dogs heart stops, chest compressions can also be performed. Awareness about these procedures can perhaps save a dogs from death and allow him to live and play another day of fetch.

Many organizations, which previously provided training and certification in traditional CPR only, are now teaching pet CPR too and the concept is fast gaining popularity. The Red Cross in your locality may be conducting these classes and if you are interested in training you must contact them. You never know when such expertise may come to use.

CPR Certification is something that confuses most people. Which class do you need? Which certification is going to satisfy the requirements for your job?

The two largest CPR training companies are the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. These companies have been training people to save lives for years and their certifications used to be synonymous. Unfortunately, things have changed and this is not the case anymore.

So what is the difference?

The last thing that you want to do is sit through a four hour CPR or first aid class and realize that you didn’t choose the right certification. The most important thing you can do before signing up for a class is to ask your employer or future employer exactly what type of CPR certification you need as well as which certifying agency they are accepting for the position.

The certifying agencies are the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC). Your class choices are as follows:

1.) CPR

2.) CPR and First Aid

3.) Pediatric CPR and First Aid

4.) Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider

If you know exactly which class you need then you should have no problem. If you cannot reach your employer, the American Heart Association certification is valid for 2 years whereas the Red Cross cert is only valid for 1 year. The AHA cert is also much more widely accepted in the hospital setting than the ARC. Although both certifications may be valid, the AHA classes will be both more cost effective and more widely recognized. Also, if you work in the medical field and you are not sure which class to take, always opt for the Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider. This is the highest level of CPR training and will be accepted everywhere.

So to avoid a CPR nightmare, talk to your boss first! And if you can’t do that, stick with a 2 year American Heart Association certification.