Emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, and knowing how to perform CPR on your pet could be the difference between life and death. Whether due to choking, drowning, or sudden cardiac arrest, a pet that stops breathing needs immediate life-saving intervention before professional help arrives. This is what you should do:
1. Check for Responsiveness
Before you start giving your pet CPR, it is very important to determine if your pet is actually unconscious and in need of resuscitation. Gently tap or shake your pet while calling their name in a firm, loud voice. If your pet doesn’t respond, look for signs of movement and breathing. If there is no response, move to the next step.
2. Position Your Pet Properly
It is very important to put your pet in the right position for chest compressions. For most dogs and cats, lay them on their right side on a flat, firm surface. For barrel-chested dogs, lay them on their back to optimize compression. Keep your pet’s head and neck straight to maintain an open airway.
3. Clear the Airway
Clear your pet’s airway. Blocked airways can prevent oxygen from reaching the lungs. Open your pet’s mouth gently and look for any obstructions, such as vomit, food, or foreign objects. If you see an obstruction, remove it carefully using your fingers or tweezers. Also check the color of your pet’s gums. Pale, blue, or gray gums suggest a lack of oxygen, which means that your pet needs CPR urgently.
4. Locate the Correct Compression Point
It is very important to place your hands in the correct spots to ensure effective chest compressions. For most medium to large dogs, place your hands over the widest part of the chest. For deep-chested dogs, compress directly over the heart (just behind the front leg). For small dogs and cats, use one hand to wrap around the sternum, applying gentle but firm pressure with your fingers and thumb.
5. Perform Chest Compressions
Once your hands are in the right place, start chest compressions immediately. The correct compression rate is 100–120 compressions per minute, which is (similar to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees). Press down 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the chest and allow the chest to fully return to its normal position before the next compression.
6. Give Rescue Breaths
Your pet won’t be able to breathe on their own during cardiac arrest, which is why you should provide oxygen manually. Close your pet’s mouth completely and extend their neck slightly to open the airway. Cover their nose with your mouth and give two quick, firm breaths. Watch for their chest to rise, which indicates that air is reaching their lungs.
7. Follow the 30:2 Ratio
To maintain an effective balance between circulation and oxygenation, follow the standard 30:2 CPR ratio. Perform 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths. Repeat this cycle continuously until your pet shows signs of life or professional help arrives.
8. Check for Signs of Life Every 2 Minutes
After every 2 minutes of CPR, briefly pause to assess your pet’s condition. Look for signs of breathing or chest movement. You can check for a heartbeat by placing two fingers on your pet’s chest or inside the groin area. If you see no improvements, continue CPR immediately.
9. Don’t Stop, Unless…
Do not stop CPR unless your pet starts breathing on their own, a veterinarian takes over, or you are physically unable to continue. Persistence significantly improves survival chances.
10. Switch Rescuers to Prevent Fatigue
If someone else is with you, you can alternate every 2 minutes to prevent exhaustion. This is a great way to maintain consistent, high-quality compressions. Fatigue can lead to weaker compressions, reducing the effectiveness of CPR.
11. Consistency Is Key
Consistency is key. Keep going and call for help if possible. You’re going to want to get your pet into veterinary care as fast as possible. Call the vet and describe the situation; they will be able to assist you further, but don’t stop CPR.
12. Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
Even if your pet regains consciousness, they still require urgent medical attention. Transport your pet to the vet as safely and quickly as possible. The vet may identify underlying issues and provide additional treatments to stabilize your pet. Professional evaluation ensures your pet receives the best possible care after an emergency.
