Dog CPR – Is it the Same for All Breeds?

Our canine companions rely on us for care when they are well and when they are sick. Dogs can be involved in emergency medical situations just like their caretakers can be. Taking a CPR training course for dogs can help you learn what to do if your furry friend requires emergency medical care or CPR. If you have ever wondered if there is a dog CPR class near me, look no further than online! Dog first aid courses and CPR training can easily be found online due to the heightened demand from pet owners to learn more about how to help protect and save their four-legged family members. 

Dog CPR is not the same for all breeds. The breed of the dog is not what makes the technique different.  It is the size of the dog that determines the technique used. Regardless of the size of your dog, if they are unresponsive and are not breathing, CPR must be performed. To position your dog properly for CPR, lay your dog on a flat service on their side, with their right side down against the surface. Try to straighten the head and neck and make sure their tongue is in their mouth. You will be holding the mouth closed and standing behind the dog to give CPR breaths.

Compressions are where breed or size of dog makes a difference. CPR trainer class for dogs breaks them into two groups which are large or small breed. Large breed for CPR purposes is any breed over thirty pounds.  Small breeds are any breed less than thirty pounds. For large breed dogs or dogs over thirty pounds, place your palms on top of each other on top of the widest part of the rib cage. For smaller dogs or dogs weighing less than thirty pounds cup your hands around the dog’s rib cage. Now you are in position for CPR compressions.  For large breed dogs, administer quick compressions about the depth of ¼ of the chest width. Aim for fifteen compressions per every ten seconds. For smaller breed dogs, use your thumb and fingers to squeeze the chest about 1/3 of its width and aim for seventeen compressions per every ten seconds. 

Breaths can be given between each set of compressions. For large dogs, hold the mouth completely closed and place your mouth over the dog’s nostrils and blow gently until you see the chest rise.  For smaller dogs, place your mouth over both their nose and mouth to give breaths between each set of compressions. Continue CPR until you are able to get emergency medical care for your pet or if your pet wakes up. A dog first aid class and CPR training can help give you the knowledge and skills necessary to remain calm and take action if your pet ever needs emergency care. No one ever hopes to have to use these skills but having these skills can help save a life.

CPR & First Aid Certifications

Back to blog