First Aid for Dogs and Cats Certification Manual: CPR
CPR
Just like in humans, CPR can significantly improve your pet's chance of living through a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Also, the steps are very similar. Starting with recognition of the problem and checking your C-A-B.
- Circulation: Check for a pulse. If you do not find one, start CPR.
- Airway: Clear the airway with a head-tilt-chin-lift and dislodge any easily removable obstructions (the tongue is the most common).
- Breathing: Close the mouth and cover the pet's nose and mouth with your mouth. Exhale for 1 second and watch for the chest to rise.
If the heart has stopped and the airway is open, start with chest compressions and immediately take your pet to the veterinarian.
Special Note: A pet may bite you at any point of the first aid and CPR process. Anytime that you are in or around a pet's mouth, being bitten is a serious risk.
First Aid Steps:
1. Ensure scene safety
2. Get PPE
3. Lay your dog or cat on it's side with the right side against a solid surface
4. Place one hand on the animal's ribcage over the heart and the other hand on top of the first (cup your palms and use an encircling hands technique for smaller dogs and cats)
5. Compress at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute without bending the elbows (1/3 to 1/2 of the depth of the chest)
6. Close the animal's muzzle and give 2 breaths per 30 compressions
7. Continue until a steady heart beat returns or the veterinarian can take over