This course will explore a variety of topics that are related to veterinary science. (cats and dogs) 
This is a FLEX class, so there are NO LIVE MEETINGS. These recorded classes will be supplemented with some optional projects, worksheets and videos. 
Learners should have taken Advanced Veterinary / Vet Medicine 1 or have some previous vet related knowledge including; other Outschool vet science classes, watching veterinary shows on TV, reading vet related books, etc before enrolling. This is not an introductory course. 


Topics and Required Supplies;

Week 1- Basic Nutrition: In this class learners will become familiar with essential nutrients and what is require for feeding cats and dogs. Learners will also be able to distinguish between what is a nutrient and an ingredient, and why that matters when learning about pet food/diets. 

Week 2- Reading Pet Food Labels and Prescription Diets: In this class learners will begin to understand how read pet food labels and what tricks pet food companies use to market their products.  Why some pets may need specific prescription diets, from their veterinarian will be discussed. 

Week 3- The Hospitalized Patient: Care of pets in the hospital will be discussed including how to get cats and dogs out of their cages safely, cleaning and disinfection, and patient treatment sheet use and practice will be demonstrated as learners follow along. Blank treatment sheets and scenarios will be provided for further understanding. 

Week 4-  Recognizing Pain: How to recognize pain in the canine and feline patients will be shown and a pain scale will be utilized during in class practice. A copy of the pain scale sheet will be provided for learners to see how veterinarians and veterinary technicians/ nurses determine how painful a patient may be. 

Week 5- Canine Behavior/ Body Language: Basic body language signals will be discussed with special focus on stress, fear,  anxiety and aggression, as these are common in a veterinary setting. Learners will be provided with follow up videos. 

Week 6- Feline Body Language and the Feline Friendly Practice: Feline body language signals will be discussed, and how we can provide a "feline friendly" experience and learners will be encouraged to brainstorm ways that they can help to make cat's veterinary visits less stressful for everyone and share their ideas in the online classroom. 

Week 7- Care of Neonatal Kittens and Puppies: the care and feeding of neonatal kittens and puppies will be discussed. Care of orphans, including how to calculate weight/feeding needs when hand raising. 

Week 8- Dog and Cat Breeds; Breed identification. A variety of dog and cat breeds will be introduced, along with why knowing a pet's breed may be very important when caring for the in a veterinary hospital. Learners are encouraged to share about their favorite breed of cat and/or dog in the online classroom! 

Medical disclaimer: This class does not provide medical training. The material in this course does not give learners the knowledge necessary to perform any first aid or medical care to any pets. If your pet is sick or injured, you should contact their veterinarian.