VET charity PDSA cited the saving of an Oldham puppy to underline the value of pet owners learning basic animal first aid skills.

The PDSA says more than 1,000 owners and animal workers have been equipped with life-saving pet first aid skills over the last 18 months.

But the charity says many owners are now aware of simple steps they can take to help stabilise a pet in an emergency situation.

The Oldham case occurred when Janice Latreche was at home when her beloved puppy began choking and gasping for breath.

She said: “Milton had somehow got hold of one of my grandson’s action figure toys and was choking on it.

“I could see that he was struggling to breathe but I didn’t panic and remembered the skills I had learned on the PDSA course. I tried to see if I could pull the toy out from his mouth but I couldn’t, so I used a technique which is like an animal equivalent of the Heimlich manoeuvre - and it just popped out.”

As soon as the toy became dislodged Milton was able to breathe and Janice calmed him down before taking him to her vet for a check-up.

Kylie Jones, the PDSA vet nurse who taught Janice, said Milton’s case proved why it was important for people to learn basic pet first aid skills:

“Life-threatening emergencies can occur at any time and require speedy action, so it’s important to know what to do in a situation like this. Many people have a basic understanding of first aid for humans but when it comes to pets, a lot of people wouldn’t know what to do.

“Knowing how to respond in an emergency, and being prepared, can make the difference between life and death.

Olivia Anderson-Nathan, PDSA vet, said: “We teach first aid skills on our courses, which can equip pet owners with valuable skills to be “first responders” if their pet gets into an accident. These don’t replace veterinary treatment, but in an emergency these could quite literally save a pet’s life.

“Even though it’s something you hope will never happen, it’s best to be proactive. Keeping a first aid kit in the car and in the bathroom cupboard and brushing up on the basics can make a real difference should an accident happen.”