If you're a pet parent, you know how important your furry companions are. But did you know that CPR is an essential skill for every pet parent? If you've ever wondered exactly what goes into saving the life of a pet in need of rescue, here's everything you need to know about performing CPR on your four-legged friends:
Pet CPR is similar to human CPR, but there are some major differences.
- Pet CPR is different from human CPR.
- The difference between chest compression and mouth-to-snout resuscitation.
- The three stages of pet CPR (chest compression, mouth-to-snout resuscitation, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation).
- If your pet has a pulse but isn't breathing, you'll need to start chest compressions right away. If they don't have a pulse, begin mouth-to-snout resuscitation immediately!
There are three stages of CPR for people and pets.
There are three stages of CPR for people and pets: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.
- Airway: If your dog or cat is unconscious, tilt the head back to open up their airway. Then check for breathing by placing your cheek near their nose; if you feel warm air coming from them, they're still alive! You can also use a stethoscope (if you have one) to listen for audible breaths over the chest area if they aren't responsive to your other methods of checking their condition. If there isn't any sign of breathing at all after ten seconds or so--or if there's no heartbeat--perform mouth-to-snout resuscitation immediately as this method has been proven effective in saving lives when performed correctly.
If you suspect poisoning in dogs or cats (or horses), call poison control immediately before attempting treatment yourself unless otherwise instructed by an expert such as an emergency veterinarian.
You should know how to perform both chest compression and mouth-to-snout resuscitation.
It's important to know how to perform both chest compression and mouth-to-snout resuscitation.
Chest compressions are the same for people and pets, but mouth-to-snout resuscitation is different. It's a good idea to learn how to do both types of CPR because you might need one or the other in an emergency situation. Here are some tips:
- Chest compressions: Place your hands on either side of your pet's rib cage, just below his elbows or shoulders (depending on whether it's a cat or dog). Compress the chest by pushing down firmly with even force about 2 inches (5 cm) with each push until there is no longer any resistance from the ribs moving inward; then release completely before starting another compression cycle.
If your pet has a pulse but isn't breathing, you'll need to start chest compressions right away.
You can perform chest compressions on a flat surface, such as a table or the floor. For small dogs and cats, place them in the recovery position by placing their head on your lap and their feet toward you. For larger dogs and cats, have them lie on their side with their head resting on one of your legs.
You need 100 compressions per minute for small pets (less than 20 pounds), 80 for medium-sized animals (20 to 40 pounds), and 60 for large animals (over 40 pounds). You should be able to feel your pet's ribs move up and down as you press down into the chest cavity with two fingers placed just behind the elbow joints of each front leg; this is where arteries run along the spine toward vital organs like lungs and heart--and where blood flows back up through veins after being pumped out during breathing cycles.
If your pet isn't breathing or has no pulse, begin mouth-to-snout resuscitation immediately.
- If your pet isn't breathing or has no pulse, begin mouth-to-snout resuscitation immediately.
- Mouth-to-snout resuscitation is a technique used to help pets breathe. It involves placing your mouth over your pet's nose and mouth, then blowing air into the animal's lungs until it begins breathing again on its own (or until help arrives). You should do this every five seconds until either one of these things happens:
- The pet starts breathing normally again on its own; or
- Someone else takes over for you so that they can perform chest compressions while you continue with mouth-to-snout resuscitation
Practice pet CPR regularly so that if the situation arises when you need to perform it, you'll be prepared.
- Practice pet CPR regularly so that if the situation arises when you need to perform it, you'll be prepared.
- Try practicing with a doll or stuffed animal first. Then, move on to practicing with a friend or family member who is willing and able to help out. The more people who know how to do this technique correctly, the better!
- Don't forget about your pets! They may not be able to speak up when there's an emergency situation, but they can still show signs of distress (coughing, vomiting). Be sure that everyone in your household knows what these signs look like so they can seek medical attention immediately if necessary.
- Different breeds require different techniques: For example, cats should have their nose blown into instead of pressed against like dogs do; also check behind their ears because cats tend not to have as much fat around their chest cavity as dogs do so checking for breathing here will help ensure accuracy during CPR attempts on feline friends if needed someday too."
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you to better understand pet CPR. If you have any questions about what we covered here or want more information on how to best care for your furry friends, check out our other articles!