As most first-aid classes do, it covered all the basics: how to stop bleeding, what to do for choking, how to splint a broken limb and how to perform CPR.

But this class also included how to apply a muzzle and how to do mouth-to-snout resuscitation. That's because this first-aid class was for dogs and cats.

Frank Niemeir / AJC (ENLARGE)

Marlene Kruelle learns rescue breathing techniques during a class on pet first aid at the Atlanta Humane Society.

Frank Niemeir / AJC (ENLARGE)

Angie Graves practices resuscitation techniques on a stuffed dog at the Humane Society's class.

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"The first rule is to protect the pet, people and yourself," said Mailey McLaughlin, the training and behavior coordinator at the Atlanta Humane Society, who teaches the class several times a year. "You won't be able to help the pet if you need first aid yourself because he bit you."

So the first thing the 12 students attending Saturday's course learned was how to make a quick muzzle out of a long strip of cloth. Working with large stuffed dogs and cats, and with a partner "simulating" the pet moving, the students quickly learned to bind the mouth so they could move on to other things, like making splints out of rolled newspapers and applying pressure to a bleeding wound.

"Do you actually put your mouth on the nose and blow or do you put your mouth just above his nose?" asked Kelly Clardy of Alpharetta, who was taking the class because she has two elderly cats at home.

"For the best seal, put your mouth on his nose if you're comfortable with that," McLaughlin said.

From the nods in the room, and the lack of even one "ick," it was clear the group was made up of pet lovers.

McLaughlin said that's who most often takes her classes.

"I get the occasional business person, like a pet sitter or a groomer, but usually, it's just people who want to know what to do if their own pet has a problem," she said.

That's why Marlene Kruelle of Atlanta was there. She has an adopted golden retriever, and she also volunteers to take care of neighbors' pets and animals at the Atlanta Humane Society.

"I just want to be a good dog mom," she said.

Walter Griffin of Decatur said he signed up after being scared by two incidents with his 4-year-old beagle, Franklin, including a spider bite.

"I want to be able to handle the situations better and not freak out," said Griffin, who attended the class with co-worker Carol Jenkins, who has three cats and two small dogs.

The two agreed that they would make up a first aid kit like the one recommended in the class workbook.

Brenda Vostreys of Conyers said she wanted to take the course to give the clients of her new mobile pet grooming business peace of mind.

By the end of the four-hour class, McLaughlin was able to only touch on some topics, like poisoning, heat and cold injuries and shock.

But the students did learn to muzzle an injured animal, perform CPR and mouth-to-snout resuscitation, wrap a bleeding wound and perform a type of Heimlich maneuver on a choking pet.

They also learned how to do a wellness check on their pets so they'll know when something has changed.

"I liked the class," said Debora Slotten of Decatur. "We have three small dogs and they're getting older. One has a heart condition and another has dental problems. We spend thousands of dollars at the emergency vets all the time, and we just wanted to see if there are things we could do on our own."

READY FOR CLASS?

• The next class at AHS is June 21 for $59. A full-day course, which also covers dental and senior pet care, is available Oct. 25 for $99. For more information, call 404-974-2899 or go to www.atlantahumane.org.