CPR for Dogs

In the May issue of our newsletter, we discussed the importance of being prepared for an unexpected accident or injury to your pet and how prepared were you with a pet first aid kit. In continuing about preparedness for an emergency, if the situation should arise, can you preform lifesaving artificial respiration or CPR (cardiopulmonary respiration) for dogs? Time is of the essence in an emergency situation, so preform these evaluations as quickly as possible. First check for breathing. Watch for the rise and fall of their chest or place your cheek up to their nose and feel for air. If they are not breathing, immediately check for any blockage of the airway. Pull the tongue forward and gently remove any objects in the mouth and throat. If there is no reaction, then CPR may be necessary.  Second, check for a pulse. The easiest way to find a pulse is inside the inner thigh. Along the inside of the hind leg where the leg joins the body the femoral artery can be located. Press down gently with your fingers to feel for a pulse. Other places to check are above the large center pad of your dog’s front paw or directly on top of the heart located on the left side of their chest. If your dog has a pulse but not breathing, then artificial respiration can be performed.  If no pulse, then CPR needs to be done which includes a combination of artificial respiration and chest compressions.

CPR is a physically intense procedure, when performed, can cause injury to your pet. Remember CPR and artificial respiration are NOT to be practiced on a healthy dog. It is recommended to review some of the basic procedures so you will know how to perform them should you encounter a life-threatening situation. Practice finding your dog’s pulse and location of the heart but do not do compressions. Have a list of local emergency veterinary offices offering such services with their locations listed in your cell phone and in your pet first aid kit. If you do not have the knowledge or experience, please seek professional help immediately. To read a complete understanding of performing CPR on your dog please refer to the website http://firstaidforpets.net/give-dog-cpr-properly/.