How to Perform CPR on a Dog
Instructions for Artificial Respiration, Chest Compressions on Dogs
Sep 28, 2009
Accidents can happen and in the event that a dog becomes unresponsive, it is possible for the canine to suffer from respiratory or cardiac arrest. When this occurs, it is vital that the owner administers artificial respiration and chest compressions in order to ensure the dog’s survival.
What is CPR?
CPR is actually a performed combination of chest compressions and artificial respiration. Chest compressions are used to help pump blood through the dog when the heart stops. Meanwhile, artificial respiration is when oxygen is forced into the dog’s lungs. Combined, these two techniques are referred to as “CPR.”
How to Perform CPR on a Dog — Artificial Respiration
The first step of artificial respiration is to lay the dog onto a flat surface before beginning. Watch carefully to ensure that breathing has stopped and check the gums of the dog in question. Dogs who are no longer breathing will have gums that turn blue due to a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues.
Next, check the dog’s airway to ensure that nothing is blocking it. This can be done by extending the neck and head of the dog, opening the mouth and checking for visibly lodged items such as toys or food. If there is a foreign object present, then the tongue can be gently pulled to dislodge the item. If the object is out of reach, pliers or tongs can be used to remove the item.
Once the dog’s airway has been cleared up, artificial respiration can begin. Place the dog onto its side and pull the chin lightly upward to straighten the airway. Hold the mouth of the dog securely shut and blow into the nose slowly and gently to allow the chest to expand. This motion should be continued with one breath approximately every three seconds until the dog begins to breath on its own or the heart continues to beat.
How to Perform Chest Compressions on a Dog — Canine CPR
How the chest compressions are administered will depend on the size of the dog. For smaller dogs under thirty pounds, this can be done by placing one palm of the hand onto the rib cage with the other hand on top of the first hand. The chest should be compressed approximately one inch and should be performed at a rate of eighty up to one hundred compressions every minute.
For dogs over thirty pounds, the hand should be placed over the widest part of the rib cage rather than over the heart. Then, the chest should be compressed at one-fourth of the total width of the rib cage. This should be done at a rage of eight compressions every minute.
In the event that the heart stops beating and the dog is not breathing, true CPR will need to be performed. On a dog, two people are beneficial to follow through with the process. One person will need to administer artificial breathing while the other person performs chest compressions.
If there is no other person available at the moment, a single person can perform CPR by alternating one breath from artificial respiration with five compressions. For example, for approximately nine seconds there should be five chest compressions accompanied by two breaths into the dog.
Responsible owners know the benefit of understanding CPR in case of an emergency involving their dog. Understanding the simple steps of chest compression and artificial respiration can be the difference between life and death for any dog.
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