CPR saves dog after suspected baiting at Balga park

A YOUNG woman kept her dog alive through CPR after it was believed to have been baited at a Balga park.

Girrawheen resident Jenni Edwards took her 20-year-old daughter Belinda’s dog Jessi to Princess Wallington Reserve’s dog exercise area on late Sunday afternoon.

The 14-month-old English staffy/beagle mix is an unofficial therapy dog for Belinda, who has autism and suffers from anxiety and seizures.

Jessi vomited shortly after returning home from the park and less than three hours later, was rushed to Balcatta emergency vet as she was struggling to breathe and had lost muscle control.

“Her breathing was so shallow you could hardly even tell she was breathing,” Ms Edwards said.

“Then before my eyes she stopped breathing.”

The vet gave Jessi activated charcoal as she believed she had ingested poison and as there was nothing more they could do, the pair took Jessi home.

“I absolutely didn’t think she’d make it,” Ms Edwards said.

Belinda, who has had a fascination with vet and animal TV shows since she was a child, stayed awake throughout the night with Jessi, providing regular resuscitation when she stopped breathing.

By 6am, Jessi’s condition had improved and she was able to move a little, eat and drink.

“If she hadn’t had done it…the vet said Belinda kept her alive,” she said.

“Jessi’s just so important to her.

“We’re just so happy she’s back to normal now.”

Ms Edwards recalls Jessi chewing on something while in the park, which she thought at the time was a stick, and found pieces of meat in her vomit.

She is warning dog owners to be vigilant, walk the perimeter of fenced parks and spread the word to other owners.

City of Stirling acting community development director Chris Brereton said a ranger attended the park but did not find evidence of baiting.

“While reports of dog baiting in the City of Stirling are exceptionally rare, they are taken seriously and we would encourage dog owners to report any suspected cases to the RSPCA WA,” he said.

“The City is unaware of any other reports of suspected dog baiting in public open space in the City within the last six months.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets at all times when exercising them in the City’s parks and reserves and report any suspicious items or activity to the City and the RSPCA WA.”

RSPCA WA has been contacted for comment.

Canine CPR:

According to Vetwest, people should follow the same DRSABC (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing and Compressions) principles used in human medical emergencies for animals.

For CPR, compress the chest wall firmly at a rate of two compressions per second and administer one breath every six seconds.

Instructions at: https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/cpr-for-your-pet