While the thought of your furry friend in an emergency is frightening, having the knowledge to respond can make all the difference. If you discover your dog unresponsive or unconscious, knowing how to perform CPR can be lifesaving. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs that indicate your dog may need CPR and walk you through each step of this process.
When Should You Perform CPR on a Dog?
If you notice that your dog is unconscious, it may be difficult to determine whether or not they need CPR. Start by checking for responsiveness by calling your dog’s name and trying to shake them awake. You should also check if they’re breathing by seeing if their chest is moving up and down. Then, make sure nothing is blocking their airway to rule out the possibility of choking. If your dog doesn’t respond to their name or a gentle shake, is not breathing, and lets you open their mouth without any resistance, begin CPR right away. A helpful tool to help you remember is to check their A-B-C’s: airway, breathing, and cardiac.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Canine CPR
1. Get Fido into the Right Position
Before you begin CPR, lay your dog on a firm, flat surface like the floor. If you have a big dog, you might need someone to help you. Carefully lay your dog on their side, positioning yourself beside them with their spine facing you. When preparing to do chest compressions, place your shoulders directly above your hands and lock your elbows. Place one hand on top of the other and interlock your fingers to ensure you can use the proper amount of force.
2. Begin Chest Compressions
The proper hand placement during chest compressions depends on your pup’s shape and size. For medium and large dogs, do compressions over the widest part of their chest. If your pooch is 20 pounds or less or has a deep chest, place your hands directly over their heart. For flat-chested dogs, do compressions over their sternum while the pup is on their back. Regardless of your dog’s size or breed, perform 100-120 quick chest compressions per minute. Push down to a depth of one-third to one-half of the chest’s width, and always allow the chest to fully rise between compressions.
3. Give Rescue Breaths
Next, it’s time to give your furry friend strategic rescue breaths. Keep their head flat on the floor and extend their neck to open their airway. Hold your dog’s mouth closed with one hand and put your mouth over both nostrils. Once you’ve created a seal, blow two quick breaths into your pup’s nostrils. As you blow in, you should see your dog’s chest rise.
4. Repeat and Assess
Maintain a cycle of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until your dog begins breathing again on their own. After about two minutes of CPR, pause to reassess your dog’s condition. Check for signs of breathing, movement, or a pulse. If your dog is still unresponsive and not breathing, resume the cycle of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Keep repeating the cycle until you can see signs of life or until you can get your dog to an emergency hospital.
Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarize yourself with the process before an emergency happens. Consider taking a pet first aid class if you can.
- Save Important Numbers: Keep your vet’s phone number and the address to the nearest emergency clinic saved in your phone for easy access.
- Know Your Dog’s Anatomy: Understanding where to locate your pup’s pulse and how to position them for CPR ahead of time will make the process smoother.
- Keep Calm: It’s natural to feel panicked in an emergency, but try to stay as calm as possible. Your dog can sense your emotions, and staying composed will help you think clearly.
Although this information isn’t a substitute for veterinarian care and intervention, knowing how to perform CPR could save your dog’s life. With the proper knowledge and preparation, you can act quickly and confidently when it matters most.
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