How To Perform CPR on a Dog | Pets Best

How To Perform CPR on a Dog

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How To Perform CPR on a Dog

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Of all the challenges a pet owner might face, none is more critical than saving their pet's life during cardiac or respiratory arrest. Yes, you can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a dog or a cat that has stopped breathing. While this task is best left to professionals, every pet owner should be prepared to act in an emergency.

In clinical veterinary settings, CPR is the only practical method shown to achieve a return to regular breathing for cats and dogs that have experienced cardiopulmonary arrest.1 Knowing how to perform this emergency procedure could mean the difference between life and death for your pet, so acting fast is vital. Being prepared can make all the difference when every second counts.

What Is Dog CPR?

CPR for dogs is an emergency procedure that involves chest compressions and mouth-to-snout breathing. Chest compressions simulate the heart's pumping action, helping to circulate oxygen-rich blood to the organs.2

CPR can be performed on animals and humans, but the techniques differ mainly due to anatomical differences. For instance, most dogs should be placed on their side rather than their back during CPR. Additionally, the technique varies based on the dog's size.Understanding these differences is essential for performing CPR correctly and maximizing your dog's chances of survival.

Recognizing the Need for CPR for Your Dog

If your dog experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest due to choking, drowning, injury or other trauma, act quickly! The best course of action is to rush your dog to an emergency care center or veterinarian ASAP, where trained professionals can take over.3

However, if that's not possible, performing CPR may help save your pup's life. To determine if your canine needs CPR, answer three questions:

  1. Is the dog responsive?
  2. Is she breathing?
  3. Does she have a pulse?

Start by calling your dog's name or gently tapping him to see if he responds or moves. To check for breathing, watch if the chest rises and falls and use your fingers to feel for any airflow through the nose.3

If your dog is breathing and has a pulse, CPR isn't needed. But if she's unresponsive or unconscious, take her to the vet immediately. If there's no breathing or pulse, start CPR right away and get to the vet as quickly as possible.

How To Perform CPR on a Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have someone with you, start CPR immediately and continue while heading to the emergency clinic or vet. If you're alone, get to the clinic as quickly as possible and begin CPR upon arrival. Time is critical in these situations.3

Step 1: Check for consciousness

Check for responsiveness by gently nudging your dog and loudly calling his name. Look for any signs of movement or reaction to your voice. If there's no response, move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Ensure the airway is clear

Open the dog's mouth and check for any obstructions, such as vomit or foreign objects your dog may have chewed. Carefully remove anything you find, taking care not to push it deeper into the airway. Also, check the color of the gums—pale or blue gums may indicate a lack of air in the bloodstream.3

Step 3: Check for breathing and pulse

Look for any rising or falling movement of the dog's chest to check for breathing. If you don't see any chest movement, hold your hand near the dog's nose to feel for airflow.

To check for a pulse, place two fingers on the femoral artery inside the hind leg.3 If there is no pulse and no breathing, start chest compressions immediately.

Step 4: Begin chest compressions

Once you've confirmed that the dog isn't breathing and has no pulse, it's time to begin chest compressions.

  • For medium to large dogs: Place the dog on her right side, with her left side facing up. Position your hands over the widest part of the dog's rib cage, just behind the elbows. With your elbows locked, interlock your fingers and begin performing compressions. Press down firmly and rapidly, aiming for 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Allow the dog's chest to fully return to its normal position after each compression.4
  • For small dogs: Use a one-handed technique. Wrap your hand around the chest and compress gently but firmly, using your fingers and thumb.4

Step 5: Give rescue breaths

To begin the mouth-to-snout resuscitation process, close the dog's mouth with your hands and cover his nose with your mouth, creating a tight seal. Keep the dog's head flat on the floor. Blow into the dog's snout twice while monitoring chest rise.4 For small dogs, you can seal both the nose and mouth with your mouth.

Step 6: Continue CPR

Continue alternating between 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until the dog starts breathing or professional help arrives.3 This is a tense situation, but stay calm and focused during the process and keep others from panicking.

The Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs

The Heimlich maneuver, commonly seen in movies and TV shows, is a technique used to dislodge an object from a choking person or dog if you can't remove it with your fingers. In many cases, a dog needing the Heimlich maneuver will be coughing.5

  • For small dogs: Hold the dog with her back against your chest, gently lifting her hind legs off the ground. Use your hands to apply pressure to the abdomen, just behind the ribs.5
  • For larger dogs: Put the dog in a standing position and wrap your arms around his abdomen, just under the ribs. Apply pressure to the abdomen to help expel the obstruction.5

When To Call Your Vet or Go to an Emergency Vet

If your dog is unresponsive, is not breathing and has no pulse, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic immediately. Start CPR right away to give your dog the best chance of survival.4

Even if your CPR efforts are successful and your dog starts breathing again, take your pet to the vet for a thorough examination. The vet can check for complications and answer your questions about the CPR process.

Basic first aid at home for dogs

All dog owners should have basic pet first aid knowledge and supplies for common emergencies. This includes knowing how to control bleeding, assess vital signs (like heart rate and breathing) and respond to situations such as seizures.

Preventive measures to avoid emergencies

Prioritizing regular vet checkups and keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date help catch health problems early and prevent emergencies. Always supervise your dog to keep her away from dangerous areas and harmful substances.

Know what foods your dog should avoidkeep your dog hydrated and watch for signs of illness your dog may display. Proper training and socialization can also help prevent accidents and keep your dog safe during play.6

The Bottom Line

As a pet owner, facing an emergency where your dog stops breathing can be terrifying. However, knowing the basics of dog CPR is the best way to prepare for such situations. Being ready to act quickly can make all the difference in saving your dog's life after a traumatic event.

Your dog is counting on you, so stay calm and follow these steps to save their life. A quick response and a visit to the vet can improve their chances of survival. Consider taking a pet first aid course to be fully prepared (ask your vet or local pet store).

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Sources/ Citations

1. "2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats," Jamie M. Burkitt-Creedon et al. (6/2024), Journal of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vec.13391

2. “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)," Jesse Borke (8/2021), Medscape, https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1344081-overview?form=fpf

3. “Understanding Pet CPR," Jamie Freyer (1/2024), Wisdom Panel, https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/blog/understanding-pet-cpr

4. “How To Perform CPR on a Dog: CPR for Dogs," Veronica Higgs (10/2024), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-to-perform-cpr-on-a-dog

5. "How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver if Your Dog Is Choking," Rania Gollakner (12/2024), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_choking

6. "Why Socialization is So Important for Dogs," Leslie Ingraham (8/2022), Wag! https://wagwalking.com/wellness/why-socialization-is-so-important-for-dogs


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