How to Perform CPR on a Dog
For pet lovers, knowing how to perform CPR is essential. Just like humans, you never know when you'll need to use it and you'll be glad you know how if you ever need to. Performing CPR is simple if you follow the steps below.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Check for Airway, Breathing and Circulation
-
1
Check the dog's airway. To see if your dog is breathing, tap him on his body or call his name. If he does not respond, look to see if his chest is moving. If his chest isn't moving, listen to see if you can hear him breathing. If no breath can be seen or heard, put the back of your hand near the dog's nose to see if you can feel him breathing.
-
2
Pull the tongue out just a little to clear his airway and close his mouth if your dog is not breathing. Tilt his head back to make sure the airway is open and begin mouth to snout breathing. Place your mouth over his nose and administer four to five breaths.
-
-
3
Check for circulation. If your dog has circulation, she will have a pulse. Check for circulation by pressing on the femoral pulse. This is located on the inside of the rear leg towards the top.
Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
-
4
Be aware that if your dog is not breathing and does not have a pulse, it is time to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
-
5
Place the dog on a flat, hard surface right side down. If the dog is on the ground, place his spine against your knees.
-
6
Bend the dog's left front leg at the elbow. Where the elbow touches the body is equivalent to where you should place your hands to begin compressions. This is approximately between the fourth and sixth rib, one-third of the way up the chest from the sternum.
-
7
Lock your hands in a classic CPR position which is one hand on top the other with fingers together. Lock your elbows.
-
8
Begin performing compressions by pushing two to three inches deep.
-
9
Give compressions then breaths.
-
10
Check for a pulse after one minute and repeat if needed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Giant dogs need one breath per every 10 compressions.
Medium to large dogs need one breath per every five compressions.
Small to medium dogs need one breath per every five compressions.
Really small dogs need one breath per every three compressions.
Do not stop for more than 30 seconds.
Keep doing CPR until help arrives.
