How to Perform CPR on a Dog111

What is CPR?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a first-aid technique used to revive a dog that is not breathing or has no pulse. CPR combines chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to manually circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body.

When to Perform CPR

CPR should be performed immediately if you find your dog:
- Not breathing
- Not responsive
- With no pulse
- Turning blue or pale

Materials Needed

To perform CPR, you will need the following materials:
- A towel or blanket
- A hard surface to perform compressions
- A flashlight or penlight to check for pulse

Steps to Perform CPR
Check for Responsiveness: Gently call your dog's name and tap on his/her shoulder. If there is no response, proceed to step 2.
Check for Breathing and Pulse: Look at your dog's chest and abdomen to see if he/she is breathing. Then, place your fingers on his/her femoral artery (located on the inside of the hind leg, near the groin) to check for a pulse.
Start Chest Compressions: If your dog is not breathing and has no pulse, begin chest compressions by placing your dog on a hard surface on his/her side. Put the heel of one hand on the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind his/her front legs. Place your other hand on top of the first and interlace your fingers. Press firmly into the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Each compression should push the chest down about 1-2 inches.
Give Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation: After 30 chest compressions, tilt your dog's head back and close his/her mouth. Take a deep breath and cover your dog's nose with your mouth. Gently blow into his/her nose for 1 second. Watch for the dog's chest to rise. Repeat the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation five times.
Continue CPR: Continue alternating between 30 chest compressions and 5 mouth-to-mouth resuscitations until your dog starts breathing on his/her own, or until help arrives.

Additional Tips

- If you are not comfortable performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, you can perform hands-only CPR (chest compressions only).
- If you are not sure if your dog has a pulse, continue performing CPR. It is better to give your dog more CPR than not enough.
- Do not give up on your dog. CPR can be successful even if it takes several minutes.

Seek Veterinary Care

Once your dog is breathing on his/her own, seek veterinary care immediately. Even if your dog seems to have recovered, there may still be underlying medical issues that need to be addressed.

2024-11-23

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