Emergency CPR for Dogs

Would you know what to do if your dog's heart stops beating or he stops breathing? Emergency CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the answer. Emergency CPR for dogs is easy to learn and is very similar to CPR for humans.

Emergency CPR for Dogs - Remain Calm

Any in any emergency, including emergency CPR for dogs, it is best to remain calm. Following emergency CPR instructions quickly and methodically without emotions is imperative when dealing with any patient, whether human or canine.

Emergency CPR for Dogs - How to Check for a Heartbeat

Place a stethoscope, if available, on the dog's chest just behind the elbow. If a stethoscope is not available, place your ear against the dog's chest. Additionally, you should be able to feel for a heartbeat in this area. A typical heartbeat rate for a dog is between 60 and 130 beats per minute, but will vary depending on the size and other characteristics of the dog. If you can not hear or feel a heartbeat, or it is faint and slow, begin emergency CPR immediately.

Emergency CPR for Dogs - How to Check for a Pulse

The dog's pulse, which is a reflection of the heartbeat, is sometimes easier to detect than the actual heartbeat. Check for a pulse by pressing your fingers inside the dog's thigh where the leg joins the body. The normal pulse should be steady and strong.

Emergency CPR for Dogs - The Emergency CPR Procedure

Lay the dog on a flat surface on his right side. Open the dog's mouth and clear away any secretions, foreign bodies or obstructions. Take hold of the dog's tongue and pull it out of his mouth.

Place the palm of your right hand on the dog's chest just behind the elbow, over the heart. Grasp your right wrist with your left hand. Press down firmly and let go quickly. Repeat this six or seven times. These are chest compressions.

Then place the palms of both of your hands over the rib cage. Press down firmly for two seconds and release. This is artificial respiration. You should hear the air going in and out of the lungs. If not, you must do mouth to nose artificial respiration. Quickly put the dog's tongue back into his mouth and close his mouth. Place your mouth over the dog's nose and blow into the nose for three seconds. Remove your mouth and let the air move out.

Repeat this whole procedure continuously, going back and forth between chest compressions and artificial respiration, until the dog is breathing and his heart is beating on its own. Then take your dog to your veterinary office at once.

Emergency CPR for Dogs - Practice Makes Perfect

As a dog owner, it is a good idea to practice the procedure of emergency CPR for dogs. Hopefully you will never have to perform CPR on your dog; however, knowledge of this procedure could save your dog's life. If you find that you are having any difficulty with any part of the emergency CPR procedure, consult with your own veterinarian for additional assistance.