How to perform CPR on dogs
CPR involves chest compressions with or without artificial respiration. It is ONLY used when you can’t feel or hear a dog’s heartbeat and the dog is not breathing. This can occur for a few reasons: trauma, choking or illness.
Before performing CPR for dogs, keep in mind that CPR is potentially hazardous and can cause physical complications or fatal damage if performed on a healthy dog.
CPR should only be performed when necessary. Ideally, you will be able to have someone call your veterinarian for guidance to perform dog CPR on the way to the clinic.
Make sure the dog’s airway is clear of any objects before proceeding. Follow these different guidelines depending on the size of the breed you are assisting.
For dogs under 30 pounds:
Place the dog on his side on a flat surface.
Place one hand on the chest over the heart region. (You can also place your thumb on one side of the dog’s chest and keep the fingers on the other side if the dog is very small.)
Compress the chest approximately one-third the width of the chest for
AAAa count of one, and then let go for a count of one. Carry on at a rate of 100120 compressions per minute. (Hint: compress to the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees).
If you can provide artificial respiration, close the dog’s muzzle with your hand. Give two breaths into the nose for every 30 compressions. If possible, have another person give the two breaths so that you can continue to do compres
Asions while they do the breathing. A new person should take over doing the compressions every two minutes or so to reduce the effect of fatigue.
Perform CPR in twominute cycles, switching the person performing the compressions with each cycle. You can continue performing CPR and rescue breaths for up to 15 minutes or until you get to veterinary hospital.
Transport the dog to the nearest veterinarian as quickly as possible during or after CPR.
For dogs over 30
AApounds:
After laying the dog on a flat surface, place one of your palms on the dog’s rib cage, over the heart region, and put your other palm on top of it. Without bending your elbows, press the rib cage down.
Then, proceed using the same instructions for a smaller dog.
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