Hey Canine Readers,
For any pet professional Pet CPR is a must to ensure safety for the animals we take care of.
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Just like human CPR, dog CPR is an emergency, life saving procedure that uses artificial respirations and chest compressions to help receive a dog when they cannot breathe or do not have a heartbeat.
Although not as commonly used as human CPR, dog emergencies do happen. If you are the first one on the scene contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
After you know help is on the way/ alerted begin to calmly do your ABC’s: Airway, Breathing, Cardiac
- Check the dogs airway for any throat obstructions
- Is the dog breathing? – does their chest rise and fall. (if breathing no CPR is needed)
- Check for a heartbeat – lay dog on the right side and push the front elbow back to the chest. The spot where the elbow touches the chest is called the intercostal space and makes where the heart is located. If no movement is happening, place hand over that area to feel for a heartbeat.
Heimlich Maneuver on Dogs
Place your hands on either side of the dog’s rib cage and apply pressure. Once the object is removed and if the dog is still not breathing, you can then move forward with CPR.
CPR on Dogs
- Place your mouth over the airway
- Perform artificial respiration
- Begin chest compressions (10-12 compressions in 5 second span)
- Compress the abdomen in large breeds
- Assess the Dog
To learn more about Pet CPR make sure to check out the ASPCA website or Red Cross website. Many offer certifications to the community to better keep our best furry friends safe.
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