Do you love your pets like family? You’re in good company. A recent survey says that 58% of pet owners would be willing to perform CPR and/or rescue breathing on their pet in the event of an emergency.

The problem is, most of us don’t have the training to provide this important emergency care for our pets, which includes mouth-to-snout breathing and chest compressions. That’s why many chapters of the American Red Cross offer a Pet First Aid class that teaches CPR, rescue breathing and other emergency care techniques.

The class costs just $35 and generally lasts just three-and-a-half hours, so what excuse do you have? Contact your local Red Cross chapter to find out whether they offer the Pet First Aid class.

Here are just a few of the important details you’ll learn when it comes to CPR, rescue breathing and other first aid for your pet:

• The basic ABC’s (Airway, Breathing and Circulation) of resuscitation.
• When and how to administer the Heimlich Maneuver to a dog or cat.
• You may need to perform a “blind finger sweep” to look for airway blockage. Keep in mind that animals have a bone deep in the throat at the base of the tongue. It’s called the hyoid apparatus and can be mistaken for an obstruction or chicken bone.
• How to make a makeshift muzzle to protect yourself from bites: dogs may bite because of fear or due to an automatic reflex.
• Rescue breathing may require you to straighten the animal’s neck, but if you suspect a neck or back injury, this is not advised.
• Never use a real dog or cat for CPR practice, as there is a real chance of injury. In class you’ll practice on a CPR dummy, much like the dummies used to teach resuscitation for humans.

As a pet lover, you owe it to yourself (and your pet) to learn the skills that could save their lives in the event of an accident or illness. If your local Red Cross chapter does not offer a Pet First Aid class, check with your veterinarian’s office to see who does. Good luck!