Dog CPR (just like human CPR) is a method that can help keep your pet alive if its heart or breathing stops, also known as cardiac arrest.
The term ‘CPR’ stands for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and applies to dogs, not just humans.
Dog CPR (just like human CPR) is a method that can help keep your pet alive if their heart or breathing stops; also known as cardiac arrest. I would like to make a very important point: the term ‘CPR’ stands for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and applies to dogs, not just humans. If a pet suffers a cardiac arrest in a public place, it is unlikely that anyone in the immediate vicinity can help, so you need to be prepared. [Sources: 9]
What is dog CPR?
In short, the technique requires your dog’s chest to be compressed repeatedly, in an effort to create a change in pressure within the chest and encourage blood to circulate. In dogs with a flat chest, when the chest is really wide (as it is deep), compression should be focused on the sternum, applying the heart pump theory. [Sources: 3, 9]
Compression can be performed either with one or two hands, but in smaller dogs and cats compression can be concentrated with one hand on the heart. [Sources: 3]
Please note that performing CPR on healthy dogs and cats can be dangerous. If you are ever in a situation that requires CPR for a cat or dog, exercise caution. [Sources: 2]
Like human CPR, canine CPR is a life-saving emergency procedure that, through artificial ventilation and chest compression, helps to resuscitate a dog when it is not breathing or has a heartbeat. If you do not see your pet’s chest moving, or if you do not find a heartbeat, you should start performing CPR with chest compression. [Sources: 0, 2]
The oxygen level in the blood drops in a hurry, causing the dog’s heart to stop beating and its breathing to be slowed. This causes his heart rate to drop, which can cause his blood pressure to drop and he dies. [Sources: 0]
If respiratory failure occurs, brain damage may result, so you will need to perform CPR if the dog has no pulse. Combining chest compression and mouth-to-snout ventilation can help keep vital life processes going until the dog recovers and breathes alone with a regular heartbeat. It is important that you act immediately if your puppy is in danger, but how do you determine this? [Sources: 0, 7]
Check for breathing by looking for the chest rise and fall, then place your hand close to his muzzle to see if you can feel his breath. If there is no spontaneous breathing or the breath is very shallow, continue the rescue operation until someone takes him to the nearest veterinarian. [Sources: 1, 7]
How can I practise CPR on a dog?
It may surprise you to learn that there is a dog CPR manikin! Now you know, it may not surprise you to know it is one our of best-selling products.
CasPeR the CPR Dog is a training manikin designed for teaching and learning canine CPR. The rescuer can perform chest compressions with CasPeR laying down, pull out the tongue to open the airway and perform safe mouth-to-snout rescue breaths with disposable lung bags.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that is useful in many emergencies when your dog’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Heart attacks, drowning and electric shocks are just some of the occasions when a dog may need CPR. [Sources: 1, 4]
Although CPR can be performed on humans and animals alike, the way CPR is performed on dogs and puppies is different from the way it is performed on humans. In dogs, ‘mouth-to-mouth’ is performed only through the nose and mouth, or ‘mouth-to-snout’. Similar to humans, CPR is performed only on an unconscious animal. [Sources: 4, 6]
Before giving CPR, check whether your dog is reacting to touch or can be aroused by shouting, or whether it is breathing normally. After consultation with the veterinarian, you can start CPR when the dog’s heart has stopped beating. If a dog becomes unconscious or stops breathing, you should contact your veterinarian. [Sources: 5, 6]
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an emergency procedure used on animals and humans whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The aim of CPR is to maintain the flow of oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive treatment can be achieved. [Sources: 5]
Whether you perform CPR on humans or pets, it is a potentially life-saving tool for both. It is important to confirm that your dog is unconscious, has actually stopped breathing and has no pulse before attempting CPR. CPR on a dog should be performed as soon as possible, regardless of the condition or age. [Sources: 5, 8]
Pet CPR involves a similar pattern of chest compressions to resuscitate someone who suffers a cardiac arrest. This technique has been modified for small dogs and cats, but works just as well in humans. [Sources: 8]
Pet First Aid Courses
This information should not be considered medical advice. Consider enrolling on a pet first aid course to learn more and master your skills on a CasPeR canine CPR manikin. Always consult your vet for advice.
Sources:
[0]: https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/how-to-perform-cpr-on-a-dog/
[1]: https://www.elwoodvet.net/cpr
[2]: https://www.thomaslabs.com/product/how-to-perform-pet-cpr/articles
[4]: https://www.urbanpethospital.com/blog/post/cpr-on-dogs
[5]: https://www.doghealth.com/care/safety/1964-cpr-in-dogs
[6]: https://www.simplemost.com/perform-cpr-dog/
[7]: https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/377-cpr