When Becky McLeod and her husband, Dean, went to Victoria International Airport to greet their Bernese mountain dog, Dixie, they expected a joyful reunion. But things took a heartbreaking turn when Dixie suddenly collapsed. “We thought she had slipped, but then she didn’t get back up,” Becky recalled.
The couple quickly attempted CPR on their beloved dog. Becky tried mouth-to-nose breaths while Dean performed chest compressions. Unsure if they were doing it right, they were overwhelmed by panic as they fought to save her. Fortunately, strangers nearby jumped in to help, offering support and guidance based on what they had learned online.
One kind passerby named Tara even volunteered to drive them to the nearest veterinary clinic. “We were so lost and upset. Tara knew exactly where to go,” said McLeod. Despite the help from these generous strangers, they couldn’t revive Dixie in time. She sadly passed away due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition.
“It’s like a ‘widowmaker’ heart issue in dogs,” explained Becky. “She could have fallen asleep and never woken up.” This tragic experience left the McLeods devastated, but they want to turn their pain into a lesson for others.
They emphasize the importance of learning pet first aid. “Not knowing what to do made everything worse,” said Becky. “If we can help even one pet owner, it would mean a lot.”
Veterinarian Dr. John Basterfield from Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic agrees. He believes that understanding basic CPR for pets can save lives. However, he warns that techniques can vary by dog breed. “Ask your vet for specific CPR instructions tailored to your pet,” he advised. It’s crucial to know the right steps to take. According to PetMD, if you’re alone, you should skip CPR and head straight to a vet.
Dr. Veronica Higgs adds, “Only perform CPR if your pet isn’t breathing and is unresponsive. If they show any signs of life, get them to emergency care right away.”
After Dixie’s passing, her heart was used for research at the veterinary clinic to study hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. “We’re trying to find some positives, even in this tragic situation,” Becky shared. This hope for knowledge not only honors Dixie but aims to prevent similar tragedies for other pets.
In their community, Dixie was well-loved, especially by the children at a nearby childcare center. “She was a part of so many lives,” said Becky. “Everyone adored her.”
In light of this heart-wrenching experience, the McLeods encourage all pet owners to learn about pet first aid and CPR. Understanding how to help your pet in an emergency can make a world of difference during those critical moments.
For more detailed guidelines on pet CPR, check out the information on PetMD.
Check out this related article: Low Attendance at All-Candidate Forum: Insights from a Friendly Community Gathering
Source linkAirport|CPR|Pets
