CPR for Dogs - How to Save Your Dog's Life

by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁹⁶⁾ Blue Star

A recent survey found that most pet owners would attempt CPR on their dogs if necessary. I am in that number. The only problem with that declaration is I don't know how to do CPR on dogs or people. So, where else to go but Google? I found information along with videos which are great for people like me who are visual learners. Armed with all this information, I had to write it down in an quick and easy way so you, if you ever need to, can breathe for your dog until you can get professional help. Below is a summary.

If you suspect your dog is not breathing:

1. Lay him on his right side. (necessary because the heart is on the left)
2. Place your hand by his nose to feel air movement.
3. Feel for his pulse.
The pulse points are the front leg "armpit", just inside the rear leg "knee" and the underside of all four "wrists".

If your dog is not breathing, locate his heart by pulling his left front elbow up to his chest. Just above that point is his heart. If there is no pulse, call someone to help you (you will need to transport the dog to the vet hospital) and administer CPR.

CPR on dogs

1. Make sure your dog's head is aligned with his body, then tilt the head slightly back. This opens his airway.

2. Hold his mouth closed tightly. You don't want the air to escape. Some experts say to pull the dog's tongue beyond its teeth to maintain the airway.

3. Start with five (5) quick breaths. With a small dog your mouth will cover the nose and mouth; with a larger dog, just his nose. You or whoever is with you will see his chest rise and fall.

4. Lock your fingers together, both palms down and push on the heart. Do about 15 compressions over ten seconds.

5. Squeeze the dog's abdomen by placing your left hand under the dog and the right on the left side of the abdomen. This helps to circulate the blood.

If the dog is still not breathing and you still cannot locate a pulse, repeat CPR.

Repeat the breathing and compressions. Some experts advise 5 quicker breaths, some information just one deeper breath each time.

This is information we all hope we never have to use, but if we ever do, we will be glad we had the knowledge. Please understand, I am not a vet and am not giving medical advice; I'm just a dog owner who wants the best for my dog.

Go to: http://www.petsamerica.org/training.html for a great dog CPR video.

Article submitted Tuesday, October 27, 2009 & read 174 times.

Leave your comments through My Pet Tale:

» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow CO (2 years 198 days ago.)

Oh, my my cats are big enough so this should work on them too.... and the Heimlick would be appropriate for what and how fast out critters inhale lunch. Good piece, Lorrie! Marijo
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁹⁶⁾ (2 years 197 days ago.)

Oh my, Marijo - you must have large cats! Thanks for reading and responding. This is one article topic I hope I never have to experience! Enjoy the snow!

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» left by Linda DeWitt (2 years 197 days ago.)

I never would have thought to do cpr on an animal.

Linda D
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁹⁶⁾ (2 years 197 days ago.)

I know, Linda. It seems odd, but if my dog stopped breathing, I'd do it. I loved the detail of the video on locating the dog's heart and pulse points. Now, I need to learn how to do CPR on people. I can't believe I never learned. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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