Table of content(s)
- Introduction
- When is CPR necessary for dogs?
- How do you assess your dog’s condition?
- How do you perform CPR on a dog?
- What to do after resuscitation?
- What are the common mistakes to avoid?
- Conclusion
Did you know your dogs might also need cardiopulmonary resuscitation at some point? Similar to humans, dogs can experience critical health emergencies such as a condition when the heart stops beating or breathing stops. Can you do CPR on a dog? Yes, you can and you must act fast. So whether it is due to choking or any other issue, you must act promptly to save the life of your furry friend.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate blood and restore breathing. It is a technique that you must train in. The process is not challenging and is easy and straightforward.
Learn the steps of how to do CPR on a dog in this blog.
When is CPR necessary for dogs?
So how do you know if a dog needs CPR? At first, ensure that you approach the dog cautiously, and then check the following:
- Response: Does your dog respond in any way when you call their name or touch them? If they do not, then they are unresponsive.
- Breathing: Is the breathing normal? If they are not breathing, then this means they need help.
- Absence of a pulse of heartbeat: You can find this easily by feeling the femoral artery in the upper inside thigh. It may be possible to feel the heart beating. You can put your heart to the chest. If you do not hear a heartbeat, then you must start CPR on the dog fast.
How do you assess your dog’s condition?
Before you start performing CPR, you must check these conditions to see if they are experiencing cardiac arrest. Here are some early signs to recognize:
Unconsciousness: If your dog is unresponsive to calls or touch, they may have lost consciousness, a serious indicator of cardiac arrest.
No Breathing: Check if your dog is breathing by watching for chest movements or placing your hand near their nose to feel for air. If there’s no breathing, this is a critical sign.
No Pulse: Gently place your fingers on your dog’s chest or inner thigh to feel for a pulse. If you cannot detect a heartbeat or pulse, it may indicate cardiac arrest.
Bluish or pale gums: A lack of oxygen in the blood may cause your dog’s gums or tongue to turn blue or pale, signaling a life-threatening condition.
Collapse: Sudden collapse or immobility can be a sign of cardiac arrest and warrants immediate attention.
How do you perform CPR on a dog?
CPR can help a dog survive if given promptly and effectively. Here are a few steps to help you perform CPR on a dog during an emergency:
Step 1: Check the dog’s condition: Check if the dog is unconscious and not breathing. Shake the dog or call its name and ensure it is unresponsive. Check if he is breathing by watching the chest. If the dog is unresponsive, start CPR right away.
Step 2: Position the dog properly: Lay the dog on the right side on a flat surface. For small dogs, use one hand to perform compressions. On the other hand, use both hands for larger dogs. Malign the dog’s head and neck straight and keep the airway open. Keep the body stable for effective compressions.
Step 3: Begin chest compressions: Place your hands on the widest part of the dog’s chest. Press firmly and compress the chest about 1/3 to 1/2 of its depth. Perform 30 compressions and wait for the chest to rise.
Step 4: Give rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, close the dog’s mouth and extend the neck. Place your mouth over the nose of the dog and blow until you see the chest rising. Give two breaths, and let each last about one second. Once the chest rises, return to chest compressions.
Step 5: Continue the cycle: Continue thus cycle, followed by two rescue breaths. Keep repeating until the dog starts breathing.
What to do after resuscitation?
Once you resuscitate successfully, focus on post-CPR care and recover properly. If the dog seems stable, they may experience complications. So here are some easy-to-perform post-CPR care steps:
Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian Immediately
Even if your dog appears to be fine, a vet can assess for any internal damage or underlying causes of the emergency. They may need additional treatment, such as oxygen therapy or monitoring, to ensure full recovery.
Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior Closely
Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior for the next 24-48 hours. Watch for signs like lethargy, difficulty breathing, or sudden collapse, as these could indicate ongoing issues that require immediate medical care.
Follow the veterinarian’s recovery Plan
Your vet may prescribe medications or recommend rest and specific care instructions. Follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your dog recovers fully and avoids any further complications.
Keep Your Dog Calm and Rested
After the trauma of cardiac arrest and CPR, it’s important to keep your dog in a calm, stress-free environment. Limit their physical activity to allow their body to heal and regain strength.
What are the common mistakes to avoid?
It can be stressful to perform CPR on a dog, especially during emergencies. So you must know the common mistakes to avoid:
1. Incorrect Hand Placement
Placing your hands too high or too low on the chest can lead to ineffective compressions. It’s crucial to position your hands over the widest part of the chest to ensure proper circulation. Incorrect hand placement may not provide the necessary force to pump blood through the body, potentially causing harm.
2. Not performing enough compressions
CPR should be done at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Performing compressions too slowly can fail to restore blood flow, while doing them too quickly may not allow the chest to fully retract. Ensure you’re keeping a steady pace to maximize the efficiency of each compression.
3. Giving Too Much Air During Rescue Breaths
Blowing too hard or too much air into the dog’s nose can lead to lung damage or cause air to enter the stomach. Gentle breaths, just enough to see the chest rise, are sufficient. Overinflating the lungs may result in more harm than good during the resuscitation process.
4. Skipping the Breathing Check
Before starting CPR on a dog, always check for breathing or a heartbeat. Performing CPR on a dog that is still breathing or has a pulse can cause unnecessary harm. Double-checking helps ensure that CPR is the correct action to take.
5. Failing to Seek Veterinary Care Afterward
Even if CPR seems successful, it’s essential to take the dog to a vet immediately. Some underlying conditions might still need treatment, and the dog could suffer from complications due to the emergency. Delaying professional care could lead to further health problems.
Conclusion
Does the thought of how to do CPR on a dog confuse you? With the help of the above mentioned steps, now you can take care of your dog even during emergencies. Your furry friend needs care and support, especially during those critical times. Take the CPR training today to stay prepared and act confidently. If your dog stops breathing, you don’t need to panic. Instead, stay calm and start CPR right away. Practice the steps well to feel confident and ready. Do not forget to consult your vet if situations worsen.
Also read: Recognizing the Right Moments to Perform CPR
Also read: Mastering High Quality CPR: Essential Techniques and Tips
